All car manufacturers have
All car manufacturers have reputations, good and bad. Subaru as a company, doesn't support their products as they ought too. Many companies do logical, fair recalls, Subaru expects customers to sue instead.
That being said, I have owned, loved and driven them insanely hard, daily including autocross events. A 2002 WRX and a 2010 WRX.
My 2010 WRX (bought new) was highly modified 390hp. That car was either parked or doing four wheel drifts, it had a hard life and was my daily driver.
I say all this because my two Subarus were insanely reliable over my 15 years of rabid immature driving.
Funny article as it doesn't mention one of the biggest EJ engine problems; cylinder 3 overheating, ringland failures, low rpm knock. Simple search of 'ringland failure'. Forged engine internals and proper tuning help.
It also doesn't mention the firewall issue of the gas/brake/clutch breaking off. The firewall is too thin or not reinforced, spot welds fail and the pedals literally break away from the car.... Should be recalls. A simple search 'pedal squeak'.
Aside from my 'deserved' engine replacement, I never had any reliability issues aside from above. Many parts SHOULD have failed due to abuse but didn't.
I agree with the above writers, I have always done my own mechanical (aside from the new motor build done by a rally shop). Take care of maintenance with high quality parts and these cars will bring devilish grins to the driver for years.
Subaru needs to lose a huge class-action lawsuits for ignoring known problems.
But in my 20 years of Subaru ownership I have way more positives and only a few negatives. I have owned approximately 20 cars and a few motorcycles the past 35 years. WRX my GOAT.
Thank you for your article and the forum replies as I appreciate the detail.
Do your own maintenance, learn and grow you will be better for it. The one writer, obviously most of us can pay someone else to work on our 'girls' that's not the point, there is a pride and joy gained in DIY cash can't buy.