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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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By jdaniel - November 25 - 6:16 am

  Wanted a crew cab truck. After much research I decided on the Baja because EVERYTHING about it is better than a truck other than the smaller bed. Like the majority of people who own a truck, the bed is not used for work but rather for weekend purchases, garage sales, and trips to the home improvement stores. The Baja does just fine, gets better gas mileage, and as a used vehicle, it is a superb value. This vehicle handles like a sports car, came standard with leather, auto, power everything including sunroof; and it comes with an AWD system and engine that have been time tested and proved reliable.

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  A must have - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By amoeba - November 25 - 12:03 am

  I have owned this car for 3 yrs now. Drove it stock for 2yrs and modified this last yr. With $2k worth of upgrades - this is a beast with 300 lbft of torque. Have driven it over mountain passes in Colorado in blizzard conditions without issues. Insane handling on any type of road with the right set of tires. Only regret is that I should have bought the STI at the time for the bullet proof 6 sp transmission. (only required if you plan to upgrade to >400hp)

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  The muscle car killer - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Peleg - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is just pure amazing. It can out accelerate almost any rival, it handles like a dream on turns and can stop on the dime. The interior is very nice, the seats, steering wheel, pedals, everything. The exterior speaks for itself. If youre looking for an ultra high performance sedan, that is practical and reliable, starting under 30K, you must check this car.

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  Best new car Ive ever owned - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By turborob - November 22 - 10:00 am

  After 10 months and 16K miles, Ive decided that this is the best car Ive ever purchased. So far there have been zero repairs necessary which Ive NEVER experienced with a new car. Its not a race car, but performance is great, handling is very competent and the ride quality is just right, firm but not harsh at all. It is noticably slower in very hot weather. Interior quality seems better than average for a small car, but nothing spectacular. It is also very quiet inside for a small car. Seats and steering wheel are excellent, ergonomics are good.

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  Fast, fun AND practical - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Toddster - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Fast, handles well. Stupid SUV drivers think they can beat me off the line and I love leaving them in the dust. Theres plenty of storage (holds more than my girlfriends Landrover) and the back seats are acceptable too. Dont get that Mini-SUV, get a WRX...

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  2006 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5L SPECIAL EDITION - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By aldo - November 21 - 5:16 pm

  Ive only owned Subarus and this is my 4th Subaru. I have to tell you that the 06 Legacy has been my favorite. It is one of the best body designs out there. Handling,quality and fun to drive.

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  Like it so far, beats my former 2012 OB 3.6r - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By RK - November 21 - 4:34 am

  Drive it and you will see what i mean. I traded my 2012 3.6r Outback with a brand spanking 2017 Outback 3.6r. Main reason was the safety aspect of the Eyesight system. I am really impressed about the handling and quietness of the car. This car is its very-well equipped but someone at Subaru need to explain why things like rain sensing windshield wipers are not standard , seat memory does not include outside mirrors, outside mirrors are not folding, remote start does not include seat heater or cooling, automatic sunroof closing functions and a few more. (even my 2015 Ram truck has most of the mentioned functions). minor issues but i think i mentioned it. I honestly can say that no other car was of any interest for my wife and me when we decided to purchase our new OB. My wife and i love this car.

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  So far, so good - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Matt - November 18 - 1:10 pm

  First Subaru and so far, I love it. Very comfortable ride and I love the handling the AWD brings.

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  GREAT SUV? CAR? WHO CARES!!! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By magman - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I replaced an 02 GMC Envoy with this little jewel. I have driven it 4000 miles so far. Great blend of SUV and Car qualities. I think my 02 V8 Explorer (Which is getting 14 mpg) will be Subarus next trade in victim. The only thing I find lacking is acceleration but Im getting 28mpg on the highway with regular gas so I can live with it. My first Japanese vehicle wont be my last.

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  Id buy another one - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By tedsalzman - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Tital says it all, I wish it had a larger gass tank and got a little better milage. But yhat;s the price you pay for all wheel Drive