Buying a car is probably one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make in your life. Unfortunately, buyers only fixate on the asking price of the car. This shortsighted behavior often leads to the purchase of a car with little understanding of how much more it will actually cost to own the car over the long run.
A car can cost you an arm and a leg when it comes to maintenance, repair, fueling, and hidden costs. Therefore, you should buy the vehicle, not the deal!
That said, are Subarus good cars?
- Yes, especially if you are in snowy conditions or mountainous terrain.
Subaru history
Subaru’s history can be traced back to 1950 when Fuji Sangyo Co., Ltd.. That is when the aircraft manufacturing company was divided into 12 companies, according to Japan’s corporate credit rearrangement law.
Investments from five of these companies led to the founding of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) in July 1953. Said companies, namely Fuji Kogyo, Fuji Jidosha, Omiya Fuji Kogyo, Utsunomiya Sharyo, and Tokyo Fuji Sangyo, merged with FHI two years later.
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Subaru’s first model is born.
In February 1954, FHI, which had been intended to advance into the automobile industry for some time, released a 4-seat prototype passenger vehicle named P-1. The P-1 used a 4-cycle OHV engine and was renamed the Subaru 1500 the following year.
The Subaru 1500 acted as the foundation for the development of the Subaru 360 (1958) and the Subaru 1000 (1966).
Note: Fuji Heavy Industries changed its company name to SUBARU CORPORATION from April 1, 2017.
Subaru car models
Subaru designs and builds SUVs like Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Ascent, and Subaru XV; sedans such as Subaru Legacy, Subaru WRX, Subaru WRX STI, and Subaru Impreza; 5-Doors like Subaru Levorg and Subaru Impreza 5-Door; and coupes namely Subaru BRZ. In 2014, Subaru reached a milestone in production with 20 million units produced in Japan.
Over the years, Subaru has also introduced various concept vehicles. Concept cars are cars designed to showcase new styling or new technologies. They also gauge customer reaction to new automotive features and designs. Subaru concept cars unveiled since 2013 belong to the VIZIV series. They include VIZIV (2013), VIZIV 2 (2014), VIZIV Future (2015), VIZIV-7 SUV (2016), VIZIV Performance (2017), VIZIV Tourer (2018), and VIZIV Adrenaline (2019).
Former Subaru models include:
- Subaru 360 (1958–1971)
- Subaru FF-1 Star (1969–1973)
- Subaru Leone (1971–1994)
- Subaru Rex (1972–1992)
- Subaru BRAT (1978–1994)
- Subaru XT (1985–1991)
- Subaru Vivio (1992–1998)
- Subaru Alcyone SVX (1991–1996)
- Subaru R2 (2003–2010)
- Subaru R1 (2005–2010)
- Subaru Tribeca (2005–2014)
- Subaru Trezia (2005–2017)
- Subaru Exiga (2008–2018)
What can affect vehicle reliability?
What determines if a car is reliable is open to individual interpretation. A car owner that mostly drives around town might consider a car reliable if it only needs basic repairs, such as changing oil, replacing the air filter, and changing a tire. A car that keeps breaking down can be said to be unreliable.
Additionally, how well you take care of your car and the conditions under which you drive it, affect its reliability. Regardless of your definition of a reliable vehicle, there are a few ways in which you can tell a reliable car from an unreliable one, including:
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- [Vehicle Fitment] Replacement for Subaru: Ascent (2019-2025), Crosstrek (2018-2023), Impreza (2017-2023), Legacy (2020-2025), Outback (2020-2025).
- [OE Numbers] Replacement for Subaru: 72880-FL500, 72880-FL00A.
- [Reference Number]: Replacement for CF12436, C31434, CAF15024M, CAF15024P.
- The different model year spans involved: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
- The activated carbon filter is designed to capture odors, VOCs, and common pollutants, helping to provide a fresher and cleaner cabin environment.
- Checking reliability reports such as Consumer Reports
- Reading reviews and looking up car ratings on websites like J.D. Power and Edmund
- Posing your car brand questions and concerns to other car owners on car forums online
Are Subarus inherently reliable cars?
“Nothing drives like a Subaru, because nothing else is built like one.”
You have probably read or heard this statement before, but how accurate is it? Subaru applies a people-first approach when building its cars, a culture born from its practices as an aircraft manufacturer. In designing the vehicles, Subaru aims for:
1. Safety
Safety is Subaru’s most valued car-making principle with numerous 5-star safety ratings to back it up. For instance, among those 2019 car models that earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru Impreza, and Subaru WRX.
Subaru is the only car brand where nearly every model comes with a standard all-wheel drive. All-wheel drives offer superior traction on slippery surfaces such as ice or snow. It can enhance performance and handling partly due to better weight distribution and give a vehicle off-road capabilities. This means it can drive on unsurfaced roads or rough terrains.
An additional safety feature is EyeSight, a driver assistance technology. It is available in select models, namely the Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX, and Ascent models. EyeSight features help you maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, warn you when your vehicle sways out of its lane, and helps you avoid or reduce frontal impact.
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2. Sense
With every car they build, Subaru aims to provide a quality driving experience that goes beyond high performance by encompassing sensations like smoothness and comfort. From the feel of the steering wheel to the comfort of the seats, Subaru wants you to be comfortable and enjoy the ride.
3. Versatility
Subaru keeps it simple when it comes to designing their vehicles, making it adaptable to various uses and suitable for all types of drivers.
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- Compatible Auto List: Subaru Crosstrek (2016-2017), Forester (2009-2018), Impreza (2008-2016), WRX (2012-2021), WRX STI (2013-2021), XV Crosstrek (2013-2015). Replacement for:CF10930, CP930, CAF1869P, Subaru: 72880-FG000.
- Enhanced Air Quality: Soda woven combined with activated carbon effectively captures contaminants that cause odors and ensures that the air inside the vehicle is fresh and clean. The activated carbon layer provides slight sound absorption, reducing noise levels for a quieter cabin environment. It can also reduce the likelihood of window fogging and improve visibility.
- Efficient Filtration: The close-meshed non-woven filter layer prevents particles from entering the cabin, protecting your engine from wear and extending the life of your vehicle's system. By filtering out harmful pollutants such as smog, smoke, and microscopic contaminants, it safeguards passengers' health and comfort and offers clean and fresh breeze air.
- Enhances HVAC performance: It is recommended to replace your cabin air filter every year or every 12,000 miles. For optimal performance, those driving in heavily polluted areas or on dirt roads should change it every 5,000 miles. These filters help maintain the efficiency and longevity of the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, maintaining optimal airflow and reducing strain on the system.
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The engineering, design, and craftsmanship behind Subaru vehicles have made it a trusted brand in the manufacture of sedans and crossover SUVs. Subarus are also well regarded for their practicality, durability, and resale value.
Subaru head gaskets and other problems
They have had one major flaw with Subaru engineering.
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According to Mr. Bernie Pawlik, an award-winning mechanic, problems with the head gasket is especially true for the four-cylinder engines, which are the most common car engines. The gaskets develop external coolant and oil leaks, usually between 100,000 – 200,000 miles of travel.
Note: While other cars also have head gasket failures, it is almost a guarantee with a Subaru.
Another arguable downside of Subaru is its disinclination to consider alternative fuels. The automotive industry is quickly heading toward electrification, and currently, Subaru offers only one electric car, the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Subaru Forester reliability
The compact crossover SUV was first made available for sale in 1997 and is currently in the fifth generation. Its competition in the market today are the likes of the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan. The model scores average on the Reliability Index.
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In the 2018 reliability survey conducted by Which?, some Forester owners stated they had not experienced any problems with their cars in over three years. The most common problem reported was with air conditioning. Other issues you may encounter with a Forrester, according to Reliability Index and BreakerYard, are axle and suspension problems and a rough idling engine.
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- Clean air for driver and passengers
- Contains soda and carbon to generate fresh breeze air
- Enhanced HVAC performance, Recommended replacement every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
- Compatible with FRAM CF10930; Replacement Made for Subaru Genuine Part# 72880-FG000
- Compatible with Sabaru Auto Models: Crosstrek (2016-2017), Forester (2009-2018), Impreza (2008-2016), WRX (2012-2021), WRX STI (2013-2021), XV (2013-2016), XV Crosstrek (2013-2015)
Subaru Legacy reliability
The Subaru Legacy is a widely overlooked midsize sedan that has been around since 1989. The model has standard all-wheel drive, active safety features, and is available with a six-cylinder engine. Subaru Legacy’s seventh-generation made its debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on February 7. The new model went on sale in fall 2019.
The Legacy scores average on the Reliability Index with the most common problems reported being engine troubles and axle and suspension faults. Additional problems you may experience, according to BreakerYard, include turbo failure, radiator failure, and starter motor failure. Newer models scored slightly higher on the Reliability Index.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Subaru Impreza reliability
The Subaru Impreza has been manufactured since 1992 and is currently in its fifth generation. The compact car is available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. The model’s competition includes the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Corolla.
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The Impreza, Subaru’s most affordable model, is well known for its firm handling, large cabin, and being the basis for the high-performance WRX sports sedan and the Crosstrek compact SUV. Common problems of the model, as reported by BreakerYard, include suspension problems, poor engine idling, and faulty oxygen sensor. Nevertheless, Subaru Impreza is a good buy if you are looking for a safe, low-priced economy car.
Note: The 2019 Impreza comes with standard AWD, impressive safety equipment, a user-friendly infotainment system, and has a more stylish interior.
Subaru Outback reliability
The Outback is a legacy-based station wagon that debuted in 1989. The model’s rivals include Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Buick Regal TourX, and Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. Subaru’s EyeSight active safety suite is now standard equipment on Outbacks since the 2019 model year. Additionally, regardless of the powerplant, all Outback models are rated to tow 2,700 pounds.
In the 2018 reliability survey by Which?, the Outback earned a 3-star, marking it as average reliability-wise. According to Outback owners that participated in this survey, the most common issues were with the battery and glow plugs. If you are in the market for a roomy, hard-wearing all-weather wagon, the Outback is a suitable choice.
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- Replacement for 2016-2023 CX-9, 2019-2023 Ascent, 2018-2025 Crosstrek, 2017-2025 Impreza, 2020-2023 Legacy, 2020-2023 Outback
- Up to 25% Longer Life: Precision woven and infused with real coconut shell activated carbon, our Breathe Easy cabin air filters are engineered to last up to 15,000 miles, 25% longer than the standard performance of 12,000 miles
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Note: The sixth-generation 2020 Subaru Outback came out in fall 2019.
Additional tips
Now, besides researching car reliability and comparing brands, there are additional things you should do before buying a used or brand-new car. These include:
- Setting up a budget to avoid ending up with payment plans you cannot afford.
- Researching on various ways to finance a vehicle, such as auto loans and dealership financing.
- Comparing the price of the car you are interested in at different dealerships and using online services to get the car’s invoice price. Kelley Blue Book’s car value tool, for instance, shows you the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the dealer invoice of a car.
- Looking up the car’s history, especially for a used car, and checking to see if it has a clean or branded title. CarFax is a helpful website for this work.
Conclusion
Subaru’s reliability had taken a hit since the early 2010s when they were at the height of their popularity. There are a few reasons that could explain this. For starters, compared to brands such as Toyota and Ford, there are not many Subaru models, meaning the whole brand is impacted massively if one or two models drop in reliability.
Subarus may also be considered less reliable due to the high repair costs. In the UK, for instance, repair costs are especially expensive since there aren’t many Subarus in the area. There is, therefore, a shortage of auto parts, which makes them more expensive for maintenance.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRegardless of what you have read or heard about Subarus, they are by no means the least reliable brand out there. Subaru is, in fact, continually producing better cars with fewer issues based on various reliability surveys, reports, and ratings that show new models perform better than older models. And while they are also not the most dependable cars, Subaru is still one of the reliable brands in the market.
As with most modern cars, Subarus require little repairs and maintenance is minimal. The major systems and components, such as the engine, transmission, four-wheel drive, and differentials, are reliable. Mr. Pawlik of Pawlik Automotive Vancouver says that if you maintain your Subaru well, you will get 300,000 miles without a lot of significant expenses.
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