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:

• 

  Rawk - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By kaimu - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the 04 WRX for almost 2 and a half months and one thing is clear...this car MOVES. The cars low center of gravity and excellent handling makes you feel like you no longer obey the rules of physics. My last car was a BMW 525i, and the subie puts that car to shame, especially considering it cost tens of thousands of dollars less. The only other car i could imagine myself buying in the future is the STI.

• 

  X STI C - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Strider - November 8 - 2:00 am

  What a fun car to drive as a daily commuter. Power will definitly get you tickets if you dont practice some self control. Invest in a radar detector (V1)...saved me a few times already. You WILL get people wanting to race you at stoplights!...dont think most even have an idea whats under the hood :) Its just nice to know that you would win in most cases.

• 

  WRX is best - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By CB54321 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable handling. Complaints about turbo lag are crazy, as once the turbos kick in the car takes off. Have left many Mustangs, Camaros, Eclipses, etc. eating my dust since purchasing 6 months ago.

• 

  First time owner - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Cathy Lantz - November 7 - 12:46 am

  Excellent visibility; comfortable drivers seats, panoramic sunroof is the best. Fuel economy could be improved; easy accessibility; radio is terrible; tinted windows could have been darker; fun to drive.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By RJTABBY - November 6 - 9:30 pm

  All I can say is wow! Though I know know they could beef up the engine as it is nearly identical to the STI engine with that 300 HP. Though the Legacy has plenty of gitty up already I would like to see a little more beef under the hood. I cant say enough -- probably the best quality and the fastest car listed under $30,000.

• 

  Excellent car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By frank_ - November 6 - 12:32 am

  Love the car! Good mpg. I used to drive manual transmission and was always able to achieve better mpg than advertised, but not wtih this CVT. I average 28.5 with 100% city driving, just as advertised. I cannot understand how people get mpgs much lower than mine, must has to do with driving style.

• 

  1st Suby - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By MC5 - November 5 - 7:33 pm

  I am very happy about my recent Subaru purchase. The car rides great and has good power for a 4 cylinder. Im transitioning from a GMC Yukon and I love the maneuverability of this car. Good ground clearance and AWD means I wont have to chain up often when I head up to the mountains.

• 

  A very big little car. - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By M. David Tell - November 5 - 1:53 pm

  The car does not lock itself when parked or when driving, otherwise it is very practical, with excellent visibility and plenty of passenger and cargo room. It is very comfortable to ride in and is nicely appointed.

• 

  Excellent Auto - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Lola - November 5 - 10:06 am

  Reminds me of my last (1969) Subaru which lasted for 170,000 miles but is more comfortable.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Stallion - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Its fun, its fast, and its cool. You will definately turn heads.