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 Impreza WRX review - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By mikeb32 - November 24 - 10:13 am

  I have recently purchased a 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and over all Im happy with what the car has to offer. This car has undeniably good value for money in terms of the performance you get out, its more comfortable than I thought it would be, you have loads of leg and head room, the boot space is sufficient and its impossible to get bored driving about in it. There are, however, a few down falls that might get on your nerves. The amount of noise caused by rattling in the cabin is pretty irritating!, the traction control makes the gear changes a little jerky and the revs bounce slightly when its on, but at least that can always be turned off at the push of a button

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  Not happy - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By dswiss - November 24 - 5:10 am

  Technically not a lemon, but awfully close to one! In 80,000 miles Ive had a transmission replaced, three catalytic converters, three oxygen sensors, numerous cruise control problems, burning oil smell, creaking windows, etc. Finally got rid of it and found out that the trade-in value is next to nothing. But at least I am happy now!

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  B9 Review - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By RMB - November 22 - 10:56 pm

  Car drives really well. The AWD is really stable and the car handles excellent for an SUV. Car is comfortable, but still communicates a lot of info to the driver. Navigation is very well implemented and the stereo is top quality.

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  This car is a piece of trash! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By paulnelissa - November 22 - 7:36 am

  We bought this car used from a Subaru dealership. The day after we bought it the check engine light came on and has stayed on for almost 4 years. We have, in the past 4 years, replaced the clutch, had a major oil leak, replaced the rear wheel bearings twice, and now have a crack in our cylinder head which can not be repaired. The mechanic has recommended a new engine. I realize that the car has a lot of miles, but come on. This car is a lemon if I ever saw one. Subaru has refused to honor warranty issues. We hate them and this car.

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  Our 3rd Subaru - LOVE LOVE LOVE! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Scott B. - November 22 - 2:09 am

  This is our 3rd Subie. We have had two WRXs (still have one now, the other was destroyed by a bad driver that ran over our car). I have a free company vehicle that is just a year old with free gas and I choose to drive my Outback EVERY chance I get. I just love everything about it. The vision outward is phenomenal, the interior layout has everything placed just where it should be. Today I drove in the snow for the first time with it and I have never felt so safe in my truck or another vehicle. Its hard to put into words just how great this car is. Subaru is a great company and builds a fantastic car. For the money one spends on a Subaru, you get the quality engineering and craftsmanship that Other company would charge nearly twice as much for. One test drive and youll see why this is a wonderful vehicle.

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  Suburu take notes - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By chazz1936 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  A great alternative to the Suv"s. We have the car for one year, and our experince has been pleasureable without indicent of any kind

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  High Miles - a real workhorse - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Chuck - November 21 - 11:33 pm

  I put on 324,000 miles on my 99 Forester and finally have a problem with the transmission. Did a valve job about 290,000 miles. Replacement engines were hard to find. Had some more minor problems along the way but taken care of okay. I would like to replace the transmission but they may also not be easy to find or be reasonable enough.

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  Super Wagon - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By kelpsubie - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive whipped some guys with more traditional sport cars at the red light and mine handles well in the snow too! And its a wagon!

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  Fast and Furious - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Jonthemon - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is for people who know what driving is all about. This is one of the fastest cars in country and with the AWD it makes it even better. The car looks great, and when you hook it up with all kinds of accessories it looks even greater. Of course this isnt a car for people who drive wimpy automatic "sports" cars. If you have around thirty grand, and love fast and good looking cars, the WRX is for you.

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  great car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By lagwagon - November 20 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR GO BUY ONE