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:

• 

  great car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 67celtic - January 26 - 7:36 pm

  After 16000 miles, no problem with my wifes 2012 outback. No problem on the highway at high speeds. Great car, different ride than our 05 outback.

• 

  Turbo Engine Trouble - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By luganlad - January 26 - 11:40 am

  Apparently the 2009 2.5 liter turbo engine has some metallurgic problems. Our engine began making loud banging sounds on a road trip after just 4,000 miles on it. Worked fine prior to this catastrophic breakdown. Subaru will be replacing the engine with hopefully a correctly produced engine.

• 

  Shortcomings - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Martin - January 26 - 9:40 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru, I had a 97 Outback and have a 2004 Forester. This new 2010 Outback Sport disappoints. The driver seat height adjuster is ill designed and it has to be pumped up almost every time car is used. It is too long and too high, so contact with it is inadvertently made, thus lowering the seat. The front headrests are raked too far forward and constant head contact is annoying and a distraction while driving. Subaru will not correct these faults. They say "thank you for bringing it to our attention". The silver outboard dash vents reflect in the outside rear view mirrors. I had to paint them flat black. The radio is mediocre.

• 

  Bought for wife - too much technology for her - - - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dennis Bencher - January 25 - 2:21 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who is technology challenged to begin with. For example, she has an iPhone6 and all she can do with it is make calls and take pictures. Thats it. With this car you have to like to read the Owners Manual for things like using the radio and turning on the bright lights - which by the way you cant directly. Shes had the car about 1600 miles and loves it - thought she hasnt driven it in the winter so well see. So far she likes the safety features especially EyeSight. After shes had it for 6 months or so well see how many of the features she learns to use. My guess is no more than 20%. This car replaced a Lexus 330. She also has a BMW Z4.

• 

  Great AWD and thats it - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By tcrew - January 25 - 8:43 am

  My wife and I purcarhased two new subarus in 2011. One a Legacy limited and the other a Impreza premium 5 door. The Legacy is great but the Impreza was a different story. I bought an automatic, should have bought a 5 speed. The 4 speed auto was terriable. The transmission got worse as i put miles on it. No mechanical problems just poor performance. The seats were a cheap material that faded fast. The tomtom navi was replaced after 14 months. The door trim rotted off. The center consoles plasic started comming off. The only good feature is the AWD. After 15 months i traded it for a 2012 Forester( i still love subaru). Im glad the impreza was updated.

• 

  2nd Subaru and it just isnt the same - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By dssquare85 - January 25 - 5:47 am

  This is technically my 2nd Subaru. My first Subaru was an 05 Saab (Saabaru) 9-2x Aero. I have owned my 11 2.5i Premium since May 11 and have about 7,000 miles. It took me a while to get used to the difference in size and power compared to my 9-2x. The power is more than adequate 90% of the time. My mpg is not what the ratings state. I was getting 23.5 when I first got the car but now Im down to 21.9 for the life of the vehicle according to the trip computer. I dont have a heavy foot like I did with my 9-2x. Ill attribute the decrease in mileage to the hills of Staten Island, NY. Car is quiet and has been reliable with the exception of the 2 recalls in 4 months of having the car.

• 

  6 Month Review - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By JM94 - January 24 - 8:53 am

  I reviewed my "tank" at 1000 miles, now a follow up. 2.5i Nav. now 6700 miles. I average 23-25 mpg mixed, no problems so far. Has enough power for day to day, not a speedster. Ride is smooth, car has been very reliable. Great cargo room w/ seats down, enough for a 40 inch tv and stand. Took it out in the snow today. It handles well, great traction. It took hard acceleration and irresponsible turns to get it to fishtail, but it will. I floored it, jerked the wheel and found myself hitting a curb. The Outback was fine, but I think I broke the sidewalk. I did this in an empty parking lot, hey if youre going to drive in the snow, you have to know your vehicle. Confident, solid car, not sexy.

• 

  Sorry I bought this 2017 Subaru Forester - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By C Gibson - January 23 - 6:25 pm

  I had it 5 days & brought it back to the dealer as brakes were squealing & my husband noted the front passenger brake was hot. I was told by dealer mechanic I should have not just stopped by, but should have called to make an appt. I had the car 5 days!!! Car just didnt feel right. Told there was no problem. Then the following week, 5 or 6 days later the check engine light came on & I called for appt. Told me bring it right down. Told there is a problem with O2 sensor software & Subaru has no fix for it yet...that theyre working on it. I could feel a lack of power when that engine light came on, but am told that the car is ok & that I should bring it back to have the engine light reset if it comes back on again & that theyll call me when Subaru has a software fix. Brakes still make noise & the engine still feels like it gets a slight "buck" or "bounce" in it. I feel I was sold a product by Subaru when they knew there was a problem with it. Mechanic told me they had another 2017 Forester will the O2 sensor issue as well. I told them I wanted Subaru to take this car back. I was told the dealer manager would call me & he never did. Im afraid to take this car any long distance. I bought it brand new based on reliability reviews. I bought a new car because I didnt want problems with a used one. Should have bought something else! I will never buy another Subaru. I sure miss my 2011 Nissan Xterra Pro 4x! I gave it to my son & NEVER had a problem with it.

• 

  90,000 mile update - Tranny Problem - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Fandango - January 21 - 9:06 pm

  At about 75,000 miles, I began to notice a whine/rattle in the manual transmission and, when it kept getting louder, took it in to the dealer a few thousand miles later. It turned out to be a pitted output shaft bearing. The repair cost about $1200 but was fortunately covered by the extended warranty, which, with a road hazard tire replacement earlier, has now paid off about what I paid for it. So far, the transmission bearing has been the only mechanical problem. After 90,000 miles, I still love to drive this car. Its just fun. It still reminds me of a British sports car in its simplicity. Now consistently getting 28-30 mpg highway mileage.

• 

  Nice Car - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Gary - January 21 - 1:56 am

  Ive had my Forester for almost a month, put on 750 miles, averaging 26.5MPG mixed highway and city. So far, Ive been pleasantly surprised by the handling and smooth ride. Ive owned Toyotas for 8 years previously and did not expect the Forester to drive as well but it compares very favorably. The interior finish is not as refined as my Toyotas were but its acceptable. Overall, its a solid vehicle with everything I need.