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:

• 

  quality declines in late model Subarus - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By ssa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Less than 26000 miles and have had major brake job (all 4 wheels), new clutch, repeated problems with wind noise and check engine light coming on. Basically a big dissapointment compared to the many Subarus Ive owned in the past.

• 

  bought new, wish I hadnt - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By ssa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Outback wagon with 36000, has had two brake jobs, repeated problems with wind noise, problems with check engine sensor system with light coming on repeatedly, twisted gasket in rear wagon window. Generally, a big disappointment. Ive owned Subarus for 20 years and this is the poorest quality one Ive ever owned.

• 

  Extremely Disappointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By MikeS - April 9 - 7:30 pm

  I dont know about any of you but this vehicle is a rattle trap. Drove off lot with 11 miles and was already rattling from multiple locations. My wife wishes she had her 05 Forester back. Love the exterior styling of this vehicle and like the ride, however they really skimped with quality of interior trim. Cannot get past the rattles & vibration. Vehicle has 415 miles and dealer fixed most rattles except the hatch vibration over bumps. I cannot live with spending $26k for a Forester that rattles. Luckily the dealership is allowing me to return it for 100% refund and get an Outback. The Outback is a much superior vehicle. One other note, two loaner 09 Foresters also rattled.

• 

  Nightmare.. - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By itsme0729 - April 7 - 7:23 pm

  At miles 6729, the transmission burnt. Subaru will not install a new one. Forced me to accept a re-built transmission. The re-built transmission after 500 miles went bad also. It started locking up in reverse gear and when driving around the corners. The service department would not pay attention until I left the car at the dealership and threatened to sue under the Lemon Act. They finally called in the Subaru technical rep who offered to replace it with a new transmission if I was going to keep the car. I said, yes, got the new transmission and then traded it for a new 2005 Turbo model in April 2005. The transmission on Baja is very poorly designed. Its very noisy to drive.

• 

  Windy Review - 2016 Subaru Impreza
  By Suzanne Cutler - April 4 - 5:37 am

  Test drove the Impreza wagon (base model). Two items that didnt impress me were the lack of electric drivers seat controls for adjustment, and the wind noise when driving on the highway. With the years Ive owned and driven the Subaru models there would be NO wind noice in ANY model. Todays technology and engineering should have had a "fix" for this a LONG time ago.

• 

  L.L. Bean Outback aka my last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By dan - April 1 - 12:50 pm

  The transmission was replaced at 20k miles and the brakes soon after (under new car warranty). Apparently the pads were replaced and the rotors turned. I was getting a lot of front end shimmy at 30k miles so the dealer decided to turn the drums again. I was just in again at 50k with the same problem and had to pay for new rotors and pads (despite having the extended warranty and the dealer knowing full well this is an on-going problem) An independent mechanic was telling me that the rotors they use on Subaru are actually too thin to be turned and he couldnt believe they turned them once no less twice! The ventilation fan has developed quite a rumble but I was told this is "normal".

• 

  No one seems to worry about it but me - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By painshot - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I own a 03 Baja. I have an engine knock that just wont go away. I have reported, with every trip to the dealer, and I get the same response, "We know about but there is anything to do about it. It is the way the engine is mounted." Sounds like a lot of BS to me. I also have complained about a damp musty smell, like wet towels left in the sun, and again they cannot find the problem. I plan to sell my Baja ASAP

• 

  Disappointing Sti - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By flying finn - March 25 - 10:13 pm

  The car was great to 4700 mile marker. Ringland failure downed car and it has been @ dealership for 3 weeks awaiting repair. Have read of widespread issues w/ engine which manufacturer is denying. I dont have much faith in the car when I get it back after this experience. WRC caliber STIs are a thing of the past when they are offered in factory guise.

• 

  Not returning to Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By cars4dummies - March 25 - 9:46 am

  Despite all the hypes out there, I am very disappointed with our Forester. Runs well and icy and snowy roads here in Calgary, but the customer care is mediocre to say the least, and weve had series of issues after our first maintenance. Suffice to say, we went back to the dealer for repairs other than regular maintenance at least five times in the last four years. Thats a lot considering this is a brand new car. My 2003 Toyota Echo has been a much better value for us for $10K less than our Forester. We will sell ours shortly, and will not go back to Subaru again. (sorry sis... she works for Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan)

• 

  ball bearings - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By rn4nuts - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had two Subaru Outbacks. Have had the rear ball bearing go out several times after the warranty was over. I like the car other than that. Has anyone else had this same problem??? I wonder if the makers are aware?