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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  Great value for an AWD Sports Sedan! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Gary - April 29 - 6:33 am

  I have been looking for an AWD Japanese sedan with a manual transmission for a few years after having an Audi A6 and then a BMW 325xi both with reliablility issues. Subaru finally had enough of the amenities with the 2008 Limited GT Turbo model for me to make the purchase. What a value! The car is more fun to drive than the BMW, much faster, and hopefully will be more reliable. With discounts and rebates, the car is approximately $12,000 less than a similarly equipped 2008 325xi. The car handles really nicely, much easier clutch than the BMW. Ive had it now for 2 months and absolutely no regrets. I added an aftermarket bluetooth kit which fit nicely in the space for the navigation.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By JM94 - April 28 - 11:10 pm

  Traded my 92x for the 2.5I with Navigation; Ive had it a few weeks and love it. Vehicle is very solid, absolutely hugs the road and rides much smoother than I expected. It feels safe as a tank, and already Im getting 27-28 mpg on the highway. The navigation system is cool, the guy has a slight Australian accent. You wont win any drag races with this car, but it is more than adequate for every day life on the highway. I had a car with 227 hp before and found it was an utter waste; great I can floor it for 3 seconds before I have to stop again in traffic. Thinking of an SUV but worried about gas, check this car out, you wont be disappointed. You will save on insurance too, very low risk.

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  Hi Miler Bargan Mover - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Dilbert - April 28 - 4:43 am

  OK, So I wanted ONE car to replace my three: MR2, Miata, & F250 4x4... Was looking at many options in the Small SUV market including the Forester [like driving in a fish bowl and under powered w/o Turbo] and with a very limited budget [darned economy] I was very lucky to find mine [priced low because it had 169k miles on the clock] 1. The power is very adequate even surprising at times. The trade-off is a few MPG and having to buy Premium fuel, but annually for me this only amounts to $150, and no Timing Belt worries or Head Gasket problems with the H6! 2. It handles better than an SUV, but no MR2. 3. Ive moved a ton of bricks [with trailer] about as much as the F250 could w/ trailer.

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  Best value for the money - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By john s - April 27 - 8:30 am

  Great car. Tried them all. Audi4, Volvo60, Saab93. This car has the best return for dollars spent. The ride is better then most. It handles great, and I just got 31 mpg on highway speed max at 65 mph to 60 mph for about 120 miles highway only.

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  STI WRX Gold - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By stilover - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I am glad that I gought this car and thanks to Subaru of dallas letting me test drive a STI. I am amazed by the performance by the STI, the way it handles on the street and on the track.

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  Best car Ever - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By bob barich - April 26 - 1:26 am

  My wife and I are journalists and work from home offices. She suggested looking at the Tribeca in the hope it would get me out of the house more often. Previously we averaged 5500 miles per year; now 9000. I guess it worked! We have owned everything from a Dino to a Q45; nothing garners more attention than the B9; which is especially amazing in a car-jaded town like West Los Angeles. Handling and breaking is on a par with a sports sedan and fit and finish is first rate--more than several rungs above its price point. Absolutely wonderful!

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  One Very Happy Subaru Owner - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Scott - April 25 - 5:16 pm

  This is my second Subaru. I purchased this one at 112K miles, currently over 160K and other than front brakes & tires, I havent spent a dime!! Every tank of fuel exceeds 25 MPG, it has yet to burn one drop of oil, and even they are shocked!!! Subarus have outstanding reliability and economy. They dont take abuse well. For example if someone is a rookie at driving a clutch, could you wear one out at 88K? Yes, easily. Thats not a knock on Subaru, thats the driver. Buy a Subaru, you wont regret it.

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  Had it a year, and still love it! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By avediszildjian - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the car America has been waiting to get, and Subaru finally brought it to the US. 227hp, 217lb-ft of torque in an AWD car with just enough understeer to keep "the sheep" safe, while letting the rest of us have fun (oversteer isnt tough to get, if thats what youre trying to do). The interior is driver-oriented from the seats and shifter to the steering wheel and pedals; even the dash gauges tilt more toward the driver than other cars. This is a true drivers car.

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  Felt I was ripped off - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Fastwrx415 - April 24 - 11:53 am

  Its been an amazing car, really fun to drive, quick response, no turbo lag, AWD and need I say more. Ive put in over $4k in mods. and its a beast.

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  Great car - not your moms old Subie - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By POL - April 23 - 9:03 am

  Just picked up my 2010 outback. Drove it once, had to have it. It was the last car on my list and Im glad I waited. Far and away better than competition, CVT is impressive, and makes the old Outback...Outdated. Its the new Tribeca!!! First 100 miles averaged 23 mpg. Looking forward to snow. Gotta get it or get gotten by the competition. Drove Toyota, Honda,VW, Suzuki, and Ford. Other dealers should be worried, the Outback is going to leave a lot of cars on your lots.