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:

• 

  Best Kept Secret - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Costel Jega - January 16 - 11:16 am

  If you are in the market for an AWD vehicle do yourself a favor and look no further. I spent a LOT of time, looked at the likes of the CRV, RAV4, 4Runner, Audi, Infinity and FX35. Bang for the buck the Outback is the best deal in town. I have the L.L.Bean with the 6 cyl. engine and all options, heated, leather, etc. What you get is a vastly superior AWD technology compared to most competitors, good MPG, and a solidly built car that can take your family anywhere for about $28k.

• 

  A Collectors - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Slaw - January 15 - 3:30 pm

  I have wanted the STI since it came out in 2004. The price came down a little bit, and there rest the BEAST in my driveway. There are not enough words to describe the STI. But one thing for sure it is NOT a civic, not even in the same ballpark. My thoughts were that the power was going to be like the civic at high RPMs. To let you know, I was very, very, WRONG! The best part for me is trying to keep the car under control while driving under the speed limit.If you have no kids then the sky is the limit with the STI. So please find one that an adult has owned with min. mods done to it. ENJOY IT! and be SAFE! The 2004 STI will be a COLLECTORS ITEM!

• 

  Just what I expected - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Bill Sholl - January 15 - 7:26 am

  Efficient, comfortable and quiet. Slightly under-powered. If I buy another Legacy, I will opt for the larger engine. Still very happy with it.

• 

  Great Choice - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - January 14 - 6:10 am

  Third Subaru, but first Outback and so far its proving to be a very good car with plenty of space, comfortable highway cruiser and reasonably economic at ~24mpg combined. As with all the Subarus Ive had its well built with a great drivetrain, but the handling isnt up to what I expected, body roll is reasonable for having a high C of G but its the steering set-up that really lets it down. Turning into a gradual corner 40-50 mph and the steering feedback is not progressive and is somewhat jittery. Tire pressure is correct so assume steering rack and suspension set-up. Overall though weve made the right choice and you really do get a lot of car for the money.

• 

  New "Brat" is a blast! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By mddolfan - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I was intrigued by the Baja from the first Subaru "teasers" in the Spring of 2002. After test driving the Baja next to a couple of compact pickups, I took it home. I was a little worried about whether it would be practical or even useful as a "truck," but after six months, Ive enjoyed every minute of owning it. Handling is great. I had the rotor vibration problems mentioned in another review, but Subaru replaced all four and it rides fine now. Its a little underpowered, but still moves when needed. It has a VERY long list of standard features. Its been useful for small and medium-sized loads. Overall, I couldnt be happier with it.

• 

  2004 Subaru Outback 4cyl automatic - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jtorp - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I have this car as well as a 2002 6cyLL Bean edition. The 2004 is more than adequate for highway driving; I commute 100+ Miles per day.The 2004 4cyl is definitely lighter in the handling but the ride, engine and transmission are smoothe. It has adequate pick up to get on the highway. I am happy with the vehicle and Subarus in general. My mileage is 24-25 per mile consistently.

• 

  Oil change issues - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By freogirl - January 14 - 12:36 am

  I love Subarus and I love this car. The interior is pretty sweet, so I wish the exterior would catch up. I think it looks too much like a Ford Contour from the front. But beware - we just had our first routine maintenance done and apparently the cars exhaust opening goes all around the outside of the oil cup, so when the oil is changed, residue gets in the exhaust and the fumes are overwhelming. Im pregnant and cant drive the car until the smell goes away. The dealership told me its a design flaw that they were (hopefully) going to fix it on later models.

• 

  2005 Baja Sport - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By NekoJCat - January 12 - 10:10 pm

  Great little car, I was considering the Turbo model, but when it came down to it the Sport was sufficient for my needs. It still has quite a bit of kick to it, and does a very impressive jump off the line. Ive had it about a month now, gets looks around town, some good some bad, but that was my draw to it. Its a unique car, and it really is a blast to drive.

• 

  Wow! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By NewSubaruGuy - January 12 - 2:50 am

  What a great car! I bought one of the last 06 models and saved a few grand--I think it just lacks an iPod jack vs. the 07. Ive put over $4K on this car so far and Im really happy with this purchase. I dont even miss my Tacoma any more. Its quick, fun, amazing on wet roads (not too many of those in SoCal) and gets almost double the MPG of my truck. I cant believe how much car you get for this little money. Im 61" and I have more head room in this than I did in my Tacoma, FJ62 or Explorer. I bought this model out-the-door for less than the current MSRP, so NOTHING else in this price range could come close to what my Scuby has to offer.

• 

  Brilliant - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Exhaleblue - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The Subaru WRX offers awesome acceleration and corners like its on freaking rails. Id purchase life insurance and make a will on the day you take delivery - this car inspires almost unrealistic confidence in my driving abilities - its that solid. Be sure to order the short throw shifter and the upgrades to the speakers and amp.