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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  VDC wagon - underestimated sleeper - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By willoc - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Im going on two months with the car and enjoying every drive. McIntosh audio is much better than the Bose system I had in my previous Infiniti. Soundproofing is excellent, this car has TRACTION you cant even break the tires loose on full throttle and it accelerates pretty well considering its weight (3800+ lbs). Has a very solid, safe feel. If you are getting out of an SUV like I did, you will find this car every bit as capable as an SUV yet handles like a car and I just got 26 mpg on a road trip. awesome !!

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  Disappointed - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Outback - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 2002 Outback! My second Subaru is at the opposite end of that scale. This 2008 is like a tunafish can in comparison. Very uncomfortable. Seat does not go that far back and is uncomfortable for a 58" driver. Ride is rough, Gas mileage is only 22-23 mpg, (expected more.)Tires are small. Overall, very disappointed and will never buy another Subaru. How could a car change for the worse, so quickly? Cant wait to get rid of it!!!

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  Fragile details = big disappointment - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Norman - November 23 - 11:06 pm

  Advertised to have you believe that it is rugged. Because of fragile details, IT IS NOT. The paint on the plastic bumpers, wheel opening/lower door trim and the door protection strips is chipping from light bumps and dings and looks like heck particularly because of light colored paint over black plastic. Some interior plastic items are way too fragile. Two items have been replaced because of cracks or breakage and snap-in retainers for rear deck wont stay on place. Drivers seat position and adjustment is barely adequate for my 6 2", 200# size. Anyone over 6 0" might want to look elsewhere. Gas mileage for the 2.5L non turbo is not as good as our other car which is a 95 3.0L Maxima.

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  Subaru Stalls - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By John Sauer - November 23 - 9:30 pm

  Almost from the day I took my Subaru home I have had problems. The car has poor and erratic idle, loses power while driving and stalls. Subaru (several dealerships) has attempted repairs, replacing MANY parts, over the three years I have had this car. Each time the problems resurface. Low idle, power loss, stalling at stops. I am past my 36,000 warranty and Subaru has committed to honor the warranty for existing problems, but that is little consolation as I have to continue living with a $32,000 car that I do not trust. On more than one occasion I was almost stranded on long trips with wife and baby.

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  Owning an amazing car. - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Leonardo Pineda - November 23 - 6:04 pm

  My name is Leo , and I have owned my Subaru WRX STI for two years now. This car his given me no problems at all. I am from a small town where it snows a little so people are always struggling with driving in the winter, but with my Subaru the snow was no challenge . The AWD makes it ride really smooth and all 4 seasons. I did not even have to worry about putting chains on my car , for the car would go through it like nothing . Not only are these cars amazing with weather, but they are also really fun ( speed wise ) . My car just got a stage 2 tune with a Cobb v3 accessport and it runs amazing! I have it tuned at 19 psi and can hear te turbo starting to spool as soon as I hit the gas. I have the td04 turbo which is not the best at starting to spool, but once it spools the car pulls really hard. I also have an ERZ downpipe, Cobb v3 accesport, GBF BOV, Perrin cold air intake , mancoo boost gauge , and bigger injectors. I have not had one single problem with my car since I bought it. I got my car for 18 thousand dollars with 96xxx miles, and I can tell you its one hella of a deal that Ive made.

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  2013 Subaru Impreza is a terrible car - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By tammyw4 - November 23 - 3:17 pm

  This car has been nothing but a problem. It has a terrible ride, gets poor gas mileage and at 24,400 miles chewed a set of tires right off the car. Subaru has to pay to put a new set on becuse it was under warranty. It has been aligned four time, it has had the steering box adjusted and now the AWD disengages in any slippery condition. Subaru is aware of how this car is running particulary with the AWD malfunctions, but Subaru engineering insists that the car is running to specifications. It is a piece of junk and the worst car purchase I have ever made. I have heard of many problems with the 2013s so buyer beware on this model year they are defective.

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  Finally...The Car Ive Wanted - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Cam - November 22 - 5:50 am

  I have wasted a ton of money in negative equity with a 07 Camry, 08 Altima, and 08 Accord (lease) before coming around to Subaru. I wanted to wait on a review until I put it in the snow. It was amazing. Everything about this car with its value really added up to a great experience so far. The dealer was great about letting me test drive and had a great purchase incentive. They got me out of my Honda lease and into one of the last 09 Legacy on the lot. The premium sound system is amazing. The car drives extremely well and the interior design is great. I like the 10 exterior better, but am in love with my 09 so far. Amazing ride in snow, rain, and in the sun. Highly recommended.

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  First Subaru - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By atthelake - November 22 - 2:22 am

  Overall I am pretty pleased and it feels like it is built well but time will be the true judge. The ride is quiet and I like the CVT where you are always in the right gear - well not literally but its nice to feather the RPMs for just the right power without stepping across gears. After about 1000 miles I pretty much get 24/32 MPG city/hwy and could probably get higher if I kept it below 70MPH on the hwy. The seats were comfortable on a 10 hour trip and the rear camera is a first for me and works well. If you come from a Ford sync system you will find the connectivity less robust and more challenging to set up. See additional suggestions below.

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  Discover Subaru - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By solarwinds - November 21 - 3:32 pm

  We got a 2013 Subaru Legacy Limited... The interior toys are not as modern but functional and reliable. But it definitely out performs then the Nissan Altima we lease. Handling is great, power is smooth,, MPG consistent 28 mixed up to 33 - 34 hwy, depends on how you drive. The AWD is incredible and the car feels solid... In NJ 2014 winter it was flawless blast through snow and take the potholes great... Subaru give you a great road feel and confidence you cant get from other i4 FWD cars. Rain, mud, dirt, curbs. The Legacy eats it all up People who drive my car say wow.

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  GO FOR THE 3.6R - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By TONY - November 21 - 10:48 am

  We traded in a 2015 2.5 limited for a 3.6r Limited. Much better car overall with the six. Smoother, quieter, and definitely faster. We did a recent trip over 2 mountain passes with the 2.5 and it had to work hard to keep up. Gas mileage suffered. The new safety features on the 2017 combined with the 3.6 made for a better driving experience.