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:

• 

  Subi - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - May 25 - 8:30 pm

  I love to drive the Forester in the city, it is peppy, turns on a dime, and has great visibility. I hate to drive the Forester on the highway, noisy and wanders all over the road in a moderate wind.

• 

  After 2 years and 60K miles..... - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By SOA does not care - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I would never buy another Subaru again! I broke my Transmission at 28k miles and SOA (Subaru of America) said it was my fault for "destroying" the car, therefore waranty was voided. I did a search on the internet, and discovered that I am not the only owner with this "weak" tranny problem. Its a very common problem that SOA chooses to ignore. Recalling a defective tranny is very expensive. My advice.... buy Audi! better build, better car, better company!

• 

  8 Yr Review- My lemon is literally falling apart :( - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By truth_b_told - May 17 - 7:24 am

  It has taken me from point A to B and been reliable in that aspect..but Everything Else about it just sucks. Transmission constantly shifts and is starting to slip, Lack of power going through the Rockies, squeaks and rattles galore, horrible wind noise, will barely start in 20 degree weather, paint is chipping away all over the car, plastic interior is flimsy, speakers suck, and the list goes on. It hasnt been terrible, but it hasnt been good. I want to mention I have always garaged the car, maintained it since day one, here in CO we dont use salt on the roads so why the paint issue? It only has 78,000 miles on it. Check Consumer Reports, Im just waiting for head gasket to blow

• 

  Costly to maintain - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By First and last - May 5 - 12:03 am

  Apparently all of those who told me to buy a Subaru because "youll never have any problems" never owned a 2001 Outback. Granted, I did buy it when it was 4years old and had 100K miles on the clock, but it was fun to drive and looked great. The check engine light has been on more that its been off: O2 sensors, catalytic converter, knock sensor have all been replaced and yet the light is still on. Brakes seem to wear out quickly and then there were the head gaskets to be replaced. This one has needed more expensive maintenance than any of the other cars Ive owned. But its still fun to drive and the drivers seat is even more comfortable now that my wallet isnt as fat.

• 

  Beware the bearings - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Subieowner - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Drives well, great visibility, very safe. But the wheel bearings have had to be replaced three times!!

• 

  First and last Subaru although saved my life - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Brendan - April 20 - 4:47 pm

  Bought used in immaculate condition in 2013 with zero rust, completely undercoated, 134000 miles and mint, or so we thought. Same day I left the lot the check engine came on no more than 2 miles down the road. Dealer replaced head gaskets, two days go by, now needs a fuel filler neck, another day goes by, needed new suspension components and a catalytic converter, left shop with a migraine after shelling out $6700 for what was told to me one of the best used cars, no more than another week went by and it needed a brand new exhaust and rear bushings, finally it basically had been rebuilt then on Valentines day 2013 was hit head on by drunk driver, he was driving a newer Pontiac Vibe which hit frontal offset my Subaru, I walked away, Vibe buckled like a tuna can and their tranny dropped from their car as he tried pulling away (karma), my fiance at the time was injured but is still alive thank God. The Subaru was totalled and although it needed extensive repairs it was terrific in the snow and rain, best tires used on the car were Hankook H727s, they hugged the road! But figuring in the repair bills, I will never buy another. I guess the best part was its safety and the worst was reliability. My Honda isnt much more reliable just waiting for a truly reliable car and I meticulously maintain my cars.

• 

  defective - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By vince - April 10 - 1:20 pm

  love the car but there is a flaw with the head gaskets. Im leaking oil at 78,000 mi. dealer wants 1500 to fix. seems Im not alone, beware!

• 

  2006 Subaru Legacy Limited junk - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By subarujunk - April 8 - 12:09 am

  Head gasket needs replacement at 79,000 gentle miles!! $1800! Outrageous. It is apparently a very common problem, despite what ANYONE says about the issue having been resolved from 2005 and newer. Id expect that from 1979 Chevy Chevette, not a 2006 Subaru Car is only mediocre at every level. My 1992 Camry (that I kept as a spare car till a couple years ago) did everything better (except for winter traction of course). Transmission shifts poorly (again, my 92 Camry shifted more smoothly and confidently). First and last Subaru. My Toyotas and Nissans have all gone over 250k and never needed a head gasket replacement. DONT BUY A SUBARU!!

• 

  Dont even think of it! - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By tomday - March 31 - 5:40 pm

  Even if the head gaskets have been done you will be doing them again between 35-40K miles. Bottom line If you own a SUbrau its not a matter of "if" but "when" youll be doing head gaskets to a tune of $2K to $4K. Dont be fooled by someone trying to sell you one. Years affected. 1998 - 2012 2.5L engines. Yes, up to 2012! If yo have one think about selling it.

• 

  2012 Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By lkarickhoff - March 24 - 6:38 am

  This cars steering was so bad, with about a 1/2 inches of play at center that I took it back to OBriens in Fort Myers FL with less than 150 miles on it. I asked if I could get my 2009 Outback back. They said there was nothing they could do. They said my 09 Outback was sold back to Subaru, and gone. I later saw that it was in there back lot. So they lied. So I traded for a Hyudai until I can figure out what I want next. I lost about 10 to 12 thousand that weekend. I have had 45 new cars.