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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  Reliable - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Will Lee - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a Subaru previously I was encouraged to buy another for its reliability. This one I like even more. It is comfortable, has a nice weight to it for highway driving, corners amazingly well for a four door car and has good pickup for a four cylinder auto. And I like the safety facto of the all wheel drive.

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  I wish I had your Baja :( - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By kch5 - January 27 - 9:56 am

  90k miles M/T. If only the engine reliability was as great as the ride. Consistent 1Qt oil consumed per 1k miles driven since got at 60k (and Im assured by Subaru this is normal and not to worry about it, just fill it up every third gas fill up, no problem). Both head gaskets just blew, along with failed battery and failed water thermostat. To repair all problems, were talking new battery, head gaskets, thermostat, new piston rings or short block replacement=$5500 at dealer (about equal to trade in value), which means good-bye or home rebuild. Heartbroken trying to find a non-Subaru manual AWD replacement.

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  Luv it so far - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By AM - January 26 - 5:23 pm

  Only 1800 miles so far and besides the gas mileage, I love the SUV. Have the Nav system and never knew how helpful it would be. Like sitting up high. Like the secure feel of the airbags and cage.

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  Love the car but HATE the cruise control - 2018 Subaru Legacy
  By cjmntgmry@yahoo.com - January 26 - 11:07 am

  We bought the 2018 Legacy because we think Subaru has safe vehicles. We also have an Outback and we are very happy with it. Unfortunately, we did not realize the cruise control had been updated and advances and decreases in 5 mph increments. This is very dangerous trying to get the cruise set at the speed you want rather than watching the road. We have complained to Subaru and were told if enough complaints they might do a software update. We are even considering a different car that does not have this type of cruise. We like the car and it gets great gas mileage. We just wish that not just Subaru, but other auto manufacturers would go back to the basic cruise control that only increases/decreases 1 mph.

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  Radio issues - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Christina M. - January 26 - 7:47 am

  Bought a 2017 Subaru WRX and have had problems with radio after 3 months. The radio keeps freezing and you have to turn car off and restart to get it working. Have had it into Subaru 2 times with videos and have called them many, many times. I get the same response, "Subaru is working on it." I am told it is not compatible with an iPhone, well I do not have an i phone, I have a droid! Lies continue! I am frustrated beyond belief, this is going on 9 months. When the radio freezes, you cannot push any buttons on screen and shutting it off via phone does not work either, you have to shut the car off and restart it. The AM?FM and Sirius radio was freezing as well. Subaru is lying to its customers and keep pushing the problem away. Just want to let everyone know to think long and hard about purchasing a Subaru due to the customer service. Example, my Dodge had a radio issue, the same thing was happening, the radio would freeze. Brought it in, with in a week there was a new radio and it is working great.

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  love it - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By grocerygetten - January 25 - 9:23 pm

  I love this car. Got 8 inches of snow 1 week after I bought it, and it was great. Handles like a dream. Im over 6 foot and have plenty of room. Looks great too. I feel very safe in this car. Had a small S.U.V. before and was afraid it would tip over, not in my new Subaru. A very fun to drive car.

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  09 WRX 265 - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By noels - January 25 - 8:13 pm

  I am former Lexus IS 300 owner and wanted a similar sporty sedan. I am utterly impressed with the value this vehicle provides. I like how this package has everything you need without needing to purchase any extras for increased costs. Reasonably priced Japanese built car with amazing performance and decent looks. You cant go wrong and throw in the AWD while your at it. Pound for pound this blows my IS 300 out of the water with much greater value. The interior was nicer in the Lexus IS 300 but thats it.

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  Great Little SUV - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By JT - January 25 - 5:56 am

  We bought our Forester new from the dealer and have had it maintained consistently by the same dealer. This car has been flawless and having regular maintenance has kept us ahead of potential problems. Yeah, the original Geolander tires only went 26K, but I put ContiPremierContac on after and got about 65K out of them. We have driven it on 7-8 hour day trips and found no comfort issues since the seat reclines. We like this car so much, we are debating whether to get a new one... and with only 96k miles on the car its a tough call ! This car has served us well during northern Ohio winters.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By skeezix - January 24 - 9:23 pm

  My first Subaru and first AWD vehicle. Build quality, fit and finish seem very good. Comfortable ride, great on snowy roads but the factory tires will need to be replaced eventually with more wintry all-season tires. The factory ones are really better suited for dry pavement, in my opinion. When I picked this car I primarily liked the cabin size and volume. I felt I was getting better value over the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV (and cant stand rear-door mounted spare tire!). Radio has nice features but sound quality is only fair. Comfortable ride. Combined city/hwy is 22.5 MPG in this hilly area. Only 1700 miles on car at this point. So far, a real pleasure to drive and own.

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  Great car to drive - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Gary - January 24 - 3:46 pm

  My car has been very reliable, and the service records (I bought used) show no problems. Acceleration very good for a normally-aspirated H-4 engine and a 3400 lb car. Drove the H-6, but honestly did not think its acceleration and torque were that much better. AWD excellent, handling very good, and no problems with brakes. Interior is nice, but I have leather. Tune-ups are fairly easy. Re: other reviews: V6? Dont expect in Subarus because they use boxer engines. Upgrade interior? A $25K car will never have the tactile feel of a $40K car. There is some wind noise, seats could have more adjustment, but, again, ITS A $25k CAR. As a package, hard to knock. Most auto reviewers like the Legacy GT.