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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  Navigation Poor - Otherwise Good Vehicle - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Robert H - February 4 - 3:20 pm

  Buyers beware. Although the 2017 Subaru Outback is a good vehicle - better than good - if you plan to use the Navigation system it is ill advised to believe everything it tells you. Fujitsu-10 is the manufacturer of the Head Unit, which is the heart of the navigation system. The dealership at which I purchased my Outback tells me they have many complaints of this navigation system giving incorrect and sometimes dangerous directions, and I am one. This nav system is so poorly programmed it told me to drive into a northbound exit ramp of Route 95, a major interstate highway, to go south (I took a picture of the nav screen and provided it to Subaru of America as proof). One of their Field Service Engineers inspected the nav system and said the cause was a defective head unit. The head unit was replaced with apparently another defective head unit because the problems were not resolved. Subaru of America is aware of the problem, and has been for at least 5 months, but thus far they have no solutions for the dysfunctional navigation system. I simply cannot rely on the Subaru navigation system I paid upwards of $2,000 for, and must use Google Maps to obtain reliable and accurate navigation information. Now doesnt that defeat the purpose of having a $2,000 navigation system installed? ONE OTHER NOTEWORTHY POINT. The CVT (Constant Velocity Transmission) is a bit unusual. This is the 3rd vehicle I have owned with CVT and none have had the idiosyncrasy of thistransmission. When you transition from park to reverse or drive, or from drive to reverse and visa versa, this transmission has a 3 second delay before it engages. If one backs out of a driveway into a busy street, one must leave additional spacing because drive will not engage for 3 seconds after moving the shift lever from reverse to drive; you can sit there helpless because the car will simply not engage drive for 3 seconds. Could be dangerous if not careful.

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  Perfect sleeper Subie. - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Elisabeth - February 3 - 2:00 pm

  I wanted a shifter sedan that had AWD but something different from an Audi/BMW. I loved the looks of this car and how solid it feels when driving. To me it is a true sport sedan. I think I would be happier with the short-throw gearbox and will probably have that installed by the dealer before too long. It is a great road trip car but definitely sucks down the premium fuel. Overall I have been very happy with the car and plan to drive it for years to come. I had an Acura previously and while I think the Subaru is much more fun to drive I miss the interior quality of the Acura.

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  Update from Brunte - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Brunte - February 3 - 8:10 am

  Now at 29000 miles my earlier review still holds - no problems at all, and fuel consumption improving, now never below 27 and on long trips above 33 (if I stay at 60-65 mph).

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Feilo - February 3 - 8:06 am

  The OB has always been on my car shortlist and I finally got an 08 2.5i 5MT to replace my much-loved and performance tuned 03 1.8T Passat wagon. I immediately upgraded the tires and the rear sway bar - instant handling upgrade. The 2.5i is really well matched to the 5MT (Ive been disappointed by rental 4ATs OBs before). Have been averaging ~25+ mpg overall - 70/30 highway/urban. This is my first AWD car and its been interesting in the recent snows - its a new driving experience thats for sure. All in all, I am happy with my purchase and am enjoying true motoring with the 5MT. No warranty issues so far (6k miles) and as I stated in the title - its the best bang for my new car buck!

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  Where are the cup holders - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dockhawg - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2003 for my wife in Dec. She loves. Great in our icy,snowy climate. Wish gas mileage was better considering a 4 cyl. Needs better cup holders. Nice ride and handles great. This is out 1st Suby, will let you know more later as it only has 1300 miles at this point.

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  Subaru Wrx - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By AKLF - February 3 - 2:00 am

  A very fun car to drive, not fun for people who try to keep up

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  Best Car for the Money - Hands down - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By Matt Norman - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute blast to drive. I have owned mine for about seven months and I still have a smile everytime I step on the gas. I did a lot of research before I chose this car, and you cant beat the quality, features and performance of this car for the price. I was comparing this car to cars costing $5k - $10k more - still no contest. Drive one and see what I mean.

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  2015 Forester 2.5i Premium - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By soysauce - February 2 - 8:37 pm

  We have had our new Forester since late April and have almost 6,000 miles on it. We narrowed our choices down to this Forester and a 2014 Toyota RAV4. The selection boiled down to the dealer giving us a good straight up price as compared to the Toyota dealer wanting to play the negotiation game (e.g., pay cash, it will cost you more). This is our third Subaru. The build quality seems a little less than previous years, but still good.

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  Love my Subie! - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By JC - February 1 - 10:53 pm

  Bought it used with 25k on it. Currently have 110k. Have not had any problems. Goes thru a lot of tires but I guess thats the AWD. Would like a few more horses under the hood but the 5 spd and the tight handling do make it a fun drive. Great in the snow. Id buy another one but dont want to give this up!

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  70,000 Update - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Peter Chun - February 1 - 2:00 pm

  Still fun to drive but, not thrilled with dealer service which is what I hear from a lot of other Subaru owners. Had to replace tires for the second time earlier this year. Original Potenzas were lousy but, the Goodyear Eagles I replaced them with handled great. Had bearing noise problems which keep my car in the shop for a week around the 25K mark. Car started to die on me at stops earlier this year. Had to spend $360 to have valves cleaned and it runs fine now. Went on trips to Utah and Arizona the car performed great. The XT has been a good blend of performance, comfort, practicality, safety and for the most part, reliability. However, my next car will probably be a hybrid.