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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  Makes driving fun again - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By LDH - May 19 - 3:10 pm

  I test drove this vehicle about 6-8 times comparing it to Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Acura, Nissan, BMW and each time the handling and "feel good" factor made the Outback the superior choice for me. My wife and I travel to the mountain states each year and cant wait to get into the Outback and put it through mountain roads at a good pace. We also have a Lexus RX 350 and we both barter to use the Subaru each week. If there is a hint of rain or severe weather, the Subaru is the automatic choice. Acceleration and the combined handling with the fuel economy is propelling this vehicle to compete with "all time favorite vehicle owned" for our house. A smart choice.

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  No Turbo Neeeded - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By mainj - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car. The engine seems more responsive and quicker than my V6 mustang. I would only buy the manual trans though. I really thought I might be missing out if I didnt get the WRX but I dont think so. I saved myself about 6 grand and who knows how much in insurance! Also, I like the fact that you dont see these cars everywhere you go.

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  Just wait until you downshift... - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By johnlee - May 16 - 8:46 am

  Patiently waiting until I can drive this car past 3000 RPMs. Great car, smooth acceleration, awesome handling, with very clean exterior design. This car is perfect for driving safe,and also lets the person have fun when they want to downshift and have the turbo kick in. Not driving past 3k before turbo spools, I can push it to close to 29-30 mpg. yet when your curising at 3000, downshift and the turbo pulls you forward....GREAT FUN!

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  These cars are super fast. - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Brian - May 14 - 6:10 pm

  This has to be the fastest and most fun car Ive ever driven or owned. In the summer its like the car is stuck to the pavement like a magnet. In the winter it is even more fun, with 300 horses and full time awd you wish there were more turns and more snow.

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  WRX is ALL THAT & MORE!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By torresr - May 14 - 10:00 am

  No out of the ordinary maintenance whatsoever. Great in winter and smooth in the summer. Great value and a looker as well.

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  good car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By merkaba - May 14 - 10:00 am

  car good very good, go fast, not break down, like radio.

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  my wrx - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By robbie wood - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This car makes me want to drive. I have owned several sports cars in the past, but this wagon has the best overall feel.

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  A performance bargain - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Evan - May 10 - 5:26 pm

  The STi has the perfomance of a BMW M3 for about half the price. The all-wheel drive with front and rear limited-slip differentials is awesome in the snow (when the car is equipped with winter tires). You cant get a better performing, safer, more reliable car for the money.

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  I love my 2006 Subaru Forester !!!! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Action Dan - May 10 - 6:56 am

  First , I never thought that I would ever buy a Japanese Car (I always bought Fords).But I wanted to make sure I was getting the best car for the money so I test drove and researched many cars in this class.I was pretty much sold on the Forester as soon as I drove it.Now I know why Consumer Reports ranks this as the #1 vehicle in its class.The Forester rides and handles just like a car. It is very nimble, corners like a champ and peppy for a 4 cyl.It gives you all the good features of a car (good handling, ride and gas mileage)and all the good features of an SUV (All Wheel Drive, Great Visibility and Cargo Space).I also bought the Forester for its reputation for reliability and safety

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  Subaru Newbie - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By SubaruMum - May 9 - 5:23 pm

  Drives like a dream and holds to the road well. Drove the WV mountains back roads and had a blast. Many curves and a lot of up and down hill travel. Good mileage, 29 mpg on this trip. Hope to do better on flat ground. Still breaking the car in.