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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  very very disappointed, lost lots of money on purchase - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By john674 - November 6 - 4:38 pm

  Bought vehicle based on excellent reviews . very disappointed 1.seat front and back very uncomfortable ,got severe back pain, lumbar support too hard on back problem not detected during 15min test drive complain to dealer, other customers also complained no effect 2.poor mileage only 26 on freeway subaru claims 32 MPG 3.light on dials red at night very disturbing on eyes. not easy to change 4.noisy engine hallow noise idling 5. sound quality very poor knobs small. 6. steering heavy 7. problems finding dealerships very important , had to rent car very expensive must consider before buying subaru.had enough of problems so I trade it in at a huge financial loss. careful of excellent reviews.

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  Good! - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By regurgitate1 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  VERY NICE, LOOKS GOOD INSIDE AND OUT

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  One Great Car!! - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Princessssct - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this brand new 2003 Legacy L Special Edition Sedan this past summer (I could not stomach one more repair on my Jetta). My search lead me to Subaru, I remember my dad had a subaru (banana yellow) wagon when i was kid and here in New England living on a hilltop we need the AWD and he always mention how good that car was! Dad was right, Subaru and my new CAR ROCK! Its fun to drive an unbeatable value compared to other 4 door sedans out there.I got the special edition which came loaded with all the accessories you could want CD, sunroof, alloy wheels, leather wrapped wheel and shifter and fog lights.

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  Subaru Impreza Outback Sport - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By runfourit - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is rugged, roomie, and sporty all in one. We love how the seats can fold down for extra space or that we can put the seat up and our dog can stay in the truck area, but there is a small problem Subura does not make a pet grate for this model. It does have a rubber tray that collects anything that our dog brings in with her. Even though the car is a four cylinder it is very peppy and the independent breaking system is awesome. The ride of the car is smooth because of the high raised suspension. Overall though we are very satisfied with the car and would recommend it to our friends.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By oldpopeye - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased vehicle with automatic transmission for wife to use daily. The Turbo makes this a very fun car to drive, and merging into traffic is no longer a problem with this power. This is a performance sedan, so the ride is a little harsh but not severe. The handling more than makes up for the stiffer ride. Wife is averaging 23 mpg with mostly city driving. Manners on longer trips if very acceptable. Front seats are excellent and are fitted with side airbags. Rear seat has a folddown center section for longer items. Living in Phoenix, good A/C is a must and the Subarus works great in 110 degree days. Great Car.

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  Great Buy! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Jonathon M. - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I always look forward to driving everyday. Paint is quite thin but that is the only shortoming.

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  After nearly 2 years, still a great car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By IronChefMorimoto - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Other than a minor fuel system issue 9 days after my purchase, this car has been a great buy. The buying experience at the dealership was superb, and my service experiences have been very pleasant, if a little overpriced in the Atlanta area. The car is relatively roomy, versatile, and powerful enough that I dont really miss my 1999 Mercury Cougar V6. The OEM tires have also worn better than my Cougars Firestones. Buying a new Forester will be a less pleasant experience because Subaru has made a lot of the standard accessories that came with mine a la carte sticker items which cost a bit more. The 2002 model, regardless, remains an excellent value.

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  Best Wagon on the market - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Laserhahn - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car is fun to drive. Standard 4- cylinder engine has plenty of power, esp. at highway speeds. As for off- road performance, when was the last time you saw any new 4-wheel drive SUV taken off road, or an SUV in a rally race? If you want to go off-road, buy a Willies. I dont think you can beat this car for $23,000.

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  Will buy another one!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Will buy another one - November 3 - 3:03 am

  Ive driven this car in Michigan in all conditions and it wont quit. Had it packed to the ceiling with camping stuff, band equipment etc, it all fits! What a great car in the winter. I previously owned a Wrangler, and believe it or not, the Subaru is miles ahead in the winter. The only time I got stuck was when the plow covered it with 5 feet of snow. Mechanical problems: Replaced all brakes, a couple headlight bulbs, and wheel bearings in rear. This was a pain only because the shop did not know what the car was... do we order impreza or outback parts? I couldnt answer this for them. I believe the impreza parts worked, but not 100% on that. Overall great car, just wish I had a turbo!

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  Quality Car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Dirk A. Elder - November 2 - 10:00 am

  The car is very fun to drive. On long trips space is a little cramped. Car has ran almost flawlessly except for a check engine light that turned out to be a false code. The dealer could not reset it (Shortline Subaru in Aurora, CO) and I had to wait two weeks for a technician for the reset. There is some wind noise when traveling above 70 mph. Car drives perfect in bad weather. Car feels bogged down at low rpms and I find myself revving the engine at stop lights. I am very happy with the car but I miss my Impala SS.