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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  2016 Outback--my 2nd Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ted Waltman - September 23 - 5:37 am

  Tough to find the base model. Great car for the money. Sound system is great. Position of exhaust below rear diff is poor--will catch on a rock or ice for sure (but not a darn thing one can do about it other than to note how vulnerable it is).

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  WOW - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Idawg - September 21 - 10:40 pm

  This is my 3rd Subaru, and is by far the best to date. I had a 96 outback, then a 2004 Outback 2.5 limited, but this car blows them away. The turbo kicks in quickly, and will give you the tell-tale neck jerk! The interior is such a beautiful hole poked tan leather, you want it at home. I was never a fan of blue cars, but the regal blue looks great with the 17" wheels and lo-pro tires. Huge sunroof! Buy one!!

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  129,000 miles and I enjoyed every one. - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Ron - September 21 - 8:12 am

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  129,000 miles and I enjoyed every one. - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Ron - September 21 - 8:12 am

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  Great in the mountains! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By The Outback Rocks - September 20 - 10:43 pm

  I have over 3000 miles on my 2011 Outback and have been very happy. It has a smooth quite ride with plenty of power for hills and passing other cars. The front seats are firm and comfortable for long trips and the rear seat room is the best on the market. I have taken it to the Sierra, in California, twice and it was very impressive. Driving up the steep grades was no problem and it handled the trails around Crowley Lake like a champ. The AC works well and keeps the inside cool and comfortable even when it’s well over 100 outside. There is enough space for a full size spare, which I added. I tried the hill assist mode on a steep hill and it worked as intended with no backward motion

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  176 plus, and still no sign of stopping - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By stephen - September 20 - 10:10 am

  I bought my first Subie on May 5th in 01. It had only six miles. Since then, Ive racked up just over 176,000 with no problems whatsoever. I kid you not. It still has the original clutch and I put new brakes on about a year ago for the very first time. I average about 28 mix and 31 highway. Its a five speed manual and that accounts for the great gas mileage. The only thing Ive done to is change the oil religiously and had a new water pump and timing belt but in at 120k. This car just keeps going and going. I live in Denver and frequent the slopes in the winter and work in Blackhawk. So the car has seen more than its fair share of snow, rain, and hot summers.

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  2004 car of the year - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Josh - September 20 - 3:20 am

  This car is the funnest thing I have ever driven. I have wanted an STi since they came out in 1994 in every other country except the US. Everyone asked me what my favorite car was and I told them a Subaru Impreza WRX STi version 4 Type R. They were like huh and what the heck is that? Then in 2003 I found out they were coming to the US as a 2004 model WITH 300HP AND 300 FT.LBS!. Well, needless to say, I started saving my money up, but I got impatient and bought a nearly immaculate used 2004 with ridiculously low miles for a very good price. Why someone traded it in is beyond my comprehension.

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  Never thought I would be this happy - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By imedlee - September 20 - 2:00 am

  If you are thinking about buying a Legacy GT AWD LIMITED, I will be honest in saying you would be foolish not to buy this car. This car handles better than any car I have ever owned. It rides smooth, and its just a joy to own. It is fast, but not fast enough to road race by any means. Fast enough for me though. This car is just fun, fun, fun!!!

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  Snow, mud and backpacking - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By tdxtys5rte - September 20 - 2:00 am

  As an outdoor person, the WRX wagon cannot be beat for the fun, usability, reliability and cargo. A mechanic by trade, I could not forego the reliability of Subaru when compared to its European counterparts. I have had it a little while now and still make excuses to drive to the store or any other reason to go out in the snow and play. With a rear sway bar kit from Hotchkis, the car, even as a wagon rotates perfectly on its second setting. Great car at a great price. Managed to get it for $21,900 with 16 miles on the clock from the dealer after several hours of negotiating. Couldnt recomend it higher at the price, functionality and fun factor.

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  The best car ever concieved - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Sniveley - September 20 - 2:00 am

  ItRocks!i love it. it needs more top end though. other than that it rocks. subaru should have rally options for when u purchase it.