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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  Our 2nd Baja - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By AWD Only - September 14 - 9:16 pm

  Yes it may be an odd looking vehicle to many people, but theres no denying the utility it provides. Add in the security of Subarus AWD system and reliability and you have a winning combination.

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  Six Star Car! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By zacL - September 14 - 10:00 am

  23,000 miles and this car is still absolutely problem free, running strong, and fun to drive! I love the standard all wheel drive and anti-lock brakes, they make for very sure footed driving in rain and snow. I have had several long distance trips in this car and it is a pleasure on the highway, and it averaged a nice 29 mpg!

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  Best deal of 2004 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By fuzzydude - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Imagine a 4 door sedan with a huge wing and a massive hoodscoop. Plenty of room for all your friends, yet 300 horses and 300 lb/ft of torque to whip around. Its docile at lower rpms but put your foot down and the car pushes you back in your seat. All wheel drive and race tuned suspension means the car handles like/better than a Porsche. Braking comes from huge 4 piston brembos in the front which means itll stop as well as a $150K Ferrari Modena 360. All for the same price as a slower, not as good at braking or handling but better looking Nissan 350z. Its all about power though, and I never even hit 4000 rpm yet as Im still breaking her in.

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  About time - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Glenn Wallace - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I feel like this car was built for me. The engine is a gem, and the transmission feels very solid. The SureTrac front diff requires a lot of getting used to. The DCCD is a seamless feature -- not noticed but it works. Brakes are excellent. Did I mention the engine is wonderful?

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  2004 Black STI w/silver rims - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By stiowner - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Im 36 and recently traded in my 2002 WRX for this car. The engine is fantastic. I never run it to redline because the midrange torque is so fun to feel. Brakes are fantastic. The transmission is fantastic...tripple synchros in second and two in first and third. I drove an evo and its very impressive as well, but the STIs engine stomps it...really no comparison by what you feel when driving. Im absolutely sure the STI would be near the top of all cars tested if it only had proper seats that keep you planted.

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  Lots of good, and a little bad - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By mtbiker278 - September 14 - 3:20 am

  I bought this car to replace my overworked Honda Civic. This car has more than enough power and grip to satisfy most people. It makes driving fun again. Ive been netting 26MPG the first couple of tanks. The hatchback is very roomy, but the rear window does cut it down some. The interior has the feel of an igloo cooler, but when youre driving you tend to forget about it. Stereo isnt that great, but like others have said you buy this car to enjoy driving it. Getting into the upper RPM range sounds like youre taking off in a jet even without the optional exhaust. This car has made my daily driving errands enjoyable, and I cant wait to hop in it again.

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  Traded 05 GT for revamped 2010 GT - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By ADKGTer - September 12 - 1:03 am

  Subaru did the right thing by making a more spacious interior, particularly legroom. Design remains under the radar and turbo remains very quick, can snap to 100MPH by surprise, no dog here. Handling is smoother/ quieter than prior design, not quite the road feel tho. Just over 1200 miles & no issues, like it better each day.

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  Awesome Ride! Wont Let you down! - 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX
  By Jeremy Doss - September 10 - 4:13 am

  This car is pretty much awesome in every aspect, especially with Subarus awesome drive train and other warranties. Its super reliable and hell a fast! Not to mention its got a huge community for modding. The only drawbacks were the stereo head unit and some interior rattle. If that bugs you do what I did and get a new head unit and itll sound great!

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  Will drive forever - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Zachary - September 10 - 3:21 am

  This car is the most reliable car I have owned. I have not had a single problem with it yet. It plows through snow and accelerates on icy roads without a problem. I have never had a vehicle grab the road like this one. Also, it is perfect for an occasional off road excursion to find a new fishing or hiking spot and holds all of my equipment perfectly. I will never let go of this car.

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  216k no problems on Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Mike - September 9 - 5:03 pm

  I just traded in my 5 speed manual 2000 Outback. It had 216,000 miles on it. The only thing I did was change oil regularly, replace the clutch at 140,000 miles and a timing belt. Besides normal wear maintenance such as brakes. The car was never in the shop. The car easily had another 75,000 to 100,000 miles left but the dealer gave me an incredible trade-in offer. Now on my fourth Subaru.