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:

• 

  M3? why? - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By James - January 23 - 9:53 am

  Three months ago, on my way to BMW dealer to trade in my mint 93 Supra Twin Turbo for an M3, I had a kid in some big winged creature badged STi. Yes, it was faster than my stock Supra, and I had the embarrassing pleasure to see the rear badge. I took an early exit ramp to the Subaru dealer, drove the STi, wiped the drool off of my face at the signing table, and bought it. 3 months later, I still drool after I drive it to and back from work. Lets see (comparing M3); 4 doors to 2. All wheel drive to rear wheel drive. (I live where it snows), handles almost as good and wait, $30,000 less? Bottom line: I bought a faster, more fun, more practical car and i didnt have to trade in the Supra.

• 

  fun with headaches - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By subypd - January 22 - 8:26 pm

  I ordered my WRX from the dealership in 2000 when I first read it would be imported to the states. I have loved driving it for the last eight years, this coming form a former mustang owner. Wasnt quite as fast in a straight line but did everything else well. After owning this car I will NEVER buy a new model in the first year. The windows squeak, paint is too thin, had the defective fuel rail system replaced (twice) and the engine blew at 119K. Still have no idea why. Salvage long block set me back $5500 installed. Now the A/C compressor is about to go. Most of the bugs were worked out by the middle of 2003. Would buy it again, just not in the first build year.

• 

  Starlink needs improving - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By 47states - January 22 - 5:30 pm

  This is our first Outback (Limited 2.5i). We really do like the car but Subaru needs to work out a few bugs first. We would buy again if we could have the black interior and Starlink is improved. We wanted the Lapis Blue Pearl color with the Slate Black Leather Interior. Not an option. The Lapis Blue Pearl is only available with the Warm Ivory Leather interior which shows dirt and scuffs. We only have about 4900 miles on the car and the interior is showing wear. I did purchase the protection package but still not happy. The interior of the car is very roomy and the backseat legroom is comfortable. There is a fold down armrest in the back with two cup holders. Each door has a water bottle holder compartment. The glove compartment is small and barely holds all of the manuals for the car. The manuals are informative and important to read for several of the features. The storage compartment between the driver and front passenger is okay in size but was larger in my Vibe. There is also a compartment in the overhead for sunglasses but it is much too small for mine. Almost kid sized. The display panel is well designed and you can change viewing options with a tap on a steering wheel lever. Seats have great adjustment and you can easily store settings for 2 drivers. The steering wheel is also adjustable. A great feature for our northern climate is heated front AND rear seats. Very nice and warm. Dual Zone temperature control allows the driver and passenger to obtain their comfort level. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat easily (no removing a headrest). You can even pull levers in the trunk to fold them flat while loading cargo. One of the features I wanted, the 120 Volt Power Outlet (standard plug in) is not available with Eyesight. It has 2 USB ports but charging a cell phone takes forever (8% an hour). I purchased a power adapter and that speeds up the charging process but it is bulky to store in the vehicle. Transmission Paddle Shifters on the steering column allow you to manually shift the car. I really miss a manual transmission but all this does is allows you to manually control the process if you need it, i.e. in the mountains. Wish it would allow you to shift from the console. Gas mileage has been less than listed. We are averaging 23.5 for a 50/50 mix of city and highway. We live in a rural area so even our city driving should boost the mileage but it hasn’t done so. Our best mileage has been 25.5 but that was only once. Acceleration is sluggish and for this price range it should be faster and smoother. My Vibe GT was much better at acceleration and was only 180hp compared to the Outback 175hp. The upgraded stereo system is great and I like the option to store channels seamlessly in one list from FM/AM radio, Pandora, Sirius XM, etc…. My biggest complaint is the mapping system is very obsolete. Restaurants appear that have been closed for over 2 years, streets that were built over 5 years ago don’t show up, etc… Subaru has an update available now BUT you need to have a code if you want the free update. Then you have to take out the micro SD card and place it into a computer to update the data and then replace it in the car. There are no instructions for this and it took a lot of research to get that far. I had to purchase a SD card sleeve to accommodate the micro SD so that it would fit in my computer. I was assured by Subaru that I would have the code a month ago but I am still waiting despite repeated requests. In the Starlink system you also have access to vehicle settings and you can change some vehicle responses, i.e. when you push the trunk button in the rear it can unlock all of the doors for you or just the driver’s door. Most vehicles lock the car doors when you either start the engine or shift the car into drive, but the Outback doesn’t have this option. Starlink also will read text messages from Android and Apple phones. If someone sends a series of text messages it may only read the last text. And there is no way to voice reply. You can use a pre-canned text message but I haven’t figured out if you can change them. You can make a call by pushing a button on the steering column and then requesting to “call Sue Peterson.” But you cannot ask to call the nearest Home Depot. If a number is not stored in your cell phone contacts, you cannot voice dial it. It really needs to be able to look up numbers for nearby businesses and dial them. Our vehicle insurance cost was less than insuring the old Vibe. The safety features (see below) are wonderful. 175 HP 18.5 gallon fuel tank capacity (87 octane) Keyless Entry System High Beam Assist HID Headlights Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Using radar sensors, the Blind-Spot Detection system warns you with a visual indicator in each side mirror if it senses a vehicle in your blind spots. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert can help warn you of traffic approaching from the side

• 

  04 wrx sti - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By tireman steve - January 21 - 2:00 am

  well its a great midlife crisis car !! remains me of my 66 shelby gt350. fast, not very good for long trips and lots of fun when the young guys in hondas pull alond side. classy silver paint and styling. for 32k wheres the floor mats and atleast a cheap radio.

• 

  First impressions 06 2.5i Wagon - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By dave - January 20 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had it for a week or so now and taken one road trip. I cross-shopped against a Mazda 06 and a used BMW 3 series (I could get an 02 for around the same price). Compared to the BMW it wasnt quite as nice and the engine wasnt quite as smooth, but it was surprisingly close. Throw in the difference in cost and the Subaru was the value point. I also considered the GT. With the lower mileage, the higher purchase price and the need for premium fuel and the softer tires, the GT cost an additional $10k over the life of the vehicle. May be worth it for some, but not me. Ive found the handling great. Acceleration was adequate, but not fantastic. I love the interior. A fun to drive car.

• 

  Solid Subaru - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By falsesmall1 - January 16 - 7:06 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about a month, scoring on excellent president day sales. My first Subaru. Very solid feel to this car. Engine/CVT still breaking in but performing nicely. Excellent gas mileage-up to 33MPG highway. Combined around 27mpg. Handles well on dry and wet pavements even with the crappy Bridgestone tires it came with. Havent driven in the snow yet, but I expect it will really shine then. The ride is firm but a bit choppy. Road noise is present but well within acceptable limits. The drivers seat and position is stellar, as is the visability. The "upgraded" six speaker stereo is fair at best. Overall, a reliable car that does most everything well with AWD standard!

• 

  my 02 ob sport - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By fbf523 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  love the car but dissapointed that i needed a new rear wheel bearing after 66,000 miles

• 

  Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By TIm - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Good in the snow

• 

  winter heat - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rumely - January 14 - 4:19 pm

  for the most part I was happy with the XV till winter came. it dives fine but there is very low heat out put at the floor. it feels like the AC is on. the dealer pulled it in a heated shop to check it. ? and did not drive it out the back roads like i do to and from work. The heater stays set on high and i never get warm. they said it was working fine. My old VW Bugs had way better heat.

• 

  Ok but wont buy another Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kewe - January 14 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car a year ago b/c always wanted a Forester. I like the past models better. I usually get Honda or Toyota. Overall car is dependable, will try to drive until over 150k but will never get another one again. Gives decent gas mileage 25 avg for mainly city driving. Car has little power for accelerating on highway, which feels unsafe. Interior looks cheap, fabric on doors is a no no (who thought of that?). The power button on driver side for seat adjustment is too clunky and any slight touch moves the seat. Very annoying. Front passenger seat is too low. Good aspects is that it does well in the snow, great for hauling large items when seats are folded down.