Within a year, the head gasket blew, damaging the radiator, and leaving me stranded in the desert. Since it was almost out of warranty, the dealer kept saying he didn't know what the problem was. As soon as the gasket was out of warranty, the dealer miraculously diagnosed the problem. Subaru covered only a small % of the nearly $2,000 bill. Other problems: catalytic converter (engine light always on); heat shield always coming loose; ball joint replaced several times; broken sway bar; 2 transmissions in 4 months; engine stills runs so hot it feels like heater is on; noisy; poor acceleration.

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Bad Clutch and blown head gasket

Bob Rian, 03/02/2004

4dr Wagon AWD

0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Clutch has shudder and rotten egg smell from day one and dealer will do nothing about it. Blown head gasket at 34,100 miles. Service Bulletin says put in special conditioning coolant to prevent leakeage. Wheel wells quickly build up with ice in winter conditions. When new the check engine light resulted in 4 trips to the dealer. Factory Firestone tires are poor in snow.

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Too Much Money for Too Many Problems

Caroline, 05/31/2008

Limited 4dr Wagon AWD

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was pretty enamored of this car with all its bells and whistles, but it ended up not being worth it. I've had to replace the transmission among lots of piddly, annoying stuff. The gaskets around the doors/windows have all come loose, the hatch back door handle doesn't spring back anymore, just replaced the burned out rear wiper motor, replaced the hyrdraulic lifts on the hatch - all within the last year and a half! My 16 year-old Honda has fewer problems and starts and goes just as reliably! No more Subies for me.

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Great Buy

Scott A. Miller, 05/01/2002

4dr Wagon AWD

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have considered getting a truck or 'bonfide' SUV. But I invariably can't find a better all-around utility vehicle. It is like having the best of a car and an SUV. It is not an off- road vehicle, but a very capable rough- road vehicle.

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