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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  Excellent Buy - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By mira4 - January 15 - 11:00 pm

  Solid build quality, although the some of the plastics look cheap. Will not find a better car for the price.

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  Quite the little power house! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Ruben Escatell - January 15 - 6:46 am

  This Subaru (my first!) exceeded my expectations of a mini SUV ... handles more like a sports car with its breathtaking acceleration and road-hugging suspension. With state-of-the-art sound system, this car as a highway cruiser year round has no peer, whether in snow, sleet, rain, or sun!

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  just gets better - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By alzada - January 14 - 6:35 am

  Odometer just turned 20,000. Have had none of the problems some other owners reported. Wish Subaru had some of the things found on practically everybody elses cars at this trim level [doors that lock when you put it in gear, turn signals on mirrors would be nice] but without a doubt, I feel more secure driving this than ANY other car (or truck) Ive ever driven since I started driving in 1963. [and considering I am a "car-aholic", thats over 50 vehicles!]

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  WRX Crazy! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By ofixit - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I have just purchased my WRX, due to moving to CA and having my 00 Civic Si stolen. You barely hit the gas and youre gone, I was so used to whining up my civic to 7-8k rpms to get good power. I am super satisfied with the car, I thought I would be a loyal Honda owner forever, but subaru has taken its place. Broke the car in for 1000 miles, then took it out on the racetrack for the weekend, love the way no power is wasted with the AWD.

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  This car is awsome. - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Scoobyvroom - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I used to have a 350HP AWD Talon but this thing is great. It has loads of bottom end. Its o.k in the snow however I belive that the tires is what hurts it most in snow traction.However the AWD makes up for it. Very good interior build quality. Feels sound and sturdy, yet the seats are great for long distance travel. I have driven my car from MN to Chicago, IL many times and it was a wonderful car. After 3-4 hours my legs felt great no cramping or anything. Definatly worth the money for this car. I had looked at many other cars. and this blew everything out of the water for the price/quality.

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  Brand New Outback Review - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Michael Fort - January 13 - 10:36 pm

  Found out about Subaru through friend at work. He knows theyre reliable so took his word and checked one out. Never looked back. Car is incredible. One problem. Annoying rattle coming from sunroof Ill have dealer address this when it goes in for its first oil change at 3500 miles. I get 30 mpg on highway, CVT auto tran is mated to a 2.5 4 cylinder. Extremely responsive. Smooth strong acceleration, very well balanced, engine low center gravity providing excellent awd power to all 4 wheels. Very comfortable, very quiet, good performance, cant wait to try it out in snow. Workmanship is so incredible, Im very happy with this car, very glad I bought it.

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  Subaru Bean - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By kayakker - January 13 - 12:16 pm

  Only 3000 miles so far - The handling is superb, the ride quiet, and the interior details are practical, easy to use, and well designed. It was the H6 that made me opt for the Bean, didnt need all those bells & whistles, but Ive quickly grown to appreciate them, although I would prefer cloth seats. I LOVE the MOMA steering wheel!

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  Excellent Craftsmanship - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By tdg - January 11 - 1:53 am

  I cannot believe that I dont see more of these on the road. This is the first vehicle Ive bought and not had buyers remorse at all. Interior is wonderful: I like it more than my friends Audi A4. 17 inch rims look great, and the ride is quiet, solid, and sure-footed.

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  The most fun Ive ever had driving! - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By waveoff - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun of any car that Ive owned. Every car I have ever owned has utilized forced induction but this one is by far the most entertaining. I went with the wagon because my wife was having our first kid and I wanted the utility. I must say though, the trunk isnt THAT big. I can fit more stuff into my 97 Honda Civic. Also, rear leg room is meager and is only recommended for short trips. If youre really looking for a long trip family car go with an SUV or Minivan.

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  Black STi w/ Gold Wheels..HOT! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By Big Al! - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best Porshe / Mustang / Ferrari / Vette...EATER on the planet!! For the money, you can buy two STis and beat the above guys twice!!