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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  So so.... - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By d.c.meyers - December 20 - 2:06 pm

  Bought this used, with 9500 miles... the dealer failed to ensure proper alignment.. back in it went... biggest disappointment, the mileage, averaging about 20mpg, on PREMIUM gas... I was not forewarned that this 2.5l 4 would knock like crazy without higher octane gas... otherwise I would NOT have purchased... also had major piston repair, thank god for the extended warranty, almost 1800 bucks of damage... note that the car has been meticulously cared for...

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  Not a reliable engine - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Baxter - December 20 - 4:26 am

  Dont expect this vehicle to last and last. Ive had two of these and the first the engine ate itself at 125K. Head gasket blew on the highway. I thought it was a fluke so I bought another. Replaced three head gaskets in this one and the engine ate itself because of a blown head gasket at 175K. Probably spent over $3K on this problem. They go through everything but this engine has a major design flaw with their head gaskets. If your leaking oil REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET! $700 plus repair.

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  Subee two - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By mindshutter - December 18 - 8:54 am

  My last Subaru was while in college several years ago, and after driving this brand new one, Im disappointed. The engine sometimes sounds like one with 100k miles on it, the interior is cheap plastic. The console is not at all user-friendly. Sometimes when touching the gas pedal lightly the car will lurch forward as if Ive gunned it, other times I have to really put it to the floor to get it to gradually accelerate. I was expecting the engine to sound really quiet for more than just the first week. When I start it sometimes different parts of the engine rev, sometimes its smooth, you just never know. Besides those things it runs well, but Ive only put 3k miles on it.

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  Over rated junk - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Firefly - December 17 - 10:26 pm

  Bought the vehicle new and at 70k miles the head gasket starts leaking just like my previous 1989 Loyale wagon did. Nice size car, my wife bought it over my objections because she wanted AWD. Replaced head gaskets twice and I know about the additive. Leaks tranny fluid. If you need something to squat on you garage floor every night this is the vehicle for you. I have 131K on it and if I could afford to get rid of it, it would be gone. So much for Japanese quality. Marginal gas mileage (20mpg) for such a small vehicle. Most expensive dealers to get anything fixed, shameful.

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  I thought they were supposed to be dependable - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Karen - December 17 - 3:34 am

  I bought this Subaru brand new. I liked it at first but found out quickly that it uses A LOT of oil! I was told its because of the light oil it uses. I put oil in this car more than any other car Ive ever owned!! I travel 80 miles to and from work 5 times a week. I took EXTREMELY good care of this car. Faithfully having the oil and filters changed at the dealership as per their suggestions. Having the tires changed or rotated/balanced at their suggestion as well as brakes checked frequently and replaced. Always took to a Subaru dealer and trusted them totally. Now, at 70, 000 miles, I was hearing noises in the front end when I made a turn. I bring it to the Subaru dealer only to find out the front axles are worn to the point they need to be replaced!! What?? This is unheard of in a 2013 car! I plan on taking this 1000.00 dollar fix to the Subaru corporate HQ!! Never buy this car.

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  Seriously reconsidering buying another Subaru - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By bigoske - December 8 - 12:09 pm

  A little history, may family has owned Subarus since the 1980s and absolutely love them. Bought this 07 Outback in 2010 with 100K miles. Ran like a top for a year with just the basic maintenance, oil changes, etc. Timing belt needed to be replaced, which was expected. Then weve had problems ever since. Had to replace the Head gaskets, leaking on the coolant side, which blew a hole in radiator, fixed that. Then the car wouldnt start intermittently, turned out to be a bad O-ring on the fuel pump. Had to replace all struts as tires wore at an angle. changed O2 sensors, catalytic converter still needs to be replaced, CEL still on. Extremely Disappointed with Subarus reliabilty on this vehicle.

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  Absolutely Scary On Ice - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By rsw4 - December 8 - 10:04 am

  We bought this car based on its value and all we had heard about how great subaru cars are on snow and ice. Unfortunately, the Crosstrek disappoints. We recently made a trip in ny we encountered snowy roads and icy spots. This car fishtails every time you hit an icy spot to the point where you believe you will spin out and constantly makes you feel out of control. It has a floaty feeling like the car is unstable. It is unsafe to have to be doing 40 on thruway a with blinkers on when you are being passed by Camrys and all other SUVs which appear to be in perfect control. This car is just scary to drive on snowy roads! I dont know if it is the cvt or the tires. In any event we will trade

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  Same clutch - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By francois - November 28 - 9:26 pm

  Hello, we have a Legacy L wagon bought new. It is still the original clutch! 80% is city driving. Comfort is bad, but I like this car. Super great on the snow, 160 hp is plenty, just have to use the shifter. We replaced: an injector, timing belt (maintenance) relay switch for fuel pump and torsion bar that broke on a dirt road. This is an incredible reliability record. However we will not buy another one because of not so good fuel mileage. My daughter will learn to drive with this car.

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  Serious Design Flaw Not Resolved in 2011 Model - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By electricity1 - November 28 - 4:24 pm

  The Subaru Legacy was plagued with design issues after its redesign in 2010 and unfortunately these have not been resolved in the 2011 model. Many of these cars (along with the Outbacks) have a "shimmy" issue at highway speeds and if you bring this to the dealers attention, they will apply an extensive technical service bulletin (TSB 05-48-10) which is essentially a redesign to the car. After I had this applied the car had serious vibration issues and swaying at highway speeds, along with pulling to either side. Subaru refuses to acknowledge that there is anything wrong with the car after this fix was applied. Google "subaru legacy shimmy" and read the 64 pages of posts! Stay FAR away!!

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  Great except for comfort - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Sue Baru - November 1 - 10:29 pm

  I just traded in a 2012 Subaru Forester for a 2016. I always said that the Forester was a perfect car and I never wanted to have another car. I may have to amend my review after driving the 2016. It drives great, but the drivers seat is really uncomfortable. The seatbelt buckle comes up really high and is made of very hard plastic. It jabs you in the hip the whole time you are driving. I have had my car for over a month now and it bothers me as soon as I get in the car and the whole time I am driving. I have tried stuffing wash cloths in between the seat and the seatbelt to push it away and wrapping a washcloth around the buckle with rubber bands to soften it, but nothing works very well. The ride is great, but whats the point if the seat is so uncomfortable? There are a couple of other minor things wrong with it. First is the placement of the gas pedal. The sides of the center console do not go straight down, they flare down the side, encroaching on the space for your foot to reach the gas pedal. This is OK for a women wearing a dress shoe, but if you are wearing a shoe with a wide base, like a tennis show, you have to turn your foot sideways to reach the gas pedal because it is somewhat behind the console. Its not very ergonomically correct. The last complaint I have is about the satellite radio. The display was terrible on the 2012 and the 2016 is much improved, but it could be a lot better. I dont know why Subaru is so resistant to developing a decent satellite radio for their cars. The display is still limited. And since it has XM equipment, if you "upgrade" to having access to the Sirius channels, every time, you turn on the radio, it jumps back to the "preview" channel, which is super annoying. I ride with people who own Fords and their radio has a robust display and seamless interchange between the Sirius and CM channels. The drive of the Forester is still great, but I dont know if I will continue to get them after my experience with the 2016.