Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Alternator belt: The company issued a (nonsafety) recall to replace the alternators. (1996 and some later)

Automatic transmission: Severely cracked secondary pulleys and pump drives cause the ECVT to slip. (1995)

Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission dipstick may break requiring the broken bits to be removed. (1995-97)

Brake noise: There may be a buzzing sound coming from the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic unit motor and/or an ABS warning light glowing, caused by a faulty ABS relay for which there is a revised part. (1995-97)

Brakes: Some of the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic motors were faulty, causing them to run intermittently even after the key is turned off. (1995-98)

Dashboard lights: If the check-engine light comes on in cold weather it is likely due to ice forming in the vacuum line between the engine and transmission. (1995)

Engine mounts: Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, often making the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (1995-99)

Oil leak: An oil leak between the oil pump and block is repaired by drilling out the oil return hole to 6mm diameter. (1995)

Poor transmission shift: Hesitation or poor acceleration may be due to the powertrain-control module (PCM) misinterpreting normal engine vibrations as knock, and retarding the ignition timing requiring a replacement PCM. (1999)

Rear axle noise: Vibration and noise from the rear when traveling over 65 mph on vehicles with AWD requires countermeasure dampers on the rear crossmember. (1997-99)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1995: Front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.

1995-96: Inadvertent airbag deployment could occur after undercarriage contact of tow hooks with curbs, dips, speed bumps, etc.

1996-97: Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on support bracket of front transverse link, resulting in separation and failure of front suspension.

1997: Hazard-warning switch can stick in intermediate position, so turn signals become inoperable.

1997: Omitted bearing in throttle-body assembly could eventually lead to incomplete return of throttle, resulting in fast idle.

1997-98 w/automatic transmission: Due to poor welds, ignition key can stick, shift lever/linkages can break, and improper movement of shift lever can occur.

1998-99 w/ABS: In extremely cold weather, master-cylinder seals could fail; brake pedal might then go to floor, increasing stopping distance.

1998-99: Purolator oil filter can fracture, causing vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak at hot exhaust system; could result in underhood fire.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

Subaru's L, LS, and Brighton wagon models all come with a 2.2-liter flat (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine with four-valve-per-cylinder heads. For 1995-96 models, it provides 135 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1997, the 2.2-liter gains two horsepower (to 137) and an extra five pound-feet of torque (to 145), thanks to a higher compression ratio, lighter pistons, a new intake system, and revised valves that doesn't require any adjustment for 100,000 miles. Subaru decided to eliminate the turbocharged version of its 2.2-liter turbo 4-cylinder, making the 1995 Legacy the first Subaru flagship model in many years not to offer turbocharging. However, a new 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder arrived as an optional powerplant in 1996, providing 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. That year it came only with a 4-speed automatic. For 1997, the same engineering upgrades made to the 2.2-liter were also performed on the 2.5-liter flat-four, used in GT, LSi, and Outback models. The result is a gain of 10 horsepower (to 165) and seven pound-feet of torque (to 162) . Both engines can now be teamed with a standard 5-speed OD manual or 4-speed automatic. The manual transmission is revised for more positive shift action and loses its former "Hill-Holder" clutch feature.