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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  Quality SUV - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By dtielbur - March 6 - 9:33 am

  What an awesome driving experience! Subaru has put everything they could think of in this vehicle. This SUV packs quality with comfort at an affordable price compared to other luxury SUVs. The dashboard wraps around the front seat passengers and puts all controls at their fingertips. Dual climate controls makes sure that men and women can coexist in the same car, controlling their own temp. Highly recommend the DVD player if you have children. The wireless headphones are a nice touch, making sure that the driver can still listen to their own music while backseat passengers are satisfied watching DVD. The 3rd row seat is not intended for long trips or adults and eliminates storage.

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  RC Review - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By RC - March 5 - 1:16 pm

  I am very pleased with my 2006 Subaru Outback Sport. With the high cost of fuel these days I am glad to have a reliable car that gives better gas mileage, has sufficient room for passengers and cargo, very well designed folding seats, handles very well in tight turns, and can be relied on whatever weather you go through. This is my third Subaru since 2003 and I will recommend this vehicle to friends and family.

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  I love my first Subie! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By nhsubie - March 5 - 12:13 pm

  This is my first Subaru and it wont be my last! We shopped around for months for a solid used car and finally decided on the 06 Outback Limited after driving the new Jetta, Rabbit, Civic, Fit, CRV, v50, Forester, Sonata, and old 04 Outback. The 06 Outback Limited outshines them all! This car has everything you would ever want in a car - AWD, HUGE moonroof, heated seats, leather, turning radius, 28 mpg, smooth ride, and space to haul. And at $14k, its a steal!

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  Not good gas mileage - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Delree todd - March 4 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this car in July of 2007 and the combined city/road gas mileage was 24 mph. As of about 8000 miles, when it was supposed to be broken in and getting better gas mileage, it dropped to 17mph. I have had it checked and talked to the guys at the dealer only to be given a ton of excuses and suggestions. Like, use Premium gas, only use top of the line stations, mix the regular/premium gas and they couldnt come up with anything wrong with the car after checking the engine. Not only that, make sure you know the dealer service and dont let them over fill the oil. Mine was way over the fill line. Not happy with the SUB. Terrible carpeting and they wont replace it.

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  The New Ultimate Driving Machine - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By GotmyCLU - March 4 - 8:23 am

  My Legacy sneaks in to the very sporty luxury class with the name of Subaru. I never would have thought a Subaru could be this fun with luxury. I remember when the WRX came out and I told myself "They need to make something compete in the family sedan class - then Ill get one." Im car shopping, turn into the Subaru lot, and my heart is content from here. I hope Subaru always keeps its value and price where it is.

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  What a Car - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Capt.EMS - March 4 - 1:16 am

  This is my 4th Subaru (1 outback, 1 legacy, 1WRX, and this vehicle), and this is the best one yet. It handles perfectly, and the gas mileage is unbelievable. I use this vehicle as a first responder car and I have beaten even the police cruisers to calls. There is not a single thing I would improve on the vehicle.

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  Bank the Buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By CoreySTi04 - March 3 - 6:06 pm

  As a previous owner of a WRX and frequent passenger in an Evo. I can say that I made the right decision. Subaru build quality is excellent. The aceleration of this car is unlike any other on the street. With just a turbo back exhaust I have the car running 12.7 1/4 mile times. Thats Corvette country and that makes Evos disappear in the rearview mirror. The ride quality is not as good as the WRX but better than the Evo, but that is to be expected from a race ready car. The interior puts the Evo to shame. Gauges are great . The Evo seats are better than the STi, the STi seats are better than the WRX. The 6MT is far better than the WRX or Evo shifter. Short shifter is a great add-on

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  What they say is true - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By RAS3 - March 3 - 2:10 pm

  I took delivery of a plain, no-frills, 5 door, 5 sp 08 WRX this past Monday. It isnt as "solid" (heavy) or quiet or plush as my old car. In fact, I have a strong sense of deja-vu with a 78 Corolla we once owned. It isnt a hard riding racer. It is a simple car that is very comfortable, quicker than most and a whole lot of FUN. The more I drive it, the more I like it. I was shocked by my first tanks mileage, then I realized that if I got off the boost once in a while, I really could get 22.5 mpg in town.

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  Nothing else like it.... - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Arpeggio4u - March 3 - 10:53 am

  Noisy, but nothing competes for the money. I am early for work now, because driving this car is so much fun! Its as comfortable (more so actually) on gravel as it is on the highway. Wish list ... variable suspension, and a bit more sound protection (liquid filled engine mounts do help) for longer trips.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chris - March 3 - 2:46 am

  Purchased as Company Car under reimbursement program... love 6 cyl engine, and height off ground. Feel very safe commuting long distances. Purchased for safety factor yet am impressed with comforts like excellent heated cloth seats, and bluetooth ease of use. Also get many comments on look & style... wife just got luxury SUV that costs twice as much yet we seem to drive the Subaru equally as often!