2006 Subaru Forester review from North America

Cooling system started leaking 3 weeks after we got it. Improperly tightened hoses from the factory or so they said. I still have had pesky cooling system leaks from day one. Most recent required replacement of the gaskets on the engine.

Also have had oil pan leaks. Pan gasket replaced at 22000 miles, but I still see drips every now and then.

Noisy window motors, rattles when partly open unless all the way down.

Plastic interior parts scratch easily and are cheap and chintzy overall.

It's been in the shop 2-3 times a year for other things like false dash lamp warnings and poor mileage also.

If this is supposed to be "Japanese quality" then I am definitely going back to Ford come November at trade in time!

Dealer service has been average not exemplary. Often long wait times for parts. Subaru dealership service has not gone out of their way to make me feel like I made a good choice buying a Japanese car. I wish that I had purchased a new Ford Fusion instead. Perhaps trade in on one in 6 months.

Subaru has not been anything special; no pride or love of ownership. It's a very over rated car that is not at all worth half of what they ask for it.

Buying a Subaru was a mistake. My neighbor's Toyota Camry is a much better put together car and cost him less than my Subaru, and has never been in the shop once. Never again will I buy a Subaru, nor will I recommend one to anyone.