2001 Subaru Forester S review from North America

Sun roof opening mechanism failed at 60,000 miles.

Radiator cracked due to coolant leak in head gasket at 80,000 miles.

Rear wheel bearings replaced at 100,000 miles. Probably failed at 50,000 miles.

Back lights on radio have all failed.

Clock failed.

Windshield wiper drive arm failed at 100,000 miles.

I really like my Forester. It handles well, is relatively quick for a big car, is quiet on the highway, and gets respectable highway mileage.

What I don't like are the unusual, and expensive things that have failed. The power sunroof opening drive failed at 60,000 miles. The dealer said that there was no fixing it, so they had to replace the whole unit. ($800) I love the huge sun roof, but I don't know if I would get another one.

The head gaskets failed under warranty, but their failure caused a coolant leak which overheated the car and cracked the radiator. I was charged for a new radiator, but not installation. Since the car was torn apart anyway, I had them replace the timing belt. ($1,000)

The rear wheel bearings failed at some point, but the noise wasn't unbearable until 90,000 miles. ($600)

Crappy Yokohama tires don't last worth a damn. I put on some cheap Toyos and they have been great.

All of the lights on the radio have failed along with the clock. New clock: $80.00!

The windshield wiper drive arm bearing failed. Dealer wanted $35 for new arm and $100 installation. I went to Advanced Auto Parts and picked up a pack of Help! wiper arm bushings for $3.00 and fixed it myself in 15 minutes.

Who is the retard that designed the motor pan cover that must be removed to change the oil/filter? It is a royal pain to remove/replace.

The cup holders are not very rugged, and they allow condensation to drip onto/into the radio.