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 get the 170hp model - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Hank - August 19 - 11:46 am

  Sure, the cars fun to drive and looks good. With the 170 hp engine, I have to constantly redline the engine to merge with traffic. When it finally gets up to speed, its very responsive. Opening and closing the doors and you realize how cheaply made the body is. Like a coffee can on wheels. Driver seat must have been made for short legged people. Cheap radio has SAT button but you need to buy the extra satellite option. MPG drops because of the weak 4 cylinder 170 hp engine. My Dodge Caravan with a 6 cylinder had much better acceleration but had almost as good gas mileage because the engine didnt have to strain as much. Only good thing is that its a company car that Ill have2 years

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  Bad Quality buyer beware - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Kevin - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  I have had this Subaru for quite some time and have not driven it over 31,000 miles to date . First of all the rear wheel bearings started sounding like a landing plane, they were replaced under warranty , thank God, but then only 10,000 miles later the same thing , like a growling landing plane , the wheel bearings again , this time guess who is responsible. I contacted Subaru and told them exactly what I think about their poorly designed junk. I wouldnt but another Subaru if they were the only vehicle made. Piece of garbage, if you have to pay over 600.00 every 10,000 miles , you call that reliability ? Not in my book.

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  2015 Legacy - First time Subaru Owner - 2015 Subaru Legacy
  By hondacpexl - July 14 - 1:18 pm

  Extreme Disappointment and regret buying a Subaru. Atrocious Quality. 1. Burning smell from engine & snow water entering engine bay – Discovered snow/water entering engine bay/compartment while driving in snow. Serious safety risk to electrical components. Contacted Subaru of America no response yet. Filed NHTSA complaint. 2. Water leak in foot well of cabin. 3. Awful wind noise driving above 40mph. Defective moldings replaced on all doors by dealer per TSB. 4. Moonroof - above 60 mph moonroof whistles loud. Dealer adjusted. 5. Defect driver lumbar; dealer inspected and determined faulty parts from factory - on order.

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  This car stinks - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By buyacamry - June 26 - 10:00 am

  When we brought the car we were initially happy. After about 5k miles we noticed a problem with surging. At 10K there was a recall on the parking rod. At 16K we had an accident as a result of the surging problem. Struck vehicles front and back. Complained but Subaru does not acknowledge the problem. NHTSA had similiar complaints. Now we dont want to drive the car because its not safe. I dont recommend this car and Subaru of America does not care about your problems.

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  Excessive Oil Consumption destroys all value - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By sadsubaru - June 20 - 7:34 pm

  Let me begin by saying I own three Subarus and I used to love the company. However there is a defect in many 2011 to 2014 Forester engines. The defect cause them to consume massive amounts of the 0W20 oil the specs require. The problem is so bad a class action law suit has been filed. Google this story subaru-excess-oil-consumption-problem-may-lead-to-engine-failure-lawsuit My car has the defect and Subaru refuses to take full responsibility. I cant sell it to anyone in good faith and so Im stuck pouring hundred of dollars of oil into it every year. My Subaru dealer quoted $5000 to fix the defect. It is an invisible problem, so buyer beware.

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  Big mistake - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By andyp331 - June 18 - 11:39 pm

  I will never buy another Subaru product as long as I live. Biggest piece of junk I have ever owned. The quote un quote AWD is a joke, I backed my car around the back of my house to unload some bricks out of it, and it got stuck in the grass and made ruts in my yard. AWD really? It slides in the slightest amount of snow. No power, rides rough. All around it is horrible.

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  ETC problems - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Jaime - June 11 - 9:06 am

  The ETC hesitates when you are needing quick acceleration. This hesitation is a dangerous situation when you must accelerate now. I have had three situations with one very near miss serious accident due to vehicle hesitating when I needed to move quickly to get out of the way of another vehicle about to rear end me. Other than being dangerous it also takes the fun out of driving it as it contributes to poor performance. Subaru says it is a common complaint for the 2,5i. Really, arent they concerned about the safety and welfare of the people in Subaru vehicles! This has been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Division. Dont buy this vehicle.

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  Surprisingly lacking in reliability.... - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Morphie - May 28 - 11:36 pm

  After owning three (3) Audis in succession, we were looking forward to a more reliable vehicle; the added bonus was a lower cost. Our problems: -Air conditioning failure at less than 1,000 miles; repaired in a few days. -Abrupt shifting of the transmission; A surprisingly difficult service department to deal with; (primarily the Service Manager). -Fit and finish much poorer than my daughters Honda Civic; The only redeeming aspect: I was wise enough (by accident) to lease it for only two (2) years. This is our first and last Subaru. To say that I am surprised is an understatement.

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  Unhappy owner - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By CEP - May 23 - 6:33 pm

  Based on my experience with this vehicle, I will never again purchase or recommend a Subaru vehicle. At 50,000 miles, so many items began to fail. Six air conditioning repairs, both CV boots burned up because of a design problem, then at 78,000 miles, all the struts needed to be replaced. I am still paying on this vehicle and spend on average another $4000/year to maintain it in good working order. Now the finish on the fiberglass bumper is peeling, the engine continually has a burning odor that cant be identified, and the AC still freezes after a 200 mile trip in the heat. The car is a disaster.

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  Never again - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ray - May 23 - 4:18 pm

  I like to keep cars as long as I can, We bought this car new thinking it would last us 10 to 15 yrs, Now Im not so sure it will, we are about 6 yrs in and have put way to much into it to get it here. the first problem we had at about 15000 miles was the brakes, the rear pads fell out wrecking the caliper, at less than 20000, the tires were shot, uneven wear, we are now at about 92000, and on our 4th set always uneven wear, we have to have it alinged twice a year because it wont stay alinged. Have had that done by a few different shops and found one that can do it really well and seems to last the longest. Other problems the ac sucks, dealer looked at says its ok, still sucks, poor line of sight, the rear view mirior is in the wrong place, and the roof towers block a lot, also the shocks in the rear had to be replace at 15000, now they all need replacing again, all the wheel bearings have been done, front ball joints, brake pads at least on the third or 4th set, and the list keeps going, all the brake disc, Now for the second time it had to be towed to the dealer because the ignition switch is stuck, cant wait to get that bill, and to top it off its about time to do the belts. We are not rich and this car has been hard for us, new this car was to much money. I hope this helps other people when buying a car.