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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  Im not that Imprezed... - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By car reviewer - February 10 - 7:27 pm

  Sorry I couldnt help myself with the title. After reading dozens of reviews online, and lets admit, after a while they all start to sound the same, I decided to drive a new Impreza, the Sport version of course, the only one that looks any good (I drove base model as well later on). The interior was nice and comfortable, with symmetrical lines, unlike a lot of cockeyed, crooked designs like Elantras and Sonatas, good visibility. Brake and gas pedal was almost at the same level, so the transition from gas to brake is easy whereas a lot of other cars you can almost get your foot caught. The cvt sucks of course, never feels like it has any torque and even though I go easy on my car and dont accelerate hard at all, it felt like Im pushing the car hard ( wonder how its going to feel 10 years from now). The shifting is smooth (its a cvt) but its loud, and I reckon will be a problem for a lot of drivers with sporty ambitions. Contrary to what reviews would have you believe, you can tell these are low profile tires by riding in it, and steering was artifically hard and didnt provide much feedback. Simple low speed manuevers at gas station proved to be a chore, and the lower end model felt more nimble with better steering feel and smaller screen that wont reflect as much sunlight in your face. I cant believe Im the only one to mention a-c and heater vents, in all 3 cars, they were hard to move, like they were sticking. The noise levels were fine, Id say comparable to the rest of the class. Overall, not any better than my 99 Accord, and makes me wonder besides the silly gadgets and some mpg imprevements, how much have cars improved in the last 20 years....

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  Replacement for 100K WRX with 300 WHP - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By jd - February 2 - 4:06 am

  An affordable daily driver for all conditions with decent gas mileage and good performance. The factory ECU map is bad, so I had it Protuned with a Cobb downpipe, Walbro fuel pump, and Prodrive boost control solenoid. (Now theres 295 WHP and 340 WTQ.) I bought some used stock rims for serious snow tires and am ready for anything.

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  Engine problems (9,500 miles) - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By elkrun - January 23 - 2:06 am

  Engine started to chug or mis-fire during a recent winter trip across the northern states (2,000 miles round trip). The problem appears to be related to snow intake as the problem only surfaces when driving during a snow storm or in blowing snow. Ive taken it to two dealers and they have not resolved. Problem is that the car "chugged" abruptly about 30 times during four separate snow events, so the "cause and effect" seems very obvious to me. Not gasoline related. Dealer ruled out transmission. Serious enough "chugging" to make the kids think we were about to break down. There is something going on with a sensor or the engine that has yet to manifest as a code, but its coming.

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  Want to Love it, but I can not - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Richard W - January 17 - 11:23 pm

  The car is way underpowered, which makes driving very frustrating. Also when I take my foot of the accelerator at higher speeds the whole car has sudden jerk, very strange and uncomfortable. The button for hazard lights is next to shifter so I accidentally always hit this. On a positive side I get decent gas millage around 23, but this is expected from 4 cyl engine. Car is big inside with comfy seats. No towing capability. This is realistic rating trust me.

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  Frozen feet - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Hill Dweller - January 12 - 4:56 pm

  This is our third Subaru and weve loved our 2001 Outback. The most disappointing feature of out 2010 is that the heater does not blow heat onto ones feet even when set to floor alone. When the fan is turned up the noise is deafening and still no heat on feet. We took it in for servicing as we just assumed it must be some blockage or disconnection from shipping. We were told this is "normal". This seems ridiculous as this model touted as being perfect for snowy climes. Should be sold with complimentary boxes of toe warmers! Whats up with stationary outside mirrors. Liked the break-aways on older models lots better! Wish speedometer was more precise- only 10mph increments and 20 mph digits.

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  Forester disappointment - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By mathmom - January 9 - 5:00 pm

  My 2012 Forester SUV has fewer than 6000 miles on it. The transmission has had to be replaced. The fuel lid lever broke. The dealership ruined the seat. The "check engine" light came on... I thought I was buying a dependable vehicle, and I am so disappointed in this car. I will say that the dealership has been pretty good, but as soon as I can get rid of this car without taking a financial bath, I will. No more Subaru vehicles for this family!

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  headlights - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By w.frascella - January 9 - 10:00 am

  low beams in rural areas look like a shade was pulled down to about 6 feet off the ground.headlights have 2 filiments in 1 bulb and to raise the low beams so you can rean street signs the high beams are directed into the sky. there is a coller around the bulb and it cuts off the top two thirds of the light.it is not as noticeable in the city because of the background lights.i contacted subaru at the suggeston of my dealer and after 2 calls was told they plan no corrective action. test this car at night and on rural roads-it is scarey!

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  Never again, going back to Toyota! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By msshrink - December 30 - 5:20 am

  I bought this 2.5i Subaru Outback used about two and a half years ago, after totaling my previous car in a nasty rainstorm. The four wheel drive was barely needed overall (milder winters) and my gas mileage plummeted from the mid 30s per gallon (Camry) to more like 20 mpg, sometimes a rare 25 on the highway. Then an annoying clicking sound developed when I turned the wheel and, only two years into the vehicle, both axles were shot. Naturally, they were very expensive because they could not be after-market, only Subaru. Several mechanics told me this is not unusual for Subarus, and after I had to plunk down over $1,000 suggested I head back to Toyota-land.

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  Lasted 36 miles - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By buccaroooo - December 30 - 4:41 am

  After having issues with my Legacy (transmission, AC, tire pressure gage, vibrations, etc) I somehow decided it was a good idea to get another Subaru. We leased a Forester, drove it roughly 35 miles and the starter, alternator, battery died. Brand new Forester, dead as a doornail. Jumping, charging... nothing but clicks which means the starter is DEAD. Leased it Saturday, now its a Wednesday and we still have no new car... we have a small little rental car. BEWARE of Subaru, this is 2 for 2 with troubled cars... Be your own judge but just know that we have had nothing but issues with the two cars we got. We will NEVER buy another again.

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  The worst mistake of my life - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Elizabeth - December 27 - 5:23 pm

  Second Subaru - both lemons. After 83,000 miles on the car (legacy Outback) and regular maintenance (no problems to date) the car needs over $4k worth of repairs. van Bortel, Victor NY - worst dealer ever - offered me $800 trade in. Thats right, $800, even though Edmunds lists rough condition as worth about $4k in trade in. Yes, I bought the car there. van Bortel really knows how to treat their customers. I will never buy a Subaru again. Shame as I really wanted to like them.