2001 Subaru Forester S Premium review from North America

Like many other owners of late model AWD Subarus, this car suffers from dreaded Subaru "clutch shudder" when cold. The car vibrates loudly and violently when letting off the clutch for the first few miles each morning. Very annoying on what is supposed to be a premium small sport/cute. Dealer says he's seen it happen before, but claims it never happens when they have my car in for service and feel if they can't replicate the problem they won't fix it. Have also found metal particles in the differential which Subaru rep says is "normal". An acquaintance told me she just had to spend over $2000 for a new automatic trans on her '99 model with approx. 75,000 miles. Many other owners report bad wheel bearings which I have not had a problem with yet...hopefully.

A well-designed little car that's really enjoyable to drive (when the clutch is working correctly!).It's very stable and confidence inspiring in all types of weather. But dealer service is poor and extremely expensive - you can't just get an oil and filter change - you have to spring for the $120 "preventive maintenance" - read oil and filter! Subaru seem to be trying to put me off on doing clutch work until after 36,000 miles when the warranty runs out and I have to pay. I may get rid of the car by then and hope that the supposedly top notch resale value hasn't been hit too badly by then.