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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  Luv it - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By stosh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Has exceeded every expectation. I have put 60000 miles on the vehicle in two years and I still look forward to getting behind the wheel.

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  my "baru" - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By angiono - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the car has plenty of pep the yellow looks wild at first but the color grows on you, only thing missing is heated seats.

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  ALL FOURS - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By eatV8 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Get power, great handling.

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  The WRX experience... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Johnny Cat - September 26 - 10:00 am

  With 227 horses under your complete contol how can you not love this car? Sweet lines, awesome hood scoop and amazing performanc. The only thing I think should come standard is 17" wheels just like the WRX STi will in 2004. Power is all in the mid to upper RPM range but once you hit 4000RPM you never look back. Acceleration is absoluetely amazing! Smooth ride and superb handling are there as expected with the AWD of all Subarus you cant get more performance for less money!

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  Dont want a shovel-sized hood scoop? - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By sgswest - September 26 - 10:00 am

  With Subaru touting its WRX almost to the exclusion of all other Impreza models, you may feel a little funny at first leaving the dealer lot at LESS than 100 miles an hour, but you cannot go wrong with an Outback Sport! The non-turbo 2.5L engine is VERY peppy, the auto trans a much better match AND the Outback trim very eye-catching. Not to mention you will save about $4,000! I love this car AND the smart decision I made in buying this less popular Impreza!

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  Great car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Jjohnson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  its fun! What else can I say, but it needs less understeer, and quicker steering. Overall one of the best performance values around.

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  wrx - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By tgowrx04 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive car, fast as hell for a 4 cyl, handles beautifully, would recommend to everyone whos lookin for speed to someone with kids

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  Perfection - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By eratfsad - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the Pinnicle of perfection!!!

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  Best car in the world - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Lean Dover - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I own the 04 WRX STi and it is the best car I have ever driven. if you are cosidering buying a subaru WRX,you should absolutly say yes. Dont let the high prices worry you, it is worth every penny. Even though I have only owned the car for about 3 weeks, I plan on owning it forever. by the way, my annual milage isnt correct because I only have 120 miles on it.

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  Black STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By mreinha339 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Being a World Rally Fan I wanted to own a car like the vehicles that race in that series. Mitsubishi came out with the Evo VII Lancer early this year to rave reviews. I drove one and felt that it was very rough edged and not suitable for a daily driver. In comparison the STi Impreza WRX is a very polished vehicle with awsome performance. Sub 5 second 0-60, 13.2 seconds in the quarter mile. "What is that?" Is the question I get the most. This car has about $18,000 worth of performance parts without the need to get rid of all the factory stock parts. BBS wheels, lightened glass, Alloy hood, brembo brakes, etc. etc....Get one and Enjoy.