Subaru has built a strong reputation for cars that last a long time, especially in tough weather or on rough roads. Many Subaru owners report driving their vehicles well past 200,000 miles with only normal maintenance.
These cars are popular in snowy areas because of Subaru’s famous all-wheel-drive system, but reliability is what truly makes them stand out. While not every model is perfect, some used Subaru vehicles have earned a near-legendary status for lasting longer than expected. These models prove that the right Subaru can deliver years of dependable performance without costing a fortune.
1) Subaru Outback
The 2010 to 2014 Subaru Outback is well-known for reliability and comfort. Many drivers love its mix of rugged design, smooth handling, and features. It feels dependable during daily driving and longer road trips, making it a smart used choice.
One reason this Outback gained respect is because it balances capability with practicality. It offers enough ground clearance for rough roads or winter weather, yet still feels comfortable on city streets. It handles tough conditions without feeling rough or tiring.
Many owners report the Outback easily passing 200,000 miles with routine maintenance. Regular oil changes and basic service help the engine stay healthy. This gives confidence when shopping used, because it suggests long-term dependability and fewer unexpected mechanical repairs.
The Outback’s interior design adds to its reputation. The seats are comfortable, and the cabin feels spacious and practical. The controls are simple to use, and materials feel durable. This creates a welcoming space for families, commuters, or long-distance travelers.
Cargo space is another helpful advantage. The Outback provides room for groceries, camping equipment, or luggage. The rear seats fold down to create more space. This flexibility makes it useful for outdoor activities, vacations, or ordinary errands in daily life.
The standard all-wheel-drive system gives strong traction in rain, snow, or light off-road surfaces. This feature made the Outback popular in mountain and cold-weather regions. Drivers feel confident because the system works automatically without requiring settings or special driving skills.
The engines offered during these years focus on strength and efficiency. While not extremely fast, they provide enough power for daily tasks and highway travel. The smooth power delivery makes the Outback predictable and comfortable to drive in many environments.
Ride comfort is another highlight. The suspension absorbs bumps and rough surfaces without feeling too soft. This makes long trips more pleasant for passengers. Even after years of use, many Outbacks still ride smoothly and feel solid on the road.
This generation also includes helpful safety features. Many models came with stability control, airbags, and available driver-assist features. These systems improved crash results and helped build trust among families and new drivers who want reliable protection and peace of mind.
While no car is perfect, most common issues with this Outback are manageable. Some vehicles experienced minor oil consumption or suspension wear. However, with proper care, these problems rarely become serious, and many owners enjoy long-term, mostly reliable, trouble-free ownership.
2) Subaru Forester
The 2009 to 2013 Subaru Forester earned a strong reputation for reliability, practicality, and comfort. Many owners choose it as a used vehicle because it handles daily driving with ease. It also manages rough weather well, making it a dependable option for many lifestyles.
One major reason the Forester stands out is its simple and sturdy design. The engine is known for lasting many years with regular maintenance. Owners often report high mileage without serious problems, which makes the Forester a trusted choice in the used market.
This generation of the Forester offers a roomy interior that feels comfortable even on long trips. The large windows give great visibility, making driving easier for new and experienced drivers. The seating position is upright, which helps reduce fatigue during longer journeys across different road types.
Cargo space is another helpful feature of this Forester. The rear area provides plenty of room for groceries, sports gear, luggage, or camping supplies. When the rear seats are folded down, the space grows even more. This flexibility is useful for both families and outdoor lovers.
The Forester’s all-wheel-drive system works automatically and provides strong grip in rain, snow, and muddy roads. This system helps the vehicle stay stable even in slippery conditions. Many drivers appreciate how confident the Forester feels during winter or on unpaved surfaces.
In terms of performance, the available engines offer smooth and reliable power. While the Forester is not meant for racing or heavy towing, it performs well for everyday needs. Acceleration feels steady, and the vehicle maintains highway speeds comfortably without stressing the engine.
Ride comfort is one of the Forester’s best qualities. The suspension absorbs bumps well, giving passengers a smoother experience even on rough roads. This makes the Forester a comfortable daily vehicle for commuting, errands, or weekend adventures with family or friends.
Safety features included in these models add peace of mind. Many Foresters came with stability control, anti-lock brakes, and multiple airbags. These features help protect passengers and make the Forester a reassuring option for parents, new drivers, and travelers.
Although the Forester is very dependable, a few models experienced minor oil consumption or suspension wear over time. These issues are usually easy to manage with regular maintenance. Most owners report long-term satisfaction and very few major mechanical concerns.
3) Subaru Legacy
The 2012 to 2016 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan well-known for its dependable performance and comfortable driving feel. Many people choose it as a used car because it offers strong reliability, good safety, and all-weather capability without being expensive to maintain.
One of the biggest strengths of this Legacy generation is its durability. The engines are designed to handle high mileage when given regular oil changes and basic maintenance. Owners often report smooth performance even after years of daily driving in different conditions and environments.
The Legacy provides a quiet and comfortable interior that makes long drives more enjoyable. The seating is supportive, and passengers have enough space to stretch out. The cabin layout is simple and easy to understand, which helps new drivers feel confident behind the wheel.
The trunk is another useful feature of the Legacy. It offers enough room for groceries, suitcases, school bags, or work equipment. Families appreciate this extra space during trips, and commuters find it convenient for carrying daily items without feeling cramped inside the vehicle.
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system gives the Legacy a major advantage over many other sedans. It provides excellent traction in rain, snow, and slippery road conditions. This makes the Legacy especially popular in cold-weather areas where roads become dangerous during winter months.
Performance in this generation is smooth and steady. The engines deliver enough power for highway merging and city driving, while still remaining fuel-efficient. The Legacy is not meant for sporty driving, but it feels balanced, predictable, and comfortable in everyday use for most people.
Ride quality is one of the highlights of the Legacy. The suspension handles bumps and rough spots without making the car feel unstable. Passengers enjoy the smoothness, and drivers appreciate how controlled the car feels even during longer journeys on mixed road surfaces.
Safety is another reason people trust the Legacy. Many models came with important features such as stability control, multiple airbags, and advanced driver-assist technology. Subaru’s safety reputation grew stronger during these years, making the Legacy a reliable choice for families and new drivers.
4) Subaru Crosstrek
The 2013 to 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a small crossover known for its long-lasting reliability and rugged personality. Many drivers choose it because it offers great fuel efficiency, strong all-wheel-drive performance, and a comfortable driving experience while still being affordable to maintain.
One of the biggest strengths of this Crosstrek generation is its tough build quality. The suspension is designed to handle rough roads, gravel paths, and uneven surfaces without feeling weak. Owners often report that their Crosstreks continue performing well even after years of heavy use outdoors.
The interior is practical and comfortable, offering enough space for passengers while remaining easy to clean. The seats provide good support during long trips, and the simple dashboard layout helps drivers focus on the road. Everything is placed logically, making the vehicle user-friendly.
Cargo space is another strong point for the Crosstrek. The rear area is large enough for backpacks, groceries, sports gear, or weekend travel bags. When the back seats are folded down, the space expands significantly. This makes the Crosstrek useful for both city errands and outdoor adventures.
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system gives the Crosstrek confident traction in rain, snow, and slippery terrain. Many owners appreciate how stable and secure the vehicle feels during winter conditions. This feature is one of the main reasons the Crosstrek became popular in colder regions.
The engine in this generation focuses on efficiency rather than speed. It provides enough power for everyday driving and highway travel but may feel slow during heavy acceleration. Still, most drivers find its smooth performance and excellent fuel economy to be a fair balance for reliability.
Ride comfort is another reason people enjoy the Crosstrek. The suspension absorbs bumps well, making the car pleasant to drive on both city streets and rougher backroads. Even after years of use, many Crosstreks still maintain a smooth and stable ride quality.
Safety features add more value to this model. Many Crosstreks came with stability control, multiple airbags, and optional driver-assist systems. These features help protect passengers and give confidence to families, commuters, and newer drivers who want dependable everyday transportation.
Although this generation is very reliable, some owners experienced minor issues such as small oil consumption or quicker-than-expected battery wear. However, these problems are usually inexpensive to manage, and the Crosstrek remains trustworthy when properly maintained on schedule.
5) Subaru Impreza
The 2012 to 2016 Subaru Impreza is a compact car known for strong reliability, good fuel economy, and standard all-wheel drive. Many buyers choose it as a used vehicle because it offers dependable performance and low running costs while still providing comfort for daily driving.
One of the most impressive qualities of this Impreza generation is its long-lasting engine. When given routine maintenance, such as regular oil changes and timely service, the engine continues to perform smoothly for many years. Owners often report high mileage with very few major issues.
The interior design is simple, comfortable, and practical. Passengers enjoy good seating support, and the cabin feels open thanks to large windows. The dashboard layout is easy to understand, making the car a great option for new drivers or anyone who values clarity and convenience.
Cargo space in the Impreza is surprisingly generous for a compact car, especially in the hatchback version. The trunk can carry groceries, school bags, and everyday items, while the extended space helps during trips. This flexibility makes the Impreza useful for both commuting and small adventures.
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system gives the Impreza a major advantage in bad weather. It keeps the car stable in rain, snow, and slippery road conditions. This feature helps drivers feel safer and more confident, especially in regions where winter driving is a frequent challenge.
Safety features included in this generation make the Impreza attractive to families and new drivers. Many models came with stability control, anti-lock brakes, and several airbags. Some versions also offered Subaru’s early driver-assist technology, improving protection and confidence.
While the Impreza is reliable, a few models experienced small issues such as oil consumption or early brake wear. These problems are usually manageable with proper maintenance. Most owners enjoy years of trouble-free driving without facing expensive repairs.
6) Subaru Baja
The 2003 to 2006 Subaru Baja is one of the most unique vehicles Subaru ever built. It combines the comfort of a car with the usefulness of a small pickup truck. Many owners appreciate its reliability, versatility, and quirky charm that still stands out today.
The interior of the Baja feels comfortable and practical, offering the same cabin experience as Subaru’s popular wagons. The seats provide good support, and the layout of the controls is simple to understand. This makes the Baja easy to drive for both new and experienced drivers.
The small pickup-style bed is what truly makes the Baja special. It provides extra cargo space for tools, camping gear, bikes, or gardening supplies. The bed extender allows even larger items to fit. This practical feature gives the Baja a flexible personality not found in most cars.
The Baja also includes Subaru’s well-known all-wheel-drive system, which gives it excellent traction in rain, snow, mud, and gravel. Drivers enjoy the confidence this system provides, especially when traveling on rough trails or in difficult weather conditions throughout the year.
Performance in the Baja is steady and balanced. The available engines deliver enough power for city driving, highway cruising, and light hauling. While not designed for heavy towing, the Baja handles daily tasks easily and remains smooth and predictable in many driving situations.
Ride comfort is another positive feature. The suspension absorbs bumps well, making it pleasant for long trips and outdoor adventures. Even after many years of use, a well-maintained Baja can still offer a stable and enjoyable driving experience on different types of roads.
Some owners experienced small issues such as rust or minor suspension wear over time, especially in areas with harsh winters. However, these problems are usually manageable, and the Baja continues to earn praise for its durability and long-term dependability when properly cared for.
7) Subaru WRX
The 2008 to 2014 Subaru WRX is well-known for its strong performance and surprising reliability. Even though it is a sporty car, many owners report long-lasting engines and dependable operation. When properly maintained, the WRX can deliver years of fun and trouble-free driving.
One of the biggest reasons the WRX stands out is its turbocharged engine. It offers exciting acceleration while still being durable if serviced on time. Many WRXs from this era continue running smoothly at high mileage, showing how strong Subaru’s engineering is underneath the performance features.
The interior of this WRX generation is simple and focused on driving. The seats offer good support, especially during spirited driving. The cabin layout is easy to use, and visibility is strong. Even though it is a sporty car, it still provides comfort for daily commuting.
Cargo space is also practical for a performance model. The trunk has enough room for travel bags, groceries, and daily items. This makes the WRX more usable than many other sporty cars, which often sacrifice space. It blends fun driving with everyday convenience successfully.
Subaru’s full-time all-wheel-drive system gives the WRX excellent traction on various road conditions. Drivers enjoy confident handling in rain, snow, and twisty roads. This system makes the WRX feel stable and grounded, even when pushing the car harder than a typical compact sedan.
The WRX is reliable, but only when treated properly. Modified cars or vehicles driven aggressively without maintenance may develop problems. However, stock WRXs that receive regular oil changes, coolant service, and careful driving often last a very long time and remain dependable.
8) Subaru Tribeca
The 2008 to 2014 Subaru Tribeca is a midsize SUV known for its strong reliability, smooth driving feel, and long-lasting six-cylinder engine. Many used-car buyers appreciate its durability and comfort, making it a smart choice for families who want a dependable vehicle.
The interior of the Tribeca is comfortable and well-designed. The seats offer good support, and the cabin materials feel solid and long-lasting. Passengers enjoy plenty of legroom, and the layout is simple enough for anyone to understand without confusion or difficulty during daily use.
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system adds huge value to the Tribeca by providing strong traction in rain, snow, and slippery road conditions. Drivers feel confident behind the wheel, knowing the vehicle stays stable even in tough weather. This system is one reason the Tribeca remains popular in cold regions.
Performance is smooth and steady. The six-cylinder engine offers enough power for highway travel, climbing hills, and carrying passengers comfortably. While the Tribeca is not a fast SUV, it delivers reliable acceleration and a calm driving experience suitable for everyday use and long trips.
Ride comfort is another highlight. The suspension absorbs bumps well, allowing passengers to enjoy a relaxing drive even on rougher roads. Many owners mention that the Tribeca still feels solid and smooth after years of use, proving its strong build quality and durable engineering.
Safety features during this period include stability control, multiple airbags, and strong crash-test performance. These features make the Tribeca a trustworthy option for families. Subaru’s focus on safety engineering adds confidence for both newer and experienced drivers choosing a used model.
9) Subaru SVX
The 1992 to 1997 Subaru SVX is one of the most unique and memorable cars ever made by Subaru. Even though it is now several decades old, many SVX models still run reliably, which speaks to the strong engineering behind this distinctive grand-touring coupe.
One of the most impressive features of the SVX is its powerful flat-six engine. This engine delivers smooth performance and is known for lasting a very long time when properly maintained. Many owners report high mileage with few major mechanical failures over the years.
The SVX has a stylish design that still looks unusual today, especially with its two-piece “window-within-a-window” layout. This special design helped reduce wind noise and gave the car a futuristic appearance. Even now, the SVX stands out everywhere it goes on the road.
Inside, the SVX offers a comfortable and well-made cabin. The seats are supportive, and the dashboard design is clean and easy to understand. Subaru focused on building a car that was enjoyable for long trips, and many drivers still praise its comfort even after decades of use.
Cargo space is also practical for a sporty coupe. The trunk is large enough for weekend luggage or daily items, making the SVX more useful than many other two-door cars. This blend of style and practicality helped it become a beloved choice among enthusiasts.
Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system gives the SVX strong traction and stability in many driving conditions. This was unusual for sporty coupes at the time and helped the SVX handle rain, snow, and rougher roads with confidence. It remains one of the car’s biggest advantages today.
While the SVX is reliable, some models experienced transmission wear or electrical issues as they aged. These problems are manageable with proper care, and many owners keep their SVX running for decades. Parts can sometimes be harder to find, but enthusiast groups provide strong support.
