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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  Joey subaru - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Jkyosho - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The best car of all

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  bought new, wish I hadnt - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By ssa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Outback wagon with 36000, has had two brake jobs, repeated problems with wind noise, problems with check engine sensor system with light coming on repeatedly, twisted gasket in rear wagon window. Generally, a big disappointment. Ive owned Subarus for 20 years and this is the poorest quality one Ive ever owned.

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  My New LL Bean - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By SOA-owner - April 11 - 2:00 am

  In the first 100 miles, all in rain, it is one of the best vehicles Ive ever dirven in rain.

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  Long Distance Driver - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By L. D. Driver - April 10 - 1:10 pm

  Because of the great power, reasonable gas mileage, and superb handling the car is great fun on long trips; especially in mountain areas.

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  Extremely Disappointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By MikeS - April 9 - 7:30 pm

  I dont know about any of you but this vehicle is a rattle trap. Drove off lot with 11 miles and was already rattling from multiple locations. My wife wishes she had her 05 Forester back. Love the exterior styling of this vehicle and like the ride, however they really skimped with quality of interior trim. Cannot get past the rattles & vibration. Vehicle has 415 miles and dealer fixed most rattles except the hatch vibration over bumps. I cannot live with spending $26k for a Forester that rattles. Luckily the dealership is allowing me to return it for 100% refund and get an Outback. The Outback is a much superior vehicle. One other note, two loaner 09 Foresters also rattled.

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  love my lgt - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By pete grisbey - April 9 - 10:03 am

  This hands down is the best car I`ve ever had. I love they design of the car it is really aggressive. It definitely turns heads by its look.

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  Love this Car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pilgrim - April 9 - 9:26 am

  Traded in a 2004 Honda Civic EX at a LOSS to buy this car. At the time we bought the Civic this was our first choice, but the cost was prohibitive. Too bad we did not go with our first choice. If you live in the north this car is the best. Heated seats, wiper de-icers - all designed with us in mind but the AWD is INCREDIBLE! Have had it in 12 inches of fresh snow with NO wheel spin at all. Complaints of lace of power are not as apparent on the manual transmission. Fit & finish are excellent as are the extras such as heated mirrors and seats. No air leaks into the cabin on windy days. If you live in the Great White North and you are considering this car (in any form) BUY IT. You will NOT be disappointed.

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  Interior issues - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ShellyJ - April 9 - 4:30 am

  Bought my 09 Forester this summer, and am a little disappointed in the cheap quality of the plastic interior parts, such as the center console. It chips and flakes off with hardly any contact. In addition, I am very disappointed in the "carpet", which appears to be more of a felt material. Absolutely everything sticks to it and it doesnt vacuum up well at all. I didnt do an in depth inspection of the carpet and such at the time I bought it, as I expected more from a Subaru. Other than these interior issues, its great. Im guessing you just have to buy the upper end styles to get a decent interior.

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  Great Little Machine - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By pdxtomct - April 8 - 7:23 am

  I came over to Subaru from the VW GTI looking for improved build quality and AWD grip. My first Subaru was a 2005 Legacy GT... a very comfortable, fast, luxury sedan. It was a bit too big for me and didnt offer much utility. The Limited WRX wagon has it all for me. Great AWD performance and handling, decent fuel economy, incredible utility, nice looks and solid construction. The biggest drawback is road noise. If you want a quiet ride, look elsewhere. Otherwise, I recommend this car.

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  2004 STi a.k.a bargin 911 Turbo - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By J04Sti - April 8 - 4:46 am

  There is no other car on the planet that makes more sense than a Subaru WRX STi! It makes 300 hp+300tq with no turbo lag from a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5L Flat 4 cyl,AWD,6 speed tranny, 4 doors, looks that could kill and with minor modifications can make well over 400 hp (like mine does). Sure the ride is a little harsh, but youre glued to the road I feel safer driving my 2 daughters around in it than any SUV or Volvo. Decent gas mileage and very reliable in all weather conditions. Plus 0-60mph in 4.5 sec & the 1/4mile in 13.3 sec@104mph STOCK! Ive spent approx $3500 and my car makes 427whp@6400rpm&446wtq@3600rpm,0-60 in 3.8sec & the 1/4mile 12.3@117mph! Its my daily driver too.