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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  Previous Owner Returns to Subaru - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Barry Segars - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My first turn in the test drive, the car read my mind. I became amazed to be turning just by thinking it. The car seems that responsive! The brakes, all 4 wheels, stop fast & smooth. Listen during the test drive. You can converseas clearly as if you were communicating face to face {very quiet ride!}. The acceleration is good if youre trying to keep out of trouble but this isnt your car if youre appreciate a zippy response. I get 23 mpg in the city and 28 on the Interstate. The seatbelt fits like a dream. The stereo claims to be 40 watts but it performs like 20. The easy access storage areas are still stupid as they were in 1995.

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  Sublime Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Subfan - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After extensively researching and driving several crossover vehicles, the Outback seemed the logical choice. (Others considered: Nissan Murano, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Toyota Highlander.) I bought the top-of-the-line VDC model, and paid slightly under dealers invoice (whatever that means, given dealer holdback and other strategems). I needed a modest amount of cargo capacity and good handling of mountain roads; purchasing something larger just didnt seem necessary. Im very pleased with the result--fine handling, power, and visibility; a smooth, quiet ride; and an interior that matches that of more expensive vehicles.

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  Great Buy - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By SuperPOXy8 - June 22 - 1:59 am

  This car is living up to its potetntials.

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  Love my Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Peaches - June 20 - 9:46 pm

  I love my Forester. I average 25 mpg in city driving. My complaints are: I cant find it in the parking lot as readily as my old car, which was mica blue and stood out as opposed to my navy blue; and the front seat is not as comfortable as I would prefer on long trips (500+ miles one way). Took out backseat headrests as they blocked my rear vision somewhat. Overall am extremely pleased with my Forester. Highly recommend it.

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  Still lovin this rocket! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Which Subaru Be U? - June 20 - 10:00 am

  After 4 months this street legal rocket-ship is still the best escape I can recommend to those who want safety, power and AWD fun for a daily driver or a weekend warrior! No regrets in adding this power monster to my growing Subaru fleet (the 5th Subaru Ive owned); it compliments my 2005 Legacy GT sedan perfectly. Looking forward to taking this beast to NJ MotorSports in the spring for a track weekend; it separates itself from the pack in that it handles superbly, power is smooth and turbo spools-up quick; the adjustable torque and limited-slip features are also excellent. Ride quality is tight and extreme - it goes where you point it - what more could you want from a performance car?

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  Best Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Jake - June 18 - 12:03 am

  The Bajas supple blend of sport and utility is superior. I went from a full size F-150 to the Baja and it has made life so much easier.

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  Subaru For Life!! - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Subaru For Life!! - June 16 - 8:23 am

  WOW My first AWD. Loving it more & more everyday. I am hooked on Subaru for life. I really dont know why I didnt look at Subaru earlier in life.

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  SPEC B is the car to buy - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By SpecB - June 16 - 6:13 am

  I was comparing the A4 3.1, 330Xi, and the Legacy GT. I came home with the Spec B for $7-8K less money and very similar performance and comfort. Admittedly, the interior and luxury is a bit better in the A4 and Bimmer, but this is a great buy! Test drive the GT and youll see. It is a great drive, fun and responsive.

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  Take the Plunge! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By giantkiller - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an 03 Legacy because I have dogs & needed more room. Many great features are standard. AWD is #1, handles confidently. Love the redesigned styling. Get heated seats, youll never go back! I like their politics, but dealership left A LOT to be desired. Partner hates the cheap-looking steel rims, but I think theyre ok. Otherwise, I highly recommend this car. They will have a customer for life when they go HYBRID!

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  Great CAR - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TimBO - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a cross between a car and a suv,just enought room and not a gas guzzling suv . I should have purchsed this a long time ago! Looks great in white. ONLY FALT THERE IS NOT ENOUGHT LIGHT AT NIGHT WHEN YOU GET INTO THE CAR,THEY NEED TO IMPROVE ON THIS ASAP.ALSO DOORS SHOULD LOCK WHEN YOU PUT IT IN GEAR