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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  2nd Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - April 11 - 12:00 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The standard 4 cylinder engine delivers sufficient power and steering is extremely responsive. Ride is comfortable, leg, shoulder and head room are all very sufficient. As to reliability we had a 84 Legacy Wagon that gave us 13 years with no major problems. We look forward to this vehicle to surpass that one.

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  Nice car but a couple of fine tune thing - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By frenchguy007 - April 10 - 1:56 pm

  Great ride, this is a drivers car. Love the 4 wheel drive system and the handling. Interior is very nice and the doors close like a Benz. Storage bin in the center console is really small for no reason (storage bin tapers smaller). Even though I have close to the top if the line model my satellite antenna is not on the roof but glued to the inside front glass (top passenger side). Give us a push start option on future models please.

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  A Clear Winner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Car Guy - April 8 - 2:56 am

  Just turned a thousand miles on my new green Outback. We needed something larger than my Forester XT for practical reasons, and we looked at various options. Few non-humongous SUVs and wagons have much space behind the middle seats, and of course theyre heavy and gluttonous. And expensive. This car is wonderful, a combination of room, comfort and economy (and low cost) thats not available elsewhere. Most people buying anew car should consider one of these if they need room at all.

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  My Wifes New Wheels - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By cachry - April 8 - 2:17 am

  I just finished researching small SUVs for my wife, and we settled on the Forester after looking at Honda CR-V. I believe we made the right choice, because the build quality seems to be about the same and reliability and resale value are also similar; but, the Forester provides a more comfortable ride and seating. To put it bluntly, the CR-V has austere seats, especially in the mid- and lower-range models. I would add that the Forester has amenities the CR-V does not, unless you buy the high-end model CR-V. It is true that the Forester is not as "pretty" as the CR-V, but my wife and I favor function over form so that dropped out immediately as a consideration. Best of all: She loves it!

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  The AWD Fury under $26,000 - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By stalefish19 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing! AWD and 227 hp. stock! I wasted a 5.0 mustang yesterday, and my car is still stock. So many performance mods for the car too, if youre a racing enthusiast. Im an avid snowboarder, and the car handles and accelerates superbly up the mountains, even in the snow. My Eclipse doesnt compare!

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  Worry free vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By dozer - April 7 - 10:58 am

  I bought my 5spd OBXT Limited new back in 06. Have not had a single problem after 6 years and 53K miles. The car is bullet proof, both mechanically and cosmetically. Paint has held up extemely well, very chip resistant. As for traction, the car is unstoppable in snow. Two foot drifts barely register with the Subies tenacious AWD and ample road clearance. If you live in or near a snow belt, these cars are at the very top of the food chain. Best part is performance. The XT has some STi DNA. It eats Audi A4s for lunch in the stoplight wars. Reliability, unflappable AWD, lightening quick w/turbo, sharp looking. Love it, love it, love it! I plan to hopefully ride it another 6 years.

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  First 20,000 fine so far - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By BNK - April 7 - 6:06 am

  GREAT visibility. Super easy to drive, back-up and park. Yes, its not the most comfortable...its not sold as a comfort car. Id rather have a little stiffness for the great handling. To those who think its so bad for your back...did you even test drive it? I get 26-28mpg with about 50/50 highway/city in our warm weather. No problems at all. Easy DIY oil changes. The car does need better tires and a thicker rear sway bar for those wanting performance. Car runs very smoothly and is more fun to drive than any of the past 4 Toyotas Ive owned.

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  Makes me happy - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By subaru1234567 - April 6 - 4:23 pm

  I got the manual, Im really happy with it. Im a taller guy and usually hit my head on the roof of most small cars when I sit straight up or lean forward, not the impreza, plenty of room. After test driving a Mazda3, Elantra, Civic, and Toyota Matrix, and renting all sorts of economy cars all summer, I was surprised at how much more powerful it felt, how much better it handled and how much nicer the interior looked than most of the other cars in this price range. It feels great on the highway and the steering feels tight, handles nice around corners, the other cars I test drove felt sloppy. The seats and seating position are more comfortable than most small cars which tend to feel awkward.

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  Wrx base - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Jeebs - April 6 - 12:03 pm

  Ducking love it! Winter is coming up, and this car is awesome in the snow...almost looking forward to some white stuff...almost.

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  Just Delighted! - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By djhcwctr - April 6 - 6:31 am

  Just ooh delivery of my Impreza Sport Limited. Ive been a diehard stick-shift driver, but have found the CVT really zippy and fun to drive. I commute 50 miles in each direction, nearly all highway. Out of the box, Ive consistently been getting an average 37-38 MPG. Sometimes the average momentarily settles over 40! Inside finishes are great. My only complaint is that road noise is noticeable. Extremely happy with my purchase. SO glad I didnt get an prius!