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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  Good Car For The Money - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ben - February 2 - 10:16 pm

  This has been a good car, but I have one issue with regard to the all wheel drive. When turning into an intersection from a stop on fresh snow, the rear wheels will kick in with too much power resulting in the rear end sliding sideways. The dealer says I am applying too much gas, but Consumer Reports experts agree w/ me on this issue. Also, the passing gear hesitates 2 or 3 seconds before activating. The inside use of cloth in some of the places that get dirtiest...visors, inside door walls behind the arm rests, etc. should be something washable. Also the light interior colors are impossible clean, especially the carpets and cloth seats. Opt for a darker colors unless pet hair is an issue.

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  My Second Subaru - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Sirstinky - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this with 69k miles and so far I put a little over 1000 on it. My 1991 has 190,000 miles on it and still runs good so I got another one. So far so good. This is a very good-looking wagon. I love the awd. Good brakes and handling. Its not too loud inside (theres the common Subaru wind noise) and the ride is smooth. So far no head gasket issues, but the engine has a noisy lifter now when cold and the transmission could be better. Jerky shifts when cold, and it upshifts/downshifts slowly when you need it to. The interior looks good and is solidly-built. Not many squeaks or rattles for 70K miles. Gas mileage bad in city driving 19-21 mpg.

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  Weak Windshields - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By emily - January 31 - 2:23 pm

  Yes, windshield(s). In 2009, after owning the car for two years, driving the car on the highway, there is a crack in the windshield. Replaced the windshield and a year later in August 2010, driving car on the highway and there is a crack again. Had a Toyota Corolla from 1994-2006 and the car hood flew up into the windshield on the highway and there were ZERO cracks on the windshield. What is wrong with Subarus windshields or window frame? It shouldnt crack so easily against rocks flying around on the highway. Its the highway, there is always going to be loose rocks. Perplexed.

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  Computer, oh my! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By handimandi - January 26 - 9:16 am

  This is my first Subaru and perhaps my last. After having a fun and wonderful drive home to Michigan from Virginia my Outback gave me a full "light show." Most of the warning lights came on, the most interesting being the "check engine" light. Computer problems. It has been back to the dealer service department 3 times now. It has been in the shop for more then 2 weeks. I bought it on 12/12/07, it has approx. 3100 miles on it, and I just made my first payment. The service department has been great, but my first Subaru experience has been a headache and a heartache. Will be using the lemon law if the car returns to the shop for a 4th time. Otherwise, a great and fun car.

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  Review of 05 Outback Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Lynch - January 22 - 6:20 pm

  Was very happy with my 01 Outback which I put 155,000 miles on before trading in with a value of $5,000. Purchased a 05 Limited that has a much upgraded interior, better ergonomics, better sight lines, more power (better torque curve even with 2.5 base engine) and better fuel economy. Great value and an excellent alternative to an SUV (even though this model now falls into this class, its a car and handles like one thankfully).

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  Falling apart - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Gerterschnitz - January 21 - 10:33 am

  We bought this car new in 2002. It was fine for the first few years. Its been well maintained. However, in the past 2 years we have replaced sway bars twice; sway bar links need replacing; heater blower fan just died; several engine gaskets are seeping. The car is simply not built for much other than smooth highway driving. Its also noisy - and was right from the get-go. I would not buy again.

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  Price vs Contents - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Deb Adams - January 18 - 7:36 pm

  For the price, I expected it to feel more luxurious. The door locks clunk loudly when used. The seats are OK, but nothing special. I bought the top of the line Impreza. I expected it to have all the options available in todays cars, but it doesnt. And Im disappointed by that. The options it does have are good. The Nav is a little difficult to operate. It does not allow you to search for places by name or type. Such as Wal-Mart or department store. The Eyesight is great! I like the ability to adjust the music to front or back, and left or right.

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  Good wagon, but not great - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By andy - January 18 - 5:33 am

  Being a Honda man, I defaulted to a Subaru Outback wagon because the Accord isnt available in an AWD wagon; a manual transmission because of its slow 0-60 times. I have a few complaints: shifter is too far forward in relation to how I like to sit in the drivers seat, power windows go up and down too slowly, miss the power up feature in my old Accord, wind and tire noise, rear slides out when cornering, exterior panel gaps are too wide and are unsightly, balky and ambiguous manual gear shift pattern and feel of engagement, awkward clutch/gear engagement (compared to my old Accord), the lack of telescoping steering column, sub-par standard audio system/speakers and lack of standard sunroof.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By heathertc - January 16 - 9:26 am

  Weve had our Outback now for 2 years. There are good and bad things to say. The good: love the cargo space, the car zips and weaves through traffic easily, very good in snow. The bad: the seat fabric is terrible. It stains so easily; even a water bottle that sweats will leave a ring that cannot be cleaned/wiped/removed. The back seat is very cramped and it is impossible to have a rear-facing car seat behind either the driver or front-passenger seats unless you like sitting against the dash. The latch connectors are hidden behind flimsy plastic pieces that you have to remove (and end up losing). The window molding around the doors has come off several times.

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  Beware Audio Issues - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By dardanel - January 14 - 12:02 am

  I have purchased the vehicle based on excellent reviews and positive feedback from the owners that I have talked to who had the previous versions of this model. I have driven it only for 120 miles. I went for 2.5 engine for better gas mileage. I think 170hp is plenty. Breaking performance is good. Acceleration on hwy from 60 to 80 was good enough for this size engine. Acceleration from 0-60 could be better IMHO. Takes corners and curves very well. It sticks to the road. My only problem is the Audio Set. If you think audio in a car is important this model is not for you. Read more on suggested improvements.