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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  Never Been So Happy To Drive - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By jPage - May 28 - 10:30 pm

  I have been without a vehicle since 2002. I purchased the STi last month and my expectations were satisfied and were even overwhelmed. Especially by the pure power when you hit the gas pedal, and the ruggedness insures me that my purchase will go a very long ways and time.

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  A Very Pleasant Surprise... - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Terry - May 28 - 4:50 pm

  I wanted a AWD/4 Wheel Drive car. I had decided on the Kia Sportage. I liked the looks, features & great warranty. Wasnt so impressed with the mileage, or uncertain reliability record after being brought back after being off market a few years. I saw the reviews of the 2005 Forester here, and then saw Consumer Reports TOP RATED the Forester, and decided to look deeper. I was very pleasantly surprised! The start from stop, without the turbo, was as strong or more so than our Camry, which had originally moved me from the V-6s. Fit, finish and ride are super. I drove it from Palm Springs to Reno and loved it in the mountains. Averaged 26.5 combined, 1500 miles. I am completely pleased.

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  True Performer - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Peter V - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Dont let its looks deceive you - this car has incredible acceleration and top end. AWD is awesome-Ive owned Subarus before but this one takes the prize. Decided on turbo after friend who has WRX told me that he has 100k on his with no problems. If you need some horses, no other SUV except the Porsche ($60K) comes close! Great price for what you get!

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  Awsome Car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By STiLVR - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This Is An Awsome Car. Subaru Has Done It. Forget The M3, All You Need Is An STi.

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  good car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By abc12345 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  it is a very good buy for the price. this is my first one, and i am going to buy one for my sister.

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  Best 35k evar!! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Vexamus - May 28 - 10:00 am

  From a technical standpoint the car stands alone from anything even $20,000 more expensive than this car. Its a top notch vehicle with top notch technology proven in WRC time and time again. Finally, a true racecar with state plates makes its way to the family man. Its both fun and practical. I can take my 1yr old daughter in the back with a car seat and drive it just as nicely as Id drive my Grandmas car. I drop her off, stow the seat in the trunk, dawn my helmet and head straight for the track. Best car evar!!!

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  2nd Forester - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Gail - May 28 - 3:16 am

  This is my 2nd Forester and 3rd Subaru. I really love the control and ease of these cars. Deep snow doesnt bother them at all. I like that I dont have to push a button to use all wheel drive. My LL Bean is similar to my previous 2003 XS except it now has power seats. The new dual valve system has taught me to drive with a light foot, otherwise the mileage suffers. I also dont use my brakes as much because the engine slows the car down when you let up on the gas.

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  My new Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium SE - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Alan - May 27 - 4:30 pm

  Great vehicle, fun to drive and when it snows here no worries. Other vehicles spin out, but I keep moving.

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  nice vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mike - May 26 - 3:40 pm

  Great wagon, got this last year after selling our minivan. Gas mileage is better than expected with the manual. Gets 30 mpg easy on the highway. About 26 city. AWD is great. Solid, well made vehicle. Seats are firm and supportive.

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  love, Love, LOVE! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By angel76 - May 26 - 10:03 am

  Just purchased the vehicle this weekend. The ride is ultra smooth. The electric seat adjuster on the drivers side is great. This car is a good choice for both the young and old! The interior is both stylish and functional. Just the right amount of gadgets for me, not too many to overwhelm the driver. The power panoramic sunroof is awesome. I will enjoy this S.U.W. for years to come!