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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  My $38K Mistake - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By szampa - January 20 - 9:44 am

  Without a doubt, the STI was one of the WORST cars I have ever owned. Horrible build quality. Dealer could never get the hatch to close right. The hoodscoop and headlights rattled and vibrated at highway speeds. The dash developed rattles and squeaks and made the interior sound like it was falling apart. Horrible gearbox. Syncros never seemed to mesh, clutch was inconsistent and shifter would always hang-up between gears. GPS was old, outdated, cumbersome and inaccurate. Radio was grossly underpowered. Had to be run at full volume to overcome highway noise. Performance is underwhelming - all hype. Sorry Subaru, not feeling the "love"! Didnt last 5K miles with me. VERY disappointed.

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  Not Feeling the Subaru Love! - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By Daniel S. - October 4 - 11:55 pm

  I purchased the Crosstrek Hybrid based on winter handling performance and recommendations from family members who have owned multiple Subarus (but not this model). In the past, Ive owned other AWD/4WD vehicles, including a Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan X-Terra, Jeep Cherokee and Toyota RAV-4. My Crosstrek is the worst performer of the bunch. While I cant speak for the standard Crosstrek, the hybrid places the heavy battery components in the back, which changes performance dynamics IMHO. The first thing I noticed was the horrible winter braking. The car just slides and doesnt stop (even with new Michelin All-Season tires). As for hugging the road, the car has a tendency to hop and skip with any imperfection in the road. Sometimes I feel like the car is catching air. You just dont feel like the car is sure-footed in bad conditions. My girlfriend has a 2WD Honda CR-V, and she thinks it handles much better. I think the Crosstrek is too light and I think the battery in the back is affecting performance. I have other gripes too. The Crosstrek eats tires, even with long tread-rated tires and even after proper balance and alignment. With the Hybrid, you cant get a trail hitch because of the back battery placement. The Bluetooth really stinks and takes 4-5 tries before connecting with an iPhone. Even when driving the speed limit and gently, the car doesnt come close to stated MPG. Most of the time Im at 23-26 MPG. This is a hybrid for heavens sake? Lastly, I question the electronics. The first week I had this car "new", the check engine light came on and the dealership needed to re-program something to fix it. It took them a few days and I had to rent a car, which they never reimbursed me for. Occasionally the passenger "check airbag" light comes on, but then its fine for a few months. The car doesnt look bad. And its somewhat comfortable on the inside. Fit and finish are not bad. Rear cargo space is tiny - so youll need a roof shell for any family vacation. But winter performance is where the rubber meets the road - and the Hybrid Crosstrek falls way short. I will never ever buy a Subaru again and am definitely not feeling the Subaru love.

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  Tojos Revenge - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Duane Rorrer - September 26 - 1:33 am

  I originally bought this car for my wife. She grew to hate it so much that she asked me to swap her for our old Jeep Cherokee. After swapping, I soon learned why she hated the car so much. Lackluster acceleration, strange coughs, jerks, and a transmission that shifts when it shouldnt and doesnt shift when it should. One tank of fuel will get 25 MPG and the next only gets 17 MPG in the same area. I had it back to three different Subaru dealers multiple times and cant get any satisfaction. I have made at least 6 different requests to speak to a Subaru factory rep and I am always told to leave my number and the factory rep will call me. Im still waiting for a call. Buyer Beware!

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  Piece of junk - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By WRXbaby - August 16 - 1:46 pm

  Even though the car has a lot of power, I dont feel the car is responsive enough. The seat a uncomfortable, when you drive long distance you want to stop the car and get out for a stretch. I really dont like the turbo, but I bought the car because its fast at the starting point. No max speed, I found the car to be like any other car Ive driven before, like the celica.

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  Forget comfort & good mpg - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By gala7 - May 22 - 11:34 pm

  The leather drivers seat is remarkably uncomfortable. None of the available adjustments mitigate this badly designed seat. The big touchscreen is a glare hazard and not at all user friendly. Its hard to see the time and temperature. The car is incredibly noisy on the road. And the gas mileage is not even close to Subs advertised 25/33. More like 23/30 at best. We can do better than this "me, too" car.

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  Bad Engine/ CVT - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By Mark webster - May 5 - 10:55 am

  Its a o.k. car, wouldnt buy another. Problems with the boxer engine, burns oil. Transmission is weird, brakes when coasting down hill. Outside of car easy to dent, thin metal. Very loud when driving, turn up the tunes. Just had a wheel bearing and the front brakes replaced, cost about $900, so repairs are not cheap. What I do like is that the seats are easy on the back, corners well, and good speakers.

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  Water Water Everywhere - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Water Water everywher - April 1 - 4:57 pm

  2017 and the first month was great..then came the rain. A puddle of water on passenger side floor. Of course we brought it back to the dealer and wanted it fixed and get things replaced and wanted to know whats going on. Well to our surprise they tell us the air conditioner is blocked and that is causing it. Well I dont know how that can cause a puddle that goes above the floor mat. What the heck how can that be its bran new. We have owned multiple cars and none have had issue like this. Not sure about Subarus quality anymore...

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  Definitely not what they used to be, I would avoid - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Marius - January 2 - 10:47 am

  Where should I start? When the CD player broke within the first 1k miles or so I should have taken it as a hint. By 50k the windshield was an art of work thanks to cracks that spread like wildfires before you can make it in to stop their advancement. Fast forward to about 65k (at 5 years) and the central differential goes out (powertrain warranty expired at 60k). Dealer admitted it shouldnt have happened but they wanted a $300 copay on top of fully charging the manufacturer for the repair. Fast forward a few hundred miles the bolts holding the shaft come undone and have to tow the car in. Dealer covered the towing but you can forget dependability. At some point, much like all other vehicles on the planet I get the notice about the air bag. Fast forward 1+yr they finally have the part (your safety is very important to them). Around 77k my wife takes a road trip. After reaching destination the engine oil light comes on (no, its not dripping from anywhere). Research suggested the engine gulps the oil as if you own a 7-11. Its a common "feature/enhancement" of various models and its been designed that way. Apparently lawyers werent having it and they settled (I decided to just carry a bottle of oil rather than deal with them). At around 88k the reverse switch (attached to the transmission block) goes out. A pain to replace it myself but by now I have an aversion to dealership mechanics and service managers. And AWD is way overrated (at least the Subaru implementation), much like the guy who tore up his lawn, I got stuck on some slippery snow with a 5 degree incline (tires were all season M+S in great shape). I know, I should have had snow tires. To put this into context, I regularly drive a Corolla with 250k with original engine+clutch+gearbox, etc. and I dont ever have to wonder if something will break. I get in and get going, no questions asked.

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  Head gaskets from hell - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Ben G. Jhump - September 22 - 7:48 am

  Bought this 2003 Baja with 105,000 miles on it because of Subarus supposed reliability. Thought it would be a good car for my college bound kid. Ran fine for 6 months then I got a misfire code that turned out to be scorched exhaust valve (Subaru uses subpar valves according to my regular mechanic, who used to work at a Subaru dealership). $4000 later (at this reputable mechanic) I had new valves, head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, water pump, thermostat, throw out bearing, rear struts (yeah they went bad) and so on and so on. Within 1300 miles after the new head gaskets, started having overheating problem when I had been on the highway about 2 hours. never did it in town. never had overheating problem before all that work. took it to local Subaru dealership and their tests indicated hydrocarbons in the coolant (diagnosis: bad head gaskets), bad turn signal switch assembly. Took it back to original place and they warranted the head gaskets and throw out bearing and flush (including heater core - no blockages and no charge). Got the car back, replaced the turn signal switch assembly and flasher relay just for kicks and ran it up our local mountain pass (highway) for about 45 minutes. Ran great no problems. 1 day later, after driving on the highway for about 2 hours on relatively flat highway, temp gauge crept up to about 3/4. Pulled off and let it cool down before overheat could occur. Time to pull the bandaid off and kick this one to the curb. Do yourself a favor. Avoid subarus. Known cooling problem that causes head gasket failure. If Id only know before I bought it from that guy....

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  Headrests and blind spot -- Lousy car, great value - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By John C. - August 17 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second Forester. Last one was an 03. The 2017 should fit most peoples needs, but is undriveable for me. Biggest complaint is the front headrests. I am 510" and the headrest pushes my head forward and down. I cant drive it for more than a few minutes without hurting myself. Blind spot at passenger side rear when looking at it from drivers seat is big, and made more so by body design: right rear window sweeps up towards tailgate, so body design gives you an idea that theres a car there when there isnt. You have to really look, not glance, to check that blind spot. I like the manual transmission, but think there should be some more spacing between the gears. Im constantly shifting from 2nd to 5th (skipping 3rd) or 3rd to 6th (skipping 4th) because the selections are tightly spaced. As I get used to it, that should change. Cabin noise is about normal for a low-20s priced car. Youre not going to get a Caddie. Fit, finish, steering, and handling, are good for a car in its price range. Acceleration is good. Subaru has never made seats for long drives for most people, and I knew that when buying the car (my problem is the headrest, not the seat). Ive had the car for 6 weeks now. Most of my driving has been city driving, so mileage is low and probably unfair at first glance. Update for the comment that asked about adjusting the headrest: Yes, both I and the dealer tried different headrest positions; no luck. My head gets pushed forward and down. Im going to have to spring for an interior customizer to modify the head rests. Cost unknown. Head rests in old 03 were fine.