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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  Are you kidding me? - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Schafdog - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I am sold big time. I bought an all silver, manual, turbo and boy can she fly- and a real eye catcher. This car is an absolute blast to drive. It is a sports car with the ability to perform all the functions of a small truck. Who knew!? It is a four seater but lots of room and very comfortable and the sound system is excellent. I wanted something reliable, fun and versatile and this car is all of that. They make a cover for the backend so essentially you can store stuff like a trunk or use it for hauling anything- the versatility is insane. Suburu reliability, amazingly fun, AWD! and overall versatility of the vehicle - all at an amazing price.

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  My car Spike - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Albert Long - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my WRX in April of 2001 which was the first year they were produced. When I first saw it, I thought that from the front it looked like a bulldog and since every bulldog I have ever known was named spike I named my WRX "Spike" and it immeditatly became a member of the family. After three years and 35000 miles it has never let me down. In that time it has developed only one minor problem: a slight gasoline leak that was quickly taken care of. I know that when it comes time to trade Spike, that its going to be like having to put down your pet.

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  MY 2003 SUBARU LEGACY SE - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Tigressrich - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the ride from the initial test drive.This car is excellent in the snow and you can actually feel the car adjusting to the snowy roads.I recommend this car to anyone that is looking for a sturdy car and one that is not stolen often,as is the Honda Civic and the Nissan Maxima.

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  Legacy GT - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By ERMJRM - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the way my Legacy drives. When it goes around corners and there is not much body roll, this makes for a smooth ride. We live in the country, so we drive on all types of roads all year around. The AWD handles great from the snow in the winter to the dirt roads in the summer.

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  Quality vehicle - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By drake - December 2 - 7:03 am

  Overall excellent fit and finish. Very good comfort and performance. Has nice pickup, great turning radius, very good visibility. First Subaru, previous Toyota owner. Very pleased with the quality, reliability, performance and appearance.

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  SUPER CAR--But buy used - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Scottysubaru - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned...until I found out they rented them! Not one problem with the car at all. Little things like the radio controls being too small, the back seats not reclining a bit, etc. But, because they rent them, there are an abundance of current model year units on the used car lots in 6 months. Look to chop off $10 grand in the first year in depreciation. Quite a blow..and something you dont expect in a Subaru. SO, BUY A USED ONE....you can save a ton or look at a Forester (they dont rent them yet). I wish I would have.

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  An Engineering Thrill - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By cwert99 - November 30 - 7:43 pm

  I love the All Wheel Drive! Good, quiet highway ride. The car handles amazing, especially in decreasing radius turns! Impressive driveability in all conditions. The 5 speed manual transmission is smooth and crisp. Amazing torque from the boxer engine. Solid build quality (built much better than comparable Toyotas and Hondas). On my first tank of gas, I averaged 27 MPG during mixed, yet spirited driving. The premium audio system is well above average. Great value and low depreciation make this car an excellent choice for the subcompact segment. Five days after owning it, I woke up at 7AM and went to Starbucks to get coffee - 25 MILES AWAY just to drive it!

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  Awesome car for the Money - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Jamie - November 30 - 10:26 am

  I bought my 2006 Subaru Legacy on 10/17/05. I never thought I could love a car as much as this one. Its so much fun to drive & it is EXCELLENT on gas. It is the Special Edition (pearl white) including 17 inch rims, a sunroof, & power seats. I work at the dealership where my car was purchased & out of all the cars that I come across this one is by far the best in quality & value. I would definitely suggest this car to anyone looking for something fun & sporty to drive.

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  the best in class - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By LOLA - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Driving a WRX Wagon makes all the difference in a commuter town like Houston. The power of its turbo engine and 227hp affords more agility, ability to negotiate between vehicles in traffic, and a certain level of safety that one cannot attain in a traditional off-road vehicle like an SUV. Because of its low center of gravity and full time AWD feature, the WRX Impreza has married the ideas of performance and safety to the test! The adventures await! Be sure to invest in an under-carriage protector! $80 bucks can save a bucket- load...

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  My first Subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By RIBob - November 30 - 10:00 am

  After having driven Ford products for my entire adult life I have purchased a brand new Subaru on an impulse. I was drawn to its sleak design and sporty appearance. What brought me to the Subaru dealership was my interest in trying an AWD vehicle. So far I am very impressed with the ride and the handling. I certainly hope this vehicle will continue to perform as one would expect from a Subaru.