1999 Subaru Outback Limited review from North America

All 4 tires (Firestone) have been slowly leaking air for 2 years. After several complaints to dealer, they diagnosed the tires as having "dry rot" cracks and should be replaced. Cost over $400, since tires are now out of warranty.

Car has had small oil leaks for past year. Dealer just diagnosed as 3 separate oil leaks, 2 on engine block seals and one on valve cover gasket. Cost was over $800 to repair by replacing gaskets. Dealer noted no distortion at gasket seating surface on this aluminum block engine.

When I pursued dealer on whether these issues were unusual, they first said no, but refused to research any company database. Two salesmen hung on me. Finally the service manager agreed to research and I am currently awaiting her explanation.

Excellent driving control in snow, important for Northeast US.

Sunroof opens over rear seat only, somewhat useless for the driver.

Fixed non-opening sunroof over front seat merely adds heat to interior.

Cup holder is in front of stereo, and must be stowed when changing a CD, requiring placing the cup elsewhere temporarily. This can make changing the CD somewhat dangerous while driving.

Dealer offered rental car when we had to leave car overnight for service (oil leak repair), but we had to go to Enterprise for the car.