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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  Subaru Baja (car or truck?) - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By StevenB - July 11 - 10:00 am

  All Wheel Drive,Great Fuel Economy (25mpg),Subaru Reliability, quiet and comfortable ride, and an open trunk that can carry items that are extra tall. I looked at otherpick-ups but the fuel economy is not that good, especially with 4wd. When I looked at the Baja and test drove it my mind was made up and bought it. If you dont really need a truck and use it the way it really was intended for and a car or station wagon is not as versitile. Then the size of the Baja and what it is capable of doing should be what your your looking for.

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  WRX - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Toothless Will - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Awesome great speed and six-speed transmission

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  Traded Envoy for Subi - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Troy - July 6 - 10:36 am

  We traded in our 02 Envoy for an 06 Outback Limited and are very pleased so far. Living in Chicago, the 4 cylinder (manual) has more than enough power (this coming from someone who went from 275hp to 168hp). And while our Outback cant handle the same "load" quantity as the Envoy, its more than enough for a family of 3 who packs "heavy" (I got an aerator in the back the other day). Looked at other "cross-over" vehicles, and Outback is the best (especially when you factor in price). So far gas mileage good, but not "rating" - more like 20 city, 26 highway (all around avg on Envoy about 15). A great car for someone looking for a replacement to their traditional SUV.

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  Perfect all around car - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Whoiam04 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is verry well-built, with a symetrical all wheel drive layout that fully optimizes the advantage of all wheel drive...this is my second legacy, the first had over 280,000 when i sold it

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  Great - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Della Cranks - July 5 - 4:45 am

  The car has served me well. Outside of the normal maintenance I have not had any problems. The car is dependable.

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  1st Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gerard - July 3 - 12:46 am

  Ive had my 05 Outback XT for 12K miles now. Turbo is great but there is a lag from a standstill with the automatic. Love the "manual" shifting in the mountains. Brakes could be a bit better. Nagging rattle has developed behind the dash. AWD works great in Colorado winters. Handling is awesome. Gas mileage on the highway nears 25, city is closer to 17. Trip computer regularly overrates the mileage by 1 MPG. Rear leg room is only adequate. Reliability has been excellent. Rear cup holders are small and weak.

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  Quite Pleased - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By JR17 - July 2 - 4:56 am

  Ive been driving my Legacy for about 2 1/2 months now and I love it. There is plenty of power and braking getting on and off of I-95. The sound system is quite nice and the range of seating options is fantastic, making for a comfortable ride no matter how I feel like sitting. Great usable trunk space, and terrific leather seating.

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  So far so good - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By pikers - July 1 - 12:36 pm

  I was lucky enough to get the last 08 on the lot and I got leather, heated seats, heated mirrors, heated wipers, 6 disc changer and auto climate control! This is easily the nicest car Ive ever owned. Fit and finish and quality of materials is amazing. My girlfriends mom has a 328xi and I honestly think this car is nicer inside and out. Bottom line, try a Legacy before you go for an Audi, BMW, or Lexus... you may be surprised.

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  Roo - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Starr - June 30 - 3:10 pm

  I bought my (turbo) Baja in order to combine my truck and car needs into one vehicle. It handles ever bit as good as my Mustang and is a lot of fun to drive, costing me about the same in gas. The fold down back seat belongs to my Shar-Pei, and when hes not aboard its perfect for all my shopping needs. The locking bed is even better than any trunk I have ever had. It turns heads while Im out and about and there is no lack of power, surprising many. It has perfect lines and the leather interior is the perfect touch for the near perfect vehicle which I call the "ladys pick up" as its petite, sleek, fashionable and truly the best purchase I have ever made.

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  Our first subaru!!! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Eduardo - June 29 - 1:40 am

  My wife and I were looking for a fun to drive and safe family sedan and after doing our research we decided to buy this 2010 legacy for the following reasons. This car handling is excellent for the price, the MPG for an all wheel drive vehicle is awesome for our wallets, crash test results are impressive! Perfect size - not too big not too small. We recently took a trip to Maine, NY and we got 32 mpg, this car handles the corners amazing, it feels strong and even though it is a 4 cyl engine for some reason it is very responsive and I actually love the noise that the engine makes when pushed hard. Overall this is the best car we ever got for our money, great value. We are in love with our new Subie.