The Subaru Legacy, Impreza and Forester have each been chosen as winners of the 2001 Australia's Best Cars Awards, which are selected by representatives of the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) and the country's six other leading motoring organizations. The Liberty RX (Legacy) was voted Best Mid-Size Car over $25,000, the Impreza WRX was selected as Best Sports Car under $56,000, and the Forester Limited was named Best Recreational Vehicle under $45,000.

Previously, each motoring organization selected its own list of Best Cars, but last year, the Australia's Best Cars Awards were consolidated into a nationwide event, making it an even greater honor in Australia. The Liberty and the Forester both won their respective categories last year as well.

All new cars available as of October 1, 2001 were judged on the basis of consumers' purchasing criteria as well as the outcome of year-round road tests conducted by automotive clubs. They were also evaluated in areas buyers identified as important to them, including safety, price, running costs, comfort, performance, security, and retained value. The judges selected the best in each of twelve categories.

The Liberty RX impressed the judges with its high-quality engineering, which they claimed keeps it "competitive against newer but less finely crafted cars." The car performed well in the categories of standard features, comfort and quality, and earned top scores for ride, handling/steering and braking as well as its smooth, quiet ride.

The Impreza WRX scored maximum points for handling, steering and braking, but factors that gave it the decisive edge over its closest competitor included its "user friendly and practical" qualities for everyday use, plus the superior safety and handling of Subaru AWD.

The Forester Limited's success rested on the "integrity of its engineering, its first-class build and finish quality, and the fact that it is a superior drive to its rivals" on dirt and asphalt.

Nick Senior, general manager of Subaru Australia, stated "Once again, Subaru is delighted that its vehicles have been recognized in these vitally important awards by some of the toughest expert judges in the country. The awards are unbiased, unemotional, and reflective of consumers' everyday needs. These are the awards companies want to win."