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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  Legacy GT - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By TW24 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I tow my small 500lb sailboat with it. Pack all my sailing/camping gear in it, climbed some of the longest grades with weekend gear no problem. The breaks have been great, no warped discs at 65,000. Finally a car with adequate breaks. Engine has been bullet proof with synthetic oil every 5000 miles. Factory Tires have proven to be cost effective and reasonably durable considering the type and cost of the tire. Handling: There arent very many 4-door sedans for less than $30,000 that claw through corners like the GT Legacy. MPG: Without a bike rack on top 32MPG per tank at 70-75mph. With bike rack, 28-30 MPG. With boat in tow 25-28 MPG.

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  WRX Automatic Sport Wagon Rocks - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Len Dorfman - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Im in my 50s and wanted a fun car to drive in all kinds of traffic conditions. The WRX is a huge improvement in speed and handling from my departed Infiniti G20t and our existing Legacy GT. This car is the bargain of the century.... ...and a hoot to drive.

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  Fantastic!! Love it! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steve Klemish - December 29 - 7:47 pm

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  I love my B-9 - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Daycay - December 25 - 11:33 am

  I had a 2005 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition. I loved the car but my son had a growth spurt and we kind of outgrew it. I approached the dealer and asked to trade for a B-9 because I love Subarus and was happy with everything about the ownership experience. I am totally pleased with my B-9. At first, I thought it a little sluggish upon accelleration but a K&N permanent air filter cleared up that problem. I have the highest degree of happiness about my B-9 and the overall attitude Subaru has toward its car owners!

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  Best All-round Performer Under $25,000. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Raymondwong819 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 2003 WRX for only 21459 3.9% 3yr in April03. I cant believe it! I went to the dealer and 2 guys were test-driving the 04 model. I love the 03 look better. And the 04 model were 3100 more with sunroof which I dont care about. I am so happy right now. Cant sleep before going down to my garage and look at her first.

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  Ill get another one in 10 or 15 years. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Stubb - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car Ive ever owned that I feel happy owning. I have never regretted buying it. I look at other cars, and they might be more popular or cuter, but I just like this one. Theres just something about it. When it finally dies many years from now, I hope theres something similar to replace it with.

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  grrrreat - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By owen - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I love this wagon,every thing about it is great.Quick and responsive,quiet and comfortable with a wonderful sound system to boot.Plenty of cargo room for almost everything you may have to carry including the dog.I would reccomend it to anyone

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  Good, Not Great - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By pasubi - December 24 - 4:00 pm

  Overall, happy with the car which meets 90% of our needs. Economical for size, comfortable, versitle, well designed ergonomic interior. Navigation, audio, voice activation very unintuitive and poor overall user interface. Nav accuracy and options better on our $100 Garmin. All-wheel drive system good on highways, such as slippery roads. However, ours got stuck in 5 inches of snow and did not transfer power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip. Could not get passenger side wheels which had traction to engage. We knew that this would not replace our 4-wheel drive vehicle, but expected better.

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  Well Rounded Choice - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Paul - December 23 - 5:53 pm

  Despite a long delay in receiving this vehicle from order to delivery, the vehicle was worth the wait. This is a well rounded vehicle. Serves my purposes well. I had owned a 2003 Baja as well. This is a great improvement.

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  Don`s Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Drdon - December 23 - 5:30 pm

  I have had NO problems!! I have looked all over the car and I am impressed with the workmanship. Lots of storage space in the back. Several hidden places to store things.