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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  Rock solid reliability - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By 4262 - February 11 - 11:20 pm

  This vehicle has been there for me with no problems. The car can go through anything in town. It suits most of my need and Im happy with it.

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  2016 XT Touring - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By NewXTOwner - February 7 - 4:12 am

  Nice buying experience. The XT turbo engine offers plenty of power to carry 5 in the car and go up long steep roads. Interior road noise and wagon like ride however are below my expectations compared to an Audi SUV I also own. The cvt shifts quietly and smoothly. Visibility is great in this car. The anti-collision aide and lane departure aide alarms are toooooo quiet even when adjusted to the loudest setting. Audis alarm chimes loud like an elevator plus the dashboard blinks bright red which is what an alert should be like. The Foresters interior has a lot of cheap plastic buttons and panels, which surprised me because this XT is their most pricy model. At least let the consumer feel like hes getting his moneys worth in the high trim model. The rear seat recline doesnt even have a handle or button, it is just a nylon pull strap! I think the lower trim XT model at $26k msrp would be your best choice, unfortunately Navi is not even an option on that trim level.

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  AWD is Overrated. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Alex - February 7 - 3:56 am

  Really liked it at first, but after two years, Im happy to be getting rid of it. I bought it for the cargo space and AWD. Lots of space, very nice driving position, and comfortable front seats. However, it absolutely stinks in the snow (so much for AWD - had to buy snow tires anyway), the back seat is cramped for a car this big, it is SO underpowered, and it eats gas. Also, some interior elements are really shoddy and scratch easily (what is with the cargo cover?), and very large bumper overhang makes it almost impossible to parallel park. Lastly, after 30k miles, distinctive burning rubber smell started coming through the heat vents. Dealer could never figure out what was wrong.

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  good suv alternative - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By adhong - February 5 - 10:00 am

  handles great thanks to awd...does everything you would need an suv for with more comfort. ive had mine for about 4 months, and ive been really happy with it so far. service and sales have been great.

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  Baja truck/car - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By chuckc - February 4 - 11:36 pm

  I have about 13,000 on mine in 7 months and love it. I have the only one in my area, and I get compliments on its looks all the time. No problems with it yet, other than what sounds like minor belt rub, unlike my Mitsubishi Spyder which was a real piece of junk mechanically. My only complaint is what others have said, that the bed top is difficult to lift; needs a handle or something. Otherwise I really like it so far!

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  Reliable Vehicle - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By ChetVA - February 1 - 8:03 am

  Very handy vehicle for getting around in snow and icy conditions; fairly comfortable on long trips, though not overly roomy inside, especially in the back seat. Gas mileage is ok, but would prefer it to be more fuel efficient; never had a breakdown, and no mechanical problems whatsoever; have had some trouble with replacement wiper blades staying put; also have a lot of wind noise while driving with the windows up; seems like a bad seal in the driver side window; all in all a fantastic vehicle and super to get around in bad weather

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  Some Good and Bad - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jason Meissner - January 30 - 4:30 am

  This is my first Subaru; some of the main reasons for my purchase were the size, versatility, and AWD system. It offers a very rugged look with a solid, safe ride, great sound system and auto climate control. I never thought I would find myself behind the wheel of a wagon, however the style inside and out makes your think twice. So far it has been dependable, but Subarus customer service has been least favorite on my list thus far. This car is very solid in winter weather, the best I have ever driven. Gas mileage has been horrific, ~23 mpg on mostly open road. I have read other reviews here, and Subaru boasts of increased gas mileage...this is definitely not my experience.

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  Need more time to evaluate.too early - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Linda coyner - January 26 - 10:39 pm

  Transmission questionable

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  Do not buy this car - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By starfool - January 26 - 7:57 pm

  I bought my 2012 Forester about a year and a half ago. It started to have starting issues about 3 months ago. It wont start right away, sometimes it takes a few tries holding the key for about 10 seconds. I took it to North End Subaru and they tried a few things that didn’t work, and then told me it is normal. I then took it to Prime Subaru. They couldnt find anything wrong but gave me a few tips to try. They didnt work, I called back, they also told me that the problem is normal. It does always start eventually, but it just doesn’t seem normal to me. I have read reviews of people who have had similar problems for both the 2012 & 2013 models.

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  Turbo Engine Trouble - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By luganlad - January 26 - 11:40 am

  Apparently the 2009 2.5 liter turbo engine has some metallurgic problems. Our engine began making loud banging sounds on a road trip after just 4,000 miles on it. Worked fine prior to this catastrophic breakdown. Subaru will be replacing the engine with hopefully a correctly produced engine.