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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  Traded in 1997 Outback, should have kept it! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jpm2 - April 22 - 7:24 am

  I bought this 2010 in Dec 2009 and ready to trade it in for something other than Subaru. 1st, the old OB had a car chassis (great ) and now an SUV/Truck chassis (awful). 3 recalls, stalling with A/C on full, squeaky seats, under powered engine, cant find door unlock button at night, rocky and jolting ride (Truck chassis). This car is much bigger than the real station wagon Outback. I wish I knew at the time Subaru made these major, value destroying changes, to the Outback. We are very disappointed with this car and I wish I knew they made these

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  Believe it or not the Ford Edge is better - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By 1happycamper - March 25 - 8:01 pm

  I have owned two Subarus...a 2011 OUtback wagon (4 cylinder w/CVT) and a 2009 Forester. Both cars were made with cheap plastic, had alot of rattles, transmission issues, and the darned muffler guard had to be tightened every 3 months or so. All of these items were apparently part of the regular joy of owning a Subaru and were not seen as requiring a recall fix. After owning the Outback for 18 months, I just had enough of having to take it back to the dealer to get things tightened up. I traded that car in for a 2013 Edge and have been EXTREMELY happy with it. The only issue with the Edge it to make sure to get the Scotchguard on it if you get cloth interior. Ford Edge rules!

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  Wanted to love it; absolutely hate it - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By kal13 - March 16 - 10:23 am

  This is my wifes car but I drive it more than her because she cannot stand the road noise, brake noise, lackluster A/C and other querks that cannot be fixed. My wife had wanted a subaru for a while so we traded in her truck for a forester to get better MPG and handling while keeping AWD for winter safety. It has been disappointing from the start. There is horrible wind noise above 35mph that gets exopentially louder with increased speed. Dealer and independent mechanics say it is window/door design and cannot be fixed. brakes squeel embarassingly loud regardless of pad type. It is mediocre at best in the snow - on par with most FWD cars. Head gasket went at 100K mi - $2,000 repair.

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  My 1st Subaru is disappointing - 2010 Subaru Tribeca
  By bob636 - March 4 - 2:22 am

  I recently purchased a used 2010 Tribeca 3.6 L engine , my first Subaru, and am rather pleased except for a howl in my automatic transmission. The sound changes as goes up through gears and especially noticeable from start through 2nd. Dealer has determined it is the alternator since engine speed also changes as gears change. Cannot believe any auto manufacturer would make their top of the line touring vehicle with this howl or whine as I have been told by others. Either way a defective alternator OR transmission needs to be replaced.

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  Hate this car - complete lack of power - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By jenn_outdoors - February 24 - 7:47 am

  Paid $27k, 6mo later I wanted out of this car due to complete lack of power when I would go up into the mountains. CarMax & Toyota only offered me $19k, so I went to Subaru since they offer a "Guaranteed Trade In Program", however they also only valued the car at $19k. Unfortunately now Im stuck in a car that I hate, and I will have to look into renting a more reliable car when I want to go up into the mountains. Will NEVER make the mistake of buying a Subaru again:-(

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  Cant believe this is a Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By srhorn77 - February 2 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my 2006 Outback used with 78K miles. After 800 miles of driving, the weather turned cold and the tranny started slamming from 3rd into 4th. I took it to the dealer and they recommended I replace the tranny for $3400. Theres also a rubber/oil burning smell when driven long distances. The radio and drivers window randomly stop working and the entire lighter assembly pulled completely out when I tried to unplug my car charger. This car must have been built the Monday after Superbowl Sunday before coffee. Im so disappointed in this car. Subaru is supposed to be so reliable but I cant wait to trade it. The good is it does great in the snow. I had a 2003 Impreza and loved it!

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  New buyers disappointing experience - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By badsubi - January 31 - 6:08 am

  After owning Toyotas for the last 28 years I decided to buy a 2014 Crosstrek. 3 months now and the Check Engine light is on !. Took the car to the dealer and the car needs an Oil Control Valve. Many cars have this but last at least 75k miles. My "New" Crosstrek in the the shop for days and I know this car will give problems in the future. I bought Subaru because of all the reliability hype. As I research the internet more and more, I find that they are not durable, unreliable past 50k miles. Mine broke at 7k miles, thats a smack in the face for Subaru. Dont buy it. Every make has its problems but you are better off with Toyota or Honda for reliability. Do your homework on the internet.

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  A Pumkin - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Ed Rogers - January 24 - 12:43 am

  This car is the 2007 model year 2.5XT with relatively low milelage. We are going to get rid of this car and should have no problem as it is the turbo in Rally Blue. Reason for moving on? Poor reliability. A leak .... head casket repair to the tune of a few thousand dollars. We added a gasket repair fluid and the lead ceased; cost- $22.00 dollars. Water pump replaced twice! Both required the timing belt had to be replaced (the last time it was $1200). Emission valve issues, X2!. Now told for second time the air pump has to be replaced ($900). Radiator blew at a welded seam. These repairs are in addition to the recommended preventative maintenance. The 2007 model currently has just 98K miles and has always been driven conservatively. The Subaru review stops here, but by comparison: Our 2005 Toyota Prius, now with 137,910 miles, still has the original brakes and only preventative maintenance has been required. Believe it or not, the Prius still has the original brakes (disc up front, drum at the rear). The interior has weathered better than any other car I have owned since 1975. The Forester turned into a pumpkin at just about 65K miles with two or three repairs needing to be repeated at about 30K intervals. To Subarus credit, the Subaru of America group paid $600 towards one of the timing belt repairs. Bottom line, this cars reliability went downhill very quickly. Our Legacy did a little better. We gave Subaru products a fair shake but will now purchase our nest two cars from competitors (hopefully our last new cars :). We hope this inside view helps others as they contemplate purchasing a Subaru these days.

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  No more Subarus for OUR family - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By disgusted - January 23 - 3:16 am

  Lets see...the transmission went out at 3,000 miles. The carpet had to be replaced because of a poorly designed mat-holder. The trim is crooked, the mileage stinks, the warranty offered by the company is not comparable with other manufacturers. Should I keep going? Oh I suggested a friend buy a Subaru as well and her review would be similar to mine...NOT TOO HOT! Together, our invoice paperwork for all the trips weve made to have items examined/repaired could reforest a small country.

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  Looks good, unrelenting check engine problem - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By notasubaruguy - December 24 - 12:31 am

  Purchased at 1 yr old, manufacturers lease turn in. First electrical problem at 4 months, seemed repaired. Then about a year later, seat heater controls went bad. Several months later, check engine light came on again, just as at 4 months. Wanted to replace O2 sensor ($800) but relented when reminded they already did that less than a year ago. "cleaned" sensor and that solved the problem for about 30 days. Brought in again, this time recommended fuel injection cleaning. Worked for two weeks. Back in again with same problem, after six hours shop has no idea yet what is wrong. Least reliable vehicle ever owned. DO NOT BUY. Back to Toyota or Honda.