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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  New Year, new design - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Roger Ratch - July 27 - 11:08 am

  The update on Subaru Impreza Hatchback Sport is a terrific package of improvements, all of which aid and abet the feeling of being in charge of the driving like never before.

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  Very pleased. Great value. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Hiland Hawk - July 27 - 4:11 am

  Went from Honda CRV to Outback with lane change technology. Drives like larger vehicle. Lots of power.

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  Great car for the $$$ - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By mmousey - July 26 - 5:26 pm

  After 800 miles back and forth over Snoqulmie Pass, I give this car an 8 in comfort and a 10 in handling. I am only 5 tall and the adjustable seat height really helps me feel taller and to see the road better. The car really keeps its traction in all conditions that I have driven across and I have seen rain, sleet, snow and sun already this winter. The car is very affordable and a fun/easy drive. There is a lot of power for going over the mountain and the anti-lock brakes work well when it is time for stopping too. The stock radio and speakers are not great and I do not like the overall feel of the cloth drivers seat.

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  Love my new Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring model! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By SteveF - July 26 - 2:35 pm

  I traded in my 2010 Lexus IS 250 AWD sedan for the sporty 2.0XT Touring Forester and really like it. I did a ton of research on it prior to buying via Internet reviews and YouTube videos. We are mostly Toyota people only because I have never had issues with their vehicles and reliability is hugely important to me. We have a great local dealer in Parker Subaru so I knew I would have a great dealer experience just as I always had at Parker Toyota. The car drives really nicely and I chose the turbo motor because i liked the overall look vs the other trim models and like the zip when I need it- my Lexus had a v6 so this engine is more zippy like my Lexus was. I elected not to add eyesight only because I didnt want to spend anymore on my Forester and decided to get that option on my next Subie as the technology continues to get refined but I got all the other options on my new ride and love the Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade. My wife has a 2015 RAV4 but I have never cared for those even though Im a big Toyota guy. I still think my new car looks, drives, and just feels more solid than the RAV. I am adding chip repair and also added oil changes to my deal so i wont have to shell out $80 on synthetic oil changes every 5-6k miles on my lease. I chose the Quartz Blue Pearl and absolutely love the color along with the 18" rims and more aggressive front grill on my trim. I initially was going with a new Honda CRV Touring but glad I went with the Subaru- it seems like a more stout vehicle for the Northwest roads and weather here in North Idaho. I have a buddy with a 2014 Forester he bought new and it has the Eyesight and he sure loves that feature. He just started selling Subarus over in Seattle and speaks highly of the feature although he is in a bigger city with lots of traffic and Im not which is also why it wasnt as important to me but wanted to mention it for other shoppers considering adding Eyesight. He couldnt say enough good stuff about why its a cool feature to have.

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  Great travelling car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By momjo - July 26 - 12:32 pm

  We bought a 2011 Outback Limited last month. The seating and cabin room are very comfortable for long trips (two so far), and there is plenty of space for dogs, kids and gear. Our gas mileage has averaged 30/21. We test drove several vehicles including the Kia Sportage and Sorrento, the Ford Escape and Edge, and the Subaru Forester before deciding on this one. The Outback Ltd was the most comfortable, the perfect size and nicely appointed. I love the back up camera. And given the AWD its a pretty smooth ride. My only complaint is the radio, which can hardly be called a sterero system. There is not a lot of robustness to it. Everything else about the car is wonderful.

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  Two weeks in - So far, so good! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Megan C - July 25 - 5:13 pm

  This is my first brand new car, as well as my first Subaru. I chose Subaru after considerable research and references from friends who drive and love them. They have a great reputation as being sturdy, reliable vehicles, and as I do not want to have to buy another car for at least 7-10 years, it seemed like a great, affordable option. I live in southwestern Pennsylvania, a place known for hills and bad winters, so I wanted a solid car that handles well in the snow. I chose an SUV for the snow thing and also because I have been getting increasingly into the outdoors, so I wanted a vehicle that I could take off-roading, and that will haul bikes, kayaks, camping gear, wet dogs, and maybe someday kiddos, but one that also did not destroy my fuel budget as this has to be my commuter car too. The Forester seems to check all of these boxes, though Ive only had it for about 2 weeks, so time will tell. In that time, I have taken it to and from work regularly (city driving, stop and go traffic, 40 miles round-trip) and one highway trip that was exactly 400 miles round-trip, so here are my initial thoughts: Pros: • Gas mileage is great (in my opinion, my old car got 15 city, 27 highway), I average about 27-28 on my daily commute and on the highway I was getting over 36 MPG • The upgraded models have adjustable lower lumbar support which was great on the road-trip • I love the automatic climate control, set it once and didn’t have to touch it again in 3 hours • I think it rides smooth, I did not notice the noise or roughness that other reviewers have commented on, but I test drove a base model and that particular car was a little rough and noisy, so maybe depends on the upgrade • In over 2 years I never learned how to park my old car, and now I’m convinced it was the car and not me because the Forester has an awesome turn radius and I can park it just fine • Two words: Heated seats (I’m kicking myself for not getting the heated steering wheel) Cons: • My biggest complaint is that the remote starter is a separate fob that is about the same size as the regular key fob, so you basically have to carry two key fobs or only use the remote start at home. Personally, I use it at work as well, and 2 fobs is bulky and kind of annoying. In the year 2017, you’d think these things would come standard now, and all in one fob, but I guess not. • The manufacturer’s warranty is only 3 years/36,0000 miles, I bought an additional warranty from the dealership that extends my coverage to 5 years/60,000 miles • The Limited trim option only comes in an automatic (better gas mileage than the manual though, thanks to the new CVT) with only 2 drive gears, high/normal and low/descent control. The “normal” drive gear is fine, the “low” gear, apparently designed to utilize engine breaking during a continuous descent is kind of rough if you don’t shift at the exact right time and speed (almost like driving a manual again..) • There was a bit of a burning smell that I was told by the dealership and my mechanic dad was probably some kind of manufacturer coating burning off the undercarriage, that it happens with all new cars.. over 900 miles later I’m still noticing it (even though it is growing fainter) which seems excessive but who knows. If it turns out to be an actual mechanical problem, I’ll be back on here to update my review! So like I said, so far, so good! The cons are minor annoyances, nothing that would have been a deal-breaker for me had I known before I bought it, at this point I would definitely recommend this car for someone who wants an affordable, fuel-efficient SUV. If anything changes that is out of the normal, ordinary wear-and-tear of a vehicle, I will be sure to come on here and share.

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  Wow What an Amazing Turbo - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Neil - July 25 - 1:26 pm

  Just purchased 09 turbo - forget the base - way underpowered, awful stereo. The turbo is a blast to drive, no lag at all! Punches holes in traffic. Amazing tight feel, great turning radius, better stereo - still not the greatest but not bad, perfect dog/hiking car. The best car for the rain - Seattle gets just a little rain - haha. Overall a really huge improvement over the last Forester and looks so much better, a very attractive car. Do not bother with the limited 3 grand for leather - Major rip off. Get the base turbo and be happy!

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  I love my Forester!!! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Harry Velez - July 25 - 10:03 am

  I bought my Forester in 2001 and in all this time I have had to replace only the head lamps... only one if I remember correctly. Other than that I have 2 flats. Thats it. This car is the best performing vehicle I have ever owned. It runs great. It is comfortable. Its reliability is outstanding. Wish I could buy a new one... but the old one is just going too strong to consider that.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By vkinsocal - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car two years now and this car has been nearly flawless. I love the low end RPM power this car has. The torque curve is very flat on Subarus 4 cyl engine. driving in snow is great. Heater and air conditioning is simple to operate. Wiper controls are fantastic and make sense. Cruise control on the steering wheel as well as radio controls are like a a more expensive car would have. Changing your own oil is a breeze as the oil filter is vertical and you can get to everything without driving the vehicle on ramps. Visibility when backing up is best in class. Paddle shifting manual mode transmission is handy holding gear downhill. For ~25K out the door a fine machine.

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  Second and LAST Subaru - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By weegian - July 25 - 8:13 am

  This is my second Impreza. The first one, a 2006, was a much better car. I had no problems with the 2006. The 2010 has 31k miles on it and feels like its rattling apart. Its been idling rough for a few months, but according to the dealership that I brought it to, thats what makes a Subaru a Subaru. I just dropped it off for an oil change and found out that the rear brakes are completely worn down to the metal. The paint is also pretty terrible. It scratches if you look at it funny. After less than a year, I had scratches around all of the door handles. Its my personal theory that Toyota is not so slowly trying to kill the Impreza.