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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  very good car for the money - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By awduser - April 10 - 12:13 pm

  My son bought it used with 170,000 km in 2007 and I got it from him with about 210,000 km. This month it turned 300,000 km. Engine and transmission all original but have small oil leak, probably from valve cover gasket. Had trouble with A/C compressor - replaced this summer (after 11 years of service). Had to overhaul front end - ball joints, tie rod ends, again after 11 years. Shock absorbers started leaking last year - I think 10 years is as good as it gets for driving through Canadian winters. And so apart from some rust (se reference to Canadian winters above), the vehicle looks and driving qualities are the same when we got it, and I even suspect it drives like new.

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  good things and frustrating things - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By Bill Kowalewski-Barrera - April 10 - 9:00 am

  This is our fourth Subaru. We do like the CVT transmission, quiet enough, and the car is peppy. The gas mileage is just what is published. What bothers me? I dont like the leather seats, too cold in the winter, too stiff. With cloth, you dont need seat warmers. In the 25k miles weve owned it, the fog, tail, and headlight bulbs have burned out, and both front half-shafts and the brakes were replaced. The dash has developed an annoying rattle. And twice a year, we need to take it back to the dealer to get the tpms switched between the summer and snow tires. The dealer has to reprogram it. Still a reasonable car, but not quite up to our Subaru expectations.

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  Very fun and Reliable! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Huffman.ben - April 9 - 5:06 pm

  This was my very first brand new car and Im glad I bought a Subaru. I have had no problems to date. I went through one winter so far and it was easy with the WRX.

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  Gets the job done - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By bloul11 - April 9 - 4:24 pm

  I bought my outback with 73K on it, It now has 140K. It is our grocery getter child transporter. Does great in the snow. I can get about 26-28 mpg city/Hwy. It does leak oil, i fear may be the dreaded Subaru head gasket. Thought it went out about 5K ago but it was the water pump. Shop said heads were fine. Interior is nice I do have leather package but not the limited. good comfort for long trips. I would buy another with out question. Only other issues are some electrical in steering column that makes turn signal sound for no reason, cruise control stopped working and horn no longer works. Also have to replace 4 tires at a time due to AWD.

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  2013 OB 2.5i CVT 9 month update - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By outie_quattro - April 8 - 2:42 am

  Performance? is Meh, but it can handle fast bumpy on/off ramps with sublime decorum. Roll on speed 40 to 70 is fairly respectable for a family Wagon, and upshifting/downshifting is far smoother in the CVT...Hooning lightly around town in the snow will reveal one startling realizaiton...downshifting with all 4 wheels engaged + traction control on snowy roads is surreal! If your in this car on snowy roads, watch your back at icy stop signs and intersections; getting rear ended by those who cant possibly stop as fast is a real issue. Still too new to judge reliability..Add snowtires and go nealry everywhere in the snow. bottom line: I feel safe with my family in this car in all conditions.

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  Great sales and touring vehicle! - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Johnny K - April 5 - 5:43 am

  This car is very comfy for those of us that spend hours in our vehicles. The cloth seats are very cool in the summer. Interior quality is very good. The sunroof is a big plus. My friend has a 3 series and the vehicles look identical - go figure. The exterior styling is fantastic for the price. Gas mileage is also very good with average 30 mpg on trips. I tinted all four windows/rear and it really enhances the vehicle. This vehicle is right in the middle between an econo box and luxury sedan - a great choice at $22K not $32K! Buy it! You will hear "nice car" many times over and feel great about your purchase.

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  great vehicle for the money, fun driving - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By cash register - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has a very tight feel and is fun to drive, especially around curves where other similarly priced vehicles dont hug the road. It performs great at high speeds and changing lanes at high speeds is a breeze.

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  my subaru - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Pat Wright - April 1 - 6:36 am

  An enjoyable car, practical and dependable. Insurance on this car new was less than my previous 5 year old Saab.

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  Subaru Outback in Aussie Outback country - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By AW - March 31 - 1:33 pm

  Excellent design and a major improvement on the previous model. Solidly put together with a great deal of focus in reducing NVH on the ride. My Outback has the Premium package as available in Aussie, which includes leather interior, double moon roof, and the self leveling rear suspension. Better if there was a possibility to adjust the passenger seat for height.Too low at the moment. The headlamps needed to be beefed up, and I had to replace the original bulbs with the Subaru upgrade kit. It should have been upgraded at manufacturer, and not after buying the car. The steering had developed some clonking sound when going from lock to lock in parking. Requires a warranty repair.

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  Steering: - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Elton McCann - March 26 - 1:34 pm

  It seems that the Outback has a tendency to drift from one side to the other. It requires constant correction and on a long trip steering becomes tiresome. I have contacted the dealership about this problem and the conclusion is that it is a characteristic of the Outback. Everything else about the car is great and the problem doesnt seem to bother other people but it does me. My 1999 Dodge pickup is easier to hold in a straight line than my 2015 Outback.