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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  At 22 years old, my dream car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Todd - March 23 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle because of its style, consumer reports of reliability, and all-wheel drive. I got the premium package which was mostly worth it. This car is very fun to drive, it is my primary vehicle. It is more enjoyable and more agile than a police cruiser... and faster. If I could buy one and donate it to the police department for me to drive, I would. It is very reliable and the AWD kicks when I visit family in Michigan where snow is a problem for cars without it. I spent 2 weeks researching cars in the 20K-30K range and this was the best one overall. Ratings were better, looks were better, and I couldnt find any serious negative reviews.

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  Loving it - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Brad - March 22 - 9:13 am

  I love this car; the look, the ride, the performance, everything about it. Highly recommended.

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  Great Sport Sedan for the Money - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Scoopie - March 22 - 5:30 am

  I recently traded in a 2001 BMW 325i for a 2008 Impreza WRX 5-door. Although I loved my BMW, I was not able to afford all the features I really wanted. After searching, I chose the Subaru for its blend of power, handling, and usability. I also look forward to only having one set of wheels/tires that will work year around so I do not have to mess with swapping winter and three-season wheels every year. I think this car was a good choise and I think it will work out well.

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  Sweet - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Big Purple - March 21 - 3:43 pm

  Having driven many of the Subaru wagons I thought Id try this shorter version. Boy does it go. I think the AWD couple with the excellent handling will prove this model to be the best I have driven. Bring on the rain or snow.

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jeffm55 - March 20 - 12:23 am

  Weve had this car for about 3 weeks. We took a 900 mile trip last week & are very happy. Got 29.5 MPG doing about 65 MPH. Like the CVT. There is enough power to pass, go up hills, etc. Drivers seat comfort is very good. Good also in the back. Smooth, quiet ride on most roads. Fit & finish are very good. Has a feeling of quality to it. Good front & side visibility. Not so great in rear, but we got the NAV with the backup camera, so that helps greatly. Bluetooth & iPod connection work well. On the down side, over assisted steering feel at highway speeds. Passengers seat can not be adjusted for height. Choppy ride on rough roads.

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  Mountain moma - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By noku - March 19 - 6:48 pm

  I have had the marine blue Impreza sport limited with moonroof for 10 days. We have a cabin in the NC mountains and drove up there for the first time last weekend. This car is a blast to drive. I used the paddle-shifters on the CVT to precisely control the power up and down the twisting mountain roads. The car performed beautifully...power when needed, engine-braking when required....excellent overall control. I was leery of the CVT but went with it for mpg....glad I did. The car is very well-built..bodes well for reliabilty...this is my first Subaru but friends tell me theyre bullet-proof. It is good-looking too....IMHO much better than the overstyled Hundai/Ford offerings

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  Best car ever made!! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Subie Specialist - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Subaru has done it again. I Was so impressed by the WRX. But the WRX STi is a true Drivers Car! Amazing! If you like fast cars you will love WRX STi! POWER, HANDLING, SAFETY, AWD, what else would you need! It is a MUST BUY!

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  The Beast is here! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Scooby555 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a no compromise performance car and cant yet afford a 911 turbo than the STi is worth a look. The STi is total function over fanfare and one spin through your favorite twisty road will prove it to you. Power is stout over 3,500RPM handling is crisp after you get a proper wheel alignment and the tires are as close to race rubber you can get for street use. The boxer engine makes a sweet exhaust note and the styling turns heads. I have never seen so many thumbs up while driving a showroom stock car.

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  A Keeper! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By MidnightSTi - March 19 - 10:00 am

  After driving the car for a few days, I can honestly tell you that theres not another car in the world like the STi. With no turbo lag, the car pushes you back into your seat even when starting from a dead stop! The car is great on the inside and out and is packed with gadgets and goodies for all kinds of people. Unfortunately, youll be lucky to get 270 miles to the tank. All in all, this car is perfect for anyone who loves to drive and doesnt mind spending the extra time and money for upkeep.

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  Awesome car but hjkhl is mistaken - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By SnowbordrWRX - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how fast this car is. Virtually no turbo lag and grips like flypaper! But there is no way anyone can do the quarter mile in 8.7...hjkhl is mistaken, unless he did some heavy modifications. Maybe he meant the 1/8 mile?