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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  Best Subie Ever - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Old Boy from Boston - June 4 - 10:00 am

  My fourth Subie, also had Audi A4 and Pathfinder. This is probably the best car on Americas roads. Fast, high, safe, great handling, much improved interior and exterior. Cruises down the highway, a delight on twisty hills, superb moderate off-road. Monotone is very sharp looking, a stealth Subie with much of the over badgeing gone. Unconfusing controls. Girlfriend loves the dual climate controls. Awesome sunroof. New 5speed auto transmission is much smoother. The six flies. Very safe feeling. Best car out there.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Baroness - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After spending 5 years researching a replacement car--this was our number 1 choice. The car is outstanding in almost every respect. It is at once: a family wagon; a fun sports car; and a great small SUV. All at a fair price-- for the money it is the most car you can buy in this category.

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  Fantastic Ride - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By RedRocketWRX - June 2 - 6:26 pm

  The WRX is extremely mod-friendly and a little goes a long way. Something as simple as redoing the air intake helps turbo spool-up and smooths out acceleration over the whole power band. I am very impressed with its performance across the board....acceleration, handling, and response are excellent. Front seats are well-bolstered and comfortable. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. AWD is fantastic in the snow. Small annoyances -- lack of useful cupholders (but this is not a car for sippin lattes while you drive!); low-end torque (fixable with mods); and clutch chatter (a known problem); 1st gear synchronizer seems to be "fragile". I think Im spoiled.

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  it kicks - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By dlac - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for about a month and a half now and still not used to its power. Once the turbo kicks, youll be glad the seat back is nice and comfortable. And the bucket seats are needed through insane turns. only had a couple problems. There was a national shortage, so it took several weeks to recieve a spoiler. also i got the lojack/alarm combo option and had problems with alarm from day one. in cold weather didnt want to activate or deative. Dealer didnt want anything to do with repair. Took 2 visits from lojack to finally get it fixed. supposidly the lojack alarm was the same as subarus, so beware. otherwise the car is perfect.

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  Incredible - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By CraigD - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I was 14 I wanted this car. When I finally got in one I couldnt believe my luck. The handling was excellent, and the speed was incredible. I didnt know something could be that fast (stock) for under 25k.

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  Best of both worlds - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By echristm - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Subaru has given the consumer the best of both worlds in the new Baja. I can comfortable drive 3 friends around town while hauling something that would not fit in an ordinary car. The mileage is great - 27 mi/gal. The 5 speed is smooth and the Baja drives real tight.

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  A surprised 1st-time Subie Owner - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By TITAN911 - May 31 - 7:33 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser for this car, and I have been pleasantly surprised. It gets WAY better mileage than the FJ, which required premium gas. I took advantage of the smokin $199/month lease that Subaru was offering, but I had never had one before. Needless to say, I was a little skeptical of just how good a Subie could possibly be, and I NEVER thought I would purchase one. All I knew was that they were equipped with all wheel drive, and there were many of them in Colorado. After my first test drive, I was sold! This car is every bit as good, and in most cases better than all the Toyota and Honda sedans Ive owned. Better looks, handling, traction, interior, and comfort.

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  Killer Grocery-Getter - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By Ted - May 30 - 7:36 pm

  I previously owned an 03 Mustang Cobra with over 500 HP, so I was a little concerned about taking a 200-horse beating ...however... this car is amazing. It handles like its on rails, and the brakes will bloody your nose. I am happy I made the trade!

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  Star On ICE! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Carlos - May 30 - 1:00 pm

  Greetings! Winter of 2009 my wife and I drove on I-40 somewhere in Oklahoma and the road was coated with snow turned to ICE... it was around midnight and we were the only ones driving on I-40 at about 40-50 mph. All Semi- Truck/cars, etc. stuck along the side of the interstate due to the road condition, but our 2008 2.5i Impreza 5door kept going. The car took control whenever it sensed a "side-way" skid. The 2008 2.5i Impreza 5 door handled perfectly well on the snow & ice coated I-40 interstate...

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  great reliability - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Ken Brown - May 30 - 1:16 am

  A faulty remote was the only problem in the first 30,000 miles. Great car but only 25 mpg. Subaru needs a clean diesel or hybrid for those of us who worry about the environment.