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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  Love my new Subie. - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Beverly Eft - March 27 - 11:42 pm

  I bought a 2017 Forester to replace my 2006 model. The new one is a pleasure to drive. The drivers seat and steering wheel can be adjusted in more ways, the interior is quieter, and the sound system is better. My only complaint is that the right-rear blind spot is bad. The rear-seat headrest on that side blocks the view out of that corner. Overall, I love the car.

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  My last Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By jimpstn - March 27 - 5:58 am

  My 2011 Subaru has had one problem after another. Last month the manifold cracked and it was an $800 repair. This month a sensor went bad in the transmission - $1300! If Subaru has these known quality problems, they should at least help out with the repair costs. They said this sensor part alone costs $800, Im sure it doesnt cost a tenth of that to make. Not only is the quality bad, but they wont work with their loyal customers on the cost of repair. I am not loyal anymore. (Not to mention they still have not fixed the head light blowing problem I had on my 2005 Outback)

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  After a 4,000 mile road trip. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Roger 2miss - March 27 - 1:45 am

  My wife bought this in Oct 15. She drives it 95% of the time. I have my own set of wheels. June 16, we drove this Forester on a 4,000 mile road trip, of which I drove 80% of the time. Prior to the trip, the odometer had 2,300 miles on it. Drove from Minnesota - North Dakota - Calgary, SK, CA - Jasper, AB - Lake Louise, AB - Banff, AB - Coeur dAlene, ID - Jackson Hole, WY - Gillette, WY - Big Horns, WY - Black Hills, SD - across SD to Minnesota. I say all this to let you know I tested this in all types of terrain, from sharp mtn. curves/grades to long drawn out flat lands. My take on this vehicle: > Blue Tooth usage. Recipients of my calls complain of my voice being "tinny" & broken up. > Sky light - wind buffeting when fully opened - 2 rectangular openings in the wind deflector were way to noisy, had to put duct tape over these openings to quiet down the noise. > Looked into deflector mounted to roof. It covers too much of the opening. Sits in such a position so as to accumulate water in the 2 corners. Don’t accelerate too fast after a rain fall, else a shower you’ll get. >Skylight doesn’t shut automatically when turning off vehicle. - In it’s fully opened position, too much air hitting leading window edge, causing loud reverberation. This happened before the duct tape and after I put it on. > Rear passenger windows - no option to adj. all the way down - dont have small kids. > Driver’s window - automatic function cannot be deactivated. > Vehicle profile - can’t take cross winds well, alot of buffeting back-n-forth. Had hard southerly winds constantly as we crossed over ND/SA/AB, Canada. > Passenger air bag light - cannot shut off this indicator when no front passenger in seat. Annoying to have on. > Driver sun visor - should be able to slide on its’ shaft, extending out so as to cover driver side window better from sun. My Chevy Silverado does this quite well. > Rear hatch in open position - why is there no light on the hatch door to shine down, rather than the cheap side light mounted 12" off floor on the side panel? Cargo/Luggage covers this light. This IS THE ONLY light in the rear area! This is way too dark, especially in low/unlit areas. > All door jamb faces should have a light reflector when in the open position for safety. Most vehicles don’t have this feature, duh??? > Steering/braking/fast maneuvering in a critical situation was most impressive. At 60 mph, on a 2 lane HWY, no shoulders with deep ditch both sides, all most hit a fast moving bull moose coming outta the ditch. Rear hoofs were 12” from drivers corner of the front bumper. Luckily, no on coming vehicles. > Acceleration, braking, cold winter starts, low gear usage, sound system, use of dash board amenities, engine compartment access & maintenance, etc. were all acceptable. > Steering is very "tight", response is quick. > Braking is very good > Gas cost was $300 @ 30+ mpg. average. I kept sharp records on this road trip expense.This is a 4 banging Boxer engine. > Dash area, where electric port located below center radio, the storage area is too low profiled. It should be higher to give more storage area. > Front driver/passenger windows, in full opened position, allows way too much air into faces of driver/passenger. Suspect outside rear view mirrors to be the cause of. I had to keep the windows 3/4 way up to block this irritating wind. Conclusion: I’ll keep driving my Silverado. Ya know, for the money spent on this vehicle you’d think Subaru would spend a couple extra dimes into design/manufacturing to eliminate these piddly annoyances. They spend way to much advertising money to make you think the Subaru is a feel good car, which it is to a point. Subaru, put the extra moo la boo la into common sense design.

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  Pleased - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Edwards - March 27 - 1:10 am

  Im very happy to have a new car after driving the last one for 12 years. However, I thought once I got a new car all that engine noise would stop. Not the case with my new car. It is a little louder than I expected. I called the dealer and they said it was normal with CVT and the OB. I hope it stops soon, or I get used to it. Other than that I LOVE IT! It is a beautiful car and very comfortable. My friends and family liked it so much they are all looking to get one. Feel of luxury with a great price!

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  2010 GT limited review - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By mikewvche - March 26 - 8:16 pm

  After 1500 miles behind the wheel in various conditions (except snow) I feel able to make a fair review. This car has met all my expectations so far. Plenty of power (very responsive 265 HP turbo) and room (five average adults do fit with some room to spare). This car is fun to drive and practical at the same time (AWD is great). This is the fifth Subaru I have owned over the years and the third with AWD. Contrary to many of the reviews about the MT-6 transmission I find it to be very smooth shifting with good clutch feel. Compared to the MT-5s of years past this is the best Subaru manual I have experienced (especially from 1st to 2nd). The new look exterior does grow on you too.

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  Steering: - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Elton McCann - March 26 - 1:34 pm

  It seems that the Outback has a tendency to drift from one side to the other. It requires constant correction and on a long trip steering becomes tiresome. I have contacted the dealership about this problem and the conclusion is that it is a characteristic of the Outback. Everything else about the car is great and the problem doesnt seem to bother other people but it does me. My 1999 Dodge pickup is easier to hold in a straight line than my 2015 Outback.

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  Great Car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Harry 15558649998+95 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about 6 months ago and I have had only one problem and that was with a leak in my windsheild. I love this car I gets me to all the good lakes in the Wa area and it gets good gas milage for an SUV also.

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  Believe it or not the Ford Edge is better - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By 1happycamper - March 25 - 8:01 pm

  I have owned two Subarus...a 2011 OUtback wagon (4 cylinder w/CVT) and a 2009 Forester. Both cars were made with cheap plastic, had alot of rattles, transmission issues, and the darned muffler guard had to be tightened every 3 months or so. All of these items were apparently part of the regular joy of owning a Subaru and were not seen as requiring a recall fix. After owning the Outback for 18 months, I just had enough of having to take it back to the dealer to get things tightened up. I traded that car in for a 2013 Edge and have been EXTREMELY happy with it. The only issue with the Edge it to make sure to get the Scotchguard on it if you get cloth interior. Ford Edge rules!

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  Traded a turbo monster, and havent looked back - 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By mike_in_nepa - March 25 - 6:31 am

  For the last 10 years, Ive had various turbocharged vehicles, some of which were modded. I grew tired of temperamental turbos, having too much power in slow traffic, and spending ungodly sums of cash fueling them up. I just needed a reliable AWD vehicle that can get me around in the mountains throughout the winter months, ground clearance, get good fuel economy, and can stand up to my outdoorsy lifestyle. So far, I have 1000 miles and have been very impressed with this vehicle. I find it very peppy, and find the 145 hp rating deceiving. This climbs up mountain roads feeling sprightly, and never gives even a hint of losing steam. At 75 mph, I get about 30-32 mpg. Love it.

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  Love the CVT - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By pepperzoe - March 23 - 6:46 am

  Ive only had it a week but so far Im loving it. There arent many AWD sedans out there and most get lousy gas mileage. I dont think the 2010 Legacy looks any better or worse than the 2009 on the exterior. I do like the look and feel or the 2010 interior much better. The car drives very smooth and handles well. Has lots of little features I never knew I wanted.