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 Rocks! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By AlaskanInColorado - May 1 - 2:00 am

  What can I say, Im practical, but I know what gets the job done for everything I do. It is a dream ride in the city, on the highway, in the mountains, desert, swamps, mud, snow, pretty deep water, off road, scratch the Jeep trails. I got it stuck once, Apr. 02 CO blizzard. The snow was heavy and wet, but I dont think it counts, the snow was up to the top of my thigh, Im 510". Just the right amount of horses for the size of the car. This car will be with me for a long time, Subarus last forever as long as you take care of them. Im from Alaska, I still see Subarus driving around from the late 70s early 80s in AK, CO and OR. Buy one, you wont regret it.

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  Piece of Crap - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By brainstrains - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for 2 years and have had to take it in 7 times because the Check Engine light keeps coming on. They told me it was my fault for not tightening the gas cap. The 3rd time, I figured Id just ride with it on-but it suddenly lost power and I started rolling backward. I now have to make sure I take it in, since I never know whether its more serious. In the past 3 months it happened 3 more times. Each time, they tell me what I did to cause it. This time, they said they found the glitch- its happening with all 2002s, and they know how to turn it off. NO MORE! I am sick of the runaround. When I get it back, I am saying goodbye forever.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By AGOW - April 30 - 7:10 pm

  I drive this thing very hard and it has held up well (except for the time I crashed into a curb while shredding up the snow). This car rocks when it comes to driving in the snow. It is a fun car. This car handles incredibly well and accelerates quickly with the turbo. The turbo lags a little..

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  Each generation of Outbacks Improves. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By trzeszkowski - April 29 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd Outback since 1997. The second one developed transm problems and traded it in for the six cylinder. I love the six even more. Minor inprovements show that some one is always testing and thinking.

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  The Truck offers what I need - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Girl Trucker - April 28 - 2:56 am

  We use the vehicle for running to and from places and hauling things that do not fit in our SUV. I also use it to go to work and home.

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  2012 Subaru Impreza - Premium - 4 door - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By hollenway - April 27 - 4:15 pm

  First of all - let me say that when we went looking for a new car we looked at everything in this cars price range. The Subaru ( imho) provides the best value for the dollar and does everything we want it to do. Great power, good fuel economy ( 34 mpg on first tank ) and seems built like a little tank. Easy to get in and out of - huge trunk - great visibility - and all weather dependability. Our car has the CVT and we find it very smooth - the car has done nothing wrong since we bought it - zero defects and looks good sitting in the garage. Were very satisfied !!!!!!!

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  Blue STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By subbynut - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Owned several high performance cars. The STi is the most practical. However it does not have the same quality build/fit and finish as the german and other japanese products.

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  I love my car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By i can has car - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my Subaru for about 2 months but I have fallen in love with it. Im only 16 years old, and it isnt exactly the coolest looking car, but it is fun to drive, pretty fast, and the double sunroofs are great. It has been the most reliable car I have ever experienced. The AWD has saved me a few times. But I mostly use it to go around turns way too fast.

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  The Good and The Bad - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By John - April 25 - 9:46 am

  Being that it has turbo, the WRX is a blast to drive in a straight line. Add corners to the equation and youd better hang on to the handles if you have the 08. Dont worry, they added sway bars to the 09 WRX because of the problem. They also added significantly more horsepower to the 09 WRX. I feel ripped off that these fixes didnt come with the original 08 WRX model.

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  Not Worth It - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By z_outback - April 25 - 8:23 am

  We bought the 2010 Subaru Outback Premium with CVT and all weather options. The quality of this car is not as good as it looks. Driving up a slope and the engine makes a lot of noise. While driving in high speed on freeway, you hear noise and squeaky behind in trunk. It is not worth it. It is the first and last of my Subaru Outback!