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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  Dang good car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By imacarguy - August 1 - 11:02 am

  I bought this car used with 20,000 miles and it was certified pre owned. I am accustomed to powerful cars, and this car isnt. Thats ok, because there is more to a car than drag races. The power is adequate, but I think Subaru should tune the 4 pot to 200hp, then bump the 3.0 a little more. Very fun in corners, and the rain. Beware the stock Yokohama Advan tires. Crap, especially in the rain. Otherwise a great car. I like the looks of this generation more than the current, especially in sedan form.

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  Subie convert!! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By sarduchi22 - August 1 - 10:48 am

  AWESOME car!! Very well appointed and classy looking interior. Great quality and look to the interior materials and lighting. Ride quality is super smooth yet firm enough for cornering. Feels firm over uneven road surfaces but doesnt break your back. Seats are firm and comfy even on long hauls. The 2.5i is a little sluggish off the line but over 30mph has plenty of power spooled up for passing. Fun factor is moderate only lack of power hurting this aspect of the sedan. Back seat is a little tight not reccomended for people over six foot. Also passenger side footwell is a touch shallow and the seat needs to be slid back to for a comfortable leg position. Over all look is handsome!

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  LL Bean Still Strong After 6 Years - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Matt - July 31 - 2:46 pm

  My Subaru Outback LL Bean is still running perfectly after 6 years and 90,000 miles. I have never had any mechanical problems. The car is awesome in the snow and rain, is actually fun to drive for a wagon and has decent acceleration. Very smooth on the highway. The biggest flaws in this car are 1) the undersized front rotors (I have replaced them twice). This was never a safety issue, just an annoyance. 2) The wind noise from the front driver window. Never leaks, just whistles unless you fiddle with the weatherstripping a bit. Gas mileage is decent (for AWD) at 23 mpg average and a highway mileage around 26 (at ~70mph).

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  Drove in snow for first time! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Granby - July 31 - 9:53 am

  I just drove my Legacy that I bought in April in snow for the first time and it is unbelievable! My driveway had over a foot of snow in the driveway and I just plowed right through it! Cant put a price on that. Ive been very pleased with this car since the day I bought it, but seeing it perform in these conditions makes me LOVE this car.

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  My Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By KathyK - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car/truck. Fun and reliable.

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  Brute Force! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Rj - July 30 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is stiff suspension, whiplash power, and more wiplash power for the passengers!! This thing is a beast that can put the all 300 horses to ground. Thanks to AWD!

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  Fun in the sun - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By kevin kereluik - July 29 - 10:40 pm

  What a joy to drive; not only did I shave 20 minutes off my 2 hour commute, but I truly enjoy the drive. The acceleration, even when already in fifth gear is impressive. At the dealership I was not intending to purchase the WRX, however a 5 minute test drive left me wanting more time behind the wheel.

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  Fun to drive SUV - 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  By Crv139 - July 29 - 1:28 am

  Not the fast vehicle out there, but it is very fun to drive. Very quiet and handles well.

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  Review after having it a few years - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Subaru Tank - July 29 - 12:23 am

  I thought Id provide a review after having the car 6+ years. I have the 2002 Base Model with the All Weather Package. I commute 25 miles to work along a treacherous 2 lane very windy and icy mountain road and so my main concerns when buying a car were safety and all wheel drive. I drove it for 4 years and it was great but I then also bought studded snow tires for the car and its a tank. Downsides are right in the drivers side of the windshield theres always a streak, no matter which wipers I use. The headlights go out a lot and Ive had to replace the brakes more than my past cars. I wish it was a hybrid too. I was getting 24 mpg but in the last year its dropped to 22.

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  Love the OBS SE - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By losthat - July 28 - 3:53 pm

  Bought this as a safe car for my 16 year old daughter..and to travel with my dog..guess what....I prefer it over my Infiniti QX4! Handles well, easy to glide into small parking spaces, and is fun to drive. Snow is not a problem! The SE package gives you so much extra for so little. I love drving it. Otherwise what a great wagon for the money. Try it, youll like it...thats if you can find one.