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:

• 

  Wubaru Wagon 2002 - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By haji - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The car is very rattle prone. Dealer fixed 4 rattles with resistance. Wind and outside noise is uncomfortable. Car handles well in snow. Poor break angle prevents it from doing any serious off road. Premium sound system just doesnt sound right - sounds kind of hollow.

• 

  Good for snow, but thirsty and noisy - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Raj - August 27 - 12:50 am

  This is a fairly spacious little wagon that works well for our family of four and dog. The car shines in the snow, which weve had plenty of the last two winters. The reliability has not been so impressive - frozen calipers, broken primary pulley - and the clutch is pitifully heavy. The engine is torquey but thirsty - lots of sub-20 mpg tanks around town this winter. During the summer, I dream of selling the thing, but its effectiveness in the snow keeps it in the family (for now).

• 

  Still undecided - 2013 Subaru Impreza
  By luvsgas - August 6 - 3:28 am

  After having the car for awhile its not as good as my impressions of when I bought it from the dealership. But it is a very good price AWD car. Buying a Subaru was a different experience. I found out that you will get a substantial better price from a large volume dealer than smaller one. This is how Subaru distrubution model works and the Impreza is a hot car. Our order took 6 months instead of the 12 weeks we were told, but we kind of knew this going in.

• 

  Good car, questionable transmission - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Rod - August 5 - 1:36 pm

  The car handles fine and looks good. We have been happy with the car until last week. We just had the car towed to the dealership because transmission would not engage when put in drive. It had been hesitating for several seconds before engaging. Dealership immediately suggested a new transmission, or a flush, which may get it operating again, but dont know for how long. We opted for flush ($400), and transmission works - for now. But still a slight hesitation after shifting into drive. From other internet sources, this may be a common problem. Dealer seemed to have seen it before. Now we plan to trade it. A shame, we were hoping to keep it for 200K miles.

• 

  oil consumption - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By zoltan1469 - August 2 - 3:01 pm

  we purchased our first new car, very exciting.. First year burned through oil, a lot of oil! dealer said this was normal, we werent checking properly, might have a problem. did oil consumption test, obviously a problem 1 quart every 700 miles. Subaru talerance is 1/3 quart every 1000? Subaru replaced the rings, and still theres a problem. weve now reached 26K miles. No new fixes. we were advised to carry a quart of oil with us. "I dont think so!" If the 2014 is the same as the 2013 you are making a mistake purchasing this car. If they tell you its normal.. Its Not.. Let Subaru admit and fix this "alleged" issue first, then this will be a great car.

• 

  Just not a great car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By karlou - July 26 - 10:56 am

  Have had the car for ten years (bought new) and almost 130K miles. Many problems from the start, not the least of which was the flames coming out the tailpipe towards the end of the first year. Has needed much maintenance and repair over the years, and one important fact about subarus - they rust. So surprised in this day and age how rusty this car has gotten, and Im very good about washing the car (including underneath). Wind noise bad almost from the start, and three trips to dealership never got it better. Very cheap interior materials, now looking to finally get new and better vehicle. Never again a Subaru!

• 

  Overpriced Tinker Toy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Very disatisfied - July 25 - 3:10 pm

  I dont want to offend all the Subie cultists out there, but what are they smoking! Spare yourself the agony of shelling out $28 grand for this overpriced tinker toy. All the reviews Ive read sound like they came from Subaru employees. The ride is bad and noisy over 35 mph and off residential streets. The non turbo 4 cyl - 4 speed downshifts constantly when trying to enter the interstate or climb a small grade, almost got creamed by an 18 wheeler. Seats hurt if you drive over 1 hour,cheap thin sheet metal, interior materials, noise from the back storage bins when hit bumps. Only had 3 months - someone hit my door with theirs, made golfball size dent, didnt happen on my American SUV.

• 

  fair at 800 miles - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By rustythepuppy - July 22 - 7:15 am

  800 miles so far for this fairbanks, alaskan vehicle. driving on ice requires patience since it slides around a lot -- better treaded tires will be the next investment, though have not driven it in much snow. not happy with the yokohamas. the back hatch has some probs closing all the way - have to open and slam it a few times to get it to securely shut. i love the huge moonroof and the visibility out back. the sound quality of the premium stereo is a bit stinky -- not what i expected, and have to crank it if i want to hear it. well keep on driving the overpriced car and see what happens.

• 

  wouldnt buy another - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By steve - July 3 - 11:43 pm

  Lights burn out. Transmission slips.

• 

  Disappointed owner - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By disappointed owner - July 2 - 8:26 pm

  Fuel mileage for a 4 cyl. is very poor. Do not like the hesitation from start. Do not like the pulsating in fuel going down hill. Would much rather have my SUV back.