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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  Disappointing Reliability - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By QuintrKD - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 Forester with great enthusiasm. However, I had to replace wheel bearings on two separate occasions by 40,000 miles. I had to replace both oil seals by 75,000 on my Forester (and at the same mileage on my wifes 95 Legacy), which by my research seems to be a common and recurring problem. Finally, Ive been dealing lately with some pulsing and squeaky brakes, and the brake mechanics seem to be at a loss to find the problem. The reliability of my Forester dues not favorably compare to my experience with Toyota trucks, and Ill probably opt for a Toyota or Honda the next time around.

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  Amazed by the technology! - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By srkeegan - January 24 - 3:28 am

  Living in Reno, I do a lot of driving in the Sierra and snow. You couldnt spin this car out if you tried. The AWD has always been amazing in Subarus. It blows away my 2010 Rav4, which I have since gotten rid of. Beyond that, I couldnt believe how much technology they have put into the lower end models like mine. The cruise control automatically slows down to a safe distance if a car turns into your lane in front of you. Warns if you are leaving the lane. Knee airbags. Plenty of clearance for deep snow. Elongated moonroof. Spacious. MPG computers a lot like my Prius. Excellent Bluetooth features. No blind spots. Easily the safest car Ive ever driven.

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  To Subi or not to Subi, ....... question - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By RBN - January 23 - 3:56 am

  Very well performing station wagon that has a lot of utility. 250 HP is great, smooth transmission makes for a soft ride. 19 mpg is not great but a fair deal for the performance and utility received. Tire pressure sensors are sensitive and alarm the driver somewhat early. In fall and spring when night and daytime temperatures vary more than usual, the warning light goes of frequently. All in all a great car with full time all wheel drive. Ultimate control in every weather. Nothing slips, nothing slides. Great car.

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  Engine problems (9,500 miles) - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By elkrun - January 23 - 2:06 am

  Engine started to chug or mis-fire during a recent winter trip across the northern states (2,000 miles round trip). The problem appears to be related to snow intake as the problem only surfaces when driving during a snow storm or in blowing snow. Ive taken it to two dealers and they have not resolved. Problem is that the car "chugged" abruptly about 30 times during four separate snow events, so the "cause and effect" seems very obvious to me. Not gasoline related. Dealer ruled out transmission. Serious enough "chugging" to make the kids think we were about to break down. There is something going on with a sensor or the engine that has yet to manifest as a code, but its coming.

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  2006 Suburu Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Rodger - January 22 - 7:30 am

  Having my Subaru for over a year and through many conditions of snow sleet and ice, it has been nothing short of a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. It has quick response and is very sure footed even in the worse conditions. The only problem I had with the exterior design was the headlights that seem to collect salt and dirt very fast and reduce the light. I actually had to stop and scrape them off while driving. Interior is great. The heated cloth seats are standard and a great extra touch. Having been just quoted $750 for the 33,000 mile routine maintains from the dealership, I do recommend finding an alternative to the dealership once your warranty is up.

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  Not what I expected from Subaru - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Albertlock - January 21 - 6:23 pm

  Apparently, Subaru needed to wait a bit longer before turning out the Forester. This was the first year they made them, and the bugs are still present. No way to fix a failing in the AWD; the wheels intermittently lock at low speeds (this was also a problem on the Legacy wagon) - even Sub experts cant fix it. Many other mechanical failings that disrupted trips. Ive heard subsequent years are much improved and really wish Id known more up front, since Ive been very happy with past Subarus Ive owned.

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  SC STi - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By an5 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks, it has 4 doors & a large trunk. I can fit the kids in the back and still have fun. It launches like a rocket, turns like its on rails, and stops on a dime. I go through withdrawal pains anytime I am not driving it. I want to make trips just to drive it. You cant beat the feeling of the turbo and the 300ft-lbs of torque. The handling is outstanding and the braking is quick and sure. On top of this, it has all-wheel drive (that is computer or manually adjusted). The interior looks great and the controls are well laid out. Performance of a car costing twice as much with safety features like huge brakes (w/ABS), side airbags, and AWD.

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  Went from Infiniti M35 to Impreza and very happy! - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By rob3016 - January 21 - 8:33 am

  We have had the Impreza Sport Premium about three weeks now and I am impressed. That is saying a lot after trading in my 2008 Infiniti M35. I decided the Impreza is a more practical car for our needs (late 30s with boys). Doubled our gas mileage. Enough room in the rear seat for two car seats and my wife if she chooses to sit there. Plenty of leg room. Huge cargo volume with seats folded down. Seat bottoms are longer than other cars for more leg support. Others shorten the seat to bump leg room numbers. Fun to drive especially with paddle shifters. All wheel drive handling is fantastic, especially in the rain. This is my first AWD car and I am hooked. Very happy with my decision.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By sunflwr50 - January 19 - 5:10 pm

  After researching the typical makes of SUVs I decided on the Tribeca. It is fun to drive, handles well & looks sporty. The interior controls are easy to use especially at night due to the red backlighting. The stability control is awesome. I feel it is the only thing that kept me on the road when I was hydroplaning in a bad rain storm. You can actually feel the system work as it steers you in the right direction. The ride is very smooth and quiet.

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  Subaru Legacy Special Edition 2006 - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By guyatherton - January 19 - 1:53 am

  Since buying a new 2006 Legacy wagon in January it has proven to be reliable, fun to drive, practical and has an understated elegance. It is a comfortable car for long journeys. Increased rear leg room would be useful but it is adequate for adults in the back. The load space is very useful and the rear seats easily fold down to open up a large load area. The rear trunk cover is also well engineered and easy to remove (unlike that in the Volvo V50). The dashboard is well designed and attractive however the silver painted plastic around the gear selector scratches easily. The four speed auto-box works well, although having a 5 speed unit would be appreciated.