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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  Good deal, but it really is noisy - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By PhillySubie - March 9 - 4:46 am

  I like the Forester -- it has everything we were looking for in terms of performance, room, and affordability and we have a much higher confidence in our familys safety with the AWD and high safety ratings. The glaring issue is the road and wind noise at 45 mph+. I dont think I picked up on it enough in the test drive. I feel like Im driving a giant penny whistle, or camping on Everest. I expect/hope to get used to it, but Subaru really needs to work on this issue.

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  need new engine - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By dummy1234 - March 6 - 6:19 am

  the outback suffers from a fair 4 cylinder engine. it takes 75 horse power for the all wheel drive system. which leaves only leaves 95 hp. thats why it is a poor performer. and the cvt transmission makes the engine drone. previous 2009 didnt drone. time to replace boxer engine?? also headlights dont shine far enough to front - mostly to sides ???

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  Should have kept my 05 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By MCHaley - March 4 - 3:13 am

  This is the fourth Subaru I have bought and I have loved all of them except for this one. Where do I begin?? Well for starters the interior rattles like a bucket of bolts, I took it back at around 10 K because the exhaust center pipe had a faulty weld. Got that fixed and two weeks later the transmission (manual) started making a noise. It turns out that it was machined wrong where the driveshaft meets the tranny and it needed a whole new unit. I just got it back two days ago now it sounds like the passenger CV joint is clicking when I turn right. This car is absolute garbage!!! I wish I would have kept my 05 Forester!!!!

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  They should make more cars like this - 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
  By prometheus20 - March 3 - 11:34 am

  Got this car because I wanted a hatchback that can easily handle dirt and wintry roads. Also wanted a car that has good cargo space and is fun to drive. The XV makes great use of its space, especially with the seats folded down. The interior is simple but well constructed. The controls are intuitive. This car is fun to take through corners at a decent speed. Despite the 8.7inches of ground clearance, theres very little body roll. The suspension and traction on rough back roads is great. Acceleration is good from a stand still and adequate in the mid range. Not much torque so I frequently need to downshift for hills. Also, the engine is loud and revs high at highway speed.

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  Mostly Pleased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By roscoe - February 28 - 10:50 am

  I have had Subarus in the past. Test drove the cheaper model and interior was very sparse and seats uncomfortable. Went with the X limited with upgrade package and leather. Have about 1K miles on it and gas mileage is only between 18-19 mpg. Hope this will improve as car breaks in. Drove vehicle in a few recent snowfalls, and car handled great with exc. traction. Got Subaru remote start system as an dealer option, first unit was defective, took dealer a week to get replaced, works fine now. Seat heaters work great, but controls are in an awkward spot. Why no telescoping wheel or compass standard on limited? Overall pleased with car and value.

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  2012 Subaru Outback Moon Roof Leaks - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By goalkik753 - February 28 - 7:26 am

  A car wash revealed a leak at the rear seal of our 2012 Subaru Outback Limited. The leak was enough to splash over the small gutter system below the rear seal and onto the passenger seat. Its designed to be able to pop up for ventilation or slide down and into the roof of the vehicle when full open. In order to do this the rear seal sits loosely against the roof lip. I have had two automobiles with moonroofs before this (a Chevrolet and a Ford). Neither one was designed this poorly. I have tested the seal by pooring a bottle of water on it and it still leaks in 4 spots at a continuous drip rate. I cant leave my vehicle parked outside untill Subaru comes up with a fix.

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  A Big Step Up for Subie - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jack Hinks - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Needed a second 4WD wagon – I drive an A4 Avant 1.8T – and this was the only good choice below $30K. Much better than last years. Roomy interior with sturdy upholstery, far nicer back end, decent power, killer turning radius. Its no Audi – I think its a little floaty at highway speeds, and nobody does interiors like Ingolstadt – but its darned fine for the dough and it feels plenty secure all the same. Cant wait for winter...

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  Great little Subie - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By skinnerkid3 - February 25 - 7:54 am

  Ive had my 2013 Forester for about 7 months now and so far, so good. It isnt the fastest, most luxurious, or most tech savvy car on the market, but what it is, is a great all around car. In todays market there are not many CUVs you can run to the store in one minute, and then the next go out in the back country. This is what made this vehicle so impressive to me being a Wyoming native who very well may do both of those activities in the same day. This little crossover is just so well rounded and good at so many things it makes me happy everytime I drive it. The interior does have some cheap materials, and the stock mud guards are terrible, but other than that Im happy with my foz.

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  Still getting acquainted with my Subie - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Andy - February 22 - 5:00 am

  Compared to my outgoing 2004 Honda Accord EX, Ive discovered the following about my new Outback: it has more tire and wind noise, pretty weak standard sound system, no standard moon roof and preferred the Hondas interior center stack. That said, I am benefiting from the AWD, standard side curtain airbags, more horsepower, power adjustable driver seat, heated rearview mirrors/windshield wiper wells. I am experiencing a tach surge (up to 2500 rpm) at idle when coasting. The stick shift gates are a bit of a struggle to find the proper gears. I really miss the front console ambient lighting in my old Honda. Inside dome light does not adequately illuminate the front seat area.

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  Jack of all trades - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By ay - February 21 - 5:43 pm

  After 2 years I still enjoy driving this car and have no regrets about the purchase. Build quality is good; my only complaint is an annoying and difficult-to-pin-down buzzing/rattling from the vicinity of the glovebox. That being said, its a great car. The gearbox is a little finicky and temperamental. Turbo lag is apparent but partially mitigated with a Cobb AP. I personally think its part of the fun. There are little things that could be improved but -none- of them would prevent me from buying the car again! Its not the fastest car out there but very few can haul all your gear, get you to-and-from the mountains, make you grin on the on-ramps, and get 24-25 mpg mixed city/hwy.