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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  Could be happier - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By John Tyree - March 2 - 11:59 am

  2015 Forester XT with Eyesight. Eyesight has some good features but could be better, slams on the brakes when a vehicle traveling in the same direction makes a right or a left turn, when gate arms rise up. The remote start only starts from 30 ft / 10 meters because it uses the same antenna in the car as the door opener and because this car has Eyesight.. not happy been a cold winter and I Live in Michigan, may as well not have it if I have to go outside to start it. body/hood is a bit flimsy. I liked my GL-10 better. Dident need or want a sun roof.

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  Ok but not very refined - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By dg2 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Timing belt tensior went out at 10500 miles. Intermittent clutch shudder that has worsened with increasing milage. Difficulty with getting dealers to do warranty work. Or admitting the car has a problem

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  Rattles like a Soviet-made piece of junk - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Rattled - February 24 - 8:50 pm

  After 6-7 months of research, I bought a new Forester 2.5X (basic). It is a compromise: will use it as a family car + getting to trail heads via back roads. After 3 weeks and 600 miles on asphalt, it started rattling at relatively low speed, like 20-40 mph. The last time I had a car rattle like this was when I was much younger - and it was a a small Soviet-made piece of junk, much different from a cute new Forester. The service department reduced the rattle but it is still there. They gave me a replacement Forester that rattled at least as loud as my own. The rattle completely spoils the joy one expects form a new car. In addition - relatively poor gas mileage in a city (we drive it gently)

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  I hoped they fixed problems w older Imprezas! - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By sjgordon26 - February 22 - 1:34 am

  We had a 2002 Impreza Outback Sport (the hatchback Impreza). At 150,00 Head Gasket and Catalytic Converter went. They broke again 50,000 miles later. The 2002 model only lasted 200,000 miles and Subaru Annapolis and Subura National Customer Service said it is not worth fixing a 200,000 mile car; buy a new one. What?!? That is why we bought a Subaru- to go the distance more than other cars....Id be scared to buy this one unless you get it for the price of a Hyundai!

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  SUV - Significantly Underpowered Vehicle - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - February 20 - 6:06 pm

  An OK car, but nothing to get excited about. I dont notice any particular benefit to the AWD, but northern NJ has pretty tame weather. The 4 cylinder is kind of wimpy in this fairly heavy car. Disappointed by cheap plastic in the interior. First day pulled the coin tray clear off the dash. Also, there are these silly little doors in the back that dont really close over storage areas. Most annoying - after 3 years, developed a whining sound at highway speed - exactly like our 2002 Impreza. Dealer wants $492 to replace some window gizmos. I think not. Our 97 Dodge Caravan doesnt sound like this. Probably last Subaru Ill buy.

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  Subaru Legacy - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By eoj88 - February 13 - 12:20 pm

  First few years of ownership the car performed as desired. However in the third year of ownership road noise became louder. Car has started to rust in the rear door jams at the seams. The rear quarter panel has developed large rust areas. These days I would expect a car to last more than 5 years before rusting out.

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  Major engine problems - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Irv Hurd, jr - February 9 - 4:49 pm

  I have had major engine problems. Every time I took it back to the dealer because the engine light kept coming on they couldnt pinpoint the problems. Car broke down and I had to be towed off the NJ turnpike. All of the exhaust valves had to be replaced. Now one of the coils has to be replaced. All at my expense The engine light coming on has been an issue since I purchased the car.

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  Too many RATTLES - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By Subie - January 30 - 5:23 pm

  New 2008 STi is unquestionably a blast to drive, and I actually prefer the new, toned-down body style. That said, Im finding it a difficult daily driver. Not because of the transmission (clunky) or the gas mileage (mediocre), but because the car rattles so, so, so much. Ive only owned it for a few months, and it is barely out of its break-in period. But it seems like every time I get in the car, it has developed a new interior rattle. No use turning to dealerships for help, in my experience, as they either fail to fix the problem, or claim to be unable to replicate it. Just how high do you have to turn the stereo and a/c to drown out all those rattles, boys?

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  Oil Eater - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Oilwoes - January 26 - 2:03 pm

  Brand new car from the beginning burns oil - 1600-2400 miles/quart on average. According to the dealer, Subaru specs allow oil consumption of 1000 miles/quart before they want to fix the problem. No drips - just occasional stench of oil belching for my driving pleasure. My 1997 Outback with 80,000 miles never ate oil. Will never purchase a Subaru again.

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  Nice in the beginning - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By J Peters - January 16 - 9:06 am

  I spent 8 months trying to find the right car. I thought it was the Forester so I bought a new one. In the beginning it was great but after the 3 year warranty ended, problems began. I have replaced all the tires, all the rotors, both oxygen sensors. The car gets poor gas mileage (about 18 mpg) and I literally watch 1/8 of my gas gauge disappear after I start the car in the morning. I cant get the check engine light to turn off and I feel like every month there is something new to replace. I have 55k miles and I dont abuse the car. I am disappointed with Subarus reliability and am looking for a different manufacturer to buy from. I think they use cheap parts.