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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  Prime "hidden" sports car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Dr Z - January 13 - 7:36 am

  Exceptional covert turbo station wagon. Greatly priced for the performance and features Subaru offers. Slight lag when below 3000 rpm and turbo seems to fail when in 5th gear. Good overall visibility, good comfort (drivers seat could be a bit higher for better visibility, esp. over hood scoop), handling is by far the best and smooth, center of gravity is slow and makes the ride feel extremely safe, sound system quality excels, fuel economy is good but fails with A/C and turbo acceleration. Interior room is larger than expected. Updated exterior is stylish and yet subdued. As my second Subaru purchase, I am more than satisfied with the Subaru quality of AWD and exceptional service.

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  2005 Baja Sport - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By NekoJCat - January 12 - 10:10 pm

  Great little car, I was considering the Turbo model, but when it came down to it the Sport was sufficient for my needs. It still has quite a bit of kick to it, and does a very impressive jump off the line. Ive had it about a month now, gets looks around town, some good some bad, but that was my draw to it. Its a unique car, and it really is a blast to drive.

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  What a blast but... - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By badgermorin - January 12 - 6:03 pm

  I have only had my new WRX for one week and I must admit I love driving again! Seats are comfortable, wheel feels great in your hands and the power of the engine makes me smile everytime. The only issue I am having is trying to shift into reverse... not very easy. Some quick searches on other sites found that I am not the only one with this issue. Obviously I still love the car and just hope the shifting is one of those subie quirks!

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  3rd and Probably last Outback - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Gary B - January 12 - 1:53 pm

  This is the 2nd of three Outbacks I have owned with a head gasket failure. Drivers window does not seal. Engine knocks when cold, acceleration & transmission are sluggish, gas mileage is mediocre. Handling on snowy road not the best. Interior material somewhat cheap.

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  Wow! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By NewSubaruGuy - January 12 - 2:50 am

  What a great car! I bought one of the last 06 models and saved a few grand--I think it just lacks an iPod jack vs. the 07. Ive put over $4K on this car so far and Im really happy with this purchase. I dont even miss my Tacoma any more. Its quick, fun, amazing on wet roads (not too many of those in SoCal) and gets almost double the MPG of my truck. I cant believe how much car you get for this little money. Im 61" and I have more head room in this than I did in my Tacoma, FJ62 or Explorer. I bought this model out-the-door for less than the current MSRP, so NOTHING else in this price range could come close to what my Scuby has to offer.

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  Very Happy w/ My GT! - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By GT-Happy - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Too my surprise, not only was the 01 Legacy GT a more attractive car on the outside (compared to the 99), but the interior was redesigned. A very important selling point since the 99 generation had a cup holder that covered the stereo. I love this car; it handles well (GT) in all conditions and is very comfortable. The interior is laid out very well and all instruments are easy to identify and operate. I highly recommend checking out the Legacy GT if you are into the high teens/low twenties price range. To Subaru: Upgrade the occansional cheap plastic and offer a V6 engine! If you do, you can compete better w/ VW and Audi.

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  Brilliant - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Exhaleblue - January 12 - 2:00 am

  The Subaru WRX offers awesome acceleration and corners like its on freaking rails. Id purchase life insurance and make a will on the day you take delivery - this car inspires almost unrealistic confidence in my driving abilities - its that solid. Be sure to order the short throw shifter and the upgrades to the speakers and amp.

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  Wow - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By PFP - January 11 - 8:30 am

  Fantastic vehicle, lots of fun to drive. Very low centre of gravity, amazing handling. Full time AWD unlike any other. Sound system could be better. other than that, 0 complaints. Very happy with purchase would recomend to anyone looking for reliability and fun factor. Also safety is top of the line in its class.

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  My Mistake for Assuming! Caveat Emptor! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Justin - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery of a new 2011 2.5i Limited Outback today. I am stunned that it didnt come with high definition radio. Their touted upgraded stereo system lacks this basic feature that Ive been enjoying in my old Honda Civic for years! Its the equivalent of buying a higher-end model to discover that it comes with crank windows. I cant believe that there is no HD radio! Small things like the lack of a change holder are also annoying. The optional remote engine starter is programed to shut off the engine when the door is opened, so using the remote engine starter requires two separate engine starts to get underway. If Id understood all of the wear and tear, Id have passed on it.

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  Major Things Great, Some Minor Things Not, OUTRAGEOUS SOUND SYSTEM RESTRICTIONS - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By rickrobin - January 10 - 5:59 am

  A very different kind of car to drive, esp with the CVT. But once you get used to it, you can make it do whatever you want, with your foot, or the shifter paddles on the steering wheel. There are some ergonomics and tire/wind/vent noise problems, though. And-ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE-YOU CANNOT USE THE TONE CONTROLS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING, nor turn on/off HD radio, nor use speed dial presets. When did Subaru replace the legislatures in this country? Meanwhile, the poorly placed front cup holders are far more dangerous. Subarus answer to that? Manual pg. 6-6: Dont use them when the car is moving! Inconsistent, self-serving, outrageous.