Anonymous wrote:Go sit in all the cars and see how YOU like it. When we test drove, the Subaru felt like a tank and I didn't feel comfortable even driving it off the lot. Went with a Mazda CX-5, which I absolutely love.

I had the opposite reaction, didn't like the Mazda, but I agree with you. Everybody is different. The cars listed here -- CRV, RAV, Mazda, and Subaru -- are all comparable. Just pick the one you like and don't overthink it, OP.

Anonymous wrote:This gasket thing is an old wive’s tail.

You cannot go wrong w Subaru, or for that matter, Honda or Toyota.

Signed happy Subaru owner

What are you basing this on? I'm basing it on the fact that I've owned 4 Subarus.

And on the fact that if you Google 'Subaru gasket issues' you get a ton of hits.

This gasket thing is an old wive’s tail.

You cannot go wrong w Subaru, or for that matter, Honda or Toyota.

Signed happy Subaru owner

We have two Foresters and I love them. Except it’s impossible to change the clock on your own.

Good to know, thanks PPs!

They are not as good as either Honda or Toyota, nor do they last as long, nor reliable.

Anonymous wrote:Subaru is way behind Toyota in reliability. And they are not cheap for what you get.

This.

They were well known for gasket issues for decades.

Subaru is way behind Toyota in reliability. And they are not cheap for what you get.

I have a Toyota and a Mazda, and the Toyota has proved much more reliable mechanically and electronically.

I'm interested in the Subaru, though. Are there electric ones?

I don't know, OP. But we've had a Forester for 2 years and plan to drive it into the ground. We absolutely love it.

Also looked at CRVs and RAV4s and the Forester was the clear winner, hands down.

And now that we have a Subaru, we do see them everywhere, just as often as we see CRVs and RAV4s.

Go sit in all the cars and see how YOU like it. When we test drove, the Subaru felt like a tank and I didn't feel comfortable even driving it off the lot. Went with a Mazda CX-5, which I absolutely love.

We loved our old Subaru Forester but didn’t buy a new one because the backseat is too small, and didn’t want the added length of the Outback. Love the CRV and the safety features that are standard (don’t need the highest model). N

I went to the Carmax lot to be able to sit in and compare RAV4, Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Outback/Forrester.

I didn't even want to sit in the Subarus. I just don't like any part of the design or interior. Just not appealing to me. I don't get it, either, OP!

I ended up getting a used Honda CRV from DARCARS Bowie and LOVE it.

They are VERY popular on this area.

As I shop around for an economical, reliable vehicle, I keep returning to Subaru: Japanese company, AWD standard, utilitarian (if not rugged) styling...and the price sure beats anything comparable. Yet Subaru has a niche following—what am I missing? Is there something that keeps these cars from being as popular (and having less resale value) than Honda and Toyota?