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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  Need shield for a/c condenser - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Judy Adair - December 11 - 3:00 pm

  We purchased our Tribeca in Aug. of this yr. and really love it, with a few exceptions. We took a 3600 mile trip up the east coast (being demo it already had 5600 miles on it). Well, on the way home from our trip a rock flew into the a/c condenser and all the freon drained out. I cant believe that there is no protection from flying objects. The cost to repair it was $1080.00! We were shocked about this and had file on our insurance.

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  Problems after 55,000 miles - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By PeggyR - December 11 - 4:10 am

  I also had problems after 50,000 miles and just want to get rid of it. I also owned a 1995 Subaru before and it never gave me any troubles. My head gasket is cracked, have had transmission problems almost immediately and their is always something wrong with this car. It is sad because I used to trust Subaru as a quality car. It costs almost as much as a BMW to repair, so why not quality.

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  01 Subaru Outback wagon - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Larry Leidecker - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is an extremely reliable and capable vehicle. I bought it new and have had it back for a recall to have the underside undercoated. Other than that, an engine light came on and so a sensor was replaced under warranty. Very good car overall, especially in the snow.

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  Great Car for the Money !!!! - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SMG - December 9 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 Impreza RS is a great car. I spend at least five hours a day driving it. The bug visor, fog lights, keyless entry and the spoiler that I added was money well spent. I traveled over 1,400 miles in three days behind the wheel. Never once did I regret selling my fullsize pick-up especially when I had to fill the tank. Subaru built a great little car. Thank you.

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  Near perfect except seat comfort - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Metalman - December 9 - 1:33 am

  This is my 2nd Outback. 1st being a 13 which I traded at 80k miles due to seat discomfort & it did use some oil. The 16 is improved in many areas. Now at 21k miles. While the drivers seat is much better, it isnt flawless. The upper back support annoys me. It seems many car manufacturers think they have to angle the upper portion of the seat forward. While some brands maintain a nice straight seat back. (I notice on many Fords & a Mazda 6 I drove). At 6 207lbs., this creates a pressure point on my spine & bugs me after longer trips. I wish subaru would collaborate with Toyota or another brand who understands seat comfort better. The headrests ratchets but still too eager, I flipped it backwards like I did on my 13. (normal aging promotes forward neck posture enough being forced by modern day cars). The hi beam illumination on my 13 were way better on than on my 16. I almost think the 13 had better grip in deep snow but had only 1 experience in the 16 where it seemed only the front wheel spun in a turn position in deeper snow. Still could use auto door locks and automatic unlock by pulling interior handle as my Dodge Intrepid had this way back in 2001. But I only point out my gripes. Everything else is great. 4 Cylinder power is plenty, CVT is superb. Steering response is great. I can cruise above 80mph with ease.

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  Near perfect except seat comfort - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Metalman - December 9 - 1:30 am

  This is my 2nd Outback. 1st being a 13 which I traded at 80k miles due to seat discomfort & it did use some oil. The 16 is improved in many areas. Now at 21k miles. While the drivers seat is much better, it isnt flawless. The upper back support annoys me. It seems many car manufacturers think they have to angle the upper portion of the seat forward. While some brands maintain a nice straight seat back. (I notice on many Fords & a Mazda 6 I drove). At 6 207lbs., this creates a pressure point on my spine & bugs me after longer trips. I wish subaru would collaborate with Toyota or another brand who understands seat comfort better. The headrests ratchets but still too eager, I flipped it backwards like I did on my 13. (normal aging promotes forward neck posture enough being forced by modern day cars). The hi beam illumination on my 13 were way better on than on my 16. I almost think the 13 had better grip in deep snow but had only 1 experience in the 16 where it seemed only the front wheel spun in a turn position in deeper snow. Still could use auto door locks and automatic unlock by pulling interior handle as my Dodge Intrepid had this way back in 2001. But I only point out my gripes. Everything else is great. 4 Cylinder power is plenty, CVT is superb. Steering response is great. I can cruise above 80mph with ease.

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  Got it in September; got rif of it in December - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By CBTman - December 8 - 10:19 pm

  I bought the 2018 Forester 2.5i to replace my 2010 Honda CR-V 2WD. Compared to the CR-V, the entry level Forester 2.5i is just that: an entry level car for college students or young people. The 2018 Forester 2.5i has great acceleration when the CVT does not hesitate or when not changing from Reverse to Drive (you might wait several seconds). As per the dealer, the vibration you feel when stopped at a traffic light is caused by the CVT trying to go. The vehicle has great turning radio when the steering mechanism does not start making growling noises during a close U-turn. Its steering is agile on regulars streets, but it has a mind of its own on the highways. Driving the Forester 2018 on the Interstate or Turnpike is an exhausting and stressing experience. The vehicles steering is too sensitive and the small steering wheel does not help. The vehicle shakes when a car or SUV passes it on the HW and tries to escape away when a truck does so. Changing lanes on uneven asphalt requires maximum concentration or you may end up crossing the whole lane (it did happen to me). Driving with cross wind on the HW proved to be a very unpleasant experience. I think that it is too high and too narrow to be really stable on the HW. The interior is fine for a short drive, but the padding on the seats is not enough for long trips. The central console has a deep box with a lot of capacity, which has a conventional cigarette lighter socket, the auxiliary audio jack, and a USB jack. It also has a tray for coins and other stuff that mostly gets in the way. The cargo area light is too small and is located too low on the right side to be of any help. In fact, Subaru could have saved some money by not including it at all (keep a flashlight handy). The space under the cargo area floor is great and it comes with plenty of room to accommodate your little things, which prevents them from rolling from side to side while driving. The rear gate does not open all the way up, which leaves it exactly at 5 feet 4.5 inches, and I am 6 feet tall (you guessed it). The vehicle comes with two sets of floor covers (cloth and black plastic), which is also great. The Forester 2018 also comes with rails on the roof, but you need to buy the crossbars to complete the roof rack. In general, I was so disappointed with the vehicle that, after less than 3000 miles, I traded it for a Subaru Outback 2018, even if it cost me a hefty $8000 depreciation. Yes, it was that bad, at least for me.

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  Made me a believer! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By goyanks - December 7 - 3:03 pm

  Loved the car from day 1. I have rescued a number of people stuck in the snow with larger SUVs. A bit noisy in the cockpit but has never left me stranded. After close to 150K miles I think Ill get a new one :)

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  Great all around - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By 47Apost - December 6 - 4:44 am

  Need improvement on the headlight. But overall, its a great family car.

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  The best luxury Subaru ever. - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Millsop - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Remember the Subaru Outback SUS? Weird wasnt it! I bought a 2.5GT Limited instead. The VDC I am very happy with, wonderful engine, not so impressive transmission but still ample. The stero is out of this world! It drives wonderfully and is very comftorable.