Faults:

Radiator Replaced at 33,000 km.

Camshaft Position Sensor Failed.

Turbo Failed at 53,000 km.

Fuel lines ruptured requiring extensive labor. At 75,000 km (Intake manifold was removed)

The windshield mysteriously cracked in the -30 winter air.

Complete engine failure. New small block at 78,000 km.

Air conditioning failed at 88,000 km.

General Comments:

When I first seen this car I fell in love. I took one for a test drive and was amazed at the rapid acceleration and "on rails" type of handling. So, I bought a used WRX. It turned out to be both a blessing and a curse.

I still wake up and smile at the site of this car. It is truly an all weather sports car. I drive a lot of twisty, hilly, single lane type of highway in all weather. I've cruised at 120 kph on foot deep snow in a blizzard with no problems (winter tires). Its 1000 times more sure footed then my front wheel drive Grand Prix was. The safety, performance, looks, and comfort all rank high for me.

The reliability on the other hand is another story. Replaced was: radiator, camshaft sensor, turbo, fuel lines, engine internals, and air conditioner. All I can say is get an extended Subaru warranty that covers everything!

Even with the problems I'm still saving up for a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Subaru's are amazingly engineered cars. I just happened to buy a pre abused and used lemon. Be weary of hidden problems when buying used, and do research! But, I still love the car and enjoy driving it everyday, its my pride and joy.

The dealership was terrible. I hope that not all service managers are that rude. The mechanics were great though and did quality work.

I would recommend this car to whoever is considering one, but with extended warranty.

Faults:

Had the clutch replaced under warranty at 30,000 miles. It shuddered since the day I bought the car. I guess a few of the early cars had this problem, and now it's fixed and everything is great.

General Comments:

I have modified this car heavily and it takes the abuse well.

Sway-bars made the car handle like it should. Now it handles amazingly.

Turbo boost is the only way to fly.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car.

Reliability is perfect for the car, for it was still made in Japan.

General Comments:

The car has great acceleration for its class.

When dealing with ice, dirt, or gravel it still clings on as if you were driving on a paved road.

However, when handling the car you must use EXTREME caution, the brakes do not match the power of the car. This is one car that does not "stop on a dime."

The car took me 1 month to get used to the braking system.

Faults:

Inside tire damage due to a long heavy load (moved from Boston to California).

Lid to storage compartment on the dash loosened, rattles, and does not close right.

Clutch is temperamental until break-in. 10,000 miles.

Passenger side door lock does not open all the time when the power door-lock switch is used.

General Comments:

Reliability is where this car excels. I have beaten this car more than you should beat a brand new vehicle and it just keeps on going. I have driven this thing up hills, brush and all, through farm fields, and slid it through the streets of Boston (pot hole capital of the world) and there is not one rattle. I still have not put an alignment on it and it is at 24,000 miles. The only thing you have to worry about is mud and dirt getting stuck in your wheels. It starts shaking when you do that.

It does have some get up and go (it is not a vette), but the all wheel drive more than makes up for it. If you don't beat them on the straight away it will definitely get em in the corners.

Handling is way above average on the street, and phenomenal in the dirt. Sliding around corners in the dirt is almost effortless. The suspension takes high speed bumps very well, the faster you go the less rebound you get. You can go very fast without bottoming this car out. Believe me I have tried.

Watch out for car thieves and vandalism. I owned this car in Boston (I know not the safest place to have a new car) and it was vandalized, stolen, and broken into numerous times. The car is an attention getter that can be good and bad. Watch out for the street racers too, they see that wing on the back and get all excited.