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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  dangerous - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Worried - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Within 5 months of ownership this car has died twice while driving at low speed, posing an extreme danger. Fortunately no collisions so far. The dealer cannot find the problem, so they are giving the car back to me, taking no responsibility for my safety. This car is a potential death trap and the Subaru Co. wont replace it. No reliability and no accountability.

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  Subarus Rock Solid Build Quality Gone - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Donkey Boy - May 6 - 4:19 pm

  After the initial warranty expired the car has had a series of mechanical issues that mounted to thousands of dollars. Many of my issues are echoed in other reviews - head gaskets, CV joints, alternator, struts. Currently the AC doesnt work and the car needs another CV replaced. Also the driver seat makes my right leg go numb on long road trips. I have owned my last Subaru.

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  It is what it is. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By fitethefututre - April 27 - 12:17 pm

  Manage you expectations. Its a crossover. So it doesnt do anything exceptional. The insides are unremarkable. So is the exterior. We have 2 little kids. So we need lots of space, with two car seats. It has a reasonable amount of space, but we cant fit everyone in--and the dog. I like the head room. Also, it has pep in the city for local driving, but with only a four banger, it is gutless on the highway. Maintenance is OK. Go under the wire for the warranty on the AC and replacing the rotors at 3 mm. 46K miles so far. So if you want something with more room, get a real SUV (We have a Sequoia for long trips). If you want a sports car, get something with more guts.

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  Mixed feelings - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By brucee2 - April 23 - 8:18 pm

  Have had my Forester for 13 months, 42,000 km. (26,000 miles). Quite happy with the ride, handling, steering, brakes & overall design. Of course, the AWD is great. What is totally unacceptable for me is the drivers seat comfort. (unfortunately, a 20 or 30 minute test drive when buying a car does not expose this problem). I realize we are all built differently, but for my 5 7" body, it just doesnt work. Headed for Florida a couple of weeks ago & had to turn back in South Carolina because of severe back pain. Will never attempt a long trlip in this vehicle again. No matter how good a vehicle is, if you cant be comfortable in the drivers seat, it is a lost cause.

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  Overrated - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By advrider2 - April 14 - 12:06 pm

  Probably the worst car I have owned because competition has made big improvements and this Subaru lags behind now. Foresters were never modern but they had personality. The 2014 does not. I bought a Premium 2.5i because thats a limit I am willing to pay for a Forester. Any more and I can buy a Highlander or a 4runner. Ride is ok but bouncy and jittery on bad roads. Steering has poor feedback and handling is scary at 80mph+. Holding the steering wheel feels like driving an economy $12k car. Just poor quality plastics - I advise to get the leather wrapped steering wheel as an option. In 20 deg weather (dry) I could not roll down windows and first opening doors.

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  Last Subaru - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Mr.Subaru - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Wow! The third time is not a charm. I have become known on a first name with the dealership. Multiple problems with the car. I opened a ticket with Subaru of America and they said all the problems happened post my purchase -- my last Subaru. Although the engine is major step up, the acceleration is not going to cause any neck injuries. Please check the following before purchasing: AC/Brakes/Steering Wheel Assembly -- normal is front 9-to-3, ours was from 11-to-5/Front Bumper -- Cleft/Back Wiper/Alignment.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Solistide - April 5 - 8:40 pm

  This car is awesome to drive. It is fun, and provides good handling and feel for the road. Not recommended for driving over bumpy roads, unless you want a sore behind. A bit rough, definitely not a luxury car. The interior is cheap; for my car, the seat material was wrinkling up (got it fixed through warranty), drivers visor mirror fell off, stock armrest extension not secured well to the car (quite fragile), and several other issues. This car was definitely meant to be modded (modified).

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  Missing in Action - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By mel turetzky - April 4 - 6:57 pm

  The Limited version I purchased omits many useful features that have been on all my previous cars at this cost and trim level. Heres a partial list: 1) ignition key does not fold so it stabs holes in pants pockets 2) there is no touch down for Passenger side window 3) there is no auto on for headlights at darkness 4) cruise control only increments in 5mph units after setting 5) there are no clothes hook hangers above back door entry 6) there is no overhead light in cargo area 7)the cargo mat is so rigid that it prevents entry to the useful underneath storage area. And Ive only had the car for four weeks. The ride and comfort are as good as reported. I think the Eyesight feature, while usually good is overrated because my limited experience is that its response time is too long for cars cutting you off and thereby requiring instant braking.

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  Nice truck but my last Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By mike - April 4 - 8:40 am

  Bought my first subaru in 2001 and it was perfect, rock solid till the day I sold it last week. The new replacement a XT sure looks nice BUT... Rattles something fierce and all over. The headlights wont work sometimes (had to shut the truck off and restart to get it working) windows software maybe?? The drivetrain makes bad noises when turning and the turbo (maybe) made a bad squealing sound for miles you first start the truck. I figured its under warranty let it blow up. The rear window for some reason wants to open with no one pushing buttons. The heater works in reverse. Have a small book for repairs. Will I buy another Subaru - I think Not. Too bad I didnt keep my old model, my fault.

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  Fun car with a few downsides - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Nick - April 3 - 4:57 am

  This is my second Subaru WRX. My first was a 2016 base model with the 6 speed manual. I originally got rid of the 2016 because I was sick of daily driving a manual transmission car in traffic. I traded it for a 2017 Premium trim with the CVT. The Premium trim has a few nice extras like a sunroof and fog lights and the car is built well and has a good firm ride and feels sturdy. The big problem I have with this car is that the CVT. It just doesnt belong in this car. I like that it has 3 driving modes that you can choose from but the shifts are noticeably artificial. My second problem is the fuel economy. I thought the CVT would help the mpgs over the manual but its actually worse. I was averaging 22-23 mpg in the city with the manual and the CVT is averaging 18-19 in intelligent (economy) mode. I absolutely love this car with the manual, especially if you live someplace where you can really use it and have fun with it. At this point I really regret getting the CVT.