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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  Handling + Safety Topnotch - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By tanjv - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The day I got this car there was a blizzard that evening and I drove home from a party. While all the other cars (especially SUVs) were skidding all over the road this baby cruised passed them like nothing happened. Not a single skid! Try this with a Honda Accord like I did and youll be swimming left and right. I understand it got top safety ratings from the National Highway tests.

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  My little Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Diana - November 11 - 11:16 am

  My little car has averaged 26-28 mph around town and 30-32 traveling. Today it was rear-ended by a large SUV and may well be a total loss. Fortunately the passenger cab was safe though the truck bed was left much shorter and I am fine. The disappointment is that should I have to get another vehicle, it will not be a Baja. I am very attached to my Baja. It has been the best car I have ever owned. I bought the Baja new and have driven nearly 90000 miles. I really have no complaints.

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  My Forester XT - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Stanley Andrucyk - November 10 - 8:56 pm

  Drives fast like a racing car. Great performance. Kinda small but thats just OK. There is no good storage space. Uses premium gas. Loads of fun to drive. It may be the best car that I have had.

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  Wonderful as expected - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ESmith813 - November 10 - 7:03 pm

  Though I have not owned this car very long, my mother drives a 2000 Outback Wagon that I fell in love with. The extras on the Limited model are very fun and feel solid. The 5-speed manual is smooth, but cruising at 65MPH just a little over 3000 RPMs is higher than my mothers auto. The AWD is amazing. I have never been stuck in any snow or ice. This past winter it climbed a rather steep icy brick hill with ease. A recent road trip put 1500 miles on it without a single grip from the car. I averaged 25MPG with a heavy load. I wish I was able to find an H6 model - the power is only adequate, but I prefer the manual transmission that isnt offered with the 6-cylinder anyway.

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  Fun, Affordable, Versitility All in One - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Nick - November 10 - 5:20 pm

  I love my 2007 Impreza 2.5i Wagon with the 5 speed. It is a blast to drive. With 60 plus cu. ft. of cargo space and all wheel drive standard it was a smart choice.

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  Great car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Chris - November 10 - 3:00 am

  It is a wonderful vehicle which floats down the road. Takes bumps with no apparent shaking or noise. Very quiet. Inside the front seat is like an airplane cockpit. Heated mirrors, side windows and wipers make it perfect for the colder climates.

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  Bend subie - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Steven - November 9 - 2:41 pm

  This is my fourth Subaru Forester purchase as I am a devoted Subaru fan. This purchase I decided to upgrade from the basic Forester model to the next level up and got the Premium model. After a few weeks of owning it I love all of the safety items such as side air bags, lane departure warning, and obstacle ahead warning. Wish it had the blind spot sensor, but not a huge deal for me. The models is definitely quieter than my 2011 model, and the gas mileage is much improved. Comfort, handling, and acceleration are still great. Love this car

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  Little Cash, Lots of Car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By RomanoM - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The most practical, fun and fast car you can buy for under $25,000! A true all-season, all-condition fast and fun car. With performance tires it can handle with the best and with snow tires winters are a breeze. Not perfect, but you get more than you should for the money.

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  Fun and useful car. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Kuth678 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is pretty much what I expected; fun and practical. Ive driven Subarus in the snow before, and this one should be just as good (fun). My old one was an Outback sport with a 142hp engine. The 165hp in this car is a very welcome improvement. It can move. Trust me. And I havent even gotten it over 4k rpm yet (still in the 1000 mile break in period). The styling is much better than the 03 models. This car is also a lot more solid than the older (pre 2002) Imprezas. The exterior and interior seem to have moved up a notch in quality. Plastics arent as cheap. The doors shut with a nicely muffled thud.

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  Big bang for the buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By newscoller - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 97 Supra Turbo I am blown away by the performance of this car. 4 cylinders, 300bhp and 300lbs of torque above 3000 rpm! I thoroughly recommend this car. For the money, you wont find better and that includes the Evo, which - while quicker - does not provide the all-round performance of the STi. Bad news? Expect to pay a premium over MSRP until supply catches up with demand