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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  Strange little bugger - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By hboggs - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Originally purchased for my wife, it became mine when larger SUV was traded. Had only 1 problem, a leak in the engine, which took 3 trips to fix. No other problems. Generally a solid build. Overall very pleased. Look forward to keeping for many years. Recently, I purchased a Toyota Avalon for not many more $, much larger vehicle, get much better gas milage, more inexpensive by 1/3 to insure, makes me question, in retrospect, the Forester purchase.

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  Subaru is a Total Disappointment - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By David Zimlin - November 30 - 4:36 am

  Although I love this car, the biggest problem has been with the dealer and Subaru. I had a synchronizer problem develop, and took it in for repair. I was told that the transmission needed to be rebuilt due to "driver abuse", and that it would cost $2,900. After going back & forth, including talk of legal action, Subaru repaired the transmission free of charge, but said it was only a "gesture of good will", and not a warranty repair. Now, after only 25,000 miles, the clutch is slipping. I am not an abusive driver, I have never raced the car. I am 60 years old, and I have never had a problem with any manufacturer until Subaru.

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  Basic and awesome. - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By curban - November 27 - 10:25 pm

  This is my first Subaru, and I love it. I was looking for a comfortable and basic SUV that can handle weather, terrain, and carrying bikes, camping gear, whatever. After 8 months of ownership Im completely satisfied with the Forester. Its great fun to drive (the base model with manual transmission, I drove the automatic at the dealership and didnt like it), its hard not to feel happy when youre in it. Handling is solid and it doesnt feel top heavy at all (helps that the Subaru engines are mounted very low to the ground). In terms of interior comfort I love how spacious the interior is. The controls are a bit plasticky but I like them that way. The seats are quite comfortable.

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  Problems - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By blair - November 27 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased 2006 Outback because of price and ride quality, also reliability. The transmission started slipping at about 5,000, dealership tested and it was normal, and kept driving. Shortly after, the air conditioning wasnt cooling very well. Dealership replaced the expansion valve... works fine. Wheel bearing had to be replaced at 15,000 miles last year. Then recently, the window switch had to be replaced. Lastly, the torque converter, which is part of the transmission is bad and new transmission probably will be needed. The car is in the shop. I have had the car in the shop on/off for about twenty business days and counting.

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  Does Everything Pretty Well - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By BDR - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 years and the only surprise repair has been the radiator which had a small leak. It was fixed under warranty my cost was my time. The car is a nice compromise of fun, safety, comfort, looks and performance. It is faster than the Honda or Toyota and it can haul a fair amount of stuff. Gas mileage is not great and the back seat is only for kids. Slipping dangerously on snow requires a determined driver. I would buy this car again.

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  Gaiks Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By lemonstr - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after extensive review of cars in class. Came down to Forester or Outback. Better ride and quieter than Forester. Forester will probably be my replacement for aging Civic. Would have been happy with a Limited but wife wanted power of H6. Good car, but minor issues. Glove box hard opening, McIntosh stereo crackels on right channel when adjusting volume, water leaks in from child seat strap in rear of cargo area, has had two recalls todate. Gas mileage is not worth the performance in my opinion, wife typically get high teens on a tank, I can squeeze out low 20s with effort, best tank 26 mpg on highway. Overall Good Car!

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  Performance AND Utility - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nhesketh - November 20 - 2:43 pm

  I could not decide between a used WRX and an older LL Bean Limited Outback wagon (pre-2005). I am a car person, and love performance, but need the room too. Until this vehicle came along, I was not sure what I was going to do. When I saw this, I was amazed that you could get a turbo AWD wagon, and had to have one. I have been happy with it ever since. It drives wonderfully, and is very comfortable with the leather upholster and heated seats. The stereo is okay, but I am not an audiophile, so it is good enough for me. It would be nice to have an iPod jack though. The acceleration on this car is amazing, and the traction is excellent. I have had Subis for years and love the AWD. Buy one.

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  Solid and reliable but quircky - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Gregg - November 20 - 9:46 am

  Transmission shifts are odd with AC on. Needs more interior storage cabbies. Trunk light is a joke. Passenger side and rear window/lock controls dont light up at night. Seats could be a bit more comfy. Radio controls could be more intuitive. Wish it had speed sensitive door locks and a light in the glove box. On the positive side it is solid,smooth,free of squeaks or rattles and has great build quality and ratings. Wish front passenger seat would fold flat.

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  Michigan review - 2000 Subaru Impreza
  By Subuaru Impreza - November 18 - 7:56 am

  The car has really kept us moving. It it good on gas (about 25 hwy) and rides smoothly. The turn radius is good for parking. The hatch back is ideal for around town for a trip to the grocery or even hardware store, as the back seats easily fold down (2/3 split) to allow one person in back while extra room is created for long items such as garden tools or lumber. The ride could be a little quieter but then that would mean more weight thus increasing mileage. So cant have everything. The AWD is great in heavy downpours or when snow begins to fall. I really feel secure to the road, even during these conditions.

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  2007 Legacy Wagon Does Well - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Altair108 - November 16 - 9:56 pm

  Owned the Wagon for 13 months. Love the sleek but understated styling. This is a great looking wagon: lines, wheels, every angle looks good. Mixed driving around town & on local hwy gives 24 - 26 mpg. Hwy gives >30 mpg using regular fuel (2.5i). Manual trans helps but shifting is sluggish and no short throw available for wagon!? Crazy! After pushing dealer several times they finally corrected an engine hesitation w/ a "reflash", basically a software update. If you have this issue, get it fixed! Cabin is smallish and finish not up to my 1998 Acura Integra which I enjoy driving more. Ergonomics are OK but not quite as good as Acura/Audi. For a wagon its great fun to drive. Recommended.