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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  Sweet Ride. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Mood Swing - March 7 - 6:10 am

  We just got it, and we already love it. It doesnt have the turbo, which I wanted, but its got plenty of power. Handles real nice, and is comfortable. We love the moon roof! It makes us feel like we are in something that costs a lot more than what we paid.

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  A big surprise - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Hugh Evans - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Kids grew up, replace the Sienna (we loved) with something for the two of us. Looked at CRV, Volvo CX70 etc. By chance dropped by Subaru dealer who didnt even have an Outback ready to drive. When we did, loved it and bought. Nothing outstanding just a wonderful interior, wonderful ride, perfect size. My wife wanted good mileage and non premium gas so we ordered the 4 cyl. My preference would have been the 6 but that was our choice. Car is in a lovely green with cream leather - get lots of stares and questions.

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  a very fine car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By kmfitz - March 6 - 10:00 am

  a fine looking car, a fine, fun driving car. i had previously had a 2000 Outback that i was very happy with..and this car is all that and more. more power, more luxury, more toys.

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  Won me over eventually - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By couleeman - March 6 - 5:23 am

  Replacing a truly wonderful Mazda 6S, I resisted the Outback wagons opting instead for the understated 2.5i limited sedan. The ride is unusually smooth and the center of gravity very low. Im most surprised by the transmission, however. Though its only a 4 speed, its got enough low end torque for darting around town and an easy, relaxed cruising gear. I get 29 mpg average, impressive especially considering the AWD. Inside, its in another class compared to the competition: quiet, elegant and everything is within easy reach, and the jewel-like instrument cluster is very classy. But best of all, the symmetrical AWD is just incredible and has a well-deserved reputation.

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  Perfect for Snowy Weather - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Newman - March 3 - 11:36 pm

  My Forester is great. It gets me where I need to go in any kind of weather.

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  Love it - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By paula - March 3 - 3:25 pm

  my scores say it all. This is a well-engineered car engineered with the driver in mind. It consistently delights me.

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  I love my Tardis, its bigger on the inside - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By C Orjuela - March 3 - 9:26 am

  it is a small SUV, but it has plenty of room not the inside. I love it so far, only having a bit of an issue with the USB plug-in not connecting correctly or resetting in the middle of my music. Otherwise I LOVE IT!

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  Great Car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By GES - March 2 - 10:40 am

  Purchased this car to replace a 2003 Forester that was still going strong with 115,000 miles. So far, the new Outback has exceed our expectations in every way. Great mileage (30-31 on Highway). Quiet ride. Handles great. Plenty of power when needed. Solid build. We love this car.

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  Our first Subaru - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Quy Nguyen - March 2 - 2:00 am

  It is our first Subaru and my wife just loves it. - safety, excellent visibility, comfortable and fun to dirve.

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  wow - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By marknwgs - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a rocket, a lot of fun to drive, very competant and safe feeling. Cornering is superb, lots of torque across a broad band, great brakes. The optional premium sound system is well worth the extra money. The seats are great, and both my 52" wife and my 63" self are plenty comfortable and can find a good seating position. The optional shifter ups the fun factor. No trips to the dealer, zero warranty issues. Our fear going into it was that the wagon would be too small to haul stuff with, but we have had no problems on trips to the store or longer trips with three adults. Between this car and my motorcycle, any other car I drive is boring.