We have a Subaru and are not super outdoorsy nor do we pretend to be (I openly hate camping). We got it for the combination of safety features and reliability. We have not had any maintenance issues. I’ve owned Toyotas before and it’s about on that level for reliability, IME. But better safety features.

But I get the appeal of a minivan for a bigger family (we only have one kid). When my parents visit I sometimes wish we had a mini van, but it would be a silly choice for a family if three.

I would forget about “cool” and just make a list of your priorities and get the car that matches those better.

Anonymous wrote:I live in the mountains now, and almost everybody (Ok! Not everybody!) has a Subaru. The ones who are mid-level serious about exploring have jeeps. The ones who are v. serious have Subarus.

Hahaha, please. Is this a serious comment? Everyone knows that real explorers drive old Land Cruisers. Subarus are fine but for families who go camping now and then.

Anonymous wrote:Who is this “marketing” idiot poster?

You don’t mess with the cult of Subaru.

Subarus have ground clearance of 8.7”; Toyota 4Runner 9.6”

Who is this “marketing” idiot poster?

My Subaru was extremely reliable.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: likes to think of themselves as rugged and outdoorsy (although actual levels of rugged outdoorsiness vary wildly)

Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: deeply susceptible to marketing

FTFY

This is so weird because those of us who have lived out west and/or up in the mountains have been driving and riding in Subarus our whole lives. I grew up in Colorado. My parents had Subarus, our neighbors all had Subarus, we got them when we were old enough to drive. I still drive one. It's not just marketing, it truly is the car that outdoorsy people drive in many parts of the country.

*I agree that the Ascent is 100% made for minivan mommas though. Only mommies drive those.

Okay, so a lot of CO fall for marketing? Many Hondas and Toyotas have capable AWD, and are far less likely to break down and leave you stranded in the mountains.

I mean, if you are heading to the Africa wilderness, Toyota Land Cruiser was THE car.

Are you stupid? The marketing is because of its reputation.

You don’t need market something to have a reputation. But I shouldn’t expect much from some one stooping to ad hominem and rude attacks.

What fits your life better? Both are very reliable brands. Just my experience, but my Subarus have been more reliable, longer, than my Hondas. I agree with adding oil to Subarus but my Hondas always have the alternators go bad pretty early. I have had issues with the TPMS in Hondas too. I think the screen displays in newer Hondas are better. Especially blind spot notification.

In the young kid age group, I’d probably go with the Odyssey for convenience. In the tween and teen kid age, I have gone with the Subaru. But we hike, bike, kayak, and travel in the mountains fairly regularly.

The Subarus have a 5 speed “manual” option on the column rather than just gears 1 and 2, and this was a lifesaver driving up to Seven Springs in the snow. My Legacy handled as well as a real stick shift in the snow on those curvy, hilly back roads. It was the reason I got a Forester when looking for a new car.

Both brands regularly get high safety ratings in IIHS tests too.

I don’t really think “cool” in terms of cars. I would think of you as “smart” if you purchased either brand. Especially if I thought you were taking safety in mind for your kids.

We are on our second Subaru Forrester, which we love. We had our last one for a decade plus before we decided to trade it in for a newer one. The resale value was good for an older Forrester at that point. We have one child and a big dog and travel to the mountains and countryside to visit family and/or go hiking or camping.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: likes to think of themselves as rugged and outdoorsy (although actual levels of rugged outdoorsiness vary wildly)

Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: deeply susceptible to marketing

FTFY

This is so weird because those of us who have lived out west and/or up in the mountains have been driving and riding in Subarus our whole lives. I grew up in Colorado. My parents had Subarus, our neighbors all had Subarus, we got them when we were old enough to drive. I still drive one. It's not just marketing, it truly is the car that outdoorsy people drive in many parts of the country.

*I agree that the Ascent is 100% made for minivan mommas though. Only mommies drive those.

Okay, so a lot of CO fall for marketing? Many Hondas and Toyotas have capable AWD, and are far less likely to break down and leave you stranded in the mountains.

I mean, if you are heading to the Africa wilderness, Toyota Land Cruiser was THE car.

Are you stupid? The marketing is because of its reputation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: likes to think of themselves as rugged and outdoorsy (although actual levels of rugged outdoorsiness vary wildly)

Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: deeply susceptible to marketing

FTFY

This is so weird because those of us who have lived out west and/or up in the mountains have been driving and riding in Subarus our whole lives. I grew up in Colorado. My parents had Subarus, our neighbors all had Subarus, we got them when we were old enough to drive. I still drive one. It's not just marketing, it truly is the car that outdoorsy people drive in many parts of the country.

*I agree that the Ascent is 100% made for minivan mommas though. Only mommies drive those.

Okay, so a lot of CO fall for marketing? Many Hondas and Toyotas have capable AWD, and are far less likely to break down and leave you stranded in the mountains.

I mean, if you are heading to the Africa wilderness, Toyota Land Cruiser was THE car.

My DH loved his Subaru and drove it until it had to be donated for parts. 300,000+ miles. We had no issues with it.

My best friend drives a minivan that she bought when they became empty nesters. She drove one for years with little kids. That van will carry your whole house.

You have to buy what suits your family. Who gives a rat’s behind if you are cool? Cars should be practical for each family.

Someone I know has a Subaru that is SO bumpy on the highway. As a passenger, I felt like I was jumping constantly.
-mountain resident

I live in the mountains now, and almost everybody (Ok! Not everybody!) has a Subaru. The ones who are mid-level serious about exploring have jeeps. The ones who are v. serious have Subarus.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: likes to think of themselves as rugged and outdoorsy (although actual levels of rugged outdoorsiness vary wildly)

Minivan: pragmatic, has children
Subaru: deeply susceptible to marketing

FTFY

This is so weird because those of us who have lived out west and/or up in the mountains have been driving and riding in Subarus our whole lives. I grew up in Colorado. My parents had Subarus, our neighbors all had Subarus, we got them when we were old enough to drive. I still drive one. It's not just marketing, it truly is the car that outdoorsy people drive in many parts of the country.

*I agree that the Ascent is 100% made for minivan mommas though. Only mommies drive those.