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 SAV NOT SUV - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TIMBO - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car . Subaru was the first out with all wheel drive and now look at all the other car mfg comming out with it. The ride is great,and just enought HP. Take it from me you dont need the turbo it takes the top grade of gas and who needs to pay another $0.25 a gallon.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Orthel - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my RS Coupe used with 75,000 miles on it and it runs like its brand new. It handles as good as my friends Porsche 911. Its fast off the line and has torque through all the gears. A joy to drive on the highways and around town. I get compliments left and right. My friends all have to have one now. One ride and theyre hooked.

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  That Weird Kid In School - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By BajaJake - December 14 - 2:00 am

  "Not just weird, powerfully weird". That was the best quote Ive heard to describe the Baja Turbo when it launched last year. Im still waiting on mine to arrive from the factory, but I have driven each version of the Baja made since its intro in 03. For those of us who need a small truck, but not a buckboard-riding, fuel sucking steel can, theres now a wagon-based wannabeatruck that handles real-life in the best of fashions.

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  subarus rock - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By christyanna - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Subaru, my second Legacy. I bought it used (2000 in 2002). It took me awhile to find a used Legacy as people usually keep them for several years. It looks great, handles great, and is great getting up the hills to my home in the winter, as it snows alot where I live.

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  cool wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By madcow - December 14 - 2:00 am

  great car.practical and the sunroofs give it a little "edge" in the fun to drive factor considering that it is a family station wagon..

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  Nice but some erg issues - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By jeep8 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall we like the Outback, but there are a few odd ergonomic issues. The switch for the sunroof needs to be held down to open or close. Since the sunroof has build in stops, to close you hold down until it stops moving, release the button, hold down again (repeat) Due to the short winshield (the roof slopes up in front) tall drivers (62") may have an issue with the rearview mirror creating a nasty blindspot. Also on rough roads your head may bump on the side handle (roof is narrow). A shorter person will not have these problems. As for quality I rank the Subaru below Toyota/Honda but above the Big Three. This is our second Subaru.

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  H6 verses the 4 cyl - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By wankie - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2001 Outback 4 cyl, which was a good car. Having traded to the H-6 in 03,it feels like a different car, suttle differences emerge over time. Corners much better, and rolling acceleration, for passing are night and day better. Here in Boise, I can now keep ahead of the mad Truck Drivers.Or at least,Get away from them.

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  Big Dissapointment - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By pjgelao - December 13 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased this car new and have had nothing but COST. At 36,000 it had a leaking head and it was pulled out and fixed, then it was the timing belt at 50,00 miles. Something wrong with it all the time. At 77,000 BOTH heads was leaking again & pulled resurfaced. Heater not working & fixed. When contacting SUBRAU they wanted all servicing recordss. I got the packet together of services & plus ALL fixes.. We waited A MONTH- called many times. My hubby called them and They wouldnt do a thing for me !!! One statement why was I didnt have the car serviced all the time from a Subrau dealer - we were very upset and never a SUBRAU again!

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  Where have you been? - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By stoogieman - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have waited for a sport/rally auto that had power and a firm suspension for an eternity. I finally got one that I can afford. What more could one hope for than this incredible performing auto? Yes, but will this fabulous little auto hold up?

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  WOW! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By LISMAN - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I cant describe driving this car, and you cant even read the most detailed test drive review to know. Just get one. You wont be sorry. And, if you dont subscribe to the cookie-cutter school of design, you just might like the styling too. I cant stop looking at mine!