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 loyality shot - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By spirit1 - December 25 - 11:30 am

  I had to have the stereo replaced (after fighting with the dealership over it because they initially refused to repair it) while it was under warranty because of a faulty CD player. Soon after the repair, the speakers quit working. Some of them will work some of the time, but never all of them together and most often, none of them. Dealership wont back their work. With 50,000 miles on the car I had a dash light burn out. Soon after several instrument panel lights have burned out - windshield heater control, passenger side seat warmer button and the air circulating button. The cruise control lever sticks and often wont disengage. CV boot shaft just replaced. 62,000 miles. Now what?

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  2004 WRX Sedan - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx-blue - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle exceeds all my expectations. It is a Sports Sedan and performs like it. There are very few cars out there that equal its performance near its price. On a long trip I cruised at 75-80 when allowed and got 27 mpg over 2000 miles. The ride and driving comfort was a 10. Inever got tired. Passing acceleration is amazing (70+ to over 100). It handles like it is on rails. Nothing comes close in the 25-30K range. Then there is the safety and handling associated with the All wheel drive! After 11,000 miles it is as tight as a new car. Original tires and wheel are more than adequate. I recently replaced them with 17" OZ wheels and Pirelli Pzero Neros.

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  Great Car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By ForesterAccord - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Only have 3000 miles on it but it is perfect! Over 30 mpg in city; great shift. Very comfortable. Dealer was great.

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  Ditch the SUV - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By cdski - December 25 - 10:00 am

  What a value! I considered the Volvo XC, Audi A4 and VW Passat and all were 10 grand more. Obviously for this price you sacrifice a little quality but not much. After having my kidneys rattled on a daily basis in a Landcruiser I couldnt be more content. The car has some pep and handles reasonably well. It is definitely front dominant.

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  Scooby Dooby Doo Where are u... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Bootsy - December 23 - 12:33 pm

  2002 OBS: I have had my OBS for 3 weeks & I throughly enjoy the car. My only gripes is I wish the seats were firmer & more supportive. Also, the manual transmission is not as smooth as I would like & finding reverse is fuff sometimses.

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  Love the Rex - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By BlackRex - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Most fun Ive ever had driving an affordable car. Unbelievalbe handling, great in snow. Good power through all gears, except going really slow in second, use first gear. Suspension is perfect, stiff enough, not too much.

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  great car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By bink - December 23 - 2:00 am

  this is a fun car to drive,execellent handling,unbeleivable speed

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  great car - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Bink - December 23 - 2:00 am

  this is a fun car to drive,execellent handling,unbeleivable speed

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  What a great car! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chriss - December 19 - 7:56 am

  I have owned four Subarus and this one is my favorite by far-in fact it is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is super smooth and drives like a much bigger car. The ride is great and the handling is good.

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  Perfect Car! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By chillyoh - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My Subaru Forester is the perfect car for my needs. We live in a rural area with winding, hilly hard top roads. I drive over an hour one way to work in all kinds of weather. My Forester handles like a dream, provides excellent visibility and really hugs the curves. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee and I much prefer the Forester--I feel like I am driving a really nice car, but have all the benefits of the Jeep and feel safer.