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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  Buyers beware - another blown engine - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By SoxFan - December 6 - 12:33 am

  Ive owned 3 Subarus now but this might be my last. The engine blew on my 2009 Forester XT yesterday. Unfortunately this appears to be all-too-common with this years model. Its at the dealer now and everyone has been great so far with the warranty replacement. Still I cant help feeling remorse with a car thats not even a year old. If this is truly a problem across the model then Subaru needs to step up and address it proactively before they have more stranded motorists.

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  shot marks - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By dave leatherman - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car thinking "this is it!". I admit it is a fun and fast car. But Ive found it had a lot of little problems. The steering isnt always there to help you with agressive turns, shifting can be missed when pushed a bit more agressively and it is already showing signs of wear... which makes me wander how reliable it will be as years pile up. My friend bought and Evolution, I recently got a chance to drive it... and inmediately I realized my mistake. The Evo is much more refined in all aspects and has a better steering feel. I think my WRX is a great car, but I think the EVO will always be more refined... even when the 290Hp STi comes out.

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  Subaru cant fix it? - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By boangenese - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I want to believe the car is well built and reliable, but sometimes it doesnt start, it just turns over and shakes the entire vehicle - then it starts. Subaru cant duplicate it, cant fix it, so I dont know what to think about them now. Ive got 13,000 miles on it already.

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  Subaru wont stand behind its product - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By shemonkey - November 17 - 10:51 pm

  My air conditioner compressor failed in my 2008 Outback after 45,000 miles. The compressor was no longer covered by warranty. It cost me over $900 to replace the compressor, including parts and labor. My mechanic suggested I write a letter to Subaru of America to ask for reimbursement. I wrote a detailed letter to Subaru of America. Subaru of America wrote back with perhaps the lamest correspondence I have ever received, stating that "Subaru is not responsible for defective parts or workmanship from subcontractors." Needless to say, I will never purchase another Subaru product. My Outback is average or below average in every way, from handling to craftsmanship to fuel economy.

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  seat problems - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By wickett311 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  It has been a good, dependable vehicle so far except for two things. First, there is some hesitation after a stop, and I have had the drivers seat covers replaced twice and it needs replacing again.

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  good value vs. Audi/BMW/Lexus - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By wrx_tester - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Noise level on highway as low as Audi/Acura/VW for $5k less. Driver seat comfortable on 40 minute test drive with HUGE side bolsters. Absorbs road shocks well for this class. Short throw shifter is a bit notchy and shift from 1st to 2nd takes some muscle.

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  Starry eyed about Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By ewwingnut - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Buyer beware! Same probs as others: tires worn at 25K(replaced with 75K), service dept, hard to work with, O2 and fuel sensors failed, 16-19 mpg, body panels rusted, AWD does NOT mean off road through forests. Short back seat and slow accelleration. But overall, Forester has a great car feel, easy to handle, no blind spots, dependable in all weather, and is SAFE--like a little tank. Living in KY, I dont feel I get my moneys worth, but when I travel to MI, AWD and quick heater/defroster makes all worth while as I scoot past bulky SUVs. Forester is sure-footed, dependable car/truck/wagon.

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  Burns oil tooo FAST and frequent bulb outagaes - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By cin0904 - November 6 - 12:48 pm

  I bought the vehicle used 1 yr ago. I discovered the oil burns very very fast. I put 4 qts of oil in the vehicle and two weeks later the dip stick was completely empty. Tires Plus informed I need to take the vehicle to the dealership due to the oil is buring entirely too fast and could cause issues to the engine. I am also experiencing issues with frequent headlight bulb outage. I replaced both left and right headlights twice over the last 4 months. Now both high beams are out and the fog lights are out. the light in the trunk is out. It flickers from time to time. I have to constantly check my oil weekly to ensure it isnt bone dry. Thread on leather seats are coming apart.

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  2014 crostrek review - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Fred Cook - November 1 - 7:54 am

  Car ate tires like mad and all any of subarus representatives would say is nothing wrong with car its driving style. Original tires lasted 15000 miles second set were rated at 100000 miles but were 20% gone in 5000 miles

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  satisfied customer - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By satisfied customer - October 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is very comfy but the road noise is a bit to loud. this car is very reliable. the service at carr subaru is superb because they remember your name, face and what car you have. bad exterior design and interior because the seats wear out too fast. this car is to slow, should be able to hit 130 on an open road like a maxima