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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  so far so good - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By FIRST TIME BUYER - December 23 - 11:43 pm

  I just purchased a Subaru Forester 2010 after looking at rav4 crv and rogue. I went for Subaru for the way it looks. I would have gone for crv if they had not changed the looks few yrs ago. The finance deal 2.9% was a big help. I like the heated seats and the displays and so far the drive has been a pleasure.

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  CVT Noise? - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Dennis - December 23 - 12:26 pm

  Really like this car but our model has a noise that is present at low rpms and speed. It seems to disappear at higher speeds. The noise is coming from the front end engine compartment such as pulley system or CVT transmission. Similar to noise you hear from pistons/cylinders that rattle when not enough fuel octane. Dealer says its a normal noise for these models but I have not heard anyone on the site indicate a similar noise/problem. Dealer does agree that noise is louder than other models on the lot that they have tested. I personally think the noise is from the CVT transmission which is a chain drive system or combination of the smaller pulley system for this model.

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  Great Car With Flaws - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - December 23 - 6:36 am

  I just hit 5k miles and and remain extremely satisfied with my purchase of a 2017 Outback. The car serves as my primary vehicle and I commute with two other adults. The spacious interior has plenty of leg room in the backseat for adults. The cabin remains quiet at freeway speeds, though there is a distinctive wind noise from both the front driver and passenger windows. When multiple people are in the car, acceleration is sluggish. I like the eyesight and lane departure safety features, but have had a few growing pains. I live around curvy roads and the audio alarm I get everytime I cross the line on a curve can get a little irritating. I believe you can silence the alarm but I prefer to keep it on as I have two teenage children that also drive the car. The eyesight braking system activated a couple of times as I closed the distance gap too quickly on a car turning right. Also, when backing up in a grass parking area, the tall grass confused the system causing the car to break suddenly. My biggest complaint is the STARLINK system. It is useless with the iPhone. Really wish the car had Apple CarPlay instead. STARLINK is the vehicles biggest flaw. While the Bluetooth system works well, not having full access to my iPhone features will likely keep me from making another Subaru purchase in the future. And while I do use the cars navigation system, its not as intuitive as Google Maps or Waze and have to rely on my phones smaller screen rather than the larger car monitor. Again, CarPlay would give me more options. Beyond the obvious STARLINK flaw, I really like the vehicle and look forward to putting the all wheel drive to the test as the first flakes of snow begin to fall in a few weeks.

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  Great car - 2 gripes - 2011 Subaru Impreza
  By cmstripling - December 22 - 10:12 pm

  Mechanically this car is wonderful. I went from a Dodge Charge w/ a V6 to the WRX and it is a night a day driving experience. Shifts are smooth and easy to navigate acceleration is more than adaquate and Ive gotten pretty decent gas milage (21.5). Two complaints, the stereo is terrible. The car is light and obviously is doing w/o on some sound insulation but thats not what bothers me. If youre going to save weight by not having that then make the stereo adaquate to compensate. It doesnt. The leather on my new car was not installed properly. There was slack in the leather on portions of the passenger side seats. Stitching was good, but they left too much leather on the sections.

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  This is my last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Doug - December 22 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had many Subarus, and this is my last one. After replacing the head gasket 4 times, Im done. (The tranny went on another one I still own). These cars dont spend much time in the shop but when they do, it costs me 5-6 car payments. Also, after reviewing options now (in 2009), the OB has not kept pace with other makers improvements. Its still the same car in 2009 as it was in 2002 with a few different options. Same engine, same power train, same reliability issues until someone proves otherwise. Also, the engine is underpowered for its size.

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  Some improvements, some problems - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sb_sweetie - December 22 - 9:26 am

  I owned my first Outback (95) for 10 years before replacing it with the updated 2005. I love the look and some features of the new version, but am annoyed by others. The car handles well and the transmission is great. It drives much like the 95, but feels much more solid and safer. What annoys me is the cabin; it seems to have shrunk a few critical inches in all directions. The fit is tight for me and my 62" husband. I never felt this way in the 95. Also, the rear-view mirror is set too low (Im 57") and obscures my view through the front. Maybe Ill get used to this, but for now, it annoys me (Ive only had the car for a week). I guess Im somewhat disappointed in the 05.

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  Subaru #4 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Valdezer - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Subaru that weve owned. We had a 1981, 1986, 1991 until now. The only problems ever were on the 1986 overheating and the 1991 pneumatic suspension sagging. Beyond that, they have been great cars. As for the 2003 Forester 2.5X, it has been great so far. We only have 500ish miles on it. We live in the lake tahoe area and believe me; Subarus can handle any snow. They handle great and all with the confidence that AWD is constantly working-great for black ice. The two most popular cars in this demanding area are Subarus and Jeeps. There must be a reason for that. They are great handling, durable and reliable cars. reliable.

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  First Month with 2.5RS - 2003 Subaru Impreza
  By raceace - December 20 - 2:00 am

  We took delivery from the wonderful Williams and it was snowing so we drove for a half hour loving every minute. The torque is great and the engine note is pure music. The interior is just right for two and stuff, which is how we go, usually. We plan to have this car a long time and care accordingly. It seems to be decent quality materials throughout.

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  Japanese made had better quality - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By illanrob - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My third Subaru a Baja auto has atrocious piston slap after 2kmi. Serviced twice to resolve the loud engine tapping noise during the first 7 min of driving: the timing belt tensioner was replaced 1st, adjusted a 2nd visit. Neither repair worked. Another Subaru dealer mechanic says engine is not normal it needs further investigation. Area Rep Ed Luksic (Georgia Alabama), came drove it and says that it is normal, not a problem, they all have the same condition, his own Baja does the same thing, should last 130kmi or so. The area Rep would have some concern if I can prove that only ONE cyl is causing the problem. Otherwise NO!

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  Good value and fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By Brainy guy - December 17 - 12:40 pm

  Base model hatchback hauls a lot more than I expected. Where I work its all large SUVs and full-size 4WD trucks but I have had no problems with clearance through mud and snow and I stick to the road a lot better (and faster) than they do with way better mileage. Base model has enough power for real world and car is pretty rock solid. Did have a rock take out my air conditioning (dealer then put a screen under the grill) and windshields dont take rocks too well, seem to crack easier than they should. All in all, way more fun than a truck or SUV with much lower operating costs. When the 2008s arrive I intend to buy one.