Subaru made noninterference engines only before 1997. All 2.5s since they 1st appeared in 1995 have been interference. 2.2's and smaller have always been noninterference, until 1997. In that year even the 2.2's became interference.

As far as reliability, these engines easily last 300k, Twice that many if things are fixed as they wear. They are on par with the best Hondas and Toyota powerplants.

As far as chains vs belts; You can now have your warm&fuzzy feeling because brand new Subarus have chains. Their 6 cyl engines have had chains for many years. Just dont expect 30-35mpg. These vehocles are more a tool than a fasion staement. All awd Subarus are more akin to a Jeep in practicalty.

Their wonderful driving characteristics are just a bonus. I believe the move to chains will prove to be wonderful if the head gaskets stay intact. If not, be prepared for a once commonplace (almost universal) head gasket replacement. If it does happen dont be surprized. It is quite normal even after the factory has claimed one supposed fix ater another. If you do buy one just be prepared for a simple and always sucessful head gasket job. Ease of head gasket replacement is one of Subaru's strong points.$300 if you do it yourself, 13-2300 if a shop does it.

As far as block reliability, the 4 cyl truely feels like a 6 cyl and it will last indefinatly as long as it is never run without oil. Rod and mail bearings never ware out unless they run out (or very low) on oil. If they do develope bad bearings, the bottom end of the engine can not be repaired. In therory yes, in reality, no. Head gaskets and waterpumps are eminantly fixable, but a bad bottom end makes the short block a throwaway.

But as far as "Citroen like" high quality engineering and quirkyness Subaru engines are among the most logical, reliable, and long-living machines ever built. The definative proof is this: google 'airplane engines subaru'. The $20-$30k engines are often made with 4 and 5 year old engines with verified low hours. To have this style of engine available in an affordable car (especially coupled with awd) is a real treat.

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