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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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Provocyclist - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car! Its a sports car in baby wagon guise. Subaru actually under-quoted the horsepower rating by 30hp. 3 weeks after we got it, my dad and I drove from Utah to Ohio and back, and Roo performed flawlessly. The view from the drivers seat is great, and all-around visibility is super. The only thing i can say bad about this car is how small the back seat is. Im pretty short, so i fit fine, but if youre normal size, its tight.

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  Scary fast but needs refinement - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By WRXtheWonderSube - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car based on performance and looks. Once you overcome the turbo lag, this thing stands up and darn-near lifts of the pavement as it flies away. Unlike Front-wheel drive pocket rockets, the power transfer to the ground is smooth and devoid of torque steer. With side and rear spoiler, plus the standard fender flares, it looks great...hunkered to the ground and read to roll.

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  Good but not Car and Driver car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bob_bj - December 5 - 12:26 am

  I have had Subarus and this is not the top car of its time. I bought the car more as of being loyal to Subaru than the performance. It is a roomy car and will get you from point A to point B but not with performance of previous Subaru like my Subaru Outback 2005 Auto. The CVT transmission is good for fuel saving but not performance. When you rev your engine the acceleration is more of a small little moped than a big car with a lot of power. The engine is underpowered for this big of a car. The appearance of the new OB is relatively nice. I like the interior better than exterior. Interior is nicely done and does not feel so cheap. Exterior looks more like GM or Ford car now. Need a bit spice.

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  Ok car overall but amazing in the snow. - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Craig - December 4 - 3:30 pm

  If you are some one who needs a solid commuter car and deals with a lot of bad weather look no further. The cars boxer engine does a great job when you pass someone on the highway. What really is a disappointment is the low end torque, it is non existent. If you are like me and need that torque to get up to speed quickly on the highway with short on ramps then this is not the car for you. Even in a manual it struggles. Passing traffic amazing but no torque. Gas mileage is excellent and the all wheel drive can handle almost anything. Headlights went out twice but dealer was great and replaced. What I do not get is why the backseat does not fold down. Major problem with kids.

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  Larger interior is great - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Third Outback Owner - December 2 - 5:00 pm

  The larger size finally resolved the "too small" feel of all the previous Outback generations. It feels more durable. The interior and exterior designs are both very satisfying. The CVT noise distracts from the driving experience. Radio/stereo isnt too swift. Paddle shifters work well for downshifting going down hills, but revs the engine too high on highway merging and hill climbing. The Hill holder is a nice feature. Rear seats fold easily, far better than former Outbacks. Steering feels firm and secure, but is not weighted well, taking a while to get used to. Handling is secure for this size of car.

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  Are you kidding me? - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Schafdog - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I am sold big time. I bought an all silver, manual, turbo and boy can she fly- and a real eye catcher. This car is an absolute blast to drive. It is a sports car with the ability to perform all the functions of a small truck. Who knew!? It is a four seater but lots of room and very comfortable and the sound system is excellent. I wanted something reliable, fun and versatile and this car is all of that. They make a cover for the backend so essentially you can store stuff like a trunk or use it for hauling anything- the versatility is insane. Suburu reliability, amazingly fun, AWD! and overall versatility of the vehicle - all at an amazing price.

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  My car Spike - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Albert Long - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my WRX in April of 2001 which was the first year they were produced. When I first saw it, I thought that from the front it looked like a bulldog and since every bulldog I have ever known was named spike I named my WRX "Spike" and it immeditatly became a member of the family. After three years and 35000 miles it has never let me down. In that time it has developed only one minor problem: a slight gasoline leak that was quickly taken care of. I know that when it comes time to trade Spike, that its going to be like having to put down your pet.

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  MY 2003 SUBARU LEGACY SE - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Tigressrich - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the ride from the initial test drive.This car is excellent in the snow and you can actually feel the car adjusting to the snowy roads.I recommend this car to anyone that is looking for a sturdy car and one that is not stolen often,as is the Honda Civic and the Nissan Maxima.

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  Legacy GT - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By ERMJRM - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the way my Legacy drives. When it goes around corners and there is not much body roll, this makes for a smooth ride. We live in the country, so we drive on all types of roads all year around. The AWD handles great from the snow in the winter to the dirt roads in the summer.

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  Quality vehicle - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By drake - December 2 - 7:03 am

  Overall excellent fit and finish. Very good comfort and performance. Has nice pickup, great turning radius, very good visibility. First Subaru, previous Toyota owner. Very pleased with the quality, reliability, performance and appearance.