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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  Looked too good to be true - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike - October 24 - 7:26 am

  Here are the problems I had with the car: * Water in the passenger side foot well * Interior paint scratching easy * Electrical problems (lights were flickering) * Failed sensors * Engine died.

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  Fun and fast! - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By VJD - October 24 - 5:13 am

  Finally drove a new, with 6 miles on it, pearl white 2010 WRX HB equipped with the SPT shortshifter and exhaust. Within a few minutes I knew this was the car for me. Excellent low end power, handling and road feel. Plus it has AWD. Finally found a replacement for my long gone 04 R32.

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  Impressive Impreza! - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By andrew - October 24 - 3:51 am

  I just bought my 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS 5 speed. I bought this car because i needed something that was good in bad weather especially snow. It had to be good to decent on fuel because i do some driving for work. I didnt want a blah car either and i didnt want to spend over 3 grand on it. well, i got the car with 157k miles for 1500 bucks! very clean in and out! one owner since new and serviced by the dealer. I have put about 800 miles on it so far and i have to say, I LOVE IT! We just had about a foot of snow and this thing was unstoppable! Handles really good , driving position is good, shifting is good though i think the shifter should be taller. Its comfortable and nice to drive. The engine makes a great sound, i dont think i have an after market exhaust but man does it sound great! The brakes are not that great. The pedal doesnt grab right away, you have to get your foot in it to brake. I have heard this is common with these cars. The interior is nice, plain jane but not dull looking at all. It gives you a sporty feel when driving it even though you know its an econo box. The seats are nice and just comfortable enough. The trunk is huge! Takes potholes and other road imperfection really well. The doors feel really light. I guess this is done for reduce weight and better fuel economy because of the all wheel drive system. The radio is horrible! doesnt not have good reception. The ac is ok and the heat is really hot! I some how find myself wanting to drive it more. Ive owned and own pretty cool cars and this subie is just as much fun to drive! There are a few things i have discovered that owners must pay attention to. Change oil regularly, change your coolant every 2 years and make sure your battery terminals have no corrosion on them. This is to help avoid the head gasket issues these cars have. This car had that taken car of including a new ac compressor. I read that it is best to use subaru coolant etc instead of your conventional coolants. I would recommend this car to anyone as long as you do your home work. Its the best alternative to owning a big, gas guzzling suv. It was between a subaru and a nissan xterra but i really do feel i made the right choice! I could have gone with a front wheel drive vehicle but i really wanted 4x4 or all wheel drive and this subaru in my honest opinion is the best choice hands down! Update: previous owner didnt replace timing belt tensioner, it slipped, ruined the heads. Luckly, my friend knew of a Subaru geek and the heads were rebuilt, ported, new valves, cleaned all carbon build up, cleaned pistons and piston walls, new belt and pulleys. Runs amazingly! More pep and pulls through out the rpm gauge. Its fantastic.......but Im bored. Not enough performance. Not many blizzards here in new jersey so whats the point? Awd and fine tuned handling is a high plus on this car. I should have spent the money on the wrx.

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  My favorite car. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By hoofer - October 22 - 10:03 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned. I looked at a new Forester and found this S Premium on the used lot. It was a great deal. It was sporty but not a giant SUV. The ride is exceptional and the leather trim is excellent. I cant wait to try it out this winter in the Chicago snow. When my wife first saw it she called it the Pope-Mobile as it sits high. No problems to speak of so far; must have been owned by a family prior. Premium package comes with leather, heated seats and mirrors, front wiper deicers in the windshield and giant sunroof. The gas mileage is excellent on the highway and good in the city. Previous cars were Honda Civics and CRX. A step up in comfort, thats for sure.

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  165,000 mile update - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By fandango - October 22 - 2:02 am

  At 150,000 a head gasket was leaking. This repair cost about $2,500, which included grinding the valves while the heads were off and replacing the water pump and timing belt. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common repair for Subarus. The car is still fun to drive. It has a great power/weight ratio. I still think of this as my "new car," and it looks and feels new despite some hard use. The car is rugged built to last.

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  Disappointment - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tom - October 21 - 2:03 pm

  I have had this car for 14 months and it has been in the shop more times than I can remember. A basic list of features that dont work: Navigation interface, starlink interface, USB functionality, to finish off the tech cateagory the touch screen is very slow and glitchy. Eyesight system dumps a sever amount of braking power way too fast while on cruise control, which shifts down completely if the cameras dont work. The liftgate will jam and refuse to open even with no cargo making contact. I could go on an on about what all is wrong with this vehicle mechanically. Hose lines are getting wrapped around small motors around the car, the AC has was completely rebuilt week 3 and now requires full replacement and recharge. I have chewed through 3 batteries and Subaru cant find a power drain. I am getting rid of this vehicle asap before i am injured in operation. The recalls have been extensive and at no end, received another yesterday.

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  Enjoyed my Subaru - 2009 Subaru Tribeca
  By dowpwr - October 21 - 11:56 am

  Had my 2009 Subaru for 5 years and I really enjoyed it. It drove more like a sedan with the horizontally opposed engine which is one of the reasons I bought this car over the Lexus or highlander. Great in snow, and fun to drive. Peppy off the start. Technology was way behind (nav useless). In fact all the tech in the car was below average, but if you dont care about that kind of stuff its not a deal breaker. Never had any problems with the car. Gas mileage was low. 13 around city. Long trips Id average 21mpg. Small tank hurt its range. Couldnt get 300 miles without worrying about where the next gas station was.

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  Ru #5, Do not buy - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By ruman4u - October 21 - 3:51 am

  Reviews on Edmunds.com are kind at best. The electric power assist steering definately has a dead spot at highway speed. The problem is once you steer beyond the dead spot, youre starting to over compensate. Edmunds is kind saying its not a bad first attempt. I say nay, nay....As a happy owner of 4 previous Rus, I never thought Id buy one I hate, but I did.

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  Poor Design - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Forester - October 21 - 1:20 am

  The headrests on this vehicle are designed so that they push the drivers head down and forward. This causes a number of people to have severe headaches and back pain after an average commute. In addition, there are NO cupholders in this vehicle. Subaru does not want a Subaru owner to drink fluids while they drive the vehicle... this according to Subaru corporate. The transmission is tough to get into reverse about 30% of the time. Experience with other makes and models indicates that transmissions that are difficult to put into reverse when new, are maintenance headaches later on. Engine runs a little rough after only 4000 miles.

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  Poor quality cant hide - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By louis Eastman - October 19 - 4:26 pm

  Not happy with braking system, chews up rotors and discs, air conditioning system needs to be recharged yearly, heating system does not heat floor very well. Destroys tires, less than 20000 miles for tires. The entire undercarriage is rusted out after only 5 years; this is a major problem. Two pistons were replaced under warranty and now the remaining two are near failure and are not covered. I would not recommend this vehicle to another person.