Faults:

I replaced the clutch at 150,000. Other than that, I think it needs a catalytic converter.

General Comments:

I am totally satisfied with my Forester. It gets great mileage, handles pretty good in the snow and always starts and is ready to go.

Faults:

Both rear wheel bearings failed between 90000 and 100000 miles.

Knock sensor failed at around 80000 miles.

CV joint on right front was replaced at about 90000. Left joint, although still good was replaced as the boot had deteriorated.

Replaced the drive shaft at about 100000, because the universal joints had failed, but could not be replaced individually, being an integral part of the drive shaft.

Right rear bearing again failed at 110000.

Rear seat lack leg room for normal size adults.

Fuel economy has stayed the same, through the 10 years that I have owned this car.

I like the car overall, but I am concerned with the unexpected early failures occurring with the rear bearings.

Faults:

Replaced wheel bearing at 80k, and rotors at about 100k.

The cat converter needed replacement at 132k.

General Comments:

I've had a great experience with my 2000 Forester S in contrast to the reviews I see here. True, the manufacturer clock quit working, but there's another one in the radio/CD player, so I just got used to looking at that clock instead. Cheapest fix ever.

I purchased the car used with less than 50,000 miles on it, and have driven it another 82,000. Lots of trips over the mountains, as well as local commuting and it's handled both beautifully! The repairs I've done over the past 7 years have been minimal for a car this age, and it's still going strong. I don't spend too much on maintenance, because I shop around, compare notes across shops, and very rarely do I use a dealership. OK, actually, I NEVER use the dealership. They overcharge by 200%... 300% if you're female!

Faults:

Oxygen sensor out at 91000, easy fix. Head gaskets fixed under warranty, even before they went bad.

General Comments:

I love this car, on and off road. Problems with head gaskets and bearings? It's not totally Subaru's fault! A trusted source of mine told me a little known secret... GM owns 42% of Subaru stock, and was behind the fateful decision to cut corners on bearings and head gaskets. Subaru put a halt to that in about 2004, and said no more, hence the improvement in recent model quality. Shame on you GM, for sharing your heinous QC practices, and shame on you Subaru for letting them.

Subaru, when left to their own devices, and discounting stockholder input still put out an awesome car. GM, on the other hand went bankrupt (poor management and cutting too many corners for the almighty buck). So have faith Subaru owners, and do your research!! Hang in there.

Faults:

At 60,394 miles, valve cover gaskets leaked oil into the spark plug tube seal area causing a mis-fire code (engine light to come on) and causing car to run rough. Between the faulty first diagnosis and a return for a second fix, it cost about $900.

At 79,144 miles, the engine light came on and off, then finally stayed on. It was diagnosed as a faulty knock sensor, which cost $350 to fix. The part alone was $121 before tax.

General Comments:

Aside from the above problems, the car has run well with just routine maintenance. It has power, but it is a sporty/stiff ride. Leg room in back is a bit tight, but no different than say a Corolla or Civic; whereas a Forester has more headroom for tall folks.

Car has plenty of power and acceleration. Brakes & corners well.

Only one cup holder up front and blocks the controls when used.

Carpet is CHEAP and wears easily. Started to develop holes and rips after about 5 years.

Front windshield fogs much more easily than other cars I have driven, and requires activating the AC in order to clear the fog.