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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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By climaxbrew - November 20 - 1:18 am

  wife and I bought this car for our 20th anniversary. We bought it based on consumer reports and the companies image of being safe and reliable. It turns out that this is all hype and BS as this is the worst piece of junk I have ever bought. This car went through oil like crazy. Every 500-1000 miles I had to put 3-4 quarts of oil in. I diligently did this as Subaru tells you that it is normal to burn 1-2 quarts per 1000 miles. The end result was a blown motor on a 3 year old car. Told Subaru america about the problem and they offered no help whatsoever. We had to put a used motor in the car at a cost of over $4000 as a rebuild of the motor would have cost $7000. Beware people.This car is JUNK

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  wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jpr6 - November 17 - 1:11 am

  we purchased this new 2012 outback with the consumer reports recommendation. i wander if any one checked this car instability at highway speeds. this car drifts over the roadway and is tiring to drive especially for an older person. it requires both hands on the wheel and constant attention ,especially if there is a windy condition, then it is really off the charts. to compound this problem is the confusing operation of the various controls to perform various operations while driving this drifter at highway speeds 50-65

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  Lemon Legacy GT Wagon? - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By jorgeorge - October 31 - 1:46 am

  Recently purchased a new 2005 Legacy GT Wagon mid March of 06, guess it was a holdover from last year. This car has been back to the dealership 5 times, originally for check engine light as well as the cruise light. I also experienced shaking and loss of power each time. June 30, 2006, it went back AGAIN for same problem. I also didnt have the vehicle for approximately 15 days because of a rattle behind the dashboard which turned out to be some kind of cracked foam right behind the firewall. I have as of today sent my certified Lemon Law letter to the company hoping to get them to take back this UNSAFE vehicle. Not sure if I would get a Subaru again. To be continued.

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  A Lot to Like -- Other Things, Not So Much - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Frank Colligan - October 23 - 12:42 pm

  Things I like best: Overall visibility from inside is just awesome, appearance and styling, high riding position. Things I hate: Front drivers seat very uncomfortable. The seat cushion is very stiff and the seat width is not sized for large American butts ... feels like left cheek is hanging off the side. Compounded by the entire seat being jammed right up against the center console, which makes it difficult to sit squarely in the center of the seat. When driving it feels like I am not centered to the accelerator and brake pedals. Right now I am sitting on an excellent truck drivers seat cushion, which is helping, but this could get old real fast if the seats do not break in. Things I like: Paddle controls, adjustable steering wheel has good range, cargo space, auto-dimming mirrors, heated seats. Acceleration of the turbo is better than expected, though a little jumpy when starting from a stop. The 18" wheels are nice. Things I dont like: Other reviewers have mentioned these as well. Leg room for driver could be better (but is better than most other options in a small SUV). Analog speedometer is hard to read. During the day it is impossible to see where the climate control dials are set ... easier at night because of backlighting. Center console too far back to be of any real use. Entertainment system OK, but cannot figure out how (if possible with USB drive) to play all the songs in one genre ... I have to select one specific artist and album that fits the genre. Things I could do without: The panoramic moon roof. From past moon roofs Ive had, I can count on one hand how many times Ive used them. Too windy ... too noisy, and sunburned head ... need I say more? Id rather have the cost of that back to put into other options. Bottom Line? Jury is still out, but hoping I will adjust and find other ways to make life better. Biggest concern is seat comfort and how that will translate into a long trip. Hoping for the best with MPG, but that will take more time.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By Quite disappointed - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks and practicality of my Subaru Legacy wagon. However, I have already had to have the transmission replaced ($5,000 item at 49,000 miles), head gasgets, brakes, heat shield, the moon roof leaked into the interior light. Thank goodness it is has all been on warrenty, but I bought it thinking that it would be a work horse for many years. The dealer has worked hard to make me happy--but I really dont trust the car but dont want to incur another car payment now that this is just about paid off.

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  Update - 1st Subaru for Me - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By MB - September 27 - 8:36 am

  Had the car since April 06, and after about 6,000 miles, it just hasnt grown on me. The guy who complained about the jerky ride is right -- sometimes it feels like a roller coaster because the engine speeds up and slows down so much. And yes to the skewed consumer magazine opinions -- the Forester X does not deserve a top rating. I dont get near the 25 MPG the others talk about. I am lucky to get 21 MPG. I had a Jeep Liberty before the Subaru, and I cant wait to go back to Jeep. I havent driven the Subaru in the snow yet, and if it doesnt perform like my Jeep, its going! Havent gained respect for the Subaru like I did for the Jeep (owned 4 Jeeps prior to the Forester).

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  Should have been better - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By lfdal54 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Seats are comfortable and its easy to find a great seating position. Leather seems of good, but not great, quality. Cabin reasonably quiet. The ride is very busy, harsh even, really jiggly on uneven pavement. Lots of road feel transmitted back into the steering wheel, and increasing over time so that I now have the oscillation problem. Front end makes a decent clunking sound anytime Im turning into a driveway at anything other than a crawl. The real downside on mine is the 5-spd AT. a shuddering, engine lugging abomination at low rpm. Operation of all the above described as normal. The engine is about the best feature of the car smooth, quiet and great acceleration.

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  Troubled - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By stevenson5 - September 2 - 8:51 pm

  Something seems very off with the drivetrain -- CVT transmission or body. Steering vibration. Car wanders when on the highway. Otherwise a beautiful car.

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  Disappointing - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By 13outback - August 20 - 12:14 am

  4000 miles on new 2013 limited model. First new car purchase Ive disliked. I bought largely based on positive reviews but car has been disappointing. 1. 2.5 engine is inadequate. Granted we live around some hills but this car feels that it is actively protesting every time it goes up hill. 2. Fuel mileage is nowhere near EPA estimates. 3. Auto climate control works poorly 4. Build quality issues. For example theres a nut lock fluid thats obviously been used that is all over the alloy wheels. 5. Cheap materials. Seat leather is very cheap and at 4000 miles is already puckering. Id look really hard before buying one of these. Its not the quality of a $30K car.

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  Disappointment - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Larry Schultz - August 18 - 11:30 pm

  In mountains you cannot use cruise per manual and experience. Foot drive results in shifting under load between 3 & 4 gears. Have to rev engine to 5000+ rpm to maintain freeway speed. Engine screams and high rpm bad for engine. Wont pull hills in 4th. Sport shift helps but is not responsive enough and will shift gears without driver knowing. Any call for power even on level road results in high rpm in 3rd with engine howling. Didnt pay all this money for automatic & cruise and not be able to use it. In general, lack of power causes behavior like my pickup towing a heavy camper. Driver seating is designed for small people. Its either stretch arms for wheel or knees "against chest" for 6 footer.