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Subaru Reliability

110 messages,  Last post on Aug 30, 2010 at 8:00 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon

Messages Page 8 of 12

#63 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [bvf925] by ateixeira

Nov 16, 2009 (7:43 am)

Replying to: bvf925 (Nov 16, 2009 4:19 am)
Aaaah, that explains it.
 
The class actually went through some cost cutting. Back in 2006 I remember the Forester had the Tribeca's fabric, padded headliner, and nicer cloth seats, too. I'm sure the CR-V did, also.
 
Both have cut costs. The headliner is that cheap paperboard, with what feels like dryer lint glued on. It probably also saves weight.
 
The RAV4 is no better, so this is par for the price class.
 
I'd be happy with unpainted, matte black plastic trim, but painted fake aluminum is all the rage these days, in just about everything.

#64 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [ateixeira] by xwesx

Nov 16, 2009 (10:58 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 16, 2009 7:43 am)
Interesting complaints. I guess when comparing to the prior generation, most things are a marked improvement. For example, space is absolutely incredible and well-portioned. Controls are well-placed and visually appealing, to me anyway, but that is one of those "to each his own" things. The ride is stiff, which is fantastic, but a little harsh with the 17" rims and Geolandar tires. I put 16" rims from a 2007 Forester on mine and, along with the studless winter tires, the harshness was gone while leaving the pleasant stiffness. This car is fantastic in off-road/semi-road situations; it is tight as a drum and very capable, though I really do wish the manual transmission included a low-range (as an option, at least).
 
The two things on this car that strike me as cheap are thus: 1. The sun visors - cheap by any standard, and 2. Interior rattles. I have also never been a fan of the matte, hard dash materials (I much prefer the materials used in the late '90s), but if I actually touched the dash on a regular basis I might care a little more.
 
I have never driven or been inside a CR-V; its second-class AWD system ensures that to continue.

#65 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [xwesx] by ateixeira

Nov 16, 2009 (11:09 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 16, 2009 10:58 am)
Interior styling is subjective, I happen to like the Forester's interior, but I didn't comment because to each his/her own.
 
I will say this - the blue LED lighting is neat, and you may not even notice if you didn't test drive it at night. Also, the lights fade in and out, no sudden on/off. Those are nice little touches that add to the ambience.
 
The sun visors are cheap, but they're durable, and if you look at competitors, they're actually probably above average.

#66 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [ateixeira] by xwesx

Nov 16, 2009 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 16, 2009 11:09 am)
Also, the lights fade in and out, no sudden on/off
 
I noticed that about everything in this car, the first time I drove it. I like that and agree that it does "add to the ambiance." I especially appreciate the stereo's fade in/out with the mute and on/off functions.
 
I have never been a car stereo connoisseur, but I like that the 6-disc and extra-speaker setup is not standard (it would increase the price!); it should, however, be optional. Given that the stereos are double-din and not built into the head unit (ala last generation's Outback/Legacy), one can put whatever is preferred in there, and at least that is a nice convenience. I rarely, if ever, even use the CD player.

#67 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [xwesx] by ateixeira

Nov 16, 2009 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 16, 2009 1:18 pm)
Yep, mute also, good point.
 
Pop the hood, note the nice struts that hold it up. Walk around the back, note the twin mufflers, with a nice symmetry.

#68 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [bvf925] by gdoc

Nov 16, 2009 (9:22 pm)

Replying to: bvf925 (Nov 14, 2009 8:14 am)
First, the interior is only cramped if you're 6'6" and have a family of wolves. I'm 6'2" and this vehicle is far from cramped. Fits 4 very comfortably. I think you're reviewing the wrong vehicle. Lousy stereo is not in the XT version, which has an excellent sound system with 7 speakers and had better stereo than my previous acura. Harsh ride??? The new forester has a fantastic smoothe ride and handles great. I'm speaking about the XT version. If you selected a CRV over a new forester, I'm wondering what reviews you've been reading? I'm a long term Honda person, but there is no comparison with the CRV and Forester. The ride, handling, awd system where far above the CRV for me.

#69 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [gdoc] by ateixeira

Nov 17, 2009 (5:35 am)

Replying to: gdoc (Nov 16, 2009 9:22 pm)
The old one may have felt cramped to some folks, but the 2009+ offers 107 cubic feet of space for the first 2 rows.
 
That is nothing short of incredible in a car shorter than a Chevy Cobalt coupe.

#70 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [gdoc] by bvf925

Nov 17, 2009 (6:08 pm)

Replying to: gdoc (Nov 16, 2009 9:22 pm)
gdoc: As stated in my earlier post, I had a 1998 Forester that I bought in the summer of 1997. Loved it immensely, but after 8 years & 3 right front calipers, faded paint on the hood, ugly giraffe cloth, and an irritatingly loose heat shield, I traded-in my Forester for a CR-V which is a Hummer (in size) compared to the new Forester. Like I mentioned, if I was going from 1998 Forester directly to a 2010 Forester, I would be in love. But, compared to my '05 CR-V which rides very smooth, has cavernous amounts of space, top-notch standard stereo system, and a tilting moon-roof, I was not impressed. I test-drove the 2010 Forester Premium Package and felt cramped in it, the ride isn't as smooth as the CR-V, and the massive moon-roof doesn't tilt. It's like comparing apples to bananas. Granted, my Honda is useless in the snow, so if I could take Subaru's AWD and stick it on my Honda I would be very happy. I will re-consider looking at an Outback though, so all is not lost. I loved my Subie, but didn't love the new Forester enough to buy another one.

#71 of 110 Door rattles by gdoc

Nov 17, 2009 (10:16 pm)

I have an 2010 Forester XT and I'm getting some door rattling. Lower speeds over uneven road surfaces. I have the vehicle going in for service this week. Does anyone know what this is? Has anyone had this repaired with any success? I find the cargo cover rattles, but I can live with this. The door rattling is very annoying. I'd appreciated any feedback I can take to the dealer. Tx!

#72 of 110 RE: Subaru Reliability [bvf925] by gdoc

Nov 17, 2009 (10:22 pm)

Replying to: bvf925 (Nov 17, 2009 6:08 pm)
I've had about 8 honda products, so I totally agree that the they make a great vehicle. I'm a sucker for some power in a vehicle and handling, so I felt this was far superior in the forester to the crv. I am a tad annoyed with a door rattle I have in both doors over the last 3 days. I can say that with my honda products, I never had any rattling. I'm hoping this is can be fixed. Looks like I would trade honda's fit and finish for the forester so far. However, driving something that handles like a car (XT version) and has addictive power is also keeping me entertained. Maybe a forester crv hybrid? The Hondaru Crvester?

Messages Page 8 of 12

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