I have a new 2011 Outback with a CVT transmission. I've owned 9 Subarus and this is by far the worst transmission I've had. It does get 31 MPG and it drives very smoothly, but it is horrible in reverse. There is a complete lack of power. If you park diagonally with a steep road crown and have a bit of a bump into the gutter, the car cannot back out of the parking place. Also if you are in more than four inches of snow and try backing up, it just won't go. The RPMs go to 2400 and it just sits there and does nothing. Also if you are backing up a steep hill, and have a small rock (2") under a tire, forget it--2400 rpm and nothing moves. I would advise against purchasing a CVT on a Subaru. I really don't like mine. Subaru is working on the problem, but so far, no joy.
