Are Subaru cars good quality?

Yes, Subaru cars are generally considered to be of good quality. Subaru has a reputation for building reliable, safe, and durable vehicles that are popular with consumers. The brand's commitment to engineering and safety features, as well as its all-wheel-drive technology, have contributed to its positive reputation.

Subaru's Reputation for Quality

Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its focus on safety, reliability, and all-wheel-drive technology. The brand has consistently received high ratings and awards from various automotive organizations and publications, including being named one of the most reliable car brands by Consumer Reports. Subaru's vehicles are often praised for their sturdy construction, advanced safety features, and excellent performance in crash tests.

Subaru's Engineering and Safety Features

Subaru's engineering and design philosophy prioritizes safety and durability. All Subaru models come standard with all-wheel-drive, which provides superior traction and handling in various driving conditions. The brand also equips its vehicles with advanced safety features, such as:

• Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system for improved stability and control


• Boxer engine design for a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution


• Extensive use of high-strength steel in the vehicle's structure for enhanced crash protection


• Advanced driver-assistance technologies, including Eyesight driver-assist system

These engineering and safety features contribute to Subaru's reputation for building safe and reliable vehicles.

Subaru's Reliability and Customer Satisfaction

Subaru has consistently ranked among the top automotive brands in terms of reliability and customer satisfaction. The brand's vehicles are known for their longevity, with many Subaru owners reporting their cars lasting well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Subaru's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is reflected in its high ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.

Overall, Subaru's focus on safety, reliability, and all-wheel-drive technology has earned the brand a reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and dependable vehicles that are popular with consumers.

Do Subaru cars last long?

Yes, Subarus are known to last a long time, often reaching 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Their reputation for longevity is built on durable engineering, such as the Boxer engine and all-wheel-drive system, combined with a loyal owner base that takes excellent care of their vehicles. 
Factors contributing to Subaru's longevity

• Durable engineering: The unique Boxer engine design provides a low center of gravity and balanced power distribution, reducing engine strain. Many models are built with robust engineering for off-road capability, which adds to their overall durability. 
• Symmetrical all-wheel drive: This system provides reliable performance and safety, especially in challenging weather conditions, and its robustness can contribute to the vehicle's long lifespan. 
• Loyal owner base: A strong community of owners who prioritize regular maintenance, like timely oil changes and repairs, is a significant factor in why many Subarus last for such a long time. 

Factors that can affect lifespan

• Maintenance: Consistent and proper maintenance is crucial. Neglecting routine care, such as changing filters or performing scheduled maintenance on the AWD system and CVT fluid, can significantly shorten a vehicle's life. 
• Turbo models: While still reliable, turbocharged models may require more upkeep, as turbochargers can wear out over time. 
• Head gaskets: Some older models were known to have head gasket issues, but this has become less common. However, it's a repair to be aware of, especially on vehicles with high mileage. 

What are the downsides of owning a Subaru?

Common cons for Subaru include issues with transmission (especially CVTs), excessive oil consumption, and problems with head gaskets on older models. Other drawbacks can include lower fuel efficiency compared to some competitors, a reputation for weak interior quality and materials, potential electrical issues, and some complaints about infotainment systems. 
This video discusses several potential issues with Subaru vehicles, including transmission problems: 56sMrSubaru1387YouTube · Feb 2, 2025
Engine and transmission 

• Oil Consumption: Many Subaru engines, particularly turbocharged ones, can have issues with excessive oil consumption. 
• Head Gasket Failure: While mostly an issue with older models (pre-2012), head gasket failure remains a known potential problem that can lead to oil or coolant leaks. 
• CVT Transmission Issues: Subaru's continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have a history of problems, with some models experiencing costly failures, overheating, or other issues. 
• Engine Stalling/Overheating: Some models have been associated with stalling or overheating problems. 

Interior and technology

• Interior Quality: Some owners report that the interior materials feel cheap, with hard plastics and flimsy trim, and that road noise can be a significant issue.
• Infotainment System: The Subaru Starlink infotainment system has been criticized for being difficult to use. 

Other issues

• Cracked Windshields: Some owners report a tendency for their Subaru windshields to crack prematurely. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Subaru vehicles are not always the most fuel-efficient, especially when compared to some competitors. 
• Electrical Problems: There are various reports of electrical problems, such as issues with the fuel pump or light switches. 

Which is better Subaru or Toyota?

Neither brand is universally "better"; the choice between Subaru and Toyota depends on priorities like safety, capability, or long-term reliability and repair costs. Subaru excels in standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and practicality, while Toyota is generally favored for its reputation for long-term reliability and lower average repair costs, thanks to its simpler, proven engine and transmission designs.
 
Subaru strengths

• Safety: Subaru consistently earns top safety awards and includes its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard on most models. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) also contributes to year-round stability and control. 
• Capability: Standard AWD provides better performance in adverse weather and varied terrain compared to the optional AWD on most Toyota models. 
• Safety features: Subaru includes a steel beam in the second-row door for enhanced structural integrity in side-impact collisions, a feature not always seen in competitor vehicles, including Toyota's. 
• Reliability: Recent rankings from Consumer Reports place Subaru at the top for brand reliability in 2025. 

Toyota strengths

• Long-term reliability: Toyota has a long-standing reputation for durability, with vehicles often lasting well beyond 200,000-300,000 miles. 
• Lower repair costs: Toyota cars are known for lower average repair frequency, cheaper parts, and simpler maintenance due to their proven engine and transmission designs. 
• Proven engines: Toyota's engines and transmission setups are often considered simple, durable, and less prone to expensive failures than the complex systems in some competitors. 
• Reliability rankings: Toyota vehicles have consistently topped reliability charts for many years, though Subaru has recently overtaken them in some studies. 

How to choose

• Choose Subaru if: You prioritize standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety technology, and are willing to potentially pay slightly more for maintenance to gain enhanced capability and safety features. 
• Choose Toyota if: You prioritize the lowest possible ownership costs over the long term, a proven track record of extreme durability, and simpler mechanics for easier maintenance and repair. 

What is the number one issue with Subarus?

Now. So the head gasket. Issue we've heard it over and over again i've made many many videos here on YouTube about it. And lots of repair videos on fixing Subaru head gasket. Issues.