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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  Great all around car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By liebling - February 23 - 6:53 am

  The 2.5i has more than ample power, handles like a dream, is amazingly quiet and is fun to drive. The AWD is a real asset when the roads are slick. The finish is quite nice, with no irregular gaps. There is plenty of interior plastic, but it doesnt look cheap. Nice interior, but the carpet could be of a better quality. Rear visibility is somewhat restricted. The chin sits low, and is easily scraped. The shifter is okay, but could be crisper. You lose a bit of feel with the hydraulically actuated clutch. Very good brakes. All in all, the car is not great in any single respect, but is more than adequate in every respect. Its a lot of car for the money.

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  A great little truck - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Roadmaster - February 22 - 5:03 am

  This truck with the options for the bed extender does everything I want it to do. It drives like a car and really hauls the stuff.

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  Still getting acquainted with my Subie - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Andy - February 22 - 5:00 am

  Compared to my outgoing 2004 Honda Accord EX, Ive discovered the following about my new Outback: it has more tire and wind noise, pretty weak standard sound system, no standard moon roof and preferred the Hondas interior center stack. That said, I am benefiting from the AWD, standard side curtain airbags, more horsepower, power adjustable driver seat, heated rearview mirrors/windshield wiper wells. I am experiencing a tach surge (up to 2500 rpm) at idle when coasting. The stick shift gates are a bit of a struggle to find the proper gears. I really miss the front console ambient lighting in my old Honda. Inside dome light does not adequately illuminate the front seat area.

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  Oil Burner, Sits Too Low - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By knahs39 - February 22 - 3:56 am

  I bought the 2012 Impreza hatchback new in July 2012. Since about 12,000 miles, I cant go more than 2,500-3,000 miles without needing a quarter of oil. Dealer says that is typical usage but manual says 7,500 miles between changes. The car does not have the pep my 2004 Impreza had and yet, gets the same gas mileage as the 2004. It also sits too low so you hit every curb or concrete parking barrier. Im looking to get rid of it and based on this, my third Subaru, will never get another Subaru again.

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  The Ultimate Car For Mountain Residents - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By STier - February 21 - 10:06 pm

  I live in the mountains of Southern California and I couldnt imagine that there is a car better suited for me. Ive had this car for a year now and have had absolutely no problems with it. The car has insane power. Very comfortable and smooth on the freeway. The biggest bonus for me though, is that you can drive this car in snow! Ive driven up to Big Bear with literally 3.5 ft. of snow on the ground without a single slip, no chains needed! This is the ultimate car to have if you live in the mountains.

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  Jack of all trades - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By ay - February 21 - 5:43 pm

  After 2 years I still enjoy driving this car and have no regrets about the purchase. Build quality is good; my only complaint is an annoying and difficult-to-pin-down buzzing/rattling from the vicinity of the glovebox. That being said, its a great car. The gearbox is a little finicky and temperamental. Turbo lag is apparent but partially mitigated with a Cobb AP. I personally think its part of the fun. There are little things that could be improved but -none- of them would prevent me from buying the car again! Its not the fastest car out there but very few can haul all your gear, get you to-and-from the mountains, make you grin on the on-ramps, and get 24-25 mpg mixed city/hwy.

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  great car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Rich Clarke - February 20 - 4:06 am

  A great, stylish, very comfortable and well-built car; drove cross country (NYC to WA) in third week of owning and car drove great. Now have 3800 miles and averaging 27 mpg in mixed highway / rural. Couldnt be happier with it. Considered Toyota Highlander Hybrid but couldnt justify price; also considered Honda CRV SE but didnt want Hondas usual road noise and CRV not nearly as stylish or comfortable as Outback. I highly recommend the Outback.

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  Why I Probably Wont Buy an Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Lennie Blaumuehle - February 18 - 11:43 am

  The all-in-one control stalk for headlights, parklites, turn signals and high beams is a disaster. When reaching to lower high beams, its very easy to turn off the headlights. Its happened to me numerous times and to others who have driven the car. It is in my opinion a serious design flaw. When I dont have access to a different vehicle for nite driving, I tape the headlight switch to on position. That aside, OB has met or exceeded all expectations. It stayed within a car length of a friends manually shifted WRX thru the quarter mile. A little tuning since has made a huge improvement in power. OB has taken me places no other vehicle ever has.

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  egos review - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By ego115 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Just bought it and it kicks ass. Love the look, color and performance. Beware when you get one that people want to race you all the time.

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  First Impressions - Great! - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jerry Connell - February 17 - 7:40 pm

  One month & 1800 miles after purchase, I am happy with my first SUV. After 2 Legacies in 17 years I had no doubts about Subaru quality. Our lifestyle now said more room so I test drove other brands to see what whistles and bells were out there. It compares very well in that regard. The tight turn radius is a pleasant surprise. The acceleration is there when needed. The ride is a little bit stiffer than our other car (Avalon). Im getting 21+ MPG in mixed city and freeway driving on regular gas. The instrument panel and controls are easy to get used to. The seats are comfortable. I feel like Im in a cockpit.