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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  2005 Outback - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave Clements - March 3 - 12:00 am

  We upgraded from a Forester which we were very happy with but there is no comparison. Much more comfortable and quiet ride. The car feels very solid and is pleasure to drive

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  Subaru Quality - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Kransom - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Forester - I traded my Saab convertible for this car, so for "fun to drive" and "performance" in comparison, I guess the Subaru rates a little lower, but I also am paying a little lower payment also! It is great to drive across country and on gravel roads! The brakes are great.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By RichardW - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one zippy car for the price. I did replace the factory tires with Yokahamas, but it is stock otherwise. Good seats, interior is fine, standard package is loaded. Handling is great, with the ability to get rid of the understeer by accelerating through the corners. The 4 wheel drive is the key. Minor complaints are the somewhat mushy shifter and gas mileage is only about 22mpg (with premium fuel). I bought it because it was about the only car that both Car and Driver(a great drivers car) and Consumer Reports(reliability) liked. And its a lot cheaper than an Audi Quattro.

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  Old reliable - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By x.morgan - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Having been familiar with the Subaru reliability aspect for years,I was pleased to purchase a new Outback Ltd. The OB is a great blend between car & SUV.I was hesitant to purchase a brand new car at first,but soon it had 5,ooo,10,000,and now it has almost 30,000 trouble-free miles on It. Have not been to the dealer for any defects or problems.How many american cars can say that?The leather seats are just getting broken in.(a little stiff at first)The 2 tone paint is very appealing.Overall,I can see this car easily reaching 150-200,000 miles with proper maintenance.Excellent v@alue

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  This car is IT - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By mike06tr - March 1 - 4:00 am

  Man I love this car. After wanting one for few years, when the 06 with the 2.5 came out I jumped on it. With a couple minor bolt ons I am just as fast as cars costing twice as much. 13.30 1/4 mile@ 101mph not bad for $23k. My last car was a 460hp Mustang so I like power.

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  Big Fan - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Ronnie Stanton - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Amazing motor car, luxury features are brilliant- rde and performance unbeatable

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  A lot of value for the money - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Buckthorn - February 26 - 10:00 am

  We took this car off-road (St. Elmo, Tin Cup, Colorado) where you mostly saw only Jeeps. Performed like a dream. Also, fun to drive around town. This the sixth Subaru we have owned and we like the new interior and better transmission than our 98 Outback. For the money, you get excellent value.

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  Head Turner - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By 1lap2go - February 25 - 9:30 pm

  I love the AWD driving experience, coupled with the performance the STi delivers. It is a ball to drive. Its a fair weather car for me. I still have a lot of money in my pocket with a car that can dust off BMWs and the like with ease.

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  Love My Subaru! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Steve Gosselin - February 25 - 5:20 pm

  I drive 2.5 to 3 hours a day back and forth to work in New England weather. This is my second Subaru and in the 3 years of ownership I have never broken traction in bad weather. I have never felt safer on the road! I love my Subaru!

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  The $20K Mercedes - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By jonster2 - February 24 - 6:19 am

  My Legacys about to go off-lease after 3 years and I still dont see many of this new design on the road. Last week I had to use my fathers 2001 Outback and Im astounded at how well theyve redone it. These cars have a long history of reliability. They are practically maintenance-free. Now that theyre full-size, I finally found myself in one and Im glad I did. I traded in my 97 BMW 528i after too many winters spent without traction control (in the Northeast). When I moved to the top of a hill, I knew I needed AWD. I researched Subaru and found they are the only car manufactured by Fuji Industries in Japan. It is a dream to drive and I never feel unsafe anymore.