2010 Subaru Outback Review: Avoid The Unreliable All-Wheel-Drive Wagon

Alex Showalter

Aug 30, 2022

The 2010 Subaru Outback lasts only around 150,000 miles with serious engine and torque converter problems. At $7,946 to $9,621 it’s cheap, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.

The Good

The cargo space is good for an SUV its size, the safety features work well and the suspension is comfortable.

The Bad

The steering feels loose, the base engine is weaker than other SUVs and the back seats are cramped.

Is the 2010 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?

No, 2010 is a bad year for the Outback. Owner reviews complain about engine problems, broken torque converters, and burnt-out headlights.
Interior quality is average. There’s a lot of cheap plastic used on the dash and the seats are not very supportive, but the stereo system is easy to use.
Reliability ratings are terrible. There are widespread engine problems on models from 2010-2018, with some improvements for 2019.
Performance is poor from the standard 4-cylinder engine, but the 6-cylinder offers good power for an SUV of its size.
The Outback is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in all government crash tests aside from the rollover risk assessment, which is 4-stars.
Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, which should get owners about 444 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon gas tank.

Positive Owner Reviews

Jennifer S

It's super dependable and I feel very safe when driving.

It's roomy enough for my family of four and most everything we need to transport.

Kim H

2010 outback Subaru is a reliable car.

I love my 2010 Subaru outback. As a nurse I am required to go to work no matter what the weather is like and my Subaru has gotten me to the hospital for every shift. My Subaru also a ton of cargo area when I put the back seats down and I have been able to haul lots of furniture purchases back to our house without having a truck. My car is older so I do not have some safety features like a back up camera or mirrors that signal when someone is in my blind spot which would be cool, but I will survive.

Lynette M

This car is reliable and comfortable. It's good in all kinds of weather and even with higher mileage it runs very well.

I have a Subaru Outback . I love the way it drives. It is very comfortable inside, the car has a moon roof and rack for camping. It is good in all weather and I feel it's affordable.

Kirsten G

Really great car that lasts a long time.

The car drives really smooth and has a tight steering wheel which is nice. The only thing with my car is the headlights and the tail lights all seem to go out once a year. Other than that it doesn't give me problems. The gas mileage is pretty good as well.

Rob C

Will run for at least 25000 miles

Great Function. Great performance. A little tight in cab space

Mark T

Perfect for snowy/icy weather.

No problems. Excellent reliability and good trunk space. Love the moonroof and battery has not died once for 8 years.

Richard L

The car for everyone everywhere.

It is a very reliable car, can handle all terrain due to it is all-wheel drive, and is easy to drive. Trunk space is ample, and it has bike racks on the top of the car. It is safe, and requires fairly minimal maintenance. I would highly recommend Subaru to car shoppers all around.

Tim H

Very reliable, built to last

Reliable, fuel efficient, 4 wheel drive. No complaints

Negative Owner Reviews

John B

The fuel isn't the worst. And it's semi dependable

It's not the worst on fuel. It's not bad in the snow but it's not the worst. But had on going problems even with annual maintenance

Brooke L

How Subaru has made me pay twice as much as I did when purchasing through parts

At first Subaru is a great car brand but after about a 10 years of having this car I have paid more in parts to fix the dang thing then we spent on it! I have 7 other people in my family who also purchased Subaru's and they all have had the same experience. Your parts for your car are EXPENSIVE and most of the time the only distributor and maker of most Subaru parts is Subaru and they are money hungry. Better off just passing these models up

Amanda J

Comfort and Space, BAD Dealerships, HEADLIGHTS BLOW

Headlights blowing constantly. Drive shaft issues. Spark plug issues. It does have lots of space and is comfortable for our entire family to fit in. Dealerships are jokes, and they screwed us when buying this car. Wrote Subaru and never heard back from them. Will NOT be buying another one.

Cara B

Torque converter failure, Subaru specific issue!?!?

I bought my outback in January of this year(2020). The very next day after purchase, it wouldn't start, no ticking no sputtering! Since then I've had to leave my car running throughout most of the day in my garage to keep it on, when I have places to go that day. If I remove the key there's a very good chance it will not start again. At least not for 20 minutes or more. Also, for the last 2 months, i've had the 'subaru issue' where my car will randomly stall out. It happens most often if I come to a stop with any speed above 10 mph. Meaning I have to come to a stop very slowly. I usually have to perform the 'safest' rolling stop possible, especially if the a/c is turned on! Otherwise it will stall regardless of my speed coming to a stop! Worst 7,000 I have ever spent!!

Steve F

It has plenty of seats. It can fit multiple people.

I like the size for traveling. It's a little clunky to park. I like the room for passengers. I wish it was better on gas

Sophia A

Super safe as a whole, interior is interesting.

Basically my car is very inconsistent; as a whole, it is a stellar, great, and fantastic car. However, it occasionally shuts down, and the battery life is completely atrocious (like hands down the worst battery life).

Marti F

The headlights burned out way too often. Other than that, Subaru is the 4WD expert!

It was fairly reliable when I bought it used 5 years ago. There was a recall because it kept stalling and the headlights keep burning out. Rotors have gone, muffler is going, broken pipes on the bottom. I no longer want this car.

Amanda G

Avoid if you or your passenger is of slight build as the passenger side air bag may not activate while you drive.

The worst features are the passenger side airbag (does not always turn on for all passengers - this is due to the bladder system which responds regularly only to certain body types) and the air conditioning (which can barely be felt - and we do not like the car to be freezing so this says a lot).

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?

Consumer Reports says the Outback offers a quiet cabin, but the owner satisfaction scores have dropped to below average as it’s aged.
Edmunds gives the Outback a 4.5/5 praising the all-wheel-drive system, but doesn’t like the loose steering.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Outback 4.3/5 and enjoy the safety features, but owners don’t like the lack of cargo space compared to other SUVs.

What Common Problems Does the 2010 Subaru Outback Have?

The most common problems found on the 2010 Subaru Outback include head gasket failures, broken torque converters, and burnt out headlights. Overall, these problems are worse than other midsize SUVs from 2010, and repair costs are very expensive as well.

Head gasket failures are the most widespread complaint, happening at around 110,000 miles. If the head gasket fails it can cause the entire engine to seize up, and it will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Repairing the issue costs about $4,000 depending on labor rates.

Broken torque converters are another issue reported by owners at around 100,000 miles. The torque converter fails most frequently while downshifting, and the only solution is to replace it with a new one. Changing out the torque converter is about $1,500.

Headlights burning out quickly are another complaint showing up about every 40,000 miles. The original bulbs simply burn out faster than other brands. Replacing the bulbs costs about $200, or you can get longer-lasting aftermarket bulbs for about $250.

There are 18 recalls, which is significantly worse than other SUVs from 2010. The most serious recall is for the ignition switch, which can turn off and cause the vehicle to stall. Subaru will replace the switch on affected vehicles for free. Most of the other issues are for airbags, which are common on many SUVs from 2010.

How Long Will the 2010 Subaru Outback Last?

A well-maintained 2010 Subaru Outback lasts around 150,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles lower than highly rated competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Regular annual maintenance costs are worse than other SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $612 per year.

Since most 2010 Outback models have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the fuel sending unit for $1,200, parking brake costing $450, and the radiator which costs $900.

Sarah W

No I have not had any problems with the car. I take good care of it and perform routine checks and services but I have not needed to replace or do any major repairs to the vehicle. I would consider it very reliable.

Rick P

Very reliable. Only problem was a blown head gasket at 60023 miles. Subaru covered it even tho it was 23 miles past 60000. No other problems.

Natalie D

I have yet to have an issue with my Subaru. I cannot always count on it to be amazing in the snow and be a comfortable ride.

Loretta C

I have not had any reliability problems with this car. It starts up immediately when I turn on the ignition, goes through snow easily and thus far has not had any maintenance issues.

Jake S

No. It's a very reliable vehicle. I take it in for its regularly scheduled maintenance, and I've had no issues with it.

Bryan A

Sometimes the steering wheel makes a clicking sound and the wheels click too I'm not sure why it does that actually.

Kayla F

It is very reliable. No major problems. Burns oil a bit, but that is typical. Other than that it runs great!

How Much Is the 2010 Subaru Outback Worth?

Blue book values range from $7,946 to $9,621, making the Outback cheaper than other similarly equipped midsize SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. When new, the price range was $22,995 to $30,995. Depreciation is average for an SUV, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?

There are six models of the Subaru Outback offered for the 2010 model year. Each model is offered as either a 2.5i or 3.6R, which have the same features but a different engine. The fourth generation of the Outback was introduced in 2010, and replaced in 2015 with the fifth generation.

Base is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
Tilt Steering Wheel
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX

Premium is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Power Driver’s Seat
Leather Steering Wheel
Fog Lights
Heated Side Mirrors

Limited is the luxury model which adds:

Leather Seating
Navigation System
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Backup Camera
9-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo System

Prem

170 HP 22 MPG

View Details

Prem All-Weather/Pwr Moon

170 HP 22 MPG

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Prem All-Weather/HK Audio

170 HP 22 MPG

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Premium All-Weather

170 HP 24 MPG

View Details

Prem All-Weather

170 HP 24 MPG

View Details

Prem Wthr/HK Aud/Pwr Moon

170 HP 22 MPG

View Details

Prem All-Weathr/Pwr Moon

170 HP 24 MPG

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Prem All-Weather/HK Aud

170 HP 24 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?

The base engine is a fairly weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG.
An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L V6 which produces 256 horsepower while getting up to 20 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, but the towing capacity is low at only 3,000 pounds.

What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?

How Big Is the Subaru Outback?

The 2010 Subaru Outback is smaller than other midsize SUVs from 2010 including the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. Passenger room is better than in older models, but the back seats are still cramped for adults with limited legroom.

Cargo space is good for an SUV, with enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the back seats and 8-10 with the seats folded flat.

How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Outback is a bad SUV and buyers should avoid models from 2010-2018, which all suffer from a lot of engine and transmission problems.

The Subaru Forester is another vehicle from Subaru costing about $1,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Subaru Forester, but the Subaru Outback has more room for passengers. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for the 2010 model year, since they both have mechanical problems.

The Toyota RAV4 is a competitor which costs around $3,000 more. Passenger room and overall build quality are both better in the Toyota RAV4, but the Subaru Outback’s all-wheel-drive system is stronger. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since they last twice as long, and are cheaper to maintain.

Ranks #15 Midsize SUV by Owners

2010 Toyota 4Runner

4.77

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser

4.73

Tie

2010 Subaru Outback

4.38

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?

Sarah W

Yes. It is reliable and has almost 200,000 miles on it and it still is running great. I have not had many problems with this vehicle and intend on continuing to use Subaru as a make or cars.

Rick P

Yes. It is comfortable and reliable. In 10 years I have only had one failure that was covered under warranty.

Natalie D

Yes. It has amazing leg room in the back seat, great for car seats and amazing storage in the trunk!

Loretta C

Yes, it has good traction in rain and snow. It also has reasonable gas mileage and has a good stiff ride.

Lydia T

Yes. It's reliable, sturdy, and wears well. It has a host of features that I appreciate, including automatic headlights. Oh, and seat warmers. Love those.

Jordan S

Yes it is a very reliable used vehicle and it gets the job done. It has all wheel drive and has good steering.

Sharon P

It’s a wonderful vehicle. I feel safe in it. I love traveling in it. It’s comfortable for long or short trips. I enjoy the extra features it has. I like being able to feel comfortable driving in any weather.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Louis M on June 24, 2021

My vehicles pros and cons.

Has an ongoing problem which cannot be resolved after 4 dealer visits. Every few days the check engine and brake lights come on. Then after a few days of repeated event the lights come off again. The ride is smooth and comfortable and the engine is quiet. The coverings over headlights over time have clouded up.

Mary P on June 15, 2021

Subaru outback - all purpose AWD.

The Subaru outback is a great value, and a great vehicle. It is reliable, dependable, and a real workhorse if you need to haul anything - the rear split folding seats expand the cargo area. While the outback will not win any awards in the looks department, features like heated front seats and AWD really make you appreciate it on frosty days!

Pat M on June 6, 2021

2010 Subaru outback is super reliable!

Very reliable. 200,000 miles and still runs great. Lots of awesome features, including heated seats, sunroof, backup camera, aux cord, etc. Very spacious with lots of trunk room. Had some problems with the wheel bearings, but cheap to replace if you can do it yourself. Just look it up on youtube.

Dina H on May 8, 2021

Flashing dashboard lights.

Very reliable and good handling in bad weather. What is stressful is that all the dash lights flash which indicates an engine problem. Took it for service and there was nothing wrong. They reset it and it happened again a few months later. Took it to the neighborhood repair shop... Same thing..The code indicates a problem but the actual problem does not exist. Reset it again. Now it goes on and off regularly and randomly. I put sticky notes over the flashing light so I do not see them.

Kayla L on May 6, 2021

Great on gas! Needs more legroom.

Really comfortable, drives smooth, seat adjusts well, dashboard is kind of confusing, sometimes I get nauseous in the back seat, especially on bumpy road. Backseat needs more leg room. But otherwise I really like it — super interesting and great car good on gas.

Amber A on April 27, 2021

Subaru outback 6 cylinder models are awesome.

Great all weather vehicle with all the bells and whistles. Has been a perfect utility vehicle for the snow and long road trips. Gas mileage is decent. The 6 cylinder is the way to go with Subarus unless you only plan on staying in mild weather year round.

Andrew C on April 21, 2021

Subaru outback: a vehicle that keeps going with lots of TLC.

After 10 years and 226000 miles it still runs. Work totaling $10000 has been required to keep it running. Handles great in all weather conditions. Gas mileage is okay. Storage capacity is a plus. Road noise is significant. A good daily driver around town and even cross country.

Jon E on April 19, 2021

Awesome car for all conditions!

Very comfortable. Smooth ride. I love the heated leather seats and the moonroof. The all wheel drive works great, and the car drives well in all weather conditions. I love how much the car can hold. Great for road trips. Only issue just came up. Abs module went out. Very expensive to fix. I was quoted about $1,500.

Sandra A on April 17, 2021

This vehicle makes me feel safe.

I have had no major problems with this vehicle since buying it in 2015. I have replaced the battery 3x, and get the oil changed every 3,500 miles. At 60,000 I had the advised maintenance done according to the Subaru guidelines. The roads I travel here in NW Arkansas are winding and hilly but this car handles effortlessly.

Jake H on April 14, 2021

Family car and very safe and reliable.

The car is really reliable the only thing that gets you where you need to go while keeping everyone inside safe. Features of heated seats and all wheel drive are important. As well as keeping up with all regulations and safety needs. Especially with children on board.

Jax S on March 31, 2021

Fantastic car, would recommend.

I love my Subaru. It helps me get from place to place easily and is easy to spot in a crowd as it is green. The gas works really nice and overall it is a fantastic car. The mirrors move extraordinarily well when being adjusted, and the car rarely has problems.

kenneth a on March 31, 2021

It's all wheel drive and does good in the snow and the rain

No complaints the milage the space the way it drives the performance in winter or summer

Rachel I on March 30, 2021

Sports galore with this vehicle.

It is reliable. It gets to and fro and I trust it. I can drive on difficult terrain with no fears. I love the hatch back and roof rack for endless activities. I feel safe while driving it. The seats heat the mirrors melt ice. I can lower or change my seat position easily and while driving, need be.

Benjamin C on March 29, 2021

My next car may not be a Subaru unless they start treating me right.

Redesigned in 2010, the outback has two major problems: the 2. 5 Liter engine fails repeatedly at about 150k, I have got a minimum of 300k from my last two Subaru's. The headlights, tail lights, brake lights, marker lights all fail constantly, causing adding time and money to either replace myself or pay someone, sometimes over $50 to replace a light. Past Subaru's were reliable to a fault; for instance I could install a high/low beam headlight in less than five minutes, now it is too difficult to do myself and too expensive to do once or twice a year. The cut gearing is a dog on the road, whining when if I need to speed up to merge with freeway traffic. The paddles on the steering wheel are a joke, because if I wanted the touch and feel of a manual transmission, I would get a performance car instead of a grocery getter.

Sophia A on March 23, 2021

Super safe as a whole, interior is interesting.

Liam J on March 18, 2021

Subaru’s outback is the best bang for your buck.

My 2010 Subaru outback is everything that I can ever ask for. It comes with a roof rack on top of your car that is extremely useful and when needed you can put the back seats down and have plenty of room to pack your car. The car runs great and is very powerful. It is safe in all weather and is extremely reliable and very gas efficient.

Whitney W on March 16, 2021

Love my Subaru! Best car I have had yet.

Speakers are great, love that the back seats lay all the way flat, front seats are nice leather, love the inside tortoise wood trimming, nice storage compartment in the back of the trunk, lots of space in the car. More than you would think. Great travel & everyday car.

Fern S on March 8, 2021

I love my Subaru outback wagon.

My outback is a station wagon. I love the space and how the back seats lay completely flat for added loading space. The car is very dependable and safe. The only complaint is about the panel that covers the seat adjustment controls. For some reason, it will not stay attached.

Anita h on March 7, 2021

With all-wheel drive, it is very safe.

It is safe, dependable, and easy to handle.

Cassie D on March 6, 2021

We love our outback. Big enough for us to sleep in.

We love this car. We haven't had any issues except for the mass air flow sensor which was an easy fix. Oil change every 3k miles is a bit different than our other car but important to keep up with it on a Subaru. It handles great in the Alaska terrain and we are excited to put a hitch on it and be able to tow a small trailer.

Jason S on March 6, 2021

So reliable! Great for moving!

Solid for driving in any condition. AWD is excellent in wet weather. Gas pedal is slow but has enough power for getting up to speed. Very fuel efficient for it is size. Excellent for moving! Was able to fold and fit a queen size memory foam mattress in the back and still close the hatch. Excellent vehicle all around. Will be a Subaru driver for life.

Bradi W on March 5, 2021

My Subaru is the most comfortable and reliable car for my outdoor adventures.

I love my Subaru. It has lasted me longer than any car and I trust it for every long road trip. The seating is comfortable and allows for room to fill with friends, gear, or four legged friends. The interior is sleek without being flashy and I feel just as safe on the dirt back roads as I do in the city streets.

Richard L on March 4, 2021

The car for everyone everywhere.

Tina E on February 17, 2021

Subaru outback for life!!

Burns oil, it is a pain to replace the headlights, go out often, tire pressure issues, . Love the size of it, good miles per gallon, great for my dog and passengers, able to sleep in it if needed, perfect for a bike rack, kayak rack, skis, etc. Love the all wheel drive, able to use off-road if needed, This is my second Subaru and I wouldn't consider buying something else. Hoping it'll last forever! As long as you maintain them and are aware of their issues, they are great cars! All cars have their own issues.

Colleen J on February 16, 2021

Economical to maintain and drive.

Like transmission like gas mileage like all wheel drive like body design dislike size overall like automatic.

Jennifer S on February 12, 2021

2010 Subaru outback review.

I love the versatility of my outback. I can throw kayaks on top, load up the trunk and still have comfortable room for 5 people. The gas mileage is good as well. The seating is very comfortable and the service has been easy to maintain. I would totally purchase another Subaru outback.

Jesse M on February 10, 2021

Great car! Would recommend!

I love this car- it has been very reliable and durable. I have never had it break down in the 8 years I have driven it.

Mary W on February 7, 2021

I bought a Subaru for a safe and dependable vehicle that doesn't break the bank to buy.

I like that Subaru vehicles are dependable. I like that they spend more time focusing on making a good running car rather than on all the extra fancy things. Complaint: Headlights have an issue and although they will replace the headlights for for free, I am still burdened with paying for the labor. I worry that Subaru has gotten so big and so popular that the Subaru of the past is going to the dogs.

William B on February 4, 2021

Overall this is a great car and can go a lot of miles.

This is a solid vehicle, has some issues with the circuits in the lights and can cause them to flash sometimes. This can cause a few unnecessary trips to the shop but usually it is a quick and easy fix. Overall the car is very solid and dependable, well worth buying.

Loretta C on February 2, 2021

This is a good ski country car.

We have not experienced any problems with the car yet. It is comfortable and has an easy to drive manual transmission. Good visibility and lots of space in the back seat. Can stow a lot of stuff in the back of the vehicle. I recommend this car to anyone who needs to haul a lot of stuff, like skiing equipment.

Sierra W on January 27, 2021

The Subaru outback is by far the most reliable car I have ever driven.

The Subaru outback I own is by far the best car I have driven. I bought it second hand with a bunch of miles already on it and it still drives smoothly and I feel safe when on the roads. The trunk space is a huge plus with the ability to fold the back seats down to make room for bigger items for when I am traveling or moving back and forth from college and home. The transmission has given me no problems which is what I have had to deal with in driving other cars in the past and the Subaru drives smoothly regardless of speed. The sleek exterior was definitely a pull when buying it and the ability to strap things such as bikes or bags on the roof with the racks is a huge plus. The only problems I have experienced have been with tire pressure but the Subaru has indicated this without fail so that helps me to know at least those types of capabilities are working smoothly. None of the interior has given me any trouble, the seats move smoothly, the air conditioner works consistently, and the radio and auxiliary capabilities are also in perfect condition. Even with a previous owner this car is dependable and lasts a long time if you take care of it.

Lourdes C on January 17, 2021

I like that it tells me when I'm saving gas. I don't like that if I want to switch out the transmission fluid I have to take it to the shop, because they can get very expensive.

It's reliable. It's spacious. And it's made for all terrain

Arik W on January 15, 2021

Subaru outback is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever driven.

Subaru outback is very reliable, never broken down or had serious issues while driving. Gas mileage is very good on this vehicle. 4-wheel drive makes driving in snow or ice much easier than other vehicles. Car is very comfortable with enough leg room in front and back, with plenty of storage space. Never had problems in rain or other weather, overall very reliable vehicle.

Christopher M on January 7, 2021

One thing I would like to see is more technology in the cars standard.

The Subaru Outback is a great car. All wheel drive, it is got the pick up you need to get on la freeways, the room for four passengers comfortably, with room for cargo to boot. Really no problems other than that we've been run into four times now -minor accidents not our fault.

Marlene C on January 6, 2021

Honestly worth the prizes.

The only issue I have had with this vehicle is that for some time I would stop at a stop sign and it would die. We found out the torque converter was at fault. I changed that out and it ran like new. Otherwise, it is a beautiful care. It does not feel like a family car. The heated leather seats, moonroof, and perfect audio really make it a rugged vehicle.

Alicia T on December 25, 2020

Heated seats are amazing and warm up quickly even to defrost my windows.

I love my car it so comfy especially the heated seats and so happy to have a sun roof again. Very reliable never have had any issues on bad roads or having it start. Only trouble I have had it got to keep an eye on air in tires brand new tires seem to be almost dead in few days.

Bella C on December 20, 2020

Overall happy with my car and all of its attributes.

I am a short person so sometimes I struggle seeing over the wheel. I am also not very comfortable in the seat. I do enjoy driving stick shift. Other than that I enjoy my car and its features. I do not worry about my safety and take care of the car so I have not had any problems so far.

KALI T on December 14, 2020

It is safe. Safety should be the top priority when searching for your next car. It is perfect for a family with children that are young, school aged, or grown up.

The Subaru Outback is great on gas. It's also the perfect size car for our small family. I also really love having a navigation system and a sunroof in the car. Overall the Subaru Outback is a safe car and that is something that is very important to me.

Amy S on December 9, 2020

Subaru is the best mountain car.

I have no issues with my Subaru. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. The paddle shifters really make it a powerful vehicle, when traveling through mountain passes and in the snow. The only thing I do not like is that I have to frequently change the oil because there is a flaw in the oil pan design. Subaru needs to fix this, if they have not already.

Donna W on December 2, 2020

Outback probably not the greatest for short people.

Had some shaking in the steering column but was fixed by dealership. Love the size for hauling people and garden supplies.

Nicole L on November 30, 2020

You will pay a ton in car repairs. Do not buy these cars.

It's constantly in the garage needing repairs. I will never buy another of these cars. It constantly leaves us stranded.

Eli F on November 23, 2020

Style and security in one package.

This is a great car for bad weather; between the abs and the AWD, rain, snow, and ice are no problem. I can plow right through heavy snow, and the car has never once fishtailed on me on the ice. It is also a great car for long trips because it is a really smooth and cushy ride. I like the fact that it rides higher than a standard car--I can see better. But it is easier to park than an SUV. So it is really the best of both.

Janice Y on November 23, 2020

Great for new drivers out there.

Excellent car! Smooth driving and good gas mileage. Leather interior with rubber things at the bottom for ur feet is awesome for cleaning. Lots of trunk space and overall safe car for new drivers. Can't wait to pass this car onto my kid when he’s old enough! 10/10 would recommend for anyone.

Katie F on November 23, 2020

I love having a sunroof to open up and enjoy fresh air while driving.

My car is perfect. It has leather interior with seat heaters and a sunroof which are features I love. It is very spacious in the front and back seats and has plenty of room for storage in the back. The only thing I would want to change about my car is I would love an added Bluetooth feature. They have that option in newer cars but I didn't end up with it when I bought my car used.

Ann B on November 19, 2020

Even though it is a Japanese car it is made in the USA.

I love all wheel drive. I t handles turns very well. I know that it will run for over 200,000 miles as long as I maintain it. I hate the back seat cup holder. They break very easy. It is best not to use it. If you use it is in the way and breaks.

Celine S on November 11, 2020

It is yellow and a rare find.

The performance is well and gets a lot of attention. The seats are leather and comfortable. It has a lot of trunk space and is a 4-door. I do not spend a lot of gas. It is an old car and the mileage is high but it still runs well. No major problems or fixes that needed to be changed.

Heather G on November 8, 2020

My outback Subaru is a dependable car.

I have had recurrent electrical issues, which causes the headlights to burn out often. I also have experienced a leak with the moonroof. Otherwise, wear and tear has been normal and the car has held up very well. I find the car very comfortable to drive, I like having a higher clearance from the ground, and there is plenty of storage space.

Heather H on November 8, 2020

Subaru Outback: reliable, comfortable and fun

I just received this Outback, but it's been driven by family since it was purchased new 10 years ago. It had never needed any maintenance besides the general routine maintenance that all cars receive. It is very reliable! The all-wheel drive is very helpful in the snow. It's very comfortable for passengers and drivers

James V on November 6, 2020

Subaru outback is wonderful.

My 2010 Subaru outback is a great mid size SUV. Has heated front seats, leather seats all around, spacious trunk space. Room to fit driver and four passengers comfortably. Comes with radio/cd player. Mine did not come with Bluetooth capabilities. Overall it is a great family car.

Mar M on November 3, 2020

Outback is still going strong after 10 years.

I have had my Subaru outback for just over 10 years and it is still going strong. Knock on wood, but it has not required any major maintenance yet (just a few minor things over the years) and still drives like it did when it was brand new. I love it so much!

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.