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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  Dont Be Fooled by the Stylish Appearance - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By K White - December 27 - 11:30 pm

  I bought my 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek with 25k on it in January. At first, it was a great little car. For someone who lives in Vermont, a Subaru was almost a way of life, which is what drove me to purchase my Crosstrek. About two weeks after purchasing it was when I noticed my first problem with it, it shook so uncontrollably bad on the interstate that I had to pull over, turn the vehicle off and restart it. It was not long after that when all of the problems started to occur. My car now decides when the radio plays and when it does not, the automatic drivers window does not work anymore, the car skips and shakes when going down the road. Not to mention, how loud the motor is. Overall, my car sounds and feels like it is going to blow up when I drive down the road. I have not even had my car for a year and I am already ready to get something new due to how bad my car is. Unfortunately for me, I put $9500 down on it between my trade-in and down payment and to trade it in, would result in me "taking a bath" in my car. So it looks like I am stuck with it for another two or three years. This is not a vehicle I would recommend purchasing, dont be fooled by the stylish appearance.

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  Headlights are horrible - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Janice - December 15 - 8:10 pm

  I am having a horrible time with headlights. Very little light and hard to see about 12 to 15 feet in front of car. Had headlights adjusted multiple times. So frustrating. Anyone have this problem?

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  Suburus are LEMONS - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By unhappyowner7 - November 30 - 11:02 pm

  Quite frankly, were returning to Ford ASAP. We purchased a 2010 and it started leaking gas while on vacation in Colorado. It was towed to a dealership where the gas valve, gauge and tank have been replaced. It still leaks (1 1/2 weeks later) and they dont know how to fix it. Buyer Beware!!!

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  I Hate This Car - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By Stephanie - October 24 - 10:56 pm

  I had a used 2005 Subaru Legacy that I LOVED but it died (I put a lot of miles of cars quickly because of my commute.) I thought Id be replacing it with something of similar quality when I bought the 2012 Subaru Impreza slightly used with 25k miles. I decided to spend the money on a newer car because of this. First of all, I got into a slowww speed fender bender where the front of my car has all kinds of damage and cracks--the other persons car didnt have even a slight dent or scratch. Youd never know their car was hit and they drove away without my info after surveying the damage-- I think it was a Honda. Also, I drove over a small piece of loose metal laying on the highway which I didnt recognize as something solid until it was too late and it tore up my back bumper as it exited. I realize things like this happen but the amount of damage is way out of proportion. Most vehicles I see have a plate in that area to protect the underside. This Subaru back bumper is nothing but curved under, thin, cheap plastic. Second, this thing burns oil. Imagine my surprise when I was something like 4k miles away from the recommended oil change and my oil light came on. Thirdly, I have never gotten anywhere close to the estimated MPG. I drive at constant highway speeds. My legacy got the same, if not better, gas mileage and the engine had a lot more strength. Fourth, at 73k miles the engine is now making a low, stressed whining sound with acceleration. I had my transmission serviced at the recommended 60k miles. But now Im wondering if its going out. I am fixing the damage to the front and getting rid of this thing before it falls apart completely.

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  FOR SALE - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By disappointed - October 3 - 9:46 pm

  I HATE this car and even special ordered it. Constant issues with brake pedal make a clunking noise after your foot comes off. Now I am told "they all do that". $30,000 cars do not just "do that". One tire had a problem and would not steer right, pulled me off the road and I about lost it. Took the dealership a 40 mile test drive to finally discover it. I think it was a joy ride. The cloth interior is cheap. The carpet is cheap. The motor is severely underpowered. Feels like a chug mobile while getting on the interstate. Please someone take this off my hands. Will make you a good deal. What a $30,000 mistake.

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  Buyers Remorse! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Sue - September 28 - 1:03 pm

  Ive had my Outback about a month & have buyers remorse! Im 54" & the seats are very uncomfortable, and my passengers have complained about this as well. Its acceleration is noisy, but the car is pretty quiet once a steady speed is reached. The Outback only gets 21 mpg in the city & 23 mpg on the highway, which is very disappointing! The automatic trunk release on the clicker is convenient. The exterior mirror has an small indicator, which lights up when someone is in the cars blind spot. It would be nice if a button or turn signal would also show the blind spot area on the interior camera. It doesnt come with a key fob & push button start which would really be convenient, so I suggest Subaru engineers add those in future models. Im strongly considering selling my brand new car. Im so disappointed with the Subaru Outback! I should have spent my $32,000 on a Honda CRV or the Chrysler 300!

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  NEGATIVE COMFORT - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By phomerda - August 28 - 6:56 pm

  This is my first experience driving a 2005 Subaru Forester X SUV which I had no choice as it is a company owned vehicle. Subaru should seriously consider recalling the seats for the Forester X. Its unfortunate that this SUV does not support 4 adults and a childs seat in the interior cabin compartment. The comfort level for both driver and passengers is terrible. I am experiencing terrible back and sciatic nerve discomfort because the seats are very very firm. I would highly recommend that any potential customer consider the seating comfort. If your seating is uncomfortable how can you truly rate an automobile fairly?.

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  Big Disappointment - Oil Burning and Other Problems - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By jbv1105 - August 9 - 6:58 pm

  This car, with only 26,000 miles on it, has not lived up to my expectations for build quality and reliability. The car burned oil at an alarming rate. One dealer claimed there was nothing wrong, then a second finally agreed there was an issue after the car failed an oil consumption test. They replaced the entire engine under warranty. Also I had an ignition problem, which had to be addressed due to the car not starting. Additionally, the cars battery was defective and had to be replaced. The Bluetooth on this vehicle is terrible, wont connect and has had to be replaced. There are unsettling rattles in the dashboard and excessive wind and road noise. I plan to get rid of this car.

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  No More Subaru!!! - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By No more Subaru - August 7 - 8:34 pm

  From beginning of owning the car we noticed the engine noise like from broken muffler. Then noticed the engine oil level drops when it is still a new car. Lynns Subaru dealer did not do any thing to address the problems. I was told it is normal for Tribeca. Later I have to add oil between regular oil changes. As car gets old it requires more frequent additions of oil especially after a long drive. The tail pipes got black burned oil deposits. Many times asked dealer Victory Subaru to fix the oil burning they told me nothing wrong. There were many mechanical and electrical problems that will take too much time to detail them. Following is the short list: driver side window detached from rolling mechanism, power steering failed while driving, car has to be towed, radiators hose bursts leaking coolant, car towed. Cruise control never worked due to a number of engine warning signs pop up intermittently. All these problems were told to Victory Subaru dealer and they are incapable to fix them, instead they made us to change CV Boots and Booshings well before they life time and charged us almost $ 4000. The car was made in Mexico. The problems we had are more than manufacturer poor quality control, It was from design faults. This is Our second Subaru, We simply had enough problems and irresponsible dealer services and going to sell it below market and no more Subaru for us and our friends, coworkers, neighbors, I will let anyone know about how bad the Subaru becomes. Subaru lies about its reliability.

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  Not happy! - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By kari - August 2 - 2:36 pm

  I have owned four Subaru Outbacks prior to this 2009 Subaru Tribeca and thanks to this nightmare I will never buy another one! We purchased the car brand new. I wanted another Subaru for sure but thought I would try another model. My station wagons NEVER broke down and drove problem free for years. This car had been in the shop due to " check engine" light on within the first eight months. Only to be told its a faulty sensor and is fine. Yesterday my car lost power at 55 miles per hour- NO STEERING, NO GAS, check engine light back on and all I could was coast off the road. The car had to be towed. Service found the computer needed to be " updated" and now my car should be fine? NIGHTMARE.