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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  Solid Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Vito - October 18 - 6:03 am

  Just bought this 04 Outback Limited as a leftover in 3/05. Got a super deal on it - apparently no one drives 5-speeds anymore. Subarus are a super reliable and practical. I needed a car that was excellent in the snow but yet great on gas and roomy. I originally had a 2002 Nissan Sentra which was a great car but it was so light that it was all over the place in inclimate weather. I didnt feel like buying a 2nd car, like a little Nissan pickup. Ive been a loyal Nissan customer since 1995, but the Subarus make more sense to me. If you are considering one car that can really do it all check out any of the Subaru wagons, just not the Outbacks. The Standard Legacy wagons are probobly the best value.

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  2004 Impreza 2.5 RS - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Suby04 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome looks and style. Subaru growl Sporty, fast, reliable. A little annoyed with the slight vibration on the highway which is said to be "normal" for "v" rated tires and the sport suspension. The AWD system has since dissapointed me a little after our 1st snowstorm this weekend. The rear wheels spin even under low acceleration, and so the rear fishtails - worse on cornering. Traction was there but not as i have known in the past. The ABS system is awesome in the snow though Other than that i just love it!

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  Good Idea! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By joe - October 16 - 6:56 am

  Im so glad I bought my Subaru. The car is easy to maintain. It has great handling and it saves gas. The power is there when I need it. It is the best car I have ever owned!

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  Great little car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By higgledy - October 15 - 12:43 am

  This is my first Subaru. So far I have been pleased, 1000 miles and averaging 25 mpg. I looked Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota. I think the Forester is the best compromise between American comfortable cars and Japanese quality.

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  Amazing! - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By J Franceschi - October 13 - 5:10 pm

  Just got rid of a Mercedes, and what a difference! The Subaru is sooo much faster. The build quality is excellent - almost Lexus-like and the Subie is very comfortable too. This car holds the road like it was glued there and the clutch is really smooth. The turbo is really fun and Consumer Reports has given the Legacy great reliability ratings. I test drove the MazdaSpeed6 and there was no comparison. Edmunds compared them also and preferred the Mazda, but if youre looking for fun AND great reliability and build quality go for the Legacy. It beats the Mazda hands down in the quality department.

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  Move Over Little Ford Ranger - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By rosie - October 12 - 6:40 am

  Some of my friends hinted at the fact that I should test drive a Subaru while I was looking at new vehicles. I was actually really impressed with the handling & ride. Of course, Im very biased coming from a 97 Ford Ranger with manual everything in the truck. Im pleased with the interior layout and comfortable seating. Also, I purchased the Forester with auto dim mirror w/ compass, aero cross bars, cargo net vertical, and all weather mats, and body side molding kit (and a few other options Im probably forgetting). I havent broken in the engine yet and I am getting 28 - 31 mpg on the highway and 25 - 21 mpg city. Very happy with my purchase!

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  Well designed and constructed - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By F.M.George - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This car was perfect when I test drove it and picked it up at the dealership. Unlike past purchases from GM dealerships there were no flaws or mechanical things in need of correction. The cars 4 wheel drive system gave exceptional performance during these past winter months. The standard features that came with the car and its comparatively low price make it the best deal Ive had in many years.

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  Fine Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Dick990 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I have leased a 97 Imprezza for 3 years. I bought a 2000 Imprezza and drove it until I bought the current car. The only thing that has ever gone wrong was a burned out LED on the cruise control switch on the 2000. I lived with that with no problem. These are wonderful small cars getting an easy 32+ mpg on the highway. I will be moving on to a Forester because I am getting old and like the additional safety

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  Greatest AWD sedan available in the USA - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By ric01 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  To anyone thinking of buying this car- DO IT! The power, transmission, ride, handling, styling is all good. The car has been built really well and it will outperform Audi S4, BMW M3 and anything that costs $20k more. Its quiet and refined when you need it to be and a beast when you need that too! (Snorting, tarmac-shredding, fire breathing and ALIVE.)

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  Oh So Sweet - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By jmt - October 11 - 7:50 pm

  I did a bunch of research before buying this vehicle and I was a bit hesitant buying a transition year. Dont hesitate. If you are thinking about this car run to your dealer, test drive it an pick your options. I was lucky enough to find a manual base model with the PZEV option. Without boring you with the technical details the bottom line is that the emissions from this car are almost the same as a Hybrid and only costs a few hundred dollars more. I have been averaging 28 MPG doing serious mountain driving. Up and down passes dirt roads etc. It handles everything effortlessly. So save the extra 10 grand and buy a Forester PZEV. NOt to mention the ongoing expense of batteries,tires.