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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  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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  Love/hate - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By brenda - June 27 - 8:56 pm

  Overall same issues most have had with this vehicle. Head gasket went at 90k, check engine light always coming on. Oxygen sensor, at 165k tensioner on timing belt went out. Basically had to rebuild the engine. New alternator and ac. Have had several thousand $$ worth of repairs. A lot of wind noise on the hwy. On the plus side, awd is awesome, only limited by the clearance. Really like the look of the car. I loved the vehicles performance overall but disappointed with the amt of $$ I had to shell out on repairs. Wish Subaru would fix some of the mechanical issues as I probably will not buy another Subaru unless some assurance that these common problems have been resolved.

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  The fun truck alternative - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Dr.D. - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Replaced an old trusty Ford Ranger, and worried about the fact that the Baja is not a truck. I can still do almost everything I need to do, and many things I couldnt do before. The Baja is just plain fun, especially with the 5-speed. It really hugs the road and gives you a feel of control. Theres plenty of power in the 4-cyl with the 5-speed (drove the automatic and it felt a little sluggish), and the mileage beats most competitors. The back seat isnt great, but I sit in the front! Have not regretted this purchase.

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  Good Value Overall - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Speedwagon - June 27 - 1:26 am

  This is the first Subaru Ive owned and it compares favorably to the RAV4 and the CR-V. Its a tremendous value for the money. However, the interior lacks the refinement of European counterparts - both in terms of materials and ergonomics. Road noise and wind noise are excessive. Although the engine has nice low-end torque, it has inadequate passing power on the highway.

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  Slightly quirky, but a blast to drive - 2001 Subaru Impreza
  By Brian - June 26 - 11:30 pm

  I have had no problems with this car at all. The clutch can be a little quirky, especially when its cold. Once you get the hang of it its alright. Frameless side windows rattle when you close the door with them partway down. Its stubborn sometimes about going into first gear. Although it understeers a bit, once you figure out how the car likes to be driven, it is very rewarding. I get compliments on the look of the car. Build quality is very good (no annoying squeaks or rattles). I love the sounds the engine makes. The engine loves to be driven hard, but is quite tractable in town. Fun to drive no matter the weather (AWD advantage). My next car will be a Subaru.

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  A Sleeper - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By Sortwell - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I drive in Western Europe each year and really have grown to enjoy the strong little 5 speed rentals and the twisty back roads there. My work here in the US now has me commuting 75 miles round trip on country roads each day so I went looking for the best handling / performing rig I could find for under $20,000. There are some great cars (Jettas/ Civics / Focus) but the new Subaru 2.5 L. Sport Wagon is way ahead of the others in speed and handling. It is precise and smooth through the hard corners and the power is such that shifting down is minimized ... quick and easy. The all wheel drive is just fantastic when the road gets greezy ... makes it very safe.

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  Ours is a LEMON! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By efsevers - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I dont know if we got a lemon or what, but we have had nothing but problems with our 2001 Forester S+. Every time we take it in with a complaint, the Subaru rep says thats standard for this vehicle...which leads us to believe their products are garbage. We WILL be trading it in within the next month or two.

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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.

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  handling - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By tonysboy2 - June 25 - 3:39 am

  I have to agree that I am one of those who have driven subaru for 15 years and am disapointed in my 40,000 dollar purchase. It wiggles all over the place and does not stay on track. 6,000 miles and had my second alignment? wonder why?

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  Great car - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By charlie123 - June 24 - 3:06 pm

  This is our 6th Subaru and the best so far. Acceleration isnt breath taking, but adequate, especially considering that I get 31+ for most of my driving which is 10% city and 90% mountain hwy. Good room, comfortable interior and pretty quiet/smooth ride. Lots of goodies for the money, with almost every power "option" is standard. All wheel drive is great especially for winter driving. I dont have to be concerned about being able to get home. We paid less than $18,000, which is a great buy! Very nimble handling on the "twisties", really a fun car to drive!