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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  I want my VW back - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Roger - March 28 - 10:22 am

  I purchased a 2017 Forrester after owning 2 VW Tiguans over 8 years, I needed more space and better fuel economy and thats what I got. The vehicle has great space and much better MPH than either of my VWs. l love the headlights ( except the brights only will turn on when the car allows it). I really like the self dimming mirrors. I cant figure out how to remote start the vehicle and my salesman finally gave up because he didnt know either. Interior trim is not durable I am a hockey player and its definitely not going to hold up. The drivers seat and controls are not ergonomically set up, after 2500 miles i still cant get the seat right. The car is suppose to have better handling and corning than the VW, I disagree it feels clumsy int he corners and almost feels top heavy. In high winds the car gets pushed off the road. Visibility is awesome in this car no doubt. The technology is overwhelming between satellite radio, all the drivers training tools and eyesight you will spend hours in the owners manual. I am sorry I bought this car.

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  Piece of junk, NEVER again - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Mike Kelly - March 23 - 8:06 am

  This car seemed like a good purchase when my wife and I moved to a hilly location in NW NY. After putting on $600 snows it was only ok in the snow. Soon after, the car began excessively smoking and subaru of north america was absolutely no help at all. Apparently this is normal in these piece of garbage cars. Now with 120k on the car we have had problems with almost everything- right down to the clear coat starting to peel. I have had many subarus and they all had their problems but nothing near this. Never ever again will I go anywhere near this company and I have absolutely nothing good to say about them. It is unfortunate because I truly believed they produced a good product.

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  Shop Carefully - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Disappointed - March 7 - 8:23 pm

  Rear-seat riders in 7-passenger model should not be taller than 2 feet. Check leg room carefully. Ceiling mounted seat belt for middle seat, middle row, hits rider to the right in the head. Gas mileage is terrible. Repeat, gas mileage is terrible. Nav screen darkens way too much when headlights turned on. Gas mileage is terrible. Keyless remote unreliable. If you lock car using key, also unlock with key or alarm will sound. Gas mileage is terrible. CD changer repeats same CD, doesnt change to another CD. Must be done manually. Middle seats uncomfortable.

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  Most problematic New Car I have ever purchased! - 2017 Subaru Impreza
  By KenCO - March 4 - 5:53 pm

  We bought the top of the line 2.0i Limited Imprezza Sedan with the Harmon Kardon audio and have had numerous issues with the radio/nav system. It completely went dead within 5-days of purchase leaving us 300 miles of a road trip with no audio. Through electronic issues this eventually drained the battery and we were left jumping our new car after manually unlocking the transmission and pushing it out of the garage. They couldnt get replacements for weeks on account of new parts not yet being available for this car, which was frustrating. It was finally replaced and still doesnt work; now the back up camera is broken. Very frustrating. Have had it into the dealer 4 times in the first month of ownership. Not sure if they will get it fixed. Dealer mentioned another Imprezza in their inventory is having the same issues. Not very confident in Subarus reliability at this point. As a quick side bar the brand new Legacy loner they gave us also had electronic problems; its windows operators were faulty. We have very little confidence in this car and our dealer. Looks like a lemon to me.

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  Never Again - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By TD - February 11 - 9:43 pm

  First and last Subaru. Bought it because appearance of Japanese mid-size AWD alternatives were repugnant. Awful-sound system and navigation. Excessive cabin noise. Anemic power and poor gas mileage. Dashboard radiates too much heat which cooling system cannot overcome. External paint chips easily and is costly and difficult to repaint. Internal leather cheap and tears easily even with constant care. Repeated electrical problems with hybrid system, beginning at 47,000 miles.

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  If Youre Deaf This Cars for You - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By crestfallen - January 17 - 6:53 pm

  I reluctantly traded in my beloved Audi Allroad because it was at the end of its life. I was shopping for a manual transmission sports wagon and someone suggested the OutBack Turbo. I drove the car and was mildly impressed with the acceleration and ride so I decided to buy it. I never expected to be in the situation Im in now. The tailgate rattles to the point that nobody wants to be in the car. I cant turn the radio up loud enough to mask it. Its been repaired 3 times and each time it rattles on the way out of the dealership. Subaru has no suggestions. Before you buy this car check out internet blogs about Outback rattles. Theres literally dozens of them. This isnt uncommon!

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  Mistake - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Hardcore - January 15 - 4:13 pm

  I traded in my 2008 Chevy Trailblazer to save money on car payments and in gas. I do feel like a made a mistake by not really shopping around a bit before making my decision. I was trying to save money but making sure that I got a vehicle that had AWD. I wouldnt recommend getting the Impreza and would tell anyone who asked to look into other AWD cars. There are plenty out there, they may be a bit pricey but I believe its worth it to love what you drive. I also have been looking into a few other cars that have AWD and if you look online, you can find lists of cars that have an AWD option. On top of not "loving that car", the dealer that I bought this from just wanted to sell a car.

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  Beware of problems... - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By mark4466 - December 12 - 9:06 am

  The vehicle makes a significant rattling noise at rest when warm. Subaru is aware of the problem but has no date for a fix. At times it sounds like a 30 year old Mercedes. It is difficult to get Subaru to respond. This is my first Subaru and based on my experience Ill never get another.

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  been burned - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Tmad - October 27 - 11:10 pm

  Its good for hauling things when you put down the back seat. The front seats are not very comfortable on longer drives. If you are tall your head hits the sun roof in the back. Worst of all, I have only 76,000 mostly freeway miles on mine and the head gasket is leaking, causing over heating. I only hope that the head gaskets arent cracked or the block. This is apparently a very common problem on this car. There are three including mine at an authorized repair store where I had it towed. The cost is going to be $3,000 at least. The dealer requires it to be fixed there. Supposedly they are going to cover everything. Towing and rental car too Im bargaining for.

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  Outback ech - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Outback - October 23 - 6:16 am

  Bought a Outback wagon 4 cylinder - Im not impressed. I had Saabs for 20+ years. This is smaller inside (almost tight - tough to impossible to take more than 3 golfing), inside design just a 4, the MPG is a major disappointment- 23-25, the ride is stiff, little to no driving feel or fun, all-wheel is good but no better than Saab with snows. So for the good - reliable so far, dealership service good, replaced radio -- odd? So far fairly inexpensive to service and maintain, just oil changes, more at major mileages. So overall: a 5 from 1-10. Next car: back to Saab (expensive to maintain); a domestic, Honda or Toyota wagon hybrid.