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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  Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By zeke - July 6 - 5:26 am

  Driven 4000 miles. I am really happy with the purchase. Needed a family car and was not interested in SUV gas mileage. Been getting 27 mpg combined. The CVT is slick but does get confused at times. It is a little funny looking and after coming from a BMW m3 performance and outback should not be in the same sentence. But its versatility and price can not be beat.

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  Not great - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By nothappy9919 - July 6 - 2:21 am

  This is the only new car I have owned where I received 2 apologies from Dealer or service companies. After about 2000miles, I complained about transmission noise and the mechanic from the dealer apologized and said your stuck with it. At 12000mi, the front seat bolsters are going bad and the upholstory shop i was sent to by the dealer apologized, indicated Subaru is aware of the problem, that along with the hard to clean cloth seat covers. Subaru of America says they never heard of it so now starts the mess over warranty and for how long. The car is otherwise ok but far below what I expected

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  Fuel Problems - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Richard - July 5 - 3:46 pm

  I bought a new ‘06 Forester with the 5-speed manual transmission in Sept ’05. After 3800 miles, it has three annoying, potentially dangerous characteristics. The engine races uncontrollably during cold starts after the clutch is released, it bucks when throttle is lightly depressed, and engine speed cycles when slowing to a stop with clutch depressed. The cold start problem is dangerous, as the car will accelerate briskly and unexpectedly to 20 MPH. I haven’t run into anything yet, but I caution other drivers about this condition. The dealer is cooperative but unable to fix the problem. Subaru says all ‘06 Forester 5-speeds do this. They are working on a fix, but nothing yet.

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  Dealer great, Subaru a good company to deal with - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Joe - July 5 - 5:11 am

  We purchased a nice red 2017 basic Impreza on Valentines Day. Overall, it is a well engineered Subaru. It is a Subaru, so is a little hoppy--it isnt ever going to ride like a luxury sedan. Our car needed an alignment in the first 100 miles--when aligned it drives very well. Dealer was embarrassed and very apologetic. I recommend requiring your dealer to align any new car your purchase, regardless of brand. And any dealer would sell tons more vehicles if they aligned every vehicle as it came off the truck. There is nothing as sweet as a car that tracks right and hugs the road. The backup screen froze at 120 miles but Subaru had a full-blown recall on the basic head unit ready just five days from the incident. Remember this is a brand new design throughout the vehicle, so glitches happen. I was called within hours of the local dealer receiving the recall and they had the revised software installed minutes after I brought it in that evening. We have not seen any sign of the problem since. Negatives: No place to put change for tolls. Lack of a CD player--they are hardly no longer in use. CPAs, attorneys, use them. Libraries use them for talking books. Rear deck is rather high, so visibility out the back is not very good. Of course the camera makes up for that a lot. I will try to keep this updated if anything else shows up.

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  Subaru Forester 2013: Meh... - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By gber - July 4 - 1:31 am

  I purchased my Subaru in Feb, 2013. The Subaru does very well in poor driving conditions - I used it through 3 snowstorms. Get the winter package - heated seats and windows. But in regular conditions, the Subaru disappoints. The engine is geared to punchy in city driving, which I like, but on the highway, the engine is all noise, and little pickup. Once up to speed it is fine. Gas mileage has yet to crack 21mpg in mixed driving. Which brings me to the handling. On city driving it is fine, but at highway speeds, the steering wheel vibration is pronounced - I gather from the forums that this is rather typical for Foresters. Overall, a boring, but competent vehicle.

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  2016 Subaru Forester Limited - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Paul - July 3 - 11:04 pm

  Great gas mileage! Roomy for compact SUV. Ride is little stiff. Only complaint is that the navigation system should be located near the top of the dash rather than in middle to make it easier to read while driving. Love the large sunroof.

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  STI for adults - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By erven50 - July 3 - 9:10 pm

  I purchased my 2008 STI in March of 2008 and have been completely satisfied. It is fast, useful and the 2008 avoided the "boy racer" wing of older STIs. Some say the car has gotten soft - as compared to what? If a far better car and as fast as my 2004 Mustang Cobra and a powerful car with all wheel drive is simply amazing. The dealers are now discounting the STI heavily - my advice is if you want performance and durability - test drive the new STI - and gas mileage is 20-22 if you exercise some control. The STI is hands down the best performance car I have ever owned

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  We bought another one! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - July 3 - 2:36 pm

  We traded in a 2003 Forester. The new one is very similar but with a vast improvement in brake pedal travel. My wife loves this car more than her first.

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  Low passenger seat - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By svskyus - July 3 - 12:30 pm

  Nice car, first Subi in 15 years. Drove all the others, studied the forums, happy with my choice. Only disappointment is the passengers seat, very very low and not adjustable for height. Wife can barely see out! Fun to drive, feels solid, great viability in all directions. Great safety and best AWD around. Warning: Check your tire pressure after delivery from dealer. Many, including myself, have found the tires seriously overinflated (46 psi). Risk of tire failure this time of year!

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  My first Subaru - 900 mile review - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By wolfie8 - July 3 - 10:45 am

  I like the uniqueness of this car, Im glad they priced it sensibly. It is really good value considering the capabilities and quality you get. I like the elevated stance & feel it gives you when driving. Love the ground clearance. The clean look from underneath with nothing hanging down. 1st tank all city was 24.7mpg. 2nd tank mostly highway@80mph w/4 adults 25.9 mpg -both hand calculated. The CVT is awesome. I drive manuals too but this is a great transmission. Keeps rpms low in most situations and offers good thrust. This car is a pleasure to drive. Quiet. Solid. I am a fairly critical car person and do my research.