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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  Not a car for the snow - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Mi - June 15 - 2:42 am

  If you drive in real snow conditions this is not a car you will want. My wife and I have owned 5 Subarus and this is an absolute disaster. Traffic was stopped on a slight incline on a mountain road as we moved forward the Subaru lost traction and slid all the way across the on coming lane into the snow bank. Tires in excellent condition but this Subaru will not grip the road as my others have. All kinds of other cars and trucks did not have the same problem. Fortunately the oncoming lane was clear as I slid across the road. It took 3 guys pushing to get us out of the snow bank. Car continued to slip and slide when others did not. AWD in this car has design flaw. Do not trust it except on flat roads it is ok.

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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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  Biggest piece of garbage on the road - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Mial James Bryant - January 22 - 8:58 pm

  The worse car I have ever had the turbo went out 3 times first time at only at 78, 000 cars are just breaking in. Air conditioner has gone out engine rebuilt at 100,000 and then the radiator blew at 100500 I would never buy a Subaru as long as I live even if it was a dollar and I would sell it if given to me .

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  WRX - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By BillR - October 13 - 6:43 pm

  The car is just plain ugly and looks like all the interior pieces are out of the bargain bin.

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  No availability - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By June - October 8 - 2:05 pm

  I wanted a 2017 WRX with a navigational system but they wont put one in a 2017 and my dealer could not find a 2016 premium, manual trans. NAV system, color blue available.

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  Surprised by Subaru - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Bird man - August 14 - 4:55 pm

  Engine quality is terrible in these 2.5 engines. Please read all the reviews before you buy one. Blown head gaskets are the norm and repairs are $2500-3000 or a new engine for $4500. even at 110K the engine is gone. maintained regular and treated the car good but the seals in the engine went out earlier causing bad oil leaks then a cam issue and finished off the fun with a blown head gasket. Would not buy another Subaru ever

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  2017 Forester Head Gasket failure at 12 Miles!!!!! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  Went and bought my wife a brand new 2017 Forester Touring the other day. Picked up the car to bring it home and got 12 miles down the road only to see white smoke pouring out the tailpipe! Pulled it over and called the dealer. They sent a tow truck that took over an hour to get to us. It was close to 100 degrees outside and we had our 10 month old baby in the backseat. It got so hot I had no other choice but to start the car to keep my daughter cool. Dealer said they would fix the car. NO WAY, I want a new car! Subaru is trying to just fix the car......lol. Luckily my wifes cousin is a consumer lawyer. Has already received word that Subaru will write me a check for the car I paid cash for and cover his expenses. Unfortunately, after how we were treated by the dealer and Subaru, we will never buy a vehicle from them again!

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  Not a good buy - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Jack bo - July 14 - 7:20 am

  If your used to nice cars this is a horrific buy. Because the quality is not good at all you can tell everything is really cheep.

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  2004 Forester Junk on Wheels - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mike Foley - June 10 - 1:23 am

  This car was rubbish from day one. Brake noise. Faulty converter, hard starting, and the cam shaft and one lifter failed after 12000 miles. For $24K. Do not believe Consumer Reports.

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  Worse car we ever bought - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By Amy Canter - May 18 - 3:43 am

  Our brand new Subaru Impreza 2017 completely died within the first month. Weve had it in the shop now for over a week and they cant seem to fix it. Ive never had a worse experience!! Bought Toyotas and Hondas in the past and always had great experiences. Will never buy another Subaru as this is an awful experience!!