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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  SUV With Personality! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Robert Brody - March 15 - 11:13 pm

  Complements from everyone on the looks of this car! The B9 is a great looking SUV to my eyes. It’s both modern and retro all at once. Its far better looking than the still unattractive WRX or clunky Forester; cars that my eye never really adapted to. Good power and handling. Awesome interior and comfort. Nothing but silky smoothness. I read one owner complaining about gear hunting, but my car exhibits none of that. Switching to manual mode is done on the fly and shifts are both smooth and useful. This is nicer than any SUV under 40K. There are some compromises, but the B9 has most of it right. Im very impressed thus far.

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  Im a Subie! - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By JEB - March 15 - 1:10 am

  I researched my buying options thoroughly and after giving a KIA Soul an extended test drive, I knew the Impreza Hatchback was the right car for me. After driving it less than five minutes I knew I made the right choice. The Impreza has the most comfortable ride of all the economical hatchbacks. The all wheel drive is unbeatable in the snow and rain. Im even impressed the the gas efficiency. Ive been getting 24-25 MPG in the city.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Jim - March 14 - 10:56 pm

  I bought this car for dependable commuting in all (snowy) weather. It is the most sure-footed vehicle I have ever owned. It has averaged 28 mpg or better under all conditions. Visibility is excellent. It is comfortable on long trips as well. This is a convenient and useful vehicle.

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  You cant go wrong with the Forester XT! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By debred - March 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are expecting our first child and she needs something bigger. Looked at the mid-size SUVs (Honda, Toyota, Mitsu, BMW, & Land Rover) but nothing compared to Subarus financing. 0.9% for 60 months, you cant go wrong with that. Plus, AWD living in Utah. I will have to see how it will perform in snowy conditions.

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  AWD is necessary - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By sidekick - March 13 - 10:00 am

  There is always something to improve on the car and I am never satisfied with what carmakers have to offer. But being an experienced driver, the one thing is most important - AWD. So, the choice is instantly limited. And Outback is a really multipurpose AWD - 3.0 engine gives enough acceleration power, but you can still use it on bumpy streets and even off road.

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  Good Car with a few flaws - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By sub1 - March 13 - 2:23 am

  I have had this car for 5 months now and its a nice little car. The horsepower is plenty for normal use and the AWD will take us anywhere in a blizzard. The downside is the mileage, I have averaged around 23 and got 26 on a long highway trip. I thought the size of the car was great (Im 58" 160) until I drove one of my larger friends (64" 220?) on a road trip. The back seat is too small for adults on long trips, but what do you expect in a compact wagon? Some other flaws I notice are the wipers dont go fast enough for Seattle rain and the bass goes away when you use the stereo aux jack. The satellite radio sampler only gave us like 15 stations, not a great sales pitch for Sirius.

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  Im dating up! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By karl williams - March 11 - 9:23 pm

  Okay, I almost feel guilty for driving this car. I luckily found it used because you dont see a "used" Subaru very long on the lot (especially as nice as this one) and Ive been looking. I feel bad because it is soooo good. I have two friends who drive new BMWs and I can easily keep up with the Jones. This car does everything well, including looking the part of a luxury sport sedan. Very fun to drive, handles well, and fuel economy is great for AWD. Speaking of AWD...it is wonderful in the rain..cant wait for snow. I am dating up because this car has hot looks and delivers performance even for a 4 cyl. When I tell people what I paid...they are filled with jealousy. Dont miss out!

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  great overall car - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By john V - March 10 - 2:00 am

  it handles well, fast enough for gettign around, gets the job done

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  Lots of fun - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx driver - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Basically the most fun car I have had a chance to drive. The handling is unbelivable. The turbo boost combined with excellent handling, speed, road grip, and flat out excelleration ( in 2-5th gear) is one hell of a ride. The body design is low key and boring but true auto enthusists know what its all about when they see one. Who else is there to immpress? The sports wagon design is very functional though and I wouldnt trade it for a sedan or racier.

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  Great so far - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By cptplt - March 7 - 1:56 pm

  This replaced a 98 Legacy wagon and is an incredible improvement especially the interior. I have the PZEV version and had read that people were having engine problems in cold weather but the recent few subzero spells have been no problem at all. The 4 cylinder 2.5 is more than adequate but if you want real umph get the turbo or 6cyl. This has more power than my 98 Legacy yet it still gets better mileage!