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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  Its a WINNER! - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Impreza Lover - August 28 - 3:43 pm

  I drive a LOT for work (40K per year), mostly in rural northwest Ohio. Summer driving is great, but the Subie really shines in the winter - and we have a lot of it here. I can honestly say that this is the BEST car Ive ever owned, bar none. Absolutely NO problems from day one, just regular service. Ive owned Nissan, VW, Toyota and Mazda - all were good, but not as perfect as this Impreza. Ive also had quite a number of people comment on how attractive the car is, with its Outback Sport two-tone paint, factory alloys and special trim. If you can find a well maintained one at resale, BUY IT!! You wont be disappointed!

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  This for a 2007 Subaru Forester. A 2007! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - August 28 - 12:23 pm

  Generally pleased with purchase. Tiny engine has great pickup and can climb hills. Car rides hard as though it needs shocks. Has all the characteristics of the old poorly made Japanese models of years ago. Car has "tinny" sound. Road noise is very objectionable. Cant hold conversation. It is only satisfactory as will be used for local trips only. Rate it 6 out of 10. Not worth cost.

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  Fun, reliable, how good? - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By NoahB123 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Im 18, and the legacy is the first car Ive ever owned, but most definitely not the first that Ive driven. For the price, the legacy is definitely one of the best automobiles out there. Even with just standard features, its a nice, comfortable car. I got the leather, the XSi package(looks), and the premium sound system...all worth it. The sound system is unreal, the leather is sleek and comfortable, and the XSi package gives it an edge to the standard back of a subaru. Driving the car is fun, but acceleration is just a little bit slow, although I am used to driving a 2000 maxima(about 200hp).

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  toms car - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By tom morris - August 28 - 10:00 am

  car is very reliable, but it doesnt have very much pick up. great family car comes with a lot of options stock. great wood grain interior

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  Will never again buy a Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By JK - August 28 - 12:53 am

  Before I bought this lemon, I had always owned Toyota vehicles. The reason I bought this was because of some good reviews in Consumer Reports for this car. I regretted my decision within a year of owning it. The engineering is really bad. Every doing simple things like changing the air filter was a chore. Problems that usually surface in Toyotas at 150K miles started occurring with this lemon at 20k miles. Brakes wearing off, check engine lights, sluggish engine performance etc. Another problem with this car is that since Subarus are not as popular as Toyotas, and also because of its idiot engineering under the hood, repair shops dont know how to service it.

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  Fun car to drive - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Manifesto11 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Quality between this car and my previous Cavalier are night and day. AWD was a nice selling point. The cars only getting about 23mpg overall. After my wifes bad accident, she came out without a scratch (going 55mph in a snowstorm in the mountains). Snow tires will be on our list for next winter. Front and rear seating feels roomy for a small car, but the cargo room feels very limited even with the hatchback).

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  Fishermans Dream - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By kschumac - August 27 - 2:00 am

  When I first visited our local Subaru dealer, the salesman told me all the right things about reliability, value, driving safety and longevity of the vehicles. I had asked him if they had any used Subarus that I could look at and he told me that once people bought one, they did not get rid of it. Having owned this car for a little over two years now, I understand what he meant. This car is fun to drive. This car gets me into all the places I want to go (fishing). It has lots of storage space in the back. I can very comfortably carry four people.

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  The search is over.... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Banjocut - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have finally found a vehicle that combines all the features Im looking for. The performance both in power and handling, plus the abilities of a 4 door sedan. Theres no substitute (aka Evolution) as far as Im concerned.

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  It does it all - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Nighty - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car does everything I need at this point in my life. It has four doors, all wheel drive, and a good size trunk. But the best thing is the unbelievable power from this "family car". Buy one...you wont be dissapointed!

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  fun to drive - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By inxs - August 27 - 2:00 am

  i have enjoyed my sti, it is fast and does well in any weather. the awd is awesome in the snow. it beats most cars in the dry weather, and all of them in the snow.