Faults:

While on a 2,000 mile trip this summer (2009), the check engine light came on and the cruise control light started flashing. I had 70 miles on a new tank of gas and figured the check engine light was due to the gas cap no being tight enough.

I called the closest dealership and they said to redo the gas cap and everything should be fine in four cycles. A cycle is when the car is up to running temperature and then cools down to ambient temperature.

The next day I stopped to get gas, but had a hard time filling the tank. I had to dribble the gas into the car. It would only take about 1/3 of a gallon at a time. So I called the next closest dealership.

They told me the solenoid valve in the gas tank was bad and that it would need to be replaced. Essentially, the tank closed off and I could only get gas into the connection between the opening and the tank, then the gas would trickle into the tank.

My options were to go to a dealership and get the solenoid valve replaced or I could continue to drizzle gas into the tank and replace the solenoid when I returned home -- which is what I did.

The check engine light stayed on the whole trip because of the faulty solenoid valve, and I couldn't use the cruise control because it won't work if there is a detected problem, but the car worked fine and I had no problem otherwise.

This solenoid valve problem seems to be uncommon, but if it happens to you, don't panic. Just have patience at the gas pump!

General Comments:

This is my third Outback. I am not very happy with how Subaru handled the head gasket problem on the 1998-2002 2.5 engines, but not mad enough to go to another make of car.

Faults:

Nothing, the car is perfect.

General Comments:

Great car, great gas mpg, great AWD, ZERO PROBLEMS IN 100,000 MILES. Great car.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car since we bought it.

General Comments:

What a blast to drive! The car is fast, comfortable, blends in with all the other Outbacks. Nice leather interior with seat warmers that have come in handy. Like the tiptronic transmission!

Faults:

No manufacturer issues to speak of.

Broken windshield from kicked up stone.

Original equipment tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE95a's) VERY expensive to replace (hole in sidewall of one at 14000m)

General Comments:

For a raised suspension vehicle, it corners like a dream.

EXCELLENT fuel mileage.

First rate cabin design.

2.5 normally aspirated engine is effective, but could use a bump in power.

Faults:

Wheel alignment needed doing at 10,000km, 15,000km, 24,000k, and 35,000km.

All new tyres required at 24,000km.

General Comments:

Love the handling and road holding.

Love the low ratio (manual gearbox only) for towing and paddock use.

Love the solid feeling of safety.

Hate the wheel alignment issue - despite never hitting a curb, this car requires a wheel alignment every 5,000 to 8,000 km.

Tyre wear of the stock Geolanders is excessive; hoping for better from the Bridgestone G3's I've fitted.

Faults:

No problems to report as of yet.

General Comments:

The styling and two tone paint is what caught my eye initially.

I wanted a vehicle with all wheel drive and high ground clearance to get in and out of my cottage, but did not want to purchase a large SUV or minivan.

This car offers wonderful performance, good quiet smooth ride for a vehicle of its size.

The seats are a bit cramped, but I am used to driving a Cadillac.

Braking and handling are great. I have not yet had a chance to try this vehicle in severe winter weather yet.

I have not yet experienced any problems with this car, and do not regret buying it.