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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  The not- so-great car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Lilmizme87 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used, maybe that was the first mistake. The second week I had it, something was wrong with the transimission. Two months later something was wrong with the engine. A month later, the same problem came back because the dealership didnt fix it the first time. Now, the transmission needs to be fix, again. I take very good care of this car, yet it falls apart easily. I dont race it (cause Id lose) and I dont floor it every time I drive. It should not be falling apart so much. I would not recommend this car considering youll be looking for alternative transportation since itll be in the shop every other week.

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  First 05 STi in town - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By SmilingBob - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Perfect blend of high performance, practicality, reliability, and affordability--all for $32k. I had my Aspen White 05 STi hot shipped for May 1st delivery. I drove an 03 WRX as a demo for 10 months prior to picking up the STi. WRX was plenty fun, but the STi experience is in a league of its own and the two cant be compared. I also owned a 96 C4 just before getting the Subaru. Subarus AWD is better than the C4s and Im not concerned when driving the STi because its got a 3/36 warranty.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Adams - May 9 - 6:26 pm

  We spent $15k on a used Outback two years ago. The thought was to pay more up front and spend less on maintenance. Wrong! We just spent $4k in the last two weeks on repairs: $1500 for a new clutch and $2400 to replace the head gaskets (the car has 88,000 miles). As well as $300 in towing fees because it died in a remote spot. The car is now worth about $7k according to KBB, so all in all weve probably spent $20k on a car that didnt even make it to a 100,000 miles without over $5k in maintenance costs. Ive owned many other, lower-cost vehicles that ran much stronger and longer than the Outback. I would not recommend Subaru products to anyone.

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  the best 4 cyl car out there - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Culiau - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The best handle in the business of automotive in the world

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  10 years with subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By stan46 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my first subaru 1993, Loyale front wheel drive wagon. I am on my fourth Subaru and I am very satisfied. I have never been disappointed. the interior comfort for long term and short trips has always been pleasant. I have never had any discomfort. I took my first Loyale to Quebec City and back with my family. everyone was comfortable. Outside of normal maintanence, I have never had any major problems.

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  One of many VeeDubbers to Subaru - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By DW - May 8 - 4:50 pm

  I recently traded in my 07 VW GTI on a used (17,000 miles)-08 Impreza 2.5i. So I lose 30 hp, gain awd, lose handling, but gain a more grown up, and comfortable car. I wanted something I would be somewhat happy with along with reliability. With the reliability of Subaru, I had my choice. If you want something that will be a 6-7 on the fun scale, that looks good, will drive through anything, and that will be as reliable as a rock... buy one of these.

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  WOW! What a car! - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By eppharmd - May 8 - 9:40 am

  Excellent handling, good gas mileage, fun to drive , exceptionally comfortable, best car Ive ever owned

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  Impreza WRX rocks! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Doug, Cleveland, OH - May 7 - 5:00 pm

  Ive driven moderately sporty cars for a few years (Legacy GT Ltd, MG-ZTT), but this new Impreza leaves them all standing. Very fast (but not *crazy* fast), surprisingly refined (even over eye-watering Ohio roads) and - get this - Im leasing it for less than $250/month....unbelievable. I cant tell you how good I feel about this car, and how little its costing me. If youre after speed and good looks - without busting your wallet - you would be insane to get anything else.

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  Eats rear tires - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Last Subaru - May 6 - 1:43 pm

  Ive owned four Subarus. The quality of each successive Subaru has declined. Recently, I discovered that the Outback eats rear tires - $1000 worth of (80K) tires in 35K miles. After taking it to a dealer, I got the sales pitch answer, "Were a small dealership, but we are unaware of a problem". So I proceeded to Les Schab. They told me that they aware of four other Subarus with the same problem. Also, the problem is well documented on the internet. Im a licensed mechanical engineer and Ive owned my last Subaru as Ive lost trust in Subaru as a company. I can understand design problems - but not acknowledging the problem and taking responsibility for it is unacceptable.

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  Im Baaacck - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DKK - May 5 - 10:16 pm

  Bought the new style Outback as a company vehicle after having owned 4 GL wagons over the years. What brought me back was the increase in size and just "feeling at home" when I sat in one again. I had been looking at everything from another Acura to a Venza to a Mazda to a Lexus. I dont know. It just felt right. I drove many of the models and finally decided on the 2.5 Limited. The only disappointment is my gas mileage. I have made several trips of 300 to 700 miles and have averaged anywhere from 22.5 (ave. 75-80mph) on the low side to a best of 26.5 (70-75mph). Maybe due to AWD but on my 265hp 2005 Acura TL I get 24 in city and 29-31 on hwy.