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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  Lacking Quality 2006 - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Robdisc1 - February 13 - 12:33 am

  My Subarus main problem is its HESITATION on take off. It has about a 2 second hesitation when pulling out after pressing the gas pedal. Dangerous to plan your entrance into heavy traffic. Seems a bit life threatening. Also, the roof rack whistles pretty loud. I also get a burnt oil smell as it warms up. Lastly it gets door dings very easily. Ive had a new car every year for the last 9 years. This one is the worst. The dealer told me the hesitation problem is being worked on by Subaru and Id be notified; that was 8 months ago.

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  Great Car, couple minor shortfalls - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Luther Meitzner - February 12 - 7:07 am

  Ive only driven the car for 1500 miles, but 1000 of that was in a single trip. The more I drive the car the more I like it. Its comfortable, smooth, solid and enjoyable. The nav system is excellent, the eyesight system is very functional, and the cruise control system is amazing. The only drawbacks are well known, often written about, and fairly minor. There is more wind noise above 70 MPH than in my 2011 Outback. I think this comes from the rack, but cant be sure - its a rumble and not from the wing window that apparently was a problem on the 2015 models. Its not bad, just a little irritating. When shifting from reverse to drive there is a longer pause than seems appropriate. This isnt really bad either, but is something Ive had to get accustomed to when backing into traffic. For about 1 or 2 seconds, you arent going anywhere. The last slight irritation is the 2.5L motor. In most instances it has sufficient get-up-and-go. When trying to accelerate quickly on the freeway or on a busy city street it can be a bit of a dog. Nothing huge though and only slightly worse than my 2011. All in all, I love the car and hope to keep it for ever.

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  Nice Car - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By myturbo66 - February 12 - 2:37 am

  Just picked up my new GT today but wanted to give a quick review. GTs are very hard to find. I had to order it. 7 weeks later it came in. First of all let me say the car is extremely quiet. Also, the car has really good acceleration. The turbo is a blast to drive. There is also a ton of room in the car. I will write a follow up in a few months to give additional input. If you are looking for a family sedan that isnt an Accord or a Camry give it a try. Im glad I did.

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  bang for the buck - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By mak - February 11 - 10:16 am

  Ive owned this car for 15 month and put on 10,500 miles with no problems. Igrew up in the muscle car era of the 60s and 70s this car out performes almost all of them in all catagories. a lot of performance for the money. puts the excitement back into driving. I take friends my age who also know muscle cars. they cant believe it!!!

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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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  Sensible and Fun - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Don W - February 10 - 5:06 pm

  After several months of online research, I bought this car as my retirement gift to myself. I used a car buying service online to get the car at the price I thought reasonable and then was referred to three dealers in my area that had the car I wanted. I chose the dealership with the most to offer. Free loaner cars during service visits, wave deductible up to $500 and free flatbed service for any collision repairs in the first 2 years, free oil change for 2 years and car washed at every visit. The buying experience was painless with the price set before I spoke to a dealer and I skipped the usual hassle of dealing with their finance officer by paying cash. I chose the Suburu Outback because it offered good cargo room, great all wheel drive system, comfort, safety and reliability on top of a very good reputation.

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  Very Happy with my new Forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By William Pinder - February 10 - 11:27 am

  Have had my 2016 Forester for three weeks and about 800 miles. The CVT takes some getting used to , however, the gas mileage is impressive for all wheel drive, given this motor is not broken in yet and Im getting 27.5 mpg in mixed driving. No rattles, issues or negative impressions. Considered this vehicle because my wife has the 2012 model and loves it and no issues with her vehicle either. The Subaru dealership was great to work with and I feel I got a very good deal. Time will tell but so far this Forester is proving this was the right choice !!!

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  Solid sedan - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By foggnm - February 10 - 6:53 am

  I sold a new 2012 Mazda3 which I never really fell in love with and purchased this car used with very low mileage as basic transportation. I drive about 5K per year. I wanted something I could transport my bikes and canoe on the roof. Nicely built sedan. Good handling. Not powerful at high speeds, but peppy at low and mid range. Decent trunk space that opens into back seats. Comfortable driver seat. After a 1000 miles of driving no issues, solid feel, and happy with my purchase. Mileage has been 24 city, 29 highway.

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  The car to buy... - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By kohanlon - February 7 - 7:00 pm

  The all wheel drive, 250 hp engine, way it hugs the road, sharp look inside and outside, smooth ride, 6 airbags, gentle braking and overall fun make this car a great buy. It has everything a person needs and wants in a vehicle. It has the luxury to compete with more expensive cars, the power of a sports car and safety for your most precious cargo. All it will take is one test drive to prove to you that this is not the Subaru of old but one that fulfills the potential of a Subaru vehicle.

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  Mixed Thoughts - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By tgreene - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I like the car alot but I guess I expected more refinement. The transmission at time sounds clunky but the handling and surge of power when the turbo kicks in makes me forget the shortcomings I find. Overall I would probably do it again but from a 4 cylinder, 23 miles a gallon is the best you are going to get