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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  Lovin The Suby! - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Waldorf 2008 - April 28 - 5:06 pm

  My husband purchased this car and it has now become his primary work car. I dont think that it is possible to hurt a Suby! It is so well built I have also been informed that I am not allowed to purchase anything but a Subaru for the rest of my life! If you are considering buying one do ti!

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  A great car for the money - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By legacychick - April 24 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my LGT brand new almost 3 years ago, and I still think this car is one of the best kept secrets. Ive had so many complements on its looks, and everyone is surprised when they hear its a Subaru. The AWD gives you more confidence on the road, even though the stock allseason tires arent the best. The black interior is nice, and the cloth seats have held up well for 40000 miles. It has great acceleration, even when it was stock, but there was noticeable turbo lag. The manual shifting on the auto is nice, but there is hesitation. Gas mileage could be better but you pay to play. Warranty repairs: driver seat heating elements coming through foam twice, O2 sensor, dash rattle (not fixed

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  Sporty, Modern & Attractive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Wally43 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have a lot of fun driving mountain curves and sandy roads in the desert. The tight suspension and AWD provide precise control and plenty of traction. Freeway driving for several days is also very comfortable for my 62" frame, even though Im 60 and have an arthritic hip. This car has the highest (best) crash rating of any small SUV. There is sufficient cargo room in back, seating for four and the leather is comfortable, and my wife likes the heated seats.

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  09 Tribeca - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By Hi - April 23 - 10:53 am

  Just traded in my 06 B9 Tribeca and bought an 09. The handling on these SUVs are great and the ride comfort is best in class. The engine has plenty of power and gets 25mpg on the highway. The second row has limo like leg room and can easily handle adults over 6ft tall. And best of all it has Symmetrical AWD which gets me through over a foot of snow with no problem.

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  Best SUV on the Market Today! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By DMorris - April 23 - 1:06 am

  I owned a 2004 Subaru Forester and then a 2007 Subaru Legacy Sedan Limited. This new Forester has everything and more! Great comfort, handling, performance and pickup!

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  This is an Outback? - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Liz - April 21 - 2:20 pm

  This vehicle is fantastic! With 250 HP and 250 ft. lbs. of torque, its got guts galore. And I was amazed that an Outback could handle this well. With its higher center of gravity, I simply wasnt expecting handling this taut. Its a sports car--with room to haul all your stuff safely on snow-covered highways or backwoods roads. The 5 speed manual, especially with the optional short-throw shifter, just adds to the sports car feel. Its the perfect combination of sportiness and utility. Its just plain fun to drive!

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  You cant beat it - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Rob Daum - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Subaru this year. My wife drives an 04 LLBean Outback. Funny she like this almost as much. The ride is car like and the seating is comfortable ( front ) back seat is fine for kids or adults on a short trip. Mileage is improving with each fill up. Get a lot of comments like ..cool..awsome..etc. Get one you wont be sorry

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  WRX STi 04 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By f1wrc2003 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a Great Car. More than I expected.

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  Excellent - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By emd - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Have driven this car for one month Very comfortable heated adjustable leather seats some wind noise good visibiity great controls great sound system feels very safe a little slow in accelerating

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  Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By RJBLUM - April 18 - 5:10 am

  My first Subaru and a great looking, fun to drive car. Lots of features and perfect for a smaller type of SUV. Gas mileage is so-so, comfort and roominess is great. Sound system in this model is excellent. All in all a very nice vehicle.