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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  performance plus - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By sulli2 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Interior controls are all within easy reach. Accelerates to highway speeds rapidly.

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  The best car I have owned - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Sleeper - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Honda that went for 400K miles. A hard act to follow. The WRX is a hoot to drive and in wagon form is very practical as a daily driver. The WRXs handling is amazing, especially with 17" rims and high performance tires. Driving this car in the winter gives you a sense of security and safety. To gripe about something, the WRX is very addictive. You get accustomed to what it does. The WRX is so smooth and competent, that it starts to feel slow. Thankfully there is an abundance of aftermarket performance options. I cant recommend the WRX highly enough, unless you are into spending 10K to 15K more for "prestige".

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  Subaru AWD Sedan Limited - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Cletus - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall very nice vehicle. Interior/Exterior design and styling are great. Highly recommend

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  bestcarever - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By pan merm - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ever made after mercedes slk amg

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  Love my new Subaru Forester - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By pdxlover - March 22 - 10:24 am

  I have driven two Honda Accords with manual transmission for the past 10-15 years. I decided I wanted an automatic and a bigger car for safety. I was torn between the Mazda CX5 and this Suburu Forester. Both were great drives and great looking! One of the reasons I chose the Subaru is the EyeSight technology although I have to admit I thought it had the extra feature of letting me know when there was someone in my blind spot (a feature of the Mazda). When I got it, I realized it did not, but still preferred the power liftgate (not on the Mazda)and the peppier engine. I have no buyers remorse tho and love this car! (Plus my friends are jealous.)

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  Outback LTD Wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By neoneo22 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great overall. Only problem is that CD player fails to function 75% of time, have yet to replace it, however. Had an accident, and while the other car (a brand new mercury cougar) was totaled, this car didnt even have a scratch on it (no exaggeration)!! Very quiet and very comfortable.

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  SAP - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By gsctht - March 16 - 10:15 pm

  Traded in our 10 Legacy that we loved for the ground clearance of the Outback, ordered June of 12 and received in July so a year now and have loved everything about it. Ride was sportier in the Legacy and it probably isnt of Audi or BMW quality..(Maybe better) We have taken several long trips very comfortably and on the Hwy can easily get the 30mpg promised avg hand calc over the last year is shy of 26 and we do in town driving. 2.5i strong enough for anyone unless you just love having the 6 cyl, live @ 4000ft and go down the hill all the time. Works great in the snow. Nav is good not great, large back up camera. Recommend to anyone, Great Value.

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  My Review - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Lou13 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. Its a lot quicker than I thought it would be and it handles snow and ice very well. Im starting to see a lot more of them around, so word is getting out about what a great car this is.

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  5 months old and loving it - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By milehighsti - March 16 - 2:00 am

  As a true car guy I was looking for a fun daily driver. Living in Colorado the car had to be AWD and reliable. I usually dont keep my cars for very long. I think this car will be different.Its very fast, handles well and has great brakes. I did install Blizzak LM-22 tires for winter use. This is a must. I would buy this car again.

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  Rational SUV - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By woodworker - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Reluctant SUV owner, but need space. Nice features. Drive 40 miles/wk on dirt roads for fishing. Better gas mileage than other SUVs, but wish for longer range (hybrid?). Drives with zip in fast lane. Every car a compromise, but this one does what it is supposed to do. Hope its as reliable as they say, cause I keep em till they die.