2 Things Subaru Customers Love About Their Vehicles, 2 Things They Abhor

Can't stand that sunroof is required on Forester Premium when it is optional on other models, I have no use for sunroof. Why does one have to get expensive trim to get paddle shifters on Forester with CVT. Other models can get paddle shifters on lower trim levels.

I would add that Subaru owners don't like the head gasket issues of the boxer engine, the start-stop feature that is difficult to turn off hidden in multiple menus and then resets to on when you turn the car off, the infotainment issues, the underpowered cars with no optional engines, the multiple recalls, and the poor dealership experience that just wants to sell aftermarket bumpers and luggage step protectors along with the overpriced rear view mirrors.

Other than that, the brand is perfection!

Another item to dislike...I hope Subaru is reading this....why isn't there an option for surround cameras like the RAV 4 or Roque? It's so much easier to park then trying to lean over looking at the mirrors and trying to avoid curb rash. Driving my wife's Bolt EV and parking it is such a breeze to park. I will gladly pay extra for it as an option. I'm on my 3rd Subaru already.

My wife and I both own Subarus. But neither of us will ever buy another. Too many class action law suits and extended warranties for extremely expensive repairs to engines and transmissions. Too many recalls for stuff that could leave you stranded. Like the brake switch recall. Several times I could not get the transmission out of park. Took over 6 weeks to get it repaired. I got an extended warranty because the trans could blow. 4 model years later and my wife gets the same letter. 4 years and they are still having the same transmission problems. Subaru is a miserable excuse of a company where quality control is concerned.

How about having that Subaru professes they luv the environment and build nothing but gasket oil leaking crap that costs at minimum $3k to fix then you will ONLY help if you Require They use a dealer who marks up the repair by ..oh $1500!!! Imagine that! FRAUDS...getting tax credits and customers for supposedly doing the right thing and ALL THE WHILE ACTUALLY creating landfill filler with vehicles that seem to have gone to crap since year 2009 Forester

I loved my 2002 Forester. The new ones have too much electronic safety crap on them. Give me a 5 speed turbo with a sunroof and I would be happy.

X-Mode! It's magic. I want it to be available on Imprezas.

All these complaints yet my 2016 Outback has been great. Yes more power would be nice and they had a 6 or now a turbo option but it still keeps up fine. Especially when I average 15mph over in my 50 mile commute each way. The Eye Sight system also is amazingly good keeping me from screaming at idiots in the fast lane going slow and those who cut you off.

I moved last year from Ohio to Florida and both dealers were great with no more recalls than other new cars. Now before 2016 they had an oil burning issue and others head gaskets years before but much of the first was lack of taking care of their basic maintenance. Swap brands and they will have the same problems then blame the car.

But besides them being a bit behind in styling and technology for apps they are great. So if my phone connecting so the car can give me 2800 massage modes or the best safety for the same price, I'll take safety.

We own a 2016 Outback, 2.5 Litre.
Purchased new and at 30K plus miles is completely trouble free. The CVT works as designed and the car is a dream on the interstate. We purchased a Subaru because they have a solid reputation for reliability. I am a retired professional automotive technician and had many occasions to work on the early models back in the 70s. What they lacked in styling they more than compensated for in engineering and ease of maintenance. Having worked on cars, people often ask what kind of car they should buy. I say take a look at Subaru and not one has yet come back at me with any complaints.

Anyone else dislike replacing head gaskets?

Wish the rear window would slide down into the tailgate to enable me to carry longer things.

I suppose there are a couple of things I like about Subaru, but not enough to bring me back next time I need a car. I've had enough with major engine and drive train issues so I'm moving on.

I don't know about other owners but I hate how under powered their vehicles are. I love my Legacy GT other than for it's weight it is under powered and it lacks a standard parking break. The WRX is a tad to small for me to get the power I want in the STI. Where is a higher end version of the Legacy with 300+ HP at the wheels. I don't care for larger vehicles which just have reduced gas milage, even less power and more weight.

The AWD system. IMO there is no other reason to buy one.
I love it and compared to the others I have personally driven, it's better by a wide margin.

Jeez. I see a lot of heat towards Subaru for issues that are common to most manufacturers and their dealers.

I'm on my 3rd Forester: 1st time I've bought the same make more than once, let alone model. My 1st had a leaky gasket, but I was otherwise happy so I stayed with it based on Consumer Reports' continued high ratings (2011 was a low year for the model). My 2nd two (2016 and 2019) have been problem-free. I currently drive a Forester Sport, my first ever car with automatic tranny. Never thought I'd see the day, but I actually like the CVT and don't miss manual.

Leads to another thought: seems some want to have their cake and eat it too. The reason I love Subaru is that it's got an old-school, boxy design: modern UFO-style streamlining results in loss of both visibility and cargo space. Also, my Sport is the peppiest SUV in its class that I've owned or driven, even in standard mode. Of course it's not sports car peppy -- it's an SUV. A big reason I went Forester is because I'm thrifty. Last thing I want is a turbo, because of its baggage: worse gas mileage, expensive premium gas.

No manufacturer is perfect, I don't expect that. But overall my Foresters have treated me extremely well compared to all the other vehicles I've owned over my lifetime, and based on everything I've read, I'm in the majority of Forester owners.

I've always loved to drive cars with manual transmissions and a few months ago was fortunate to find a low-mileage 2018 Forester after my 2013 Forester was totaled from hitting a deer. Both cars had to have the short block replaced (under warranty) due to excessive oil consumption - and mileage isn't great - but besides that they've been wonderful cars to own and drive. Recently I had a chat with a knowledgeable & trusted service manager at the dealer I go to and he explained how the CVT is much better integrated with the AWD system vs. the manual transmission (which of course is no longer available). I'm now "mentally prepared" to go with the CVT in my next Subaru (which hopefully will be several years down the road).

Denis Flierl, please stop whining. OMG! You make such a Big Headline about Subaru customers not Liking some things about the Brand. And then you give two small complaints. The CVT and so called Conservative Styling. Let me tell you something! First of ALL, Subaru has been Pro-Active about problems that come up, even years after the car was made. My car for instance a 2013 Legacy, has had at least 3 Notices sent to me regarding possible problems. Air Bags, CVT, and Engine Oil Consumption. In ALL three cases Subaru has extended Warranties on the affected systems. And on an additional part in the HVAC system, the part was replaced FREE of Charge. I have owned plenty of so called AMERICAN cars. And, every one of them, went out of their way to AVOID fixing problems. A Chevy (Brand New) was the BIGGEST LEMON, I have EVER purchased. So, it is Refreshing when an Automaker looks out for their customers like Subaru does. Instead of selling a car to you, and then treating you like a leaper afterwards like Chrysler, Ford, and GM do. But, you are Right about one thing Subaru's are very "Progressive" , and Thank GOD for that! I have had it with Progressive B.S. already!

I love (luv!) the boxy design. Driving up I-70, in the snow, in the dark, with semis changing lanes is why I didn't buy another suv with teeny, tiny, pointless windows. I like to see when I drive!

I do dislike not being able to see the clock or temperature on the center dash. Petty but a safety issue when you try to see if the roads are freezing yet.

The seat in my 2018 Crosstrek is uncomfortable. The 2 things I would change: leather offered in additional miles and automatic seats for all!