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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  Caution! - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Oshkosh - August 28 - 7:43 am

  Great car all around, sporty, decent power, drives strong. Beware of the leaking head gasket, VERY expensive to repair (3-4k), knock sensor tends to go out at least once, otherwise drives superb in snow and rain with great suspension and AWD, Limited Slip is a plus.

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  Subaru Impreza Hatchback Sedan 2012 - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By animaeme - August 27 - 5:54 am

  Car was purchased new in 2012. I want to warm consumers that th body is of cheap quality. Just looking at it give it a "dent". The body it like tin foil. The worst is the car is built very low to the ground at 5.6". Small road "bumps" or driving up a steep hill damages under the bumper. Also underneath the front and back bumper damages when parking over curbs. The back wheel guard is even lower to the ground & "hook shape". My car caught on a low curb and bumper partially pulled off. My car is only 1y/o but the body is getting beaten. This is my 6th car and by far it has the worst quality body design.

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  2011 Subaru Legacy Drivers Side Window Malfunction - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By nwusa - August 22 - 11:33 am

  We ordered this car October 2010 and it was delivered November 2010. Within the first couple of weeks (December 2010), the drivers side electric window, began to malfunction. 1. Window (inside door panel) would make a "ping" "clunk" sound, and engine idle is affected. 2. When drivers window is down, on occasion the window cannot be made to roll itself back up without multiple attempts, but always does roll up. (2-12 attempts). 3. The drivers window will on occasion roll down completely on its own. On one occasion the window has done this when it was only partly up. Usually when driving and window all the way up. New switch and then motor did not solve problem.

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  2nd Subaru went south - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Daniel - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Subaru but there wont be a third one. I thought the vibration on steering wheel issue has been addressed on 2011 models but they havent done much. After road force balancing and the part change on steering wheel, it still vibrates after 65/mph.

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  bad trans - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By john doe - August 7 - 5:20 pm

  a loud whining noise from trans forward and reverse not in neutral or park,,,,,,and no help from dealer..... dont do it.

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  Percussion section - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JW in SETx - August 1 - 6:06 am

  I bought this car after extensive research and what a thrill to have after almost 10 years. Everything was great for about 450 miles when back end started rattling. Dealer had it 5 days and couldn’t fix it or trade, Subaru wouldn’t cover it because it’s a “normal condition” of this vehicle but thanked me for bringing it to their attention so that "even though this is of no comfort to you," others may not have to experience the same defects. Now at 6K miles rattles in back end, right front door, glove compartment, dashboard, in the roof. Mileage at 18/23 is also disappointing and at 6k miles having power steering problems. It’s now on the market, live and learn! Wipers work great!

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  Buy something else - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By UGGGHHH - July 31 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car used in 01, and had nothing but problems ever since. 2 sensor replacements, a transmission replacement (2 if you count that the first replacement put in didnt work), an engine seal replacement, 2 wheel bearing replacements (same wheel, and I think its going again), short in power door locks that make them unusable, cruise and horn stopped working, CD player only works when it wants to, and there is a constant squeak when driving that no one can find the source of. I had good luck with a previous Subaru, but am looking to replace this one and will probably not be getting another Subaru again.

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  Subaru joins the many automakers that kill roofline height - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By jamesrivera - July 21 - 1:31 pm

  With this OUtback, my wife is pleased, but not me. When Isit in the front seat I feel like I am aout to eat the roof in front of me. THe old Outback;s rooflije did not slope down as much as this one. I have poor visibility in this car. I wanted to like the new Outback but its not for me. Ive been looking for a car myself, so far the Cmax is a better option.

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  Definitely wont buy another Subaru... - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By subaru_andrew - June 27 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this car new in April 2004 and have since put approximately 97500 miles on it. Build quality isnt too good; I have experienced engine knock when cold since 20000 miles. Dealer wouldnt touch the issue, saying its typical for these engines. Cold (under 20 degree F) starts are painful, sometimes requiring 4 or 5 tries before the engine will stay running. Ive had the A/C lose charge twice (dealer and independent shop cannot find leak, so it gets charged once a year) and had the clutch bind and squeak. Dealer replaced the clutch, didnt fix the issue, I found a bad slave cylinder. Rear suspension sags at least 1.5" even with nothing in the trunk. But, I havent been stranded-yet!

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  Worst car we have ever owned - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Nancy - June 25 - 6:53 pm

  We have gone through brakes like someone goes through socks - not kidding. At 120,000 we had to replace the head gaskets and at that time they said we need new valves. At 130,000 we had to replace both catalytic converters. We cant sell the car without acknowledging the valve problem so I feel we are stuck with it. We will have a completely new car before long and I wonder how long these parts will last. Going online it is evident that some of these problems are ongoing. Subaru has to know and they are not backing their product. Thousands of dollars later we are STUCK! We would NEVER buy another Subaru.