Faults:

Engine head gasket leaked at 95,000 miles.

Engine developed a bad rod knock at 100,000 miles (replaced engine).

CV boots have torn repeatedly.

Window regulator failed at 80,000 miles.

Struts began leaking at 60,000 miles.

Steering column coupler failed at 50,000 miles.

Makes a loud grinding noise from engine that no one can diagnose at 102,000 miles.

Alternator failed at 90,000 miles.

Knock sensor failed at 75,000 miles.

Oxygen sensor failed repeatedly.

Etc.

General Comments:

Very poor build quality-something is always breaking down. If you must have a Subaru, avoid Imprezas and buy a Legacy ($).

Fair fuel economy.

Engine performance is pretty good for a 2.2L (when it runs), and the AWD system is great.

Faults:

Failed the emission test due to inoperative oxygen sensor. Cabin plastic is very easily scratched, looks very cheesy and cheap, but no rattles.

General Comments:

I was very impressed with the handling of this car. Although take off is not its strongest point, once it's going it makes you feel confident. The pick up is very quick even from 100km/h in fifth gear without downshifting. It seems to be built robust, but mine one is extremely basic, so I do not know how those bells and whistles of the higher models hold up. It also has a very nice feature of being very serviceable even for an amateur.

The only thing that annoys me is the gearbox.

It downshifts very reluctantly.

There is no grinding noise when I push on the shifter, trying to engage gears, it just does not go for some time and after shifts smoothly.I'm getting used to it and, on the other hand I'm not a racer,but the speed shifting seems to be very problematic on this car. May be it has something to do with the AWD.

The car is very responsive in terms of handling.

Changing directions is quick and precise.

Braking is not that impressive-the pedal feel is mushy, but braking distance is OK.

All in all I think, that anyone can rely on this car. It's been soundly built, may be not that refined as a Toyota, but it definitely has a personality of its own.

Faults:

Wheel bearing needed to be replaced more often than I would have expected. Subaru issues a TSB saying to use a brake dust shield to protect them.

But over 143k miles, very little has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

Very reliable and inexpensive car to drive. Not the most luxurious, but it'll always get you there. I bought it brand new, drove it for 9 years and 143k miles, and only sold it because I needed something larger. It was easy to maneuver around town, to avoid an accident, and great in any weather. When I sold it at 143k miles, everything still worked; it only had a few squeaks and rattles.

Go buy a Subaru!!