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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  Engine Racing - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Carol - June 1 - 5:13 am

  Had a 2000 Outback, liked it so well, I bought a 2008 Outback Wagon 5 spd man trans. It has 1,522 miles and just started this engine racing thing. When you shift thru from 1st to 5th gear it seems as though the gas is sticking causing RPMs to go up when you let off the accelerator. Sometimes when you downshift, the engine races like the accelerator is sticking. Took it to the dealer, he called Subaru Techline but before he could finish telling them what was wrong they said it was normal operation. We find that hard to believe. Racing past 2000rpms when the clutch is pressed and no foot on the accelerator doesnt seem normal to us.

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  Post Porsche Rush - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SilverStreak - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Having owned and driven many "high" performance and sports cars (TR-4, 5L Mustang, Porsche(s) 911E, 924S, Mercedes 230SL), I can unequivocally say that this ride beats the rest in every parameter except perhaps the comfort of the front seats. It is a sleeper and the new STi should be made in the wagon version to appeal to those of us who no longer need to shout "look at me."

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  TS=Terrific Sportwagon! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Beacom - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Cant rate the reliability yet but every other aspect; handling, function, acceleration, looks, quality are superb. In choosing the TS, I researched the Protege wagon, focus wagon, vibe, element & matrix. This is in the uppermid price range, but is clearly on top in features & function. The gas mileage is good considering the power and towing capacity. I liked the protege wagon until I drove the TS. They are not even in the same club. I like the Element but there was not enough driver leg room. The leg/head room in the TS is great. Normally my hair brushes the ceiling in smaller cars, but I have 2 inches above my head in the TS. Overall, a very nice car.

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  the best bang for your buck - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tekfoc - May 31 - 10:00 am

  you cant beat this do it all vehicle,in all weather conditions.the best part about this car is the power.

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  Best car onplanet - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt Groves - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I searched for a year or more for car to fit my needs. Thought about 911, except needed to occasionally take my kids. Then thought M5 or M3, but after driving STI I never thought about anything else. This car is flawless in terms of performance and handling. Might not have the same prestige, but I would stack it up against anything. I love it.

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  An appealing package - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By bgabel1260 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  The car feels like a lower-cost Eurowagon. The boxer engine produces a nice amount of low-end torque, sounds great and the shifter has a nice mechanical feel. Despite the raised suspension the Outback is quite fun to drive and handles surprisingly well, though it exhibits some body roll. The ride is comfy on regular pavement but can be really bouncy on torn-up roads. The AWD system is completely transparent to the driver. The cabin is nicely finished though unexceptional. Seats are very comfortable and shod in nice cloth material. The premium audio system can play very loud and clear, a nice touch. Cargo room is plentiful and easy to access.

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  Going back to Toyota - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By debafish - May 31 - 9:31 am

  Ive had nothing but problems with my Subaru Outback since we bought it. We burn through breaks, head lights and the car smells of burnt rubber after minimal driving. When the ABS light came on I took it to the dealer and they couldnt diagnose it (they failed to mention I need to leave the car running with the light on to diagnose..so they said). Now that is has 104K miles they tell me its the ball bearing, covered until 100K by warranty. Then the turbo went out, $1600 later its still smoking when I drive. Today they tell me the head gasket is shot and it has two leaks. This car is a money pit. I04K miles and a lot of issues, Im going back to Toyota.

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  Suprise! - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Brian - May 30 - 2:10 am

  OK, so my clunker died and it was time for new wheels. I am a 35 year old man, and a father. I wanted something fun, sporty, comfy, and fun to drive. And I found it! I could not be happier with my Legacy 3.0R Limited. The car is a rocket, smooth as silk on the road, and is loaded with enough features to keep me busy for the next 6 months figuring them all out. Nav works well, although sometimes takes an odd turn or two. The car is a beauty, and accelerates better than any I have ever driven (and I test drive frequently as I am a car lover). This is a drivers car in every way, and Subaru deserves more street cred after making a machine like this one! I truly look forward to driving.

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  Head Turning Winner - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By gayleen jaeger - May 29 - 9:30 pm

  Where else can you get a four seater, four door, pick-up with extended bed and roof rack that is a head turner every where you go? All this and be rated as a passenger car for insurance? Ive never had a problem and get through Buffalo winters with ease.

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  Surprisingly lacking in reliability.... - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Morphie - May 28 - 11:36 pm

  After owning three (3) Audis in succession, we were looking forward to a more reliable vehicle; the added bonus was a lower cost. Our problems: -Air conditioning failure at less than 1,000 miles; repaired in a few days. -Abrupt shifting of the transmission; A surprisingly difficult service department to deal with; (primarily the Service Manager). -Fit and finish much poorer than my daughters Honda Civic; The only redeeming aspect: I was wise enough (by accident) to lease it for only two (2) years. This is our first and last Subaru. To say that I am surprised is an understatement.