Faults:

I own a 1999 Forester. The right rear wheel bearing had to be replaced at 26,000 miles (in 2001), covered by warranty. At 112,000 miles the left and the right wheel bearings were replaced (not covered by warranty). The dealer indicates that the design of the bearing has been changed. According to the dealer, Subaru will not warranty the latest wheel bearing failures. I am disappointed that Subaru did not recognize this flaw sooner.

General Comments:

I have been pleased with the all wheel drive and the performance in snow/ice conditions and like the car for the most part. The Subaru is far superior to the American made cars I have owned in the past.

Faults:

The battery died.

General Comments:

This car has performed beautifully and been extremely reliable. I've made a point of keeping to the maintenance schedule and the car has paid me back in spades. (The work done at the two dealerships this car has been taken to has always been solid, without problems or aggravation.)

The car is comfortable, peppy, and has stood up to the long winters of northern Vermont like a champ.

If I could change one thing about it, it would be to improve the gas mileage, which averages around 24 miles per gallon. Given that that's a result of the all-wheel drive, which has performed beautifully on treacherous roads, I can live with that single flaw.

Faults:

This car eats tires. The all wheel drive may be the suspect. I'm not a hard driver and there is absolutely nothing defective about the alignment, still, the car devours the treadson tires faster than any car I've previously owned.

General Comments:

Overall, I think the car is great for harsh weather. Its all wheel drive system isn't at all intimidated by snow or slippery road conditions.

The interior comfort leave much to be desired, but after a while you tend to get used to it.

This car offers as much as a larger SUV with the convenience of better gas mileage.

Faults:

Narrow initial idling RPM variability occured soon after purchase at about 30,000 miles. This variability in idle rpm widened to the point of fluctuating between stalling and 3000 rpm by 85,000 miles. Dealer suggested replacing the TSP sensor as well as the timing belt (which had only 20 k miles on it from an unrelated incident) because of potential excessive wear.

Right wheel bearing recently began making noise and will need to be replaced.

Grand dealer total to repair = $1995.00, none of it covered by Subaru.

General Comments:

We have in general appreciated the performance, handling, comfort, safety and gas efficiency of our Forester. Needless to say, we have been severely underwhelmed by its ruggedness and basic maintenance expense. Subaru and its dealerships have been completely dismissive regarding any culpability on their part and have left us to sustain all costs. We would not recommend anyone buying any new or used Subaru without a comprehensive and no doubt expensive maintenance warranty.