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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  Great Value - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By juice - November 28 - 10:00 am

  We just picked up our 2nd Subaru last week for only $17,827. For that price we got ABS, AWD, wagon bodystyle, AM/FM/cassette, A/C, cruise, keyless, power windows, power locks, power steering, power mirrors, and carpets. Nothing can match the features for the price. The car feels solid and smooth, and was delivered with zero flaws. Its roomy, quiet, comfortable, and was best in class in IIHS crash tests. Its fun and practical. Warranty is better than Honda. Materials better than average for the class, too.

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  Great Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By TonyA - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle!! Fun to drive everywhere.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Chris Sososoni - November 28 - 7:00 am

  Im loving my new 2005 Forester X, Subarujust purchased a week ago. As a college student I drive to and from Troy, New York with a diversion to Burlington, Vermont several times a month. My vehicle has to have the reliability, fuel economy and durability to accomplish what I need. That is why I chose the Subaru Forester to accomplish that goal. This vehicle has a tremendous reputation and a terrific resale value that goes beyond American made cars. I was convinced as I began looking around at the price of the Subaru. The used cars were right up there in value. The more I looked at the Subaruthe more I desired it. Now, Im driving one and Im sure glad I am. Test drive one today

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  Love my 2011 Outback Limitied - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Seattle - November 26 - 11:24 pm

  This is a great car. Thinking of trying the Legacy but dont want to give up the capabilities of Outback....I hauled a 42" table, 3 leaves, 4 chairs, 4 legs (they were unattached) and an antique rocker. I was amazed it all fit in but it did.

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  Love, love, love my new Outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Blue Water - November 26 - 12:54 am

  This is an awesome car! Be sure to test drive both models of the 2.5 and the 3.6. It made the decision simple about which car to get after test driving both models. There is no comparison between the handling and power, as the 3.6 is so much more responsive and powerful. The safety features are great and very helpful!

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  Way better than standard impreza - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By belchfire - November 25 - 11:20 pm

  We were in the market for a new car. We own a 2000 impreza and have been very pleased with it. 230K miles and very few problems. I saw that the 2012 impreza with the 2.0 engine and CVT transmission was rated @36 MPG. This is super mileage for an AWD vehicle. I test drove one and wasnt completely sold on it. I trashed the shocks, brakes and the fact that the base model doesnt have cruise control. There must have been a hidden microphone because not long after the crosstrek was introduced. They fixed everything. Better suspension, huge killer brakes, bigger gas tank & radiator and a lower gear ratio. Nice 17" wheels and a more ridged body structure. Much, much better car 30+ mpg so far.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By jdaniel - November 25 - 6:16 am

  Wanted a crew cab truck. After much research I decided on the Baja because EVERYTHING about it is better than a truck other than the smaller bed. Like the majority of people who own a truck, the bed is not used for work but rather for weekend purchases, garage sales, and trips to the home improvement stores. The Baja does just fine, gets better gas mileage, and as a used vehicle, it is a superb value. This vehicle handles like a sports car, came standard with leather, auto, power everything including sunroof; and it comes with an AWD system and engine that have been time tested and proved reliable.

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  A must have - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By amoeba - November 25 - 12:03 am

  I have owned this car for 3 yrs now. Drove it stock for 2yrs and modified this last yr. With $2k worth of upgrades - this is a beast with 300 lbft of torque. Have driven it over mountain passes in Colorado in blizzard conditions without issues. Insane handling on any type of road with the right set of tires. Only regret is that I should have bought the STI at the time for the bullet proof 6 sp transmission. (only required if you plan to upgrade to >400hp)

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  Didnt look twice @ Subaru until now - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Subie 4 Life - November 23 - 6:00 pm

  This is a 2nd review nearly 1.5 years after initial. I changed the performance rating to an 8, prev. was 10. The ECU Map seemed a bit hiccupy. Peaks and valleys thr/out the power band. Subaru recalled for ECU issues. Reflashed the ECU and it helped, however not as it should. I have since "tuned" the car w/ aftermarket mapping and parts. Power output is about 350 hp and 380 tq. Very smooth and usable power now. I lowered the exterior rating because of the tail lights. They really bother me! The front grille is out of place too. Nav system is still clumsy to operate and not very accurate. I have gotten used to the lack of amenities. Still smitten by a true 4 season perf. car.

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  The muscle car killer - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Peleg - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is just pure amazing. It can out accelerate almost any rival, it handles like a dream on turns and can stop on the dime. The interior is very nice, the seats, steering wheel, pedals, everything. The exterior speaks for itself. If youre looking for an ultra high performance sedan, that is practical and reliable, starting under 30K, you must check this car.