I recently got mine too and have enjoyed it so far. But I must admit that I'm scared to death with every other thing I read being about them having nothing but problems. I'll reserve my ultimate judgement on Subaru when I get more experience. But my fiance's parents had an older Forester and it had a million and one problems as well. And it didn't have but 150K miles on it when they junked it for a Prius.
Im not nor have ever been a "car guy". I drove Toyotas, had about 3 used and one new (Tercels and Celicas) when I noticed the outback in about 2001. LOVED it. When I was ready to buy at the end of 2002, I had looked at many reviews. All I learned was the car I loved was actually a GOOD car that rated high in safety and reliability. I bought and for the 240K its driven, I have said consistently that it is the first car I ever felt I "loved", and through owning it, and still now that its about dead - I only want another to replace it.
Thing is, if you look on a forum like this, the MAJORITY of people you get are going to be people with problems, or people with questions about things they dont like. This is a SMALL section of people compared to those that own outbacks/Subarus.
Most that own a Subaru (or any car), and have no issues, dont feel any need to say anything online anywhere.
Also, it depends on how the owner drives and takes care of the car.
Foresters are KNOWN to be reliable cars- so one story of someone with problems isnt exactly proof otherwise. I know someone who has a 2003 Forester and its approaching 200K and hasnt had anything major wrong.
But again, that alone isnt proof its a great reliable car.
The end user has a LOT to do with how well the car does, also, the climate the car is in has a bit to do with it too.
So take what you read as info but not as THE end word.