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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  Faster than the law allows - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By A. D. Goordman - December 14 - 7:00 am

  This vehicle should come with a bio-degradable operators licence. Although I have received only one speeding citation, it is because of a good radar-detctor and exceptional good fortune. The performance is breath-taking: in addition to unbelievable acceleration and braking, it corners as if it is on rails. It looks like economy sedan on steroids and if it has a single drawback it is the driver comfort that it lacks. The fuel economy is limited by the weight of ones right foot, but that means it is fair-to-poor milage for my driving style. The STis greatest asset is "Fun" which it has in abundance. It is addictive, so enjoy the abuse if you purchase one.

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  One of the bettter vehicles, but not perfect - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By nyken - December 14 - 1:54 am

  I purchased the Impreza Sport Premium two months ago and have put almost 2K miles on it . In general I am very pleased with the Impreza. The styling is far better than for past Impreza models. The interior is roomy and comfortable.Visability is excellent. It drives and handles very well, almost sport like. Gas mileage has been just about what is advertised. I am getting 30 MPG for a mix of highway and city driving. Now all that being said there are a few things about this vehicle that I am not that impressed with. First is the amount of road and tire noise. It is downright loud on some road surfaces. There is also a delay in shifting from reverse to drive.

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  Great Car - Poor Transmission - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By R. Wagner - December 12 - 3:53 am

  This is my fourth Subaru. I really enjoy it. The build quality is the best Ive ever seen. Winter weather performance is unbeatable. That being said.....The transmission has a mind of its own. When the engine is cold, the transmission will downshift at the slightest touch of the accelerator. You almost have to use the sportshift just to control the downshifting. Cold weather starting is just acceptable. It has always started, but we havent hit the coldest part of the winter yet in Wisconsin. The seat belt sensors are malfunctioning. The warning beeps even when no one is in the passenger seat. Still, there is no other car I would rather drive on a snowy day.

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  Exactly what youre expecting - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By iliketoshift - December 10 - 1:46 am

  I think that most people know why they are buying a subaru. Im not going to recount the obvious pluses and minuses, but after 20 months of ownership, Ill mention the small things that stick out.

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  Ok car overall but amazing in the snow. - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Craig - December 4 - 3:30 pm

  If you are some one who needs a solid commuter car and deals with a lot of bad weather look no further. The cars boxer engine does a great job when you pass someone on the highway. What really is a disappointment is the low end torque, it is non existent. If you are like me and need that torque to get up to speed quickly on the highway with short on ramps then this is not the car for you. Even in a manual it struggles. Passing traffic amazing but no torque. Gas mileage is excellent and the all wheel drive can handle almost anything. Headlights went out twice but dealer was great and replaced. What I do not get is why the backseat does not fold down. Major problem with kids.

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  Affordable, fun, safe, & reliable - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By zlguocius - December 1 - 5:00 am

  Im the face of the "new" Impreza owner: a regular Joe, not a rally-race-enthusiast. I had my last car for ~10 years, & I hope to keep this one even longer. I dont care what the fascia looks like, so long as its not hideous, & Im not impressed with faux luxury touches on the inside, like aluminum trim or cow-hide. I want a practical but fun car, on a budget. Scooby-Rex fits that bill perfectly. It has been incredibly fun to drive, lots of power even below 3K rpm, handles like a dream, satisfying engine growl yet reasonably low road noise, and the sport-shift automatic is the best of both worlds. My biggest complaint is 18mpg in mixed driving, and the related 4-spd transmission.

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  Classy sport - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By twisterx1124 - November 30 - 4:56 pm

  This may sound weird but this is my second new car as a 19 year old kid. My other car was a sports car as well but I kept getting pulled over in it because it looked like a sport car. I knew the reputaion of the WRX and decided to go with it because its new remodeled look has more of a business edge to it. Its a cross between a camry and a 5 series BMW i say. I love the car so far and have had it about a week. There have been no problems... still has a turbo lag but hey it is a turbo. Overall great car but averages about 17-21 mpg so gas can get pricey.

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  Fine car, at least till gas went up - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By John - November 30 - 12:00 pm

  1st class well designed and works well. AC needs a "single" button for one occupant or youre changing two dials to get one change. Bridgestone standard tires simply awful - didnt last long and slid about all over the place. Replaced with Goodyear triple tred and now handles like on rails wet or dry, but more road noise and lost at least 2 mpg. No reliability problems, one set of headlights (33k right now), but mpg is bad. Town driving normally, I get 17-18, put your foot down a little and average barely 16. Long run, get 27mph predictably. Think of her as a 4cyl wagon and thats disappointing. Think of her as a V8 fast, low COG SUV - the best kept secret in motoring!

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  Fair - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Skip - November 29 - 6:33 am

  This vehicle has been dependable and good in the snow. However the engine noise is very annoying. The dealer calls it " piston slap" and says it is normal for Subaru and would not do anything under the warranty. Because of this I will probably not purchase another Subaru

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  Great family car - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By BCSubie - November 25 - 10:23 am

  After nearly purchasing a Tribeca, we opted for the smaller better looking Impreza. Initially I was concerned about the smaller size of the Impreza compared to the Tribeca. Within the first couple weeks it was obvious the Impreza has plenty of seating and storage room, making us wonder why we almost bought a 7-passenger Tribeca. The car handles great, like youre stuck to the road regardless of road conditions. Power is better than expected which has made it very fun to drive. Interior isnt fancy but is well assembled and clean. Exterior has drawn lots of positive feedback. With a cargo box, bike racks and ski racks the car is extremely versatile. Great family car.