Faults:

Body/paint are not the highest quality - they show wear somewhat easily.

General Comments:

This is a generally well-built, reliable car that is a lot of fun to drive and offers a lot for the asking price. That said, the dealer service is extremely expensive and has not been 100% honest. In addition, the operating costs are high. Gas mileage is not good; I know that the car is all-wheel drive, but I have found the fuel economy to be quite poor in city driving. In today's energy crisis, Subaru should be doing more to improve this. In addition, the car was hit at low speed while parked and was seriously damaged. This raised some questions in my mind about body integrity. My first two cars were Volvo 240s. One time I was rear-ended in one of the 240s, and there was positively no body damage. This is not so much Subaru's fault; I think that the construction of many of today's cars is questionable, particularly the bumpers.

Faults:

First problem is the car doesn't like to go into reverse a lot of the time. Have to put car in neutral let clutch out, then push clutch in and try again. Usually works, but very frustrating. I always wonder in the back of my mind what would happen if I needed to reverse quickly to avoid an accident and couldn't get it into reverse! Dealership tells me that this is normal operating behaviour.

Second problem. Got stuck in some major stop and go traffic, starting smelling terrible hot metal / hot rubber smell. Once out of stop and go, smell disappeared. Took to dealership, was told it was the clutch getting too hot and is also apparently normal operating behaviour as well.

Third problem. When taking off in first gear, after car had started moving and is past point of stalling because of lack of gas, the car makes a shuttering movement - like it's going to stall. Best way to describe is - feels like you're taking off in second gear and not giving enough gas. Haven't ventured to the dealership to try and explain this problem yet, but dreading that I'll get the "normal operating behaviour" line again.

General Comments:

Overall, despite all of our problems, I love my car. Sporty and lots of fun to drive - when it's working properly. Sick to say, but I'd buy another despite the nightmares I've encountered with this one.

Has anybody else had any of these problems or did I get a lemon?

J

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car. To this point, it has been absolutelly flawless.

General Comments:

I wanted one of these cars since I was 16 years old playing Gran Turismo. It has not dissapointed.

Its acceleration is incredible, its handling superb, it's a bit of a pig on gas, but I drive it very hard, so it is expected. Other than a speeding ticket, this car has cost me nothing other the gas.

I have a model with a sunroof, the cabin feels airy, the interior is functional and put together quite well. Its no VW on the inside, but I could not care less. Its form over function, and it still looks nice.

Turbo lag is noticeable below 3000 RPM, and the car really comes alive about 4000 RPM. Because of this, if you want to pass someone it is best to down-shift at-least one gear, if not two. The brakes are excellent.

The AWD system is great in inclement weather, and it still allows you to get the tail out if you so please.

My only complaint, is the gearbox, it works fine, but it can be a bit stubborn when its cold out. Its not always smooth.

The 16" alloys are nice, and the stock tires are alright, but I am replacing them with 17" alloys and a far more aggressive set of summer tires, the RE92 are all seasons.