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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  Great Car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - March 9 - 7:03 pm

  Bought our Outback the same week our local dealership got them in. We love it! Our only complaint if you want to call it a complaint is the engine - it has enough power, but no extra. Its using all it has when merging onto the interstate, but its golden when cruising. Set it on 70 MPH, and the CVT gears down the engine to about 2000RPM and the "instant" MPG gague is showing 35+ MPG which is great for a vehicle this size. Everything else with this car is great - the exterior styling stands out, and the interior is comfortable and the styling is great - plenty of room for our family of three.

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  Some good but wheel bearings a killer!!! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By s cristaldi - March 9 - 5:10 pm

  The car was purchased new. Has good features like paint/body quality. However have needed to replace wheel bearings almost every year. This is a 350 to 400 expense. Every year! Subaru has refused to take responsibility for this obvious engineering defect. So, be very careful purchasing a Subaru they will not back their products. Will never buy another Subaru. Too afraid of excessive costs.

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  Sports Car for the Outdoor Enthusiast! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Aron M - March 9 - 11:35 am

  So, I have always wanted to own a Subaru WRX. Ever since I drove one in 2002, I have been in love. The symmetrical all-wheel drive, the look, the feel of the car grip the road, the speed...oh, what speed, indeed! It is amazing, when you slam the stick shift from 1st to 2nd, and the turbo kicks in (albeit with a bit of turbo lag), it makes you feel like you could take on the best Nascar drivers! Now, I have my 2016 Subaru WRX Premium as my everyday driver. I leased mine, and have been driving it everyday for just over a month. The first couple of weeks take some getting used to with the clutch. I have just gone over the 1000-mile "break in" period. Unbeknownst to me, however with a read of the manual and a quick look online, I did not realize that I had to keep it under 4,000 RPMs, and not take off really quickly. Whoops! I am still having trouble adjusting to the clutch, and I have not owned a ton of manual transmission cars, but I learned to drive on a stick shift, and driven plenty more. I do not stall out, but my biggest problem is the shift from 2nd to 3rd (with smooth shifts only happening maybe 1 out of every 3 times), and 3rd to 4th (with smooth shifts happening 2 out of every 3 times). Not bad, but I would like to get both numbers down to 0 by the end of my second month. At least with a quick Google search, I realized that I am in good company. With all this in mind, I love the looks that I get when I am driving it on the road, the turbocharged 268-bhp engine is plenty powerful, and it feels like a sports car. A sports car that can handle the snow and mud! And at only $30,000, you wont mind getting it a bit dirty. I have yet to take it to the snow, as it is April in Fresno, CA and it has all but disappeared. I still have the summer tires that came with the car, but I plan on getting all weather this fall. The WRX can be a bit touchy in city traffic, in 1st or 2nd, but you get used to. My advice is that if you do not want to deal with a clutch like this on a daily basis, then look at other stick shift cars that are easier on the person shifting. What I mean is more forgiving. Or just spend the extra money and get the CVT (continuously variable transmission). After the first couple of weeks, I even started to doubt my penchant for driving stick shift. However, as I stuck (pun intended!) with it, I have been overjoyed that I did! So, if you are a Subaru WRX enthusiast, and want to feel like that kid that just got his first Camaro at the age of 16, then I highly recommend this car. It may not be for everybody, but I definitely is worth that test drive!

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  Best Outback Yet! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Gary - March 8 - 10:25 pm

  Fourth Subaru owned since my 2000 Outback. Have had one from each generation The 2000 was a good car but underpowered. Drove it for about 85,000 miles before trading, never let me down. Had a company car for 8 years, but we bought a 2008 Outback XT Limited (turbo) for my wife to replace a disappointing GMC Envoy XUV. That 2008 XT was a fun car, lots of power and good handling. Downside was high level of highway noise and fuel economy only 20-22 mpg, maybe 26 on long highway trips. Wife drove the XT from 2007 to 2011when it got handed down to me from 2012 to 2016. From 2009 through 2012 I had a 2009 Forester fleet car for work. Way quieter but very numb handling and down on power compared to the Turbo. Not the best riding car but never left me stranded. Drove that for over 60k. The 2017 model is head and shoulders above any previous Subaru owned. The best bang for the buck is the base model at around $25,000 if you dont need all the active safety options or the six cylinder. The car is quiet, roomy, good handling, excellent in snow and ice, has adequate acceleration, and so far has been getting combined over 28 mpg on regular gas. The CVT automatic transmission makes excellent use of the 175 hp 2.5 liter engine. Six speeds with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Also has a low-speed "off road" mode and steep hill ascent mode which most people will never use, but with the good ground clearance, you might drive it to Moab and do some real off-road driving. We live in the mountains and there are 7-8 months per year where you may need AWD or even snow tires. The Subaru line has never let us down. Driven this one in about 8 inches of fresh powder and it does get a little "floaty" where my wifes Wrangler Unlimited just plows through. If you need AWD at any time where you live or drive, I believe the Subaru is the best choice for getting where you need to go safely. In addition, I worked in he insurance industry and have seen fewer injuries or fatalities in Subaru vehicles than any other brand except perhaps Volvo, Mercedes, BMW.

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  First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By TJK - March 7 - 2:33 pm

  Had the car for a month now. The whole family enjoys driving it. Handles well, very responsive in steering and power for a 4. AC works very well. Thought I would feel "overwhelmed" by the size after a sedan all these yrs but feel comfortable driving. all in all, so far... very happy with the vehicle. We tend to keep our cars until they die so if it lasts as long as the Jetta - 14 yrs-frame rusted out but still runs like a champ - I will be happy. However today, started to smell gas, really strong. Dont know what that is about but quite concerned. called dealer but was after hours. hopefully will talk with them tomorrow.

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  New to me Subie - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Ron - March 7 - 9:03 am

  I just bought my 05 Legacy GT Limited used. So far it is an amazing car. Its much more fun to drive than my previous car (98 Honda Accord 4cyl). The AWD really inspires confidence when taking corners and all-around driving.

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  in the shop - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By mdski - March 6 - 6:53 pm

  I have had this car less than one year and it has been in the shop for more than 15 days. Subaru does not seem to have the ability to manufacture a quality performance vehicle. The inside is third rate also.

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  I LOVE this thing! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By GYRFALCON - March 6 - 6:23 am

  Once I went out on a test drive, I was doomed! This car floats over the road, and is as quiet as an electric vehicle, yet still has plenty of muscle and handles beautifully. The reviewer who said it drives like "a big, heavy truck" had to be following one with his windows open and ODing on the fumes. The nose does take some getting used to, but the interior and other angles of the exterior are design marvels. So - if you love the feel of being pulled laboriously down the road by a noisy, vibrating engine placed at your knee level, and really enjoy the look of fake burled wood all around, then by all means stay away. Otherwise, you may just get Becad.

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  Will get another eventually - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By lewis sherman - March 4 - 8:03 pm

  Terrific car except that after about 25,000 miles I got stuck with total brake jobs because NO DEALERS could diag. noises at low speeds. My mileage - not kidding - is terrific on open roads. Always get no less than 33 mpg on the 100 mile trip from the Catskills!! Love the looks of the Forester but hate to give up the Outback.

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  Overall , satisified - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By mccorky - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car to have if you live where the weather turns bad in the winter. It handles great, but like any car, ice is ice and AWD does not stop you from sliding. I noticed a difference with snows. I did have a$400 engine repair at 37K, just after my warrenty went (egnition coil??) Other than that, it has run smooth.