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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  Best Wagon for the $ - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By Richardson - March 3 - 10:00 am

  After test driving both the Passat and Volvo V70 series wagons we werent totally satisfied. Then we decided to give Subaru a try. First we drove a base model Outback & liked the look but not all the features. Then the sales person showed us the 2.5 GT Legacy wagon. We kept the car over night and really tested it out. The handling is superb, sound system rocks! Seats are comfortable with plenty of room to spare. We were a bit worried that the 4 cyl. engine wouldnt be enough power, but its fine for most driving and its quieter.

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  Not up to the reputation - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By doverbync - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Recently traded my Foester in for another make and model. From day one, the car had problems with the clutch (shuddering when cold). Dealer never could/would try to fix it. Had many concerns from reading this forum and others about wheel bearings and windshield glass (mine had a chip in it when traded) and interior quality in general. This car was not up to the hype given by Consumer Reports and other magazines that did not live with one for more than a month or so. Would not recommend this car again!

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  greatAWD - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By abj - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Everything, and particularly the H6, is top notch. Strange ergonomics on it (probably due to Japanese RHD converted to NA LHD). Brakes sre noisy and vibrate too soon in their life. Id buy again though.

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  I really wanted to like this car, but... - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By WeatherfordOutback - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great snow car, however it developed the well documented front end shimmy almost immediately. Many of the convenience and entertainment features are quirky or poorly implemented (such as a Nav system that is horrendous and cant be read with Polarized sunglasses). Subaru finally admitted that their proposed fix to the shimmy problem would not really fix the problem, so we traded the vehicle in. Gas mileage was mid-20s in town, 30 and up on the highway. Dealership process was generally poor. A road force balance would fix the shimmy for 1000 miles or so, then it returned with a vengeance. Proposed permanent fix involved almost entire steering system rebuild.

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  Best car ever owned - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By tony D - March 1 - 4:10 am

  Well I have 103,000 miles and I beat on this poor car and do the minimal maintenance and it has never let me down.The cars handling has saved my life several times the latest was a high speed deer avoidance situation the guy in the Acura behind me was not so lucky. The head gasket problem You have to use the Subaru coolant only or you will be screwed. just starting leaking a small amount of oil recently but I do use mobile 1 synthetic and it will find its way out of any engine sooner or later. My only complaint would be wind noise on the drivers side only. I also had a problem with the engine computer but the solution was to leave the battery disconnected overnight problem solved.

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  Close to 19k miles in first anniversary - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Manny - February 28 - 3:56 pm

  First time Subaru owner; may go back to Toyota. Two months after the purchase felt like wheels were spinning on two occasions. Finally at 15k transmission is gone. Dealer wanted to charge $90 for transmission flush. Threatened them to call Subaru of America and only then they agreed to replace tranny for new one. A/C had intermittent problem that showed up shortly after I bought it. Had to get Subaru of America involved to get dealer to provide loaner car and keep the Forester overnight to try to duplicate problem. Disappointed with the service received at dealership for a fairly new car under warranty. Makes me wonder whats next? Wife thinks I bought a "LEMON". Have Subaru phone # on hand.

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  Good value - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By LSO528 - February 27 - 6:24 am

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  Subaru all the way from now on. - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By Kate A - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Was reluctant to look at a Subaru until I disappointingly test drove Toyotas and Hondas in the same class. I fell in love with this car from the minute I set foot in it. I have found it handles highway driving brilliantly. But I especially enjoy taking it down winding back roads where I get to show off its superior handling and give the engine and suspense a great workout. It is effortless to drive and makes long distances feel like a breeze.

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  Safe, Excellent Reliability Car - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Subaru Owner - February 26 - 7:43 pm

  I have owned my Forester for over 6 years now and could not be more pleased. The AWD is very safe in the rain and ice. We even tried to get it to slide in bad weather and couldnt get it to! It has been very reliable and dependable and has held up well. I have only replaced one wheel bearing since I owned the car, everything else has been perfect. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a safe reliable car that is very comfortable to drive.

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  No Subarus in the future for me - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By TG - February 26 - 6:10 pm

  Within 48K I have lost my AC, redone the Brakes, lost the radio, small plastic hooks and knobs break off easily and finally the Head Gasket failed. Bad Subaru! the HGs have been failing on these cars since 1976 (my 1st Subaru) after many misleading discussions with Sales/mechanics we decided to give them another chance. FAIL. dont buy a Subaru w/o looking up their reviews/complaints first.For a car with this many features you would not think that this CRITICAL part would be so consistently overlooked.