Overview & Reviews

Subaru is a Japan-based automaker whose recent offerings are both practical and fun to drive. The automaker crafts vehicles whose all-wheel-drive powertrains and available turbochargers facilitate sharp performance. Incongruously, most Subaru vehicles are discreet and versatile enough to serve as competent family haulers, and the brand is known for boasting some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world.

In the early 1950s, a collection of Japanese companies joined to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Its automotive division came to be known as "Subaru," which is a Japanese word meaning "unite." In 1954, the first Subaru car was unveiled. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the P-1 (its name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) boasted a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension and was the first car to feature a monocoque body designed in Japan. Sales were suspended due to challenges associated with funding and support, but Subaru soon resolved its difficulties and rolled out a sibling for its first-born; the 360 was introduced in 1958. Dubbed the Ladybird because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 proved immensely popular, and remained in production for 12 years.

The 1960s saw the launch of the first Subaru truck. Based on the Subaru 360 platform, the Sambar minitruck offered both compact dimensions (a must for Japan's crowded, narrow streets) and an extremely spacious cargo bed. The truck was soon joined by the Sambar Light Van, a compact van built for both commercial and leisure use. In 1966, the automaker rolled out the 1000, a car that holds the distinction of being the first vehicle to use the drive technology that is the linchpin of current Subaru models: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many advantages in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had begun.

Subaru started the '70s with the introduction of the GL/DL (called the Leone in other markets). The sedan (it was soon joined by a coupe and a station wagon) broke new ground by offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Up until then, 4WD had only been offered in off-road-oriented vehicles. Coveted for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL also benefited from the increasing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and went on to become the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats. More and more, young people were seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and the rugged Brat was perfectly in step with their needs.

Subaru continued to offer versatile but slightly quirky vehicles through the '80s. It developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The technology made its debut later that decade in a new Subaru, the tiny Justy economy car. By the end of the '80s, Subaru had given birth to the Legacy, which replaced the outgoing GL/DL (now called the Loyale in the U.S.). Available as both a wagon and a sedan, the Legacy placed an emphasis on performance.

The automaker made a name for itself in motorsports in the 1990s by being the first Japanese marque to win the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship three years in a row. The Subaru family continued to grow during this decade, with the addition of the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon and the sporty Impreza. In the late '90s, General Motors acquired a 20 percent stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) with the aim of strengthening its presence in foreign markets. This affiliation didn't last long, however, and Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons to high-performance cars such as the WRX STi. The brand is hailed as a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer a shot of utility with their performance thrills.

User Reviews:

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  Subaru Hatch - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By subie 08 - January 25 - 1:16 pm

  Just purchased an 08 hatch, premium w/ sat radio. Very impressed with the ride and build quality. I think the hatch looks very cool, and its already been handy.

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  2015 Subaru Legacy - Homerun!!! - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By djalbe - January 25 - 5:59 am

  Ive had a 2008 Legacy, a 2012 Legacy, but this 2015 Legacy Limited is AWESOME! I wasnt expecting a complete new look (thankfully), but the subtle exterior changes are nice. The 18" wheels are really nice. The fact that this car has safety features NOT EVEN OFFERED by its main competitors should be reason enough to give it a look. You get a lot for $30k, especially at trade-in time. I owned an older Mercedes and recall that the S-class had Distronic Cruise Radar for $3,000! The Legacy with EyeSight crash avoidance wont set you back nearly that much. It also has blind-spot monitoring. But in addition to the best in class safety features, I really like the upgraded interior.

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  2003 WRX Wagon - Manual Transmission - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By cjbruce - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The most fun car Ive ever had. This is the perfect blend of practicality and performance. It is as close to a full-on race car as most of us will ever need, while offering a good deal of safety and convenience in a very confidence-inspiring package. You cant help but love it after you drive it.

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  Super Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By thike72 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I think this is the best car you could buy.

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  Subaru WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By NUTSACK - January 24 - 10:00 am

  ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT THIS CAR IS WICKED AWSOME..Its the best car Ive EVER drivin in my whole entire life and i recomend it to anyone

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  Power and Style - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By CharlieP - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased our first Impreza and went with the WRX Turbo. I have owned Legacy models for years and found that they lacked power, especially in the hilly terrain where we live. We wanted a manual transmission as well. This car fulfills both power and style. It doesnt see a hill and loves curves.

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  Sub 2000 - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By luck11 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive and I find the engine performance adequate for my needs, even though some suggest it is weak. I have had min probs with this vehicle and will be trading up to the new 2005s when they are available. AWD is amazing and its incredible how you take it for granted. I had to haul a large load and used my dads 1991 Ford f-150 4x4. It snowed. What a difference! To have to conciously engage and disengage when hitting dry pavement. What a pain!!! With my Sub, when I accel from a traff light in snow, the wheels simply do not spin. Im always 1st car off the mark.

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  pretty darn good - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By dm guy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  It is suprising to me that the car I had 20 years ago had the same gas milage as this. Wow, arentt we making great progress!!! tree-hugging aside, it is a great wagon. not too big, but big enough for small hauls. Back seat is not very roomy- not good for long trips with tall people.

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  Nice Car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By sasquatch - January 24 - 6:46 am

  This was my first Subaru since my 85 GL Wagon. It came down to a choice between the Sube and a Honda CR-V EX AWD. I chose the Sube because of its superior AWD system and better towing capacity, while the Honda had an advantage in interior space. So far, after 3000 miles but no winter driving, Im pleased. Im averaging 25-26 mpg. I get 30 mpg on the highway at 65 with the A/C on, or at 70 with it off; mileage decreases to about 26 at 80 mph. Trip computer mileage estimate is optimistic by about 2 mpg. Plenty peppy with manual transmission, but revs are high - almost 2700 rpm at 60 mph. I just hope that Subaru hasnt strayed too far from its roots - who really needs expensive 55-series tires?

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  Subaru outdoes itself again... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By OhioStateSubaru - January 23 - 11:43 am

  I previously owned a 2006 Forester and loved it, but the hour long commutes and gas mileage are why I change to the new Legacy. I could not be more happy with the car: it rides great; it gets very good gas mileage (average is about 28 mpg overall with 31 highway) for an AWD car; the options, such as bluetooth and media hub are great. I also "love" the lighting in the car as well. The ride is quiet and controlled. The Harmon Radio sounds great. I love the new styling; I have received many compliments on it already. The interior room is huge. Simply put, this is one great vehicle (rival any car), and Subaru has outdone themselves once again. I can see why "Love" is the theme for Subaru.