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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  Joey subaru - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Jkyosho - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The best car of all

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  love my lgt - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By pete grisbey - April 9 - 10:03 am

  This hands down is the best car I`ve ever had. I love they design of the car it is really aggressive. It definitely turns heads by its look.

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  Love this Car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pilgrim - April 9 - 9:26 am

  Traded in a 2004 Honda Civic EX at a LOSS to buy this car. At the time we bought the Civic this was our first choice, but the cost was prohibitive. Too bad we did not go with our first choice. If you live in the north this car is the best. Heated seats, wiper de-icers - all designed with us in mind but the AWD is INCREDIBLE! Have had it in 12 inches of fresh snow with NO wheel spin at all. Complaints of lace of power are not as apparent on the manual transmission. Fit & finish are excellent as are the extras such as heated mirrors and seats. No air leaks into the cabin on windy days. If you live in the Great White North and you are considering this car (in any form) BUY IT. You will NOT be disappointed.

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  Great Little Machine - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By pdxtomct - April 8 - 7:23 am

  I came over to Subaru from the VW GTI looking for improved build quality and AWD grip. My first Subaru was a 2005 Legacy GT... a very comfortable, fast, luxury sedan. It was a bit too big for me and didnt offer much utility. The Limited WRX wagon has it all for me. Great AWD performance and handling, decent fuel economy, incredible utility, nice looks and solid construction. The biggest drawback is road noise. If you want a quiet ride, look elsewhere. Otherwise, I recommend this car.

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  2004 STi a.k.a bargin 911 Turbo - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By J04Sti - April 8 - 4:46 am

  There is no other car on the planet that makes more sense than a Subaru WRX STi! It makes 300 hp+300tq with no turbo lag from a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5L Flat 4 cyl,AWD,6 speed tranny, 4 doors, looks that could kill and with minor modifications can make well over 400 hp (like mine does). Sure the ride is a little harsh, but youre glued to the road I feel safer driving my 2 daughters around in it than any SUV or Volvo. Decent gas mileage and very reliable in all weather conditions. Plus 0-60mph in 4.5 sec & the 1/4mile in 13.3 sec@104mph STOCK! Ive spent approx $3500 and my car makes 427whp@6400rpm&446wtq@3600rpm,0-60 in 3.8sec & the 1/4mile 12.3@117mph! Its my daily driver too.

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  Exciting and Fun New Vehicle - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Lisa Mulen - April 7 - 3:26 pm

  I just purchased my new Subaru and I absolutely love it. It is fun to drive and comes with great features. Great set up on the dash. This is my first Subaru and I was impressed with the dealership. For the past ten years I have had various Suburbans and I am very excited and pleased with this change.

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  Sporty family hauler - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Bmilcetich - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the WRX a week but, I am constantly impressed with the level of performance built into the vehicle. The vewhicle was actually purchased for my wife, but I seem to be the one using more. The interior is small, so if you have kids or are hauling people, make sure everyon will fit. We have a 1yr and 3yr old, and their seats fit with just enough room to lower the center armrests. The cockpit is nicely DESIGNED, but sparcely appointed. If you want luxury, you can pay more but you will lose the smile factor when driving. Ive been researching this for months and cant find a better blend of utility, performance, safety, and liveability.

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  Short time in new Legacy Outback ltd - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Arnold Cohen - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have switched from a Mercedes Benz ML320 to this Subaru Legacy Outback Limited. Other than being smaller, the ride is better, handling a little more precise, quieter, and somewhat better economy. Ive only got 1400 miles on it to date but I drive 20,000 per year and I think this auto will be a winner.

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  2.0 XT Premium = outstanding - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By tiopapo21 - April 5 - 11:54 pm

  The 2014 Subaru 2.0 XT Forester Premium is one of the best fuel saving ,fast running,nice styling, All Wheel Drive and most comfortable SUV that I have ever owned. Its 250 HP BOXER ENGINE is quiet and powerful, from the on ramp to the fast lane the 2.0 XT Premium is outstanding. Its CVT Transmission is very smooth and before you realize it you are running at 80 plus MPH. Its wide windows and wide review mirrors helps you merge safely.

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  Tribeca B9 is an excellent choice - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Amin - April 5 - 8:00 am

  Before I bought this car I read lots of negative things about exterior design in on-line reviews. Honestly, I believe its high tech exterior looks much better than the 2008 model and is totally different from other SUVs. I love it. Interior is amazing and built of excellent material. Driving is smooth as luxury sedan, compare to many other SUVs such as Murano that gives you the impression of driving a truck rather than a car. Car is stable and powerful. Like other SUVs, It is not good on gas. I enjoy driving it very much so far and everybody loves it. I couldn’t find people who hate the design yet and I am still looking for!