Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A green 2021 Subaru Outback is shown from the side while driving down the beach.

A Subaru to Fit Every Lifestyle

Different lifestyles and locations can present different challenges––challenges you need your vehicle to meet. That’s where Subaru comes in. Every car is not created equal, but if you want something you can depend on, Subaru is here to help. Considered one of the best names on the market when it comes to safety and reliability, Subaru is a flexible brand that fits in uptown, downtown, and out of town, all without slowing down.

Do you need something for your daily commute into the city? Or do you hear the wilderness calling your name? Buying a vehicle is a big choice, and you want to make sure you make the right one. We’ve compiled some of the best pre-owned Subaru models to help you find the perfect vehicle that fits your lifestyle, but feel free to stop by your local Subaru dealership to see exactly what we’re talking about.

For Everyday Use: The Outback

We’re starting with the popular Subaru Outback because this midsize crossover is the perfect multitool for your busy life. If you never know what your day is going to throw at you and you’re always up for a little adventure, the Outback is good to go. Great for commuting, weekend road trips, and grocery runs, this is the perfect vehicle for an active family. The Outback has been in production since 1996, and Subaru has had more than enough time to mold this rugged family hauler into the perfect well-rounded machine that’s suited to tackle a variety of tasks.

Over the years, the Outback has gone from a practical wagon to a versatile crossover while upholding its reputation for being reliable and fun to drive. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive means you can always get the most out of your vehicle, especially if your idea of adventure involves the great outdoors. High-quality craftsmanship combined with Subaru’s first-class engineering makes the Outback a tough vehicle to beat. With so many generations, there are plenty of pre-owned models out there at affordable prices.

Drivers that want a little of everything can find great value in a used Outback. Keep an eye out for the 2019 model, which is known to be one of the best years so far. Coming at the end of the fifth generation ensures that the 2019 Outback has plenty of great extras regarding tech and driver-assist features. The 2019 Outback also scooped up a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. If you want a vehicle that will go and go and go, Outbacks are known to offer thousands of miles of trouble-free driving.

A black 2021 Subaru Forester is shown from the rear at an angle after leaving a Subaru dealership.

A Subaru for Adventure: The Forester

Subaru is a popular brand among avid nature lovers, and the Forester is a great choice for those who want to get into nature and stay there. This compact all-wheel drive SUV has been hitting the road since 1998, so drivers looking for one will have no trouble finding numerous options at their nearest used Subaru dealer. This is great news for those looking to get a tough, rugged little SUV that fits their budget. Add to that the low maintenance costs, and drivers are getting an unbeatable value that would be tough to find anywhere else.

Taking you off the beaten path is the Forester’s idea of a good time. The Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives it optimum traction and balance, making it perfect for different kinds of terrain, including gravel, mud, and slippery conditions. Check out the latest Forester to take advantage of the X-MODE system that lets you flip through different modes to find ideal traction during less-than-optimal driving conditions.

Thanks to Forester‘s higher ground clearance in the last few years, especially in the new Wilderness trim, this SUV makes tackling rocks, branches, and uneven paths easier than ever. The higher ground clearance helps keep the Forester’s underside safe from damage and allows you to get on your way. Whether planning a weekend away or dealing with a sudden snowstorm on the way home from work, drivers can feel confident that the Forester has their back.

A white 2022 Subaru Impreza is shown from the front at an angle.

City Driving and Commuting: The Impreza

Whether you have to make the drive into the city or you live in the city and have to get across town every morning, you’re probably more than familiar with heavy traffic and constantly changing road conditions. But never fear! Subaru makes your morning drive a little easier with the Impreza.

The Subaru Impreza stands out from other compact cars in all the best possible ways. For one, this affordable model comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, something you almost always have to pay extra for with other brands and rarely find in entry-level models. Come ice, snow, or rain, the Impreza’s all-wheel drive system offers the superior grip and control you want when you can’t afford to make a mistake.

As for reliability, we bet the Impreza will not only meet but exceed your standards. A 2022 report from iSeeCars names the Subaru Impreza one of the most reliable compact cars on the market. While Consumer Reports listed the 2016 Impreza as one of the best sedans for city driving. Did we mention that the Impreza also gets stellar gas mileage? The 2020 Subaru Impreza impresses us with its 31 MPG combined rating. That’s great news for people looking to make their dollar go a little further at the pumps.

Something else that’s important to commuters? Comfort! This five-seater offers ample headroom and legroom. Plus, you can choose the hatchback version to enjoy tons of cargo space. The roomy cabin puts technology right at your fingertips, while the supportive seating keeps you comfortable during long drives. The user-friendly controls and high-end feel give the Impreza the look of luxury, all at an affordable price that drivers are looking for.

For those who seem to spend more time in the car than they’d like, the Impreza offers a rewarding driving experience to make the daily ride into the office a little more enjoyable. Impressive standard all-wheel drive, responsive handling, and a well-designed interior make the Impreza an ideal choice for congested highways and narrow city parking.

What’s Your Lifestyle?

Picking the right Subaru for your lifestyle is not only easy; it’s fun! Subaru has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted automakers in the world. Its unyielding commitment to producing durable, long-lasting vehicles is one of the reasons why so many drivers from the city to the country turn to Subaru to get them where they want to go.

Whether you choose to shop for a new or pre-owned car, Subaru is a brand known for quality and reliability, giving drivers the confidence they want. Don’t settle for less when you can enhance your daily drive experience from behind the wheel of your next Subaru.

Pick up an Outback for a flexible ride that works when and where you need it to or tackle dirt roads and uneven paths in a Forester. If you’re a city kid, no worries! The Subaru Impreza will guide you through heavy commuter traffic, getting you where you need to go on time. Subaru’s impressive family of cars and SUVs is waiting to make your life a little easier, and your next drive a little more fun.