Faults:

The oxygen sensors went out twice on this car. Over heated, replaced the radiator and then the head gasket. Ran out of radiator fluid due to a hole in one of the hoses after the gasket was replaced.

General Comments:

We have always heard that Subarus were reliable, but we are now wondering if that's really true. The head gasket was really expensive to fix.

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I previously owned a 97 Legacy GT wagon, a 98 Outback Limited, and I have a 93 Legacy wagon in addition to this Outback. Needless to say, I'm enthusiastic about Subarus. If you live in Canada, like I do, I don't know why you would settle for front-wheel-drive.

I've found the reliability rivals that of Toyota and Honda. With each new generation of Subarus, they noticeably improve performance and build quality. This one feels tight inside and out.

Compared to a sport sedan, there's a little less grip on corners. But it's very smooth riding.

165 horsepower is good. If you hit the pedal, you can always pass.

Front seats are comfortable, but could be a little firmer and supportive for an 8 hour drive.

Controls all make sense. Everything has a quality feel.

Resale has been good on previous Subarus.

For the price, features and quality, I don't feel like I could go wrong with this car.

Faults:

Nothing at all, not even a bulb!

General Comments:

I swapped my Impreza Turbo for this fantastic car... I needed space and comfort for my wife, children and dog... I certainly got lots of space and comfort, this model comes with all the extras. The ride quality is superb and is commented on by many of my passengers. This car has a dual personality, the torquey nature of the 2.5 Boxer engine and the VDC vehicle dynamic control, makes driving fun and handling tight. A pleasure to drive. My children particularly like the slightly raised rear seats, so they can see through the front window. The automatic box is electronically controlled and very smooth. The engine is smooth up to three thousand RPM then growls up to the rev limit. The interior is grey leather and suede, the dash I fake wood, and so far there is no wear on the seat squabs and cushions. There are no rattles to be heard, and the build quality is superb.

Faults:

I'm just starting to hear the exhaust rattle.

Three recall upgrades have been performed at no cost to me.

General Comments:

A roomy, economical and reliable car that has served me very well for five years.

I bought the car new in May 2000 primarily for the All Wheel Drive and gas economy. I found, through on-line research and word-of-mouth advice, that the reliability was high and the cars tended to depreciate in value more slowly.

The car has averaged 24 to 26 miles per gallon around town and 29 to 31 miles per gallon on extended highway trips. The fuel economy tends to be lower in the winter by about 2 M.P.G.

Snow and wet pavement handling are excellent; there are places this car can go that even my wife's front-wheel-drive Volvo cannot due to surface conditions.

There have been no problems with the car to date. I've put one new set of tires on, had two standard preventative maintenance check-ups and changed the oil and oil filter about every 3000 to 3500 miles. The brakes were adjusted once, but still have not been replaced after almost 75,000 miles.

I do expect to put some money into the car soon, however. On the agenda are:

Flush/replace engine coolant

Replace transmission fluid/filter

Fix exhaust rattle

New brakes

Possibly replace drive belts.