1999 Subaru Forester L from North America

Summary:

A good car

Faults:

I own a 1999 Forester. The right rear wheel bearing had to be replaced at 26,000 miles (in 2001), covered by warranty. At 112,000 miles the left and the right wheel bearings were replaced (not covered by warranty). The dealer indicates that the design of the bearing has been changed. According to the dealer, Subaru will not warranty the latest wheel bearing failures. I am disappointed that Subaru did not recognize this flaw sooner.

General Comments:

I have been pleased with the all wheel drive and the performance in snow/ice conditions and like the car for the most part. The Subaru is far superior to the American made cars I have owned in the past.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2004

1999 Subaru Forester L from North America

Summary:

It's met and exceeded my expectations

Faults:

The battery died.

General Comments:

This car has performed beautifully and been extremely reliable. I've made a point of keeping to the maintenance schedule and the car has paid me back in spades. (The work done at the two dealerships this car has been taken to has always been solid, without problems or aggravation.)

The car is comfortable, peppy, and has stood up to the long winters of northern Vermont like a champ.

If I could change one thing about it, it would be to improve the gas mileage, which averages around 24 miles per gallon. Given that that's a result of the all-wheel drive, which has performed beautifully on treacherous roads, I can live with that single flaw.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2004

1999 Subaru Forester L from North America

Summary:

It makes sense

Faults:

This car eats tires. The all wheel drive may be the suspect. I'm not a hard driver and there is absolutely nothing defective about the alignment, still, the car devours the treadson tires faster than any car I've previously owned.

General Comments:

Overall, I think the car is great for harsh weather. Its all wheel drive system isn't at all intimidated by snow or slippery road conditions.

The interior comfort leave much to be desired, but after a while you tend to get used to it.

This car offers as much as a larger SUV with the convenience of better gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2004

16th May 2004, 12:20

Tires can be a problem, but my subaru has done well with tires as long as you buy good ones and rotate on a fairly regular basis. I have 106,--- and it's only my second set. This is a lot of freeway and good amount of city driving.

1999 Subaru Forester L 4 cylinder., Gas from North America

Summary:

This consumers report? A bust buy!

Faults:

Narrow initial idling RPM variability occured soon after purchase at about 30,000 miles. This variability in idle rpm widened to the point of fluctuating between stalling and 3000 rpm by 85,000 miles. Dealer suggested replacing the TSP sensor as well as the timing belt (which had only 20 k miles on it from an unrelated incident) because of potential excessive wear.

Right wheel bearing recently began making noise and will need to be replaced.

Grand dealer total to repair = $1995.00, none of it covered by Subaru.

General Comments:

We have in general appreciated the performance, handling, comfort, safety and gas efficiency of our Forester. Needless to say, we have been severely underwhelmed by its ruggedness and basic maintenance expense. Subaru and its dealerships have been completely dismissive regarding any culpability on their part and have left us to sustain all costs. We would not recommend anyone buying any new or used Subaru without a comprehensive and no doubt expensive maintenance warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th September, 2003

1st Dec 2003, 07:48

I also had to replace the front wheel bearing on my 1999 forester after only about 35K, but the local firestone garage did it for 300$

Why even bother going to the dealer unless they will cover it?

25th Jan 2006, 12:17

This comment is for the Subaru tech who wrote last. I just purchased a 1999 Forester with 74,000 miles. I checked on any recalls for this model and only found the brake master cylinder recall. I'm currently experiencing random check engine light problems that has so far resulted in a CO2 replacement, but after about a week, the CEL has been on and off several times more (gas cap is on tight!). The car's going back in tomorrow to see what code was recorded this time, but was wondering about your comment on having your local mechanic check for campaigns, recalls, things of this nature. Any advice on where to look would be greatly appreciated!