2001 Subaru Forester review from North America

Very poor mileage: 18-19 city.

Interior cheapness, broken items replaced:

Clock

Cup holder

Seat belt clip

Arm rest compartment latch

Cargo cover end clips

Mushy brakes, skidding on wet road stripes when braking

Sensors replaced:

O2

Knock

Catalytic converter replaced

Spark plugs arcing in humid weather - all replaced

Warm-up time in cool weather excessive

20-30 pit marks on front hood from pebbles

Small round crack in windshield from a stone

Excessive wear on cloth seat covers

Despite the constant annoyances listed above, the handling and ride is smooth. It handles exceptionally in the snow. Good acceleration, even up long hills. I guess that's a trade-off for the atrocious mileage for a 4 cylinder.

I've been to 4 different service departments. 2 were a trial to deal with and all 4 were incompetent at least some of the time.

Buying the car was an experience. After the usual haggling & sale, I picked up the car. On the next day, I received a telephone call from what turned out to be the new manager of the dealership. He wanted to REDO the financing with a bank rather than with Subaru financing! He also went on to add that the entire sales force had been terminated! Three or four months later the dealership closed. Way to go, Subaru!