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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  3 years now and still loving it - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Christine - March 3 - 6:10 am

  My husband convinced me to get this car because he knew that I would not need to replace it anytime in the foreseeable future. It works as a family car and a daily driver. My husband and I were window shopping for something better and you cant find it for less than $60k. At least not with 4 doors and AWD, which is a must.

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  Q Ship - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By REDNEB - March 1 - 2:00 am

  this is without a doubt the most amazing sleeper i have ever owned. handling is above average for a crossover and acceration im pressive particularly over 3500 rpm. the interior seems well concieved and of high quality. shift & clutch are smooth, making double clutching easy. overall a remarkable and practical vehicle.

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  Caffeine-free version of Impreza WRX - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Space_Monkey - March 1 - 2:00 am

  AWD is no excuse to drive with abandon, but it instills more confidence in inclement weather. Despite small engine, lacking turbo of new Subarus, acceleration is adequate. Braking is never a problem. Uncommon exterior appearance turns heads (but Im tiring of others trying to race me.) Front seats are comfortable over long distances; offer good support when cornering. Climate system works well; use of A/C hardly affects power. Components (brakes, exhaust) have lasted longer than expected.

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  03 Forester XS Auto Premi - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By gmginsfo - March 1 - 2:00 am

  At just over 9K miles, Im pretty happy with my Forester so far. The mileage continues to improve, and I enjoy driving it wherever I go. At times it seems sluggish, but thats probably just me driving too miserly!

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  won out over audi a4 - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By subby boy - March 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife actually chose this car over the A4 avant wagon, with the conditions in Utah, the clearance, reliability, room, and features were a much better fit, of course it cost less as well

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  Good, but not Great - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By taxguy - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Rides great, handles great, looks good. Handles rain and snow without a problem and is comfortable to drive or be a front seat passanger. Has decent amount of power (more powerful and quieter than CRV and RAV4). It also has a lot of cargo room. Whoever designed the interior should look for a new job. The back seat is cramped and cannot move back and forth or recline. The drink holder is in the worst spot possible (except if they put it in front of the instrument cluster). Also, the gas mileage, while not bad, is NOT what it states on the sticker. Overall a great car and a great value, just wish they would follow the CRV interior.

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  Good but Not Exciting - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By christy - February 28 - 1:36 am

  It is a decent car. It performs very well in snow -- better than our 4x4 rig. It is, well, just boring. But it is good.

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  Another Great Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Fritz - February 27 - 8:06 pm

  My fourth Subaru and thus far my favorite. This car is "tight" and well built. The 3.6 is a strong, smooth engine that works well with the 5 speed auto. The navigation system is easy to use and the Harman Kardon stereo sounds great. Interior room is MUCH improved over previous generations and overall it is well laid out. As one would expect this car handles the snow and cold with ease and is a blast to drive.

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  just amazing - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ashley - February 27 - 6:33 am

  THIS CAR I THINK IS THE BEST CAR ON THE ROAD,(APART FROM THE IMPREZA WRX) I DONT THINK IT LOOKS AS GOOD AS THE IMPREZA WRX, THE ONE I DROVE DIDNT HAVE THE GRILL ON THE BONNET WHICH WAS A DISSAPOINTMENT BUT THE POWER IS THERE! ALTHOUGH ITS A BIG CAR IT HANDLES LIKE A TRUE SMALL SPORTS CAR!

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  Great all around car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By pun - February 27 - 12:26 am

  I live in New England and this car does it all. Bought it brand new with zero miles and now has almost 100k and still going strong. No major troubles. Just your BASIC oil change and filter. 300 hp, how can I complain? Gas mileage is good also for a vehicle with 300 hp. You dont buy the car for the gas mileage it gets, but thats just me. Things that are bad with this car are to be expected. Its a sub 35k car brand new. For the price, it cant be beat in terms of performance, reliability, comfort, and space as a package. You cant expect this car to be your high end 90k price tag amg Mercedes. Its a Subaru...