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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  Outback wagon automatic trans, good and bad - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By tlpw - September 2 - 12:05 am

  Interesting edmunds fails to list the cars with auto trans. Had this car since 09, purchased with 120k for $4800 and has 176k on it now. CEL on since 3 months after I bought it; spent way too much trying to figure it out; dealership states due to oxygen sensors, which are supposedly all one part with the catalytic so would have to replace that whole thing-they told me to keep driving it. Lots of front end issues, huge motor/trans vibrations that no one can seem to figure out, dealer or other subaru masters. Wasted lots of cash there too. Happens whenever Im stopped in gear, always have to take it out of gear. Better mechanical knowledge needed at dealerships. Seat & driving comfort -10

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  After one year - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Dave - September 1 - 4:23 pm

  Have had the car for one year now. Very pleased with build quality and overall design. Recently completed a 500 mile trip. Averaged 37.6 mpg! That was at 70 miles per hour with the air conditioning on. I believe Subaru offers the best combination of room, comfort, quality, and economy in the sedan class with the added benefit of all wheel drive.

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  Go Fast Stealth Mode - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By springsubie - September 1 - 11:16 am

  This is what the WRX STI should be. Awesome performance without attracting unwanted attention. Mine is Urban Grey, #371/800, and it blends in with other cars. The acceleration is terrific once the turbo gets to full boost at 4,000 RPMs. And the handling is equally inspiring causing you to challenge every corner. The downside is incredibly high insurance cost even if you are 40+ with a clean driving record.

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  Legacy Wagon a very useful car - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By salligator - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Legacy wagon as a snow car since I go to work on very twisty, hilly roads that are icy and frequently covered in more than 12 inches of snow. I never even noticed the snow or rain. The car also carried my Samoyed dog in the back with its dog gate. I could get large objects like doors with the door frame into the car completely inside the car. It always ran, started and it could fo 95 without any problems on the highway. It also had fantastic resale value. I paid 19.5 and after 3 years I received 13.5 with a slightly damaged bumper.

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  WRX as good as my M3 - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By salligator - September 1 - 10:00 am

  To me a Subaru makes a great winter snow car. This time I bought a WRX, since my summer car is a BMW M3 convertible. Except at very low RPMs, the WRX might as well have an M3 on it. The handling on a very narrow twisty road is as good as the M3, and the accelleration as long as you stay above 3000 RPM is also about the same. But the WRX has more features, it does not transmit potholes to your back, it goes in snow, and it has all weather performance tires that do not require replacement every 13000 miles.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By trrbocharged - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I decided that I needed to get another car to compliment my modified 944 Turbo, and I really wanted to find something "affordable" with comparable performance. The STi definitely fits the bill. I have logged about 1600 miles on it so far, it its running great. I didnt care much for all of the external decals and the chrome lettering on the trunk, so I removed everything except the little STi logo on the front grill. I think the body looks great, and I actually think the tail size is just fine. All in all, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend the car to anyone.

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  Wow... - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Greg_STi - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Last week I had an 2003 Acura NSX race me, he could not belive why he was behind me. lol Everyone that looks at dosent belive how fast it is untill I take them for a ride, afterword they are just blown away. Its about time the STi came here!

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  Absolutely LOVE my Subaru!! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By jcanz - September 1 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I just bought a used 2000 Outback wagon to replace our bloated old gas guzzling boat of an SUV. It was definitely the wisest thing we ever did. I feel very safe driving this vehicle-- the AWD is the best. Our dogs love the LARGE cargo area.

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  Fun to drive but noisy interior - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 1 - 7:33 am

  Good handling and braking performance. Good cornering and center of gravity with high ground clearance. Noisy interior and rear hatch door rattling (even after several dealer attempts to repair).

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  My Favorite So Far - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By WendyB - September 1 - 4:13 am

  After 2 Foresters (that I really liked), I upgraded to the V6 Outback Sedan. Its really fun to drive, is very comfortable, and looks good too. The pick up is a little sluggish, but a world of difference better than the Foresters were.