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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  two years old and still get the stares - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By james pinsky - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is safe in the rain and snow, fast, sexy and smooth. I live in LA where all the "NICE" cars are and I get looks (the car not me) every time I take her out and I have had the car for almost two years now. Sure the WRX is faster ... but it doesnt look half as nice.

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  Hell of a lot of fun - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx_guy - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Not many people think "wow" when you just told them you bought a Subaru, but give them a ride, and theyll be grinning so hard, they cant say anything. The car itself carries almost no frills, and doesnt seem worth the price they ask, but one must also realize that the car is built from the front seat forward. Very small trunk, smallish back seating, great front seats, definitely built for the driver. A few squeaks here and there, but thats expected out of any car less than $30K. It really is great fun.

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  Leave on a high note - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By rumbah1 - December 27 - 9:03 pm

  I just traded my 2005 Legacy GT sedan in which I had bought new in 05. I didnt want to get rid of this car. I loved driving it. SO much fun! However, it was not without problems. Within the time I had it there were many electrical problems. The biggest one was a throttle sensor went. This almost caused some serious accidents until they could figure out what was going on. The seat heaters went out. The power windows went out. The radio display lights went out and also would lock up on me. The power steering fluid had leads and the CV boots cracked. I traded it in for a 2012 Acura TSX wagon because I wanted to end our relationship on a high note before dumping more $$ into repairs.

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  Overall not too bad of a car - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By llkdd8 - December 27 - 8:50 pm

  Have had car for over a year now with 30k miles. I like it with no major complaints, just minor ones. Handling is a little soft, but it gives a very nice ride. After driving manual for 18 years, I feel the 4spd Auto Trans is very weak. Should have gone with the 5M, I really miss it. That is my mistake. I have a black two tone and the paint scratches very, very easily, more so than any car I have ever had. AWD is great, and the VDC is really cool. Next year snow tires will go on, which should really improve the AWD. Even with AWD, 17 inch, wide, low profile tires, arent the best in the snow. After 30k miles, averaging about 27mpg in all sorts of driving.

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  Family fun mobile - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By DJones - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The car is fu to drive and handles the road great dallor value is tops fit and finish is 1st class

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By ntorbett - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I planned on keeping my 00 Protege until it died but for a WRX I traded my reliable economy car for more power. Generally not rash to buy a vehicle, when I found a WRX wagon on sale for a great price I bought it the day I test drove it. For anyone into spirited driving on gravel roads, a WRX has no rivals for the cost. Compared to the sedan version, the wagon is sluggish but the utility of extra interior space has been worth it. Everyone I know who has considered a wagon and bought a sedan has since regretted the lack of room. Fuel economy: 22 mpg day-to-day, 29 highway, 9 when running wide open.

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  Absolute blast to drive. - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By antdiesel3 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  If your a looking for a practical performance sedan with the accent on performance then look no further. This car is definitely in a class by itself. Discretely packaged, quiet, comfortable and an absolute blast to drive.

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  WRX Rules - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By XStop - December 26 - 10:00 am

  well i can say the wrx is the best car i ever driving in my life i love m y car and theres nothing in this world that can stop me from it not even my girlfriend lol SUBARU u guys are the best i love u guys for makeing a car for me and my friends to chill in lol and my love put the pedle to the metal on it my car club is really happy with my car im the only one im my city with a WRX thanks again SUBARU

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  Im Back With Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By wunderkid49 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After a brief fling with a terribly made Ford Taurus, Im back with Subaru. Bought it three years old for under half the new price. The wagon seems adequately powered to me, even with the automatic. I can haul my recumbent bike inside, and still sneak my six year old in the split back seat. The handling is a real pleasure, and the brakes are powerful. Averaging 26 mpg in rural driving. Security system can only be disarmed by the remote, and I cant figure out how to disconnect it!

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  Love my Tribeca - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By k mohsen - December 24 - 10:36 pm

  We got it during the xmas break. Though our winter was not that snowy this year it was great going up and down our street. Major difference from our fwd VW. I love driving it. Kids love the DVD and headsets. I would definitely get another. Mileage has been better than expected. I drove Montreal to Toronto and managed to achieve 27 mpg @ 65 mph. That is 6 mpg more than the rating. Nav system drove me a little nuts. I could not figure out what the little flag meant. It could have simply stated the word "Start".