2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5 petrol from North America

Summary:

Lemon

Faults:

Both head gaskets failed. I wish I'd read the reviews listed here before buying the car, then I'd have known about the problem. Apparently there is a class action lawsuit against Subaru in the USA for the 2.5 engine head gasket issue.

The heater matrix rusted through and leaked, headlight bulb holder corroded and failed, radiator failed, main radiator hose blew, plus assorted wear and tear issues such as exhaust, wheel bearings etc.

General Comments:

We bought the Forester on Subaru's supposed reputation for reliability. Well, I guess we learned our lesson.

Hello, Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th June, 2011

7th Jun 2011, 22:15

Head gaskets on SOHC Subarus are cake to fix... it's no big deal. The radiator "matrix" (no one ever uses that term)... is made of aluminum, it can't "rust".

Foresters are hyper reliable and fun to drive if you need an AWD and a station wagon all wrapped up into one...

So what if it needs a head gasket, once it's fixed it stays fixed... (ask me how I know... I've owned 7 of them so far)... and seriously; name a car that won't need a H-G repair once in its life... seriously, most every car will need it... BUT with the Subaru's, at least it's a simple job... regardless of what your "trusted" shop may say.

If you can change a tire/tyre and cook a meal or sew on a button, then you can do a Subaru SOHC head-gasket job... seriously it's simple and easy. Never more than 4-5 hours tops.

Good cars here in the wild where 10,000 ft mountains and only dirt roads exist... Also a nice ride that makes most everyone glance twice at it, and it's only three hours away in downtown San Francisco or Reno, fun cars! Spunky is an apt term... Easy to fix... They have the right feel.

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2001 Subaru Forester from North America

Summary:

I want to trade it for a newer model

Faults:

I hit 100000, and everything has fallen by the road.

Front differential leaking.

Cracked head gasket. This is the biggest problem, because it had been recalled to fix the head gasket and I was never informed of this action. Then there was a good faith recall after the first, to which I was never notified. Now it will cost $1600 to fix.

I would rather have a sticking accelerator than smell the coolant dripping on my exhaust.

When I contacted the dealership, they told me to go directly to Subaru. This was unsuccessful as well. Nobody cares about a car that is 9 years old. I am very please with the interior and the special edition stainless wheel covers that were already on upon purchase.

General Comments:

Reliable for most part - AWD is kept in my life.

Roof rack is just for show. Mine cracked with the 1st Xmas tree.

Spacious.

Many incidental lights have gone out along with clock. The P-N-D-3-2 light is out too.

Because of AWD, it sucks more gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd February, 2010

13th Nov 2011, 18:07

Too bad Subaru is buying Toyota ha ha! Routine maintenance my friend.

29th Mar 2012, 21:15

Except for the head gasket, everything else is routine maintenance for any vehicle!

As for the luggage rack, those rails are for mounting cargo carrier clips for bikes, snow boards, or the factory enclosed cargo carrier. Not for strapping down trees. A quick read of the owner's manual would have explained their proper use.

Subaru does have upgraded and more functional rails available at the time of purchase, but outside of the premium models, you're not likely to see them.

BTW, that's pretty common to most all SUVs.

2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Very poorly made and bad customer service!

Faults:

O2 sensor and catalytic converter replaced at 50,000 miles, all 4 wheel bearings, rebuilt transmission, engine mounts, shocks and struts, and tie rod all replaced at about 60,000 miles.

Now the check engine light is on, engine knocks when cold, and I am told the piston is bad and it is $2,200.00 to fix!

Subaru customer service at headquarters was rude and did nothing about the tranny.

Clock failed. Compass failed. Paint is poor and rusts easily.

I will NEVER buy another Subaru!!!

General Comments:

BAD customer service! There should be recalls as many customers have the same problems, yet Subaru does not care. It is a Honda next time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th January, 2010