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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  4th Subaru; 1st Forester - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Brian - September 21 - 8:47 pm

  This is a solid package and a relatively good value for the Touring trim. The gas mileage is ok, not great - I think 26-27mpg is about as high as we will see based on the first 1000 miles of driving. We love the overall package though. It feels roomy for such a short car, and the sunroof is incredible...lets in a ton of light, even when its rainy and dark out. I dont love the seats- I feel like Im always sliding forward in them, and the bottom cushions feel too short (Im 6) but are otherwise comfortable. Went to the snow last week and the car did great (as expected). This is a really great car for the money.

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  Pay MORE - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By leebo4 - September 18 - 7:59 pm

  Do yourself a favor by opting for a higher trim...if you have a BACK problem. I purchse 2013 base model just because of the color. It is brown/burgundy (new for 2013) and either wait 8 weeks or take the base model. After 13,000 miles later, I regret my purchase only because of the lacking(or Non) lumbar support and a thigh support. I have a back issue since purchasing this CUV. Of course, if you are moderate sized person, this would not be an issue. Otherwise, it is a very solid vehicle. This is my 4th Subi and would not be the last.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By mcool - September 18 - 5:30 pm

  I upgraded from a 2005 Honda Accord Special Edition Coupe, and Im very satisfied with my choice. Subaru was definitely not a brand I would have considered, but when I saw the Legacy, I fell in love with it. The car has a look that rivals its German counterparts, yet it drives and feels like a true Japanese car that dominates its path. The Legacy has enough power to pass as a basic 6-cylinder, but it has the awesome gas mileage of a 4cyl., even with AWD!!! The design of this car is superb, and the standard features are truly unbeatable! If youre looking for a car thats not basic, but not expensive, this is the car to look at! Once you drive it, youll refuse to look at anything else!

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  Could be better - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By B9CT - September 18 - 7:16 am

  I picked up my B9 yesterday and found things that I didnt during test drive. Woefully lacking in the pick up department. Almost seems the car is too big for the engine. SOA should address with factory authorized aftermarket performance upgrades. Loved the look and feel of the interior, dials and gauges well laid out, informative and good non-intrusive coloring (Blue/Orange). Front, middle and cargo areas have great amounts of room. All in all an ok vehicle.

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  ENGINE PROBLEMS????? - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By linkinparker - September 17 - 10:42 pm

  If my 2000 outback has engine problems then i say thank god the old owners took care of them, i inherited it from my folks when it had 160k miles on it, after 6 years, its just over 270k miles on it, i write this review mainly for my love for my outback and mind you i have to get rid of it soon and the new models arent as reliable if you see this and want something that reliable, practical, and can carry a occasional heavy item then this is your car. Since ive gotten this car ive only really spent about a grand total into minus the norms, gas, wheels, oil changes, ect. wish subaru made their cars like they did back in the early 2ks.

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  Subaru is the best! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By INUYASHA - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my new Subaru!!! I love the fact that I get to see the whole road while driving. I was going to get a Honda CRV, but it costs way too much more than what I am getting from Subaru. Besides, Subaru has a Excellent ratings on Crash Tests than most of the SUVS or cars around. I wouldnt want to trade it in for anything else!!! I will always going to buy Subaru!

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  Awesome - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Worrlock - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is insane. The power is unreal and instant not much lag compared to the wrx. I am impressed everytime I get in it.

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  so close to perfection - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wonkothesane - September 17 - 10:00 am

  just picked up my 04 silver WRX. I couldnt be happier with her. AWD inspires confidence in bad weather, not to say that it makes me drive faster, but it is one less thing to worry about when on the road. Pickup is incredible, even though I havent violated the 4000 rpm limit for the break in period.

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  Dependability in a tight package. - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Dan Manecke - September 17 - 1:22 am

  6 cylinder would be better, lot of car here for a 4 cylinder. Overall very pleased with this vehicle after 5 years of ownership.

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  Impeza Impressive - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Kathy Hund - September 14 - 2:33 pm

  When I went shopping I wanted a Forester. I test drove one; handled great for a larger car. Then for fun I decided to give this Impreza a try. I was very impressed with the maneuverability of this car; the mileage was a factor as was the fact that it could do anything I wanted the Forester to do and handled much better than the Forester. The styling was sleeker, and again the gas mileage was a big plus. It is roomy and it has a good safety rating. Plus it holds its resale value. Couldnt ask for more. This car has HEART.