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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  Sharp and nimble - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Douglas Swinford - July 23 - 4:30 pm

  I have a lot of experience with driving cars, trucks, commercial vehicles. This is a find piece of machinery. In comparing with the competitors I liked the Mazda CX-5 and its snappy little motor. The Skyactive engine they have has a little more snap than the normally aspirated Touring, but I love the flat four and the balance and proven reliability of this set up. If you live in a climate where you have snow and bad roads and want all wheel drive they seem to have an edge on the comp too. Plus, when pricing its as if you dont pay extra for it (AWD) like you do on other vehicles. We liked the Hyundai Tuscon as its really sharp but I didnt want a turbo motor and all the ones we liked had their new 1.6 Turbo. I think Hondas are great but the front seats were lacking and did not have the wonderful seating position and view out of the windshield that the Forester does. Forester manages to have a nice back window you can see out of and still be nicely styled. My wife and I are both shorter drivers (under 510") and we had the best visibility out of the Forester. Now to particulars... I like the Eyesight system it works well but can be quirky occasionally and kick itself off. Its not annoying though when it mildly scolds you for getting out of your lane. Given that this is a high end model I would have thought I would have more gauges, i.e. temp / oil pressure / volts. But you get a blue light to tell you when the motor is cold, duh, and thats it. It does not have quite the ride that my 2003 Dodge Caravan does, but of course that has a longer wheelbase and it is a two wheel drive and cant handle much off the pavement. Ive only had this car off the road for a short distance once on some un even ground and she was like "lets go!" My wife really likes the tight turning radius compared to our van and she can get the power seat set so she doesnt need a pillow like with most cars. She loves to sit up hight and see out. So far the gas mileage has been very very good. My worst tank early on averaged 26 and the current one is at 30 for 100 miles. It will probably level out 27 or so. If there is road construction and you are held down in speed the mileage keeps shooting up. Driving 70-75 steady will put you at about 26 which is still good. Ive only got 1600 miles on it. Thats all I can think of for now. Im the kind of person who spends hours and hours studying and reading consumers reviews which I think is one of the best measures of a car. If you are coming down in size it will take a little adjusting but its still comfy for couple of hour trips. Happy shopping

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  suburu blue tooth a joke - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By Linda Tolokonsky - July 23 - 3:54 pm

  not being able to pair my phone has really turned me off. it is to difficcult to manually put your numbers in. the salesman could not get one in. had more excuses and then said we had to have had gps for it to work correctly. suburu is way behind technology that has been arou nd for years. my last 4 cars had no problem pairing my phone. this is a neccessity for me i work in my car. when they sell the car they need to be specific npt when your picking it up.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By SS - July 23 - 1:16 am

  I purchased this car two months ago. The navigation did not work the first time I tried to use it. The dealer replaced it under warranty. The engine noise is unbearable especially when it is a cold start. It sounds like a garbage truck. Accelaration is awful. I am getting 20 mpg average which is very disappointing. The fact that the gas fill cap is on the right caused me to scrap the the side of my car on a low planter at a gas station. I never had this issue when in my previous car which had the gas fill cap on the left. I truly cannot wait to get rid of this car. After doing further research, I found a lot of consumers are complaining about the engine noise issue in other online forums. What I do not understand is how this car is getting very positive rating on Edmunds and other mainstream car review websites. Here is my honest opinion for anyone who is thinking about buying or leasing this car: Go somewhere else. DONT BUY THIS CAR.

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  13000 miles and no problems - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Chris - July 22 - 3:56 pm

  I had a 2000 Audi A6 Biturbo and then upgraded to a 2003 Allroad, before I finally got smart and got the Subaru GT. It is just as quick as the Audis, with more road nose, while the interior materials and finishes are 80% of the Audis. The Subaru does not handle nearly as well as the Audi, but there are no mystery 45 MPH wobble, dont have to have the brakes replaced every 5,000 miles, and no electrical problems. (all of which plagued both my Audi’s) As a consumer I would say that Subaru took the A4 – A6 and copied as much as they could to make an inexpensive version that is much more reliable. All in all the Subaru GT has been a great choice for my family, but I do miss the A6 Biturbo

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  fair at 800 miles - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By rustythepuppy - July 22 - 7:15 am

  800 miles so far for this fairbanks, alaskan vehicle. driving on ice requires patience since it slides around a lot -- better treaded tires will be the next investment, though have not driven it in much snow. not happy with the yokohamas. the back hatch has some probs closing all the way - have to open and slam it a few times to get it to securely shut. i love the huge moonroof and the visibility out back. the sound quality of the premium stereo is a bit stinky -- not what i expected, and have to crank it if i want to hear it. well keep on driving the overpriced car and see what happens.

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  At this price - what else compares? - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By wpoulos - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is able to haul loads of stuff, has AWD, looks agressive, handles well, and is overall a fun car to drive (especially with the 5 speed). At this price point, there is not much that even comes close if those things are important to you. Audi A4 avant, BMW 325ix wagon, etc... are more $$$.

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  Cant wait for snow - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Jeff - July 21 - 4:10 am

  I think overall the Tribeca is an excellent crossover. This is our first Subaru, coming from a Toyota Camry then Honda Accord. I feel that the Subaru competes very well in that crowd. Some dont like the exterior styling, but I think it sets the Tribeca apart from the crowd. We get looks from people walking down the street all the time.

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  Darn wheel bearings - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By BillMopar - July 19 - 11:30 am

  I love the car, had it since 1999, but I have replaced the wheel bearings six times now. Sometime the car will not engage into drive from park. That normally happens every 30 thousand miles. How I correct this problem is by changing trans. fluid and filter.

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  Just bought it - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By GHJ - July 19 - 5:07 am

  We have only had the car for about 1,000 miles, so some questions dont apply. Overall, we are very happy with the purchase.

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  Such a love/hate relationship - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Cameron - July 18 - 7:51 pm

  First off, we love our subie. She gets us where we need to go. Never complains and never fails to do so. Ill admit, I graduated from the Subaru class of the early 2000s when the engines were crap and I wanted to drive the car off a cliff for the insurance money. I was hesitant to get anther but my wife insisted that we get something safe and reliable. Alas, we settled on a 2013 certified pre-owned and have been more than pleased. Sure, it has its quirks. MPG is not the greatest but we live in the city. On the highway she purrs like a kitten and gets us roughly 30-32 MPG. Bear in mind that we use non-ethanol gas. We had a funky issue with a brake light sensor going out and it totally confused the brain of the car and wouldnt let us shift out of park. However, I took it to the dealership and they knew right away what the issue was and resolved quickly. There could definitely be more legroom for a 61" 250lb dude but my wife fits in perfectly. It does blow my mind there is no cargo light in the trunk. The hate part is that their expensive to maintain. Will be buy another crosstrek? bet your [non-permissible content removed] we will. The 2018s are good lookin. For now, were not ready to retire 2013. Shes got 75,000 miles and still runnin like a champ.