Faults:

At 25,000 miles, a melted wire caused the car to misfire and run very poorly.

May 2010; had the rear control arm replaced (covered under warranty).

Now it's January 2011, and the car has 43,000 miles. Took it in for routine oil change, and was told the front control arm bushings are bad, and the head gasket needs to be replaced.

I was so in love with my car up until now. I cannot believe it needs extensive repairs at such a low mileage, considering it's impeccably maintained and never misses routine servicing. I still owe $9000 on the car, and really can't afford a new one. I'm happy that Subaru USA is covering the cost, but since I live in Canada, I must pay for all warranty work up front and get reimbursed.

I thought I was buying quality Japanese workmanship, I am truly let down. I'm not sure how long the head gasket repair will last, but I'm worried just the same.

General Comments:

I love the car, it's fun to drive and handles well on our snowy Canadian roads, but the reliability just isn't there. I have zero confidence in Subaru, and won't make the mistake of purchasing another one. It will be a Honda or Toyota for me.

Faults:

Windshield cracked for no apparent reason while sitting in the sun yesterday at lunch. Parked in a secure parking lot with little traffic and the windshield just cracked. Crack started on passengers side, low on windshield and is now halfway across the windshield less than 24 hours later. Warranty and extended warranty do not cover. RIDICULOUS!

General Comments:

Loud road noise, used to quieter car.

Overall happy with vehicle but very disappointed in this windshield issue. After reading on line, it sounds like a common problem with Subaru that they are unwilling to admit is their issue.

Faults:

I feel that the car is highly under powered... If I were to do it over I would have purchased the turbo. A 2.5 for the size of the wagon is too small. I also feel that they went too far off the "Outback" style, as it will easily will get lost in the crowd.

General Comments:

That being said... it is probably the most comfortable car seat I have ever sat in. The interior of this car is what sold me. The moment you sit down and hear the solid "thump" knowing that it is not a cheaply made car... you feel as if you are in a captain's chair. All the controls are are easily operated without looking in the manual. Easily the most comfortable car I've owned. And despite the lack of power the handling makes up for it... on my test drive I hydroplaned and didn't even feel it... and on the cornering, on wet roads might I add, hardly any body roll for such a large vehicle and so quiet!