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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  4 Door Sports Car - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By 50+Driver - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I expect to put about 250,000 miles on this car at a rate of 50,000 miles per year driving the car for business. If you dont mind a taut suspension, the car accelerates briskly and handles brilliantly regardless of weather or road conditions. I used to drive a 99 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT and this car is much livelier although the suspension is less forgiving on rough pavement. If reliability, AWD and the "fun-to-drive" factor are high priorities for you, then give this car serious consideration. Its back seat is cramped for adults but can be used for smaller children. If you want a more sedate ride, then check out a Legacy.

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  Five in a row! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Grandmom - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Subaru. I am completely sold on the car. I have never had any major problems with any of the Subarus I have owned. This is absolutely the best car for the money on the market today. It can be used in the city, on the road or on the farm...all of which I do. Its performance and smoothness of its ride is far superior to my husbands new vehicle. My next car will be a Subaru also.

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  Made the Right Choice - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By BaRoK - July 5 - 9:00 am

  Got it over a week ago and I cant take my hand off the wheels. I was aiming for the turbo model but decided to go for the RS mainly because of fuel economy, theft avoidance and its my daily driver. Its a thrill to drive especially on twisty corners. Gears and suspension are outstanding. The engine growls like a beast. Overall, Im very satisfied with my RSs performance and handling. Cant wait to drive it snow.

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  Best yet - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Third timer - July 4 - 2:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Outback wagon and is the best so far. It rides and handles wonderfully and I actually get better mileage than the EPA sticker indicated.

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  The Perfect SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Andrew - July 3 - 12:13 pm

  Wanted to get a small SUV, but not too small. I test drove everything in the market (RAV4, Escape, Liberty, Tuscon, Equinox etc.) The Forester beats them all. Picked the car up from the dealer and the next day packed it up with a wife, two kids, two small dogs and a weeks worth of luggage and beach equipment and hit the road. Tons of room, very comfortable and a great drive (all for the base X model). Drives like a car (unlike the other small SUVs I tried) and just feels huge inside. Love the handling and cant wait to battle the winter. Grabbed a 2005 because loved the Green (which they dont have in 2006), below invoice price and huge rebate. Surprisingly great car for the price.

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  The car of the Century - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By smurfy - July 2 - 12:16 pm

  This car is an amazing vehicle, although it is not as gas efficient as i would like, i would not trade it in for anything, it is the funnest car to drive, just hearing that turbo whistling is music to my ears.

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  3rd in the family - 2012 Subaru Legacy
  By mpople - July 2 - 7:49 am

  The third Subaru I have adopted, The first was a 2009 Forester, the second was a 6 cylinder Outback 2012, and now a 2012 Legacy. Yep, I guess we have become a Subaru Family

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  What a value - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By firstimesubyowner - July 1 - 11:40 am

  For the money this car cant be beat. On highway, Im on it a lot, 30 mpg. Comfortable ride, handles well in all types of weather. Car feels very tight and secure. Looked at many cars but I just couldnt beat the value. Paid $23,700 with everything but Nav. The sport shift is fun to use once in a while. I had an 2004 A4 as a company car but I like this car better.

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  OUTSTANDING!!!!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By JoyceM - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely the most fun to drive. Two guys that I work with (all of us are in our 40ies) told me I would love it, and I do!! It makes me smile every time I drive it. I drove the 350Z and Infinity G35 coupe before I bought my STI. The STI will smoke either vehicle.

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  This thing is a beast. - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By jondoe - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the most amazing car that a true enthusiast can own given this type of price range. It is an amazing blend of value, comfortability, performance, and reliability. It never stops putting grins on my face, whether it is raining or shining. I thought about the Evolution, but given Mitsubishis poor reliability, warranty denial stories, and also stories of them spying on Evolution owners. I chose to go with Subaru due to previous positive experience with the manufacturer. I have driven everything out there from little Miatas to E46 M3s and this thing blows them all away.