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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  Warp 10 in a wagon! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Mr Subaru - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Quick and responsive on all surface conditions and all speeds (at least up to 115mph). Unlike other Japanese cars, this car feels very solid. The interior styling is best discribed as spartan and pragmatic. But on weekends, the unmodified WRX can teach many teen streetracers the meaning of "fast and furious".

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  Quality ride for family of five - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Drewski - April 26 - 10:00 am

  We have 26,000 miles on our Outback. When we purchased the vehicle, we did not plan on having our third child. We now fit 3 children (2 car seats in the back) and a dog in the car for many trips. The car could be a little bigger, but no other car/van we have driven equals the smooth and secure driving experience delivered by the Outback. We use the car extensivly to take 55 mile trips to the local ski areas and have used it for a 12-hour trip to visit relatives. A car-top carrier is a must for anyone with a family! Local city driving is a breeze as the car maneuvers easily during parallel parking. The interior has a quality feel.

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  Very Impressed - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By "Subie-Wan" - April 25 - 8:46 am

  When my dealer invited me to drive the 2010 Outback, I was so impressed I had to have one. Their CVT puts all the others I have driven to shame.The interior design and comfort is a step up. I am a long-time Subaru owner and this new Outback just reinforces my beliefs. Its a solid "10" across the board for me. Bring on a diesel.

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  Subaru Tribeca, great car, under-rated - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Chris V - April 25 - 5:06 am

  I love my B9 Tribeca, great SUV overall. The only problem it seems is the color of my SUV, I have the 2006 Gold, its a light color gold, and it seems to have some kind of damage to the color, like its lighter in some areas. I dont know what this is... BAD PAINT or SUN DAMAGE? Hmm. :/

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  Fun to drive Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Carmen DeFranks - April 24 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned several Subarus and I have found the Forester to be the most fun car to drive. I was not satisfied with the "pickup" till I bought the 2004 Turbo Forester. I had loved the previous one, but needed more power in getting in and out of rush hour traffic. The turbo had that. But above all - I find the Forester to be extremely fun, something that is difficult to put into words. You have to drive one to know what I mean. Give it a try. I am interested in test driving the Baja next since I have not driven one yet. But will probably stick with the Forester. Oh yeah - you can put ANYTHING in this car - great for hauling!

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  Kickass! - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By TonyC - April 24 - 1:12 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned! Yes its a little loud inside, but I hear swapping to all seasons helps a lot. The premium stereo is good, but missing a lot of features, which is lame. Suggest getting the stock stereo and upgrading aftermarket. And there is soooo many aftermarket parts for this car, its insane.

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  Repeat Subaru owner - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Cal Ramage - April 22 - 3:50 pm

  The driving experience has been excellent. Turning rate is a lot better than my previous Lexus LX 300. The little extras like lights in the cup holders, step lights, 4wd for confidence in slick conditions, adequate hp and seat arrangement to accommodate hauling things in the back are nice. Our dealership bends over backwards to make sure you come back to them with great service and free washes anytime.

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  I ❤️ Station wagon - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Jeffrey Fitzgerald - April 22 - 2:56 pm

  I never thought I would love a station wagon, but the Outback has it all. Comfort, safety, performance, my wife and I are always fighting over who gets to drive it.

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  Good For The Money - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By kman - April 22 - 12:20 pm

  This is an excellent small sedan that, while not a WRX, is still plenty of fun. The reliability and build quality have proven to be top notch so far. The interior is well-designed and sporty-feeling, and I personally LOVE the exterior design of the Impreza. Acceleration is very good from any speed, handling is very predictable, and the motor has a nice deep rumble to it. The ride quality is very good, though to compensate, there is quite a bit of body roll during aggressive cornering. Fuel economy is good for a 3000-pound car with all-wheel-drive; Ive been getting around 25 mpg with hard driving, both city and highway. All in all, a great choice if you just cant afford a WRX.

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  Very Pleased - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By lisa - April 22 - 7:20 am

  I purchased the 08 Tribeca 6months ago. I am very happy with the vehicle. I previously had the Audi A4 and it was one problem after another. The Tribeca is more comfortable, has a smoother drive, and is more reliable. I would get it again.