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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  Best Bang for the buck performance - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Glenn Ford - February 3 - 7:00 pm

  If you want a car that performs like a 60,000 dollar car for half the price this is it. Let me tell you this car is a champ with the background of a championship winning car in the World Rally Championship. A lot of the features are derived from the actual rally car. It handles awesome and accelerates awesome. This car will beat most European cars on the road easily. You will laugh at most stock Japanese cars.

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  Improve MPG and Wind Noise - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Curtis Culwell - February 3 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased my Subaru used in 2004. I have been extremely pleased with its handling and performance. However, its mileage is abysmal. I got a SCAN II computer and began hypermiling last April, and started to see decent numbers (30-31+) but with a lot of effort. Then I noticed winter temps and (Ive read) winter fuel mix REALLY brought numbers down, to around 23+. Also that wind noise is a nuisance. By just tapping the switch a bit Ive achieved prompt, temporary relief. Buy this car for snow and ice, but for warmer climes, a lighter FWD car might be better.

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  Best kept secret - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By John M - February 2 - 8:13 pm

  Comfortable, in control feeling all of the time. Hardly any lean in the corners seems bigger than it actually is.

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  Forester XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By kbunting - February 2 - 2:00 am

  unbelievably fun to drive family car...not so big that it hogs up the road like some of its competitors.

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  Lovin it - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Impreza2004 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Driving mountain roads is challenging when dry - try three weeks of 1 - 3 of snow! Even in newer snow/slush - no apprehension (and this from someone who has rolled a vehicle at 45 mph on a straight, dry stretch - inexplicable accidents do happen). Needless to say, the "ready to roll" feeling has changed from one of apprehension to one of - lets go and drive. Also, driving 5 hours at a stretch presents no bodily discomfort.

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  As Close to Perfect As a Surgeon Can Get - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By law - February 2 - 2:00 am

  You cant go wrong. Four doors makes it family friendly. I just had a son, and my wife didnt make me get rid of the hotrod. Stock mustangs are no match, you smoke them of the line and they chatch up. The price for the car is a dream, under $24,000 for the 5- speed. I bought mine in 2001 when they first came out, have put over 60,000 miles going to work and school and still have not had a single problem.

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  best car for price - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By ZACH - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, the only reason I would trade it in is for a 04 STI.

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  2004 Wagon turbo WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Don_M - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my purchase of my 04 wrx turbo wagon. I would highly recomend this car to anyone. It handles wonderfully in the snow and rain.

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  The Best - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Jackal - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This is simply the closest thing to a WRC car most of us will ever get to drive and it is simply stunning. Push this car to the limit and you will be rewarded.

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  impressive - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By ef - February 1 - 10:00 am

  incredibly solid car,it feels like a mid size mercedes.very precise steering with incredible performance.yakes a few weeks to get used to the turbo lag,but once you master it,it is not an issue.