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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  2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Review - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By wrxdriver2003 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fast and hadles just as good as any supercar out there especially in the rain. This car deserves all the great remarks and hype it gets. I have only had mine for two months and I love it.

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  wrx problems - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By mercmeteor - June 1 - 2:00 am

  first off, i love my wrx, dont get me wrong i wouldnt trade it for anything! (but an sti!) however every rose has its thorn, and the wrx is no exception. my main problems, and the problems of others seem to revolve around the gear box. first gear is very weak. mine broke and my dealer didnt want to cover it, they eventualy did though. i just cant believe a gearset would brake before the clutch would give up! that just seems weak to me. other than that this is by far the most fun you can have in a car(in the front seat) i love it!!!

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  The PERFECT Car? - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Stephen - May 31 - 12:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Outback. My first was a 00 5 speed manual. When I was in the Pacific NW, that car was my weekend savior, irrespective of the weather. I loved it. Well Im pleased to say the new Outback is better in every way. 1st-incredible power with the 2.5l turbo. 2nd, shifting/clutching dramatically improved. 3rd, interior build and design is outstanding. 4th, handling has improved. 5th, ride quality and comfort are also improved. This car will get you there in any weather, and youll have a blast along the way. Suggested improvements: get rid of the plastic popit fasteners for engine cover and oil cover-theyre too easily damaged on removal (I bugged the dealer to give me a dozen).

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  Sporty in Tangerine - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mike - May 31 - 10:17 am

  What a great small sporty SUV! Great handling and plenty of power in the 2.0 liter. The hill assist is great.

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  Awesome car, BUT - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Lumpy - May 31 - 3:46 am

  Not happy with fog lights - they shine directly down to the ground even after dealer adjustment. Does not improve visibility at all. Inside of windshield has a scratch near top that can be felt with a finger nail. Other than that the car is great and the gas mileage ranges from 27-31 after 7000 miles.

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  Great all round package - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By shiva - May 29 - 7:50 am

  Just got my first Subaru Forester last month. The acceleration is fantastic for an SUV. A bit disappointed in 4 gear transmission, would have expected 5 fwd minimum. Great overall comfort and performance; I would highly recommend.

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  Wow. Just wow. - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt - May 29 - 6:16 am

  I traded up from a VW GTi VR6, and I am just stunned at how powerful a machine the STi is. The VR6 was no slouch, but the STi is a sports car, not a "sporty car". The acceleration is brutal (in a good way), and can keep up with a BMW M3 and most Porsches. While people get caught up in the acceleration numbers (Car and Driver drove a stock STi from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds), its the handling that sold me. Tight, responsive, you always feel in control of the car. Its true the ride is a bit noisy and stiff, with minimal comforts (the GTi felt more luxurious), but one test drive sold me. I thought the expression "it puts a smile on my face" was a cliche until I drove an STi.

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  STI is an Evo-eater!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Sti Girl - May 27 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the EVO-8 and finding myself very dissapointed, I began in search of a better car. What I found was a car far superior than the Mitsu. And once I found myself at the top of a dealer list for delivery of the STI, I waited impatiently for my beast to arrive. Since I picked up my car in mid May, Ive had a permanent grin on my face from ear to ear! The car is everything that I ever hoped it would be. Nobody wants to even try to challenge me.

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  Our first Subaru and were loving it! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By schlaflette - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Were very happy with our purchase so far! One of the selling points was the all wheel drive and it works wonders in our rainy climate. We also liked the look of the vehicle better with the optional spoiler which we did purchase.

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  Our 5th Subaru - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By john - May 26 - 3:43 am

  Subaru has to be building the best cars in North America. We have now owned a 92 SVX, two Outbacks, and now we have two Bajas. We were very impressed with our 05 Baja Sport, and when the 99 Outback came up for major maintenance, we traded for another 05 Baja Turbo. Wow, fast, fast, fast... gets up and moves like our 6-cyl. SVX did. Our Bajas are comfortable, affordable to drive, and never fail us. It is a shame to see Subaru making marketing errors. The Tribecca/B9 frankly is an over-priced, underperforming gas-hog that few will buy, (we test drove one) and Outbacks lack versatility. Baja was never marketed well, and no one knew they existed until they were discontinued, glad we got em.