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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  So fun to drive! - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By planethub - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The number one reason I purchased this car was because of Subaru reliability. I have had no problems so far and I plan to drive this car well over 100,000 miles. The number two reason is because of the rally inspired look. No other car on the US market even compares to the aggressive and sporty grin of the RS. Throw it into a curve and it will stick like super glue. Driving to work every day (even in snow) has never been so much fun.

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  Exciting Commute - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Alie - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. You cannot beat it with the price. Always wanted a sporty car that is not hard on the city bumps. Found it with this car. The looks is perfect coz it downplays the car yet fun to drive. And also its fun to drive or did I mention that already. Can leave 98% of cars on the road.

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  A Great Experience - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt - January 6 - 7:03 am

  I just bought my Subaru in September 2008 and have already put over 6000 miles on it. It is safe, reliable, and fun to drive, especially with the 5-speed manual. It handles great in the snow and off-road and is great to take on trips. I have not had one problem and am very satisfied with just about everything. I drive the car roughly 100 miles city and 320 miles highway on an average tank of gas and get close to 28-29 MPG every time (with an average highway speed of 75 MPH). The car does not have the power or the luxury of my previous one (a BMW) but is an awesome point A to point B car. Subaru should adjust gear ratios from 4th to 5th gear as the car seems sluggish when entering 5th gear.

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  EXCELLENT CAR! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Ryan - January 6 - 12:20 am

  This car is just excellent. You cant find a better car!

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  Not a Car for those with Infants - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Tamara - January 3 - 11:00 pm

  When I purchased this vehicle, I did not have a child. With the exception of the headlight and interior lighting systems (mentioned in reviews by others), I was reasonably happy with the car until I had a child. This car does not allow for the infant car seat to be safely placed in the center of the backseat, which is the safest place for the child to ride. Moreover, the front passenger seat had to be pushed so far forward to accommodate the child carrier behind it, that that seat was rendered virtually useless. Although I had hoped to keep my OB for some time, the inconvenience associated with trying to transport an infant in this car will likely cause me to trade it soon.

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  Does it all - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By macdawg - January 3 - 10:26 am

  I agree with the Swiss Army knife comment--this car offers comfort, class, off-road and bad-road handling, lots of room, bells and whistles (I have winter package with heated front seats and also satellite radio) and for a car of its utility, superb gas mileage. At first I was getting an average of 23-25 mixed used mpg, but on a recent 2000 mile road trip, loaded with 5 passengers and cargo, I averaged 30 mpg at 70-75 mph. I had read in chat rooms people trash the contipro tires, but at the end of the trip we got caught in some sketchy snow conditions, and the car pulled through like a champ.

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  Love My Baja!! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By yellowblaze - January 3 - 2:16 am

  When we wanted to trade our gas sucking Bronco, this was the only option. Car like performance, truck like utility and unique looks combined into one. Weve gotten up to 31 mpg highway and average 23-24 mixed city/suburban driving. Were looking for a new "car" now, but our only option is an 06 Baja (since sadly, Subaru discontinued these in 06). We love the Subaru AWD and reliability but wont settle for a station wagon or minivan which is all they really offer now. This was the BEST of all automotive worlds!

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  Great deal but kinda slow - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By motodude - January 2 - 12:50 am

  I just traded my beloved 05 WRX wagon in due to a foot injury that made shifting the manual trans difficult. I was looking at the 6-cyl 3.0R model, then I drove it... really slow! The 2.5GT was quite a bit faster but still much slower than my WRX. Ah well, the Legacy IS a heavier car and it has an auto trans. I do like the 5-speed auto for what its worth, and the paddle shifters are a cool touch. The SI-Drive feature is a bit gimmicky really, as the three different maps arent too much different. You still need to put your foot down to get good speed with the Sport Sharp mode. Interior quality is top-notch and the ride is smooth and quiet otherwise. Happy to own my second Subie!

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  Great car Great value - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By GREG MONTAGUE - December 30 - 8:17 pm

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By M. Park - December 30 - 1:40 pm

  Family is just two + a dog, but its got room for more. We traded in 2000 Honda Passport V6, and got Forester 17 months ago, and we still love it. Its a bit boxy, but ride is far more comfortable than Passport, drives better in snow and ice, it takes far less gas and on top of all that its safer. It does all the things SUV does, only better, and it beats a sedan in luggage and grocery hauling too. Its an excellent vehicle. Practical, practical!