SUBARU NEWS AND REVIEWS FROM 2010 

Subaru News, Magazine Reviews, Links from 2010 . Includes Tribeca, Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza, WRX, STI,  Baja, Hybrid, Diesel, Concept Cars.
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Subaru News,  Articles, Safety Crash Test Results in calendar year 2010...

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Latest News is on the  Homepage and is usually moved and archived here monthly
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GENERAL  NEWS
Subaru and Fuji news, comments and links in 2010
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Model specific news, reports, reviews, articles etc are below.
Comments and links have been edited.

2010 calendar year totals: 263,820 a new record!  up 47,168 cars (+ 22%) over the previous record of 216,652 set just last year 2009. Subaru now has 2.3% of the US market.
Totals By Model in 2010 (compared to 2009):  Outback 93,148 (+68%) , Forester 85,080 (+9%), Impreza 44,395  (-5%),  Legacy 38,725 +25%, Tribeca 2472 (-58%)
more 2010 sales info below

1/2 Most researched cars on Consumer Reports for 2010
New cars: Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Acura MDX, Ford Fusion, Subaru Outback
Used cars:  Honda Accord,  Honda Civic,  Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Subaru Forester
the article with the top 10 results

1.1.11 - a new year..  what will the new year bring ... a look back and ahead
2010 has been a great year for Subaru. Sales started off where 2009 ended (the best year ever) and raced through to the last day of December, picking up speed and new believers all the way. 2009's sales record was triumphantly crushed by November 3rd.
A new year is here and another fresh start, an opportunity for Subaru to outsell the entire previous year by October instead of November this time.
What will the new year bring .. a few thoughts and hopes..

> we'll get an all new Impreza .. will it be the CVT like the sleek concept car shown at the LA Auto Show? Lets hope so. Details to be released at the NY Auto Show
> will the Forester get a CVT this year? Wouldn't that be nice..
> will someone who knows finally give details about the hybrid due in 2012..
> will someone in marketing realize that 198 Outback, 166 Forester, and 144 Legacy model, package, and color combinations is annoying for everyone especially dealers, customers, and factory planners who can't match inventory with demand (6 out of 9 Outbacks have ivory interiors).
> will Subaru's image as the anti status-symbol recover from being the newly discovered choice for people who don't trust Toyota anymore or don't want to pay for Acura, Lexus, BMW etc
> will talk of increased Outback production lead to lemming-like fast production quality issues or will cool minds prevail
> will Subaru forego AWD for a 2wd Subieyota.. sure to lots of rumors on this new sports car due in 2012
> how can Subaru possibly improve on the aggressive and still affordable 2011 WRX or the stunning STI sedan..  can't wait,  want more
> will Subaru advertising continue to be entertaining on a one-note 'love me' theme or will there be something less lovey-dovey
> will Subaru styling really get overweight and mainstream bland chasing the goal of appealing to people who don't need what Subaru was,  ie. all wheel drive, utility, dependable, and a hint of quirky personality. Or is that the old Subaru, are those days gone ...
> will Subaru prices keep creeping up until their core market finds another company with slightly lower prices and a better warranty. Remember years ago as Volvo prices went up Subaru picked up their wagon market and never looked back. A Chinese company is watching. Volvo is now owned by Geely.
> will the Legacy, especially GT, die of boredom searching for buyers against Camry, Accord, Focus. Its under-appreciated and should be a better seller. Personality might help,  Medicority ads didn't  Who else misses the tight handling but too spendy flagship specB?
> will the Tribeca get a much needed do-over or be left to wander in the desert alone and almost forgotten like the Baja, SVX ....

2011 will be another exciting and strong year for Subaru and I'm glad I don't have all the answers because the year will be like slowly unwrapping a Christmas present.

IMHO Highs And Lows in 2010
Highs
#1 WRX and STI upgrades.. totally strong sexy looks, a hot daily driver with performance
#2 Outback and Foresters, a near perfect mix of size, price, features
#3 Only making safe cars and deserving all the good IIHS, NHTSA ratings
#4 Memorable Love ads that make you think of Love Story, Ghost or name your favorite blatently obvious emotionally over-wrought movie
#5 Great resale... incredible resale...  amazing resale - everyone says it, and its true
#6 Constant stream of good press as reviewers and bloggers fall over each other in praise of the Year of the Subaru
#7 a great year..  Subaru is now the 10th top brand in the US up from 19th (subj to final results)..  a huge leap. Congratulations to all.

Lows
#1 ongoing Outback and Forester model and color inventory frustrations, easily fixed but not
#2 Forester with no CVT,  instead we got an all new engine.. great... but why... the answer will become obvious at some point
#3 Still no $15,000 basic entry level Impreza
#5 Legacy  'Mediocrity' ad campaign- it was brave, curious, short lived... it went from huh? to nothing. Thanks for trying, don't stop.
#5 not dealing quickly with the internet tire shudder issue that won't die (didn't anyone follow all those Toyota denials)
#6 Great resale... incredible resale...  amazing resale .. how long can it last

12/31/10 ... this is the end..

12/31 Winners and Losers from AutomobileMag.com
> Biggest  Winners ... Companies...
Subaru. Sticking to your guns never felt so good. Subaru’s been making capable AWD cars and crossovers since before the crossover was a figment of a marketer’s imaginations, and in 2010, it paid off big time. The crossover trend helped propel the company to an all-time annual sales record in 2010.
> Biggest Winners... Cars
Subaru Outback. Many lamented its growth from an Impreza variant to full-blown crossover, but it has done wonders for the company. The Outback is on-track to double its annual sales by the end of December and is the biggest factor in Subaru’s record year.
> Biggest Losers... Cars
Subaru Tribeca. While the Forester and Outback are running away with the sales lead, the Tribeca is mostly taking up space. Sales are off 60 percent from 2009 and not looking to get any better. Subaru needs to make a call on this one, and we doubt it’ll be good.
read the entire article

12/30 Share the Love ... or.... Brother, can you spare all your change?
'If you've been shopping this holiday season, you know about the endless appeals for you to fork over a few extra bucks, directly or indirectly. Want to donate a book to charity at Barnes and Noble? Sephora is pushing a $22 mascara. Buy a tube and a dollar goes to the "City of Hope." Then there's the Subaru "Share the love" drive. Buy a car and Subaru will donate $250 to one of its chosen charities.
Is it me, or don't most people prefer to choose for themselves which charities deserve their dollars and when and how much to give? Why pay Subaru or a cosmetics company to send someone else - perhaps not your first choice - a check?
Call it "corporate pandhandling" -- which apparently is a working marketing tool.
Corporate panhandling: Does it make you feel better?
Across the pond, there's a potential new twist to the practice. The Telegraph reports, a British cabinet minister wants to offer bank card users the opportunity to "round up the pound" and donate their change to charity. The story explains: "Ministers have concluded that individuals and businesses need to be reminded of the 'warm glow' that results from helping others." I have to wonder if this scheme will push a warm glow into a slow burn.'  read the article

12/27  Its the busiest week of the year for car dealers. A lot of people buy cars the last week of December, its been true for years. Why? People, spouses, kids, are all off work and home together, they opened their wallets and bought everyone else gifts and if they wanted a new car this year, if they want to treat themselves, its the last chance. If the accountant said get a new car this year, this is it. January is a new year with new used car guides and trade-in prices can drop so the last week is it. Subarus sell particularly well because there's snow in the mountains and with holiday travel and ski season in full swing, a Subaru is an especially good choice.
Here's an article... 'Car dealers are bracing for one of their biggest sales periods of the year this week as many consumers shift their attention from what's under the tree to what's in their garage. Many dealers do up to 70% of their December business in the week after Christmas, says James O'Sullivan, CEO of Mazda North America. Some don't even bother to advertise much until right before Christmas, recognizing that it would be hard to get most consumers' attention, O'Sullivan says.
"December is not the biggest selling month of the year," says O'Sullivan, but Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 is the "most intense selling week of the year."
Several factors make the post-Christmas/pre-New Year's period a bountiful one for the car business. Some, including big stock market gains, make it likely this year will be busier than usual. Most important, many people are off work and kids are home from college, so there's time for families to shop.
"In the car business, weekends are our big volume days," says Shaun Del Grande, whose San Jose-based dealership chain sells brands including Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. This week, "Every day is like a weekend."
There's also pent-up demand among consumers who held back on big-ticket purchases during the recession, says James Bell, executive market analyst at Kelley Blue Book. And many people know that "at the end of the month, dealers are a little more willing to wheel and deal." Those hoping to get a tax deduction for a new model bought or leased for business also may be rushing to buy before the end of the year, Bell says.
People are clearly still in the mood to shop after Christmas. Kathy Grannis, spokeswoman for the National Retail Federation, says Dec. 26 is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and the week after Christmas can account for up to 15% of holiday sales for non-auto retailers....' read the entire article

12/26 NHTSA wants to hear from you...
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received more than 40,000 complaints through Dec. 14, four times the usual volume, a research firm said. Toyota's high-profile recalls helped trigger the increase. Driver complaints to federal highway safety regulators soared this year, spurred by a slew of Toyota Motor Corp. recalls and a rush by other automakers to announce fix-it campaigns that focused the public's attention on auto defects.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received more than 40,000 complaints through Dec. 14, according to an analysis by automotive research firm Edmunds.com. That's four times the volume of recent years."People are now more aware that there is an agency called NHTSA and that you can complain to it. Complaints are a good thing," said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety...
Toyota, long considered one of the most reliable brands, was the subject of more than a quarter of the complaints. Its ratio of complaints to 100,000 vehicles sold jumped to nearly 87 so far in 2010 from 37 a year earlier....
Nissan Motor Co. had the second-worst ratio, at nearly 62 complaints per 100,000 vehicles sold; Volkswagen was third at nearly 58. The industry average was 47 complaints per 100,000 vehicles sold, up from fewer than 30 in 2009.
NHTSA is hearing from people such as Mark Cox of Leesburg, Va. He filed a complaint after his 2003 Subaru Legacy sedan and his 2004 Nissan Quest minivan both failed routine state safety inspections because of clouded headlight lenses....
NHTSA said it had received more than 64,000 complaints in 2010, compared with about 35,000 in recent years. (To arrive at its total, Edmunds tossed out duplicate complaints from the same individual and complaints that had other inconsistencies.)
The agency reviews every complaint, looking for patterns that might determine whether an investigation is warranted, NHTSA spokesman Eric Bolton said. "Safety is the top priority of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and information from consumers is a vital tool the agency uses to identify defects," he said. Bolton urged drivers experiencing problems with a vehicle to file a complaint, either online at http://www.nhtsa.gov or through the agency's auto safety hotline at (888) 327-4236. Because of the volume of complaints, the agency contacts a driver only when more information is required, he said...
.. Although higher than in recent years, the volume of complaints is still tiny considering that there are about 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads, said Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety. The volume of complaints was higher during President Carter's administration, Ditlow said, but subsequent administrations were less interested in auto safety, and the number of complaints declined as NHTSA's prominence faded. "What we are seeing once again is an administration and agency that are saying, 'We welcome your complaints. Tell us what is wrong with your car.' And it is saying we will take action," he said.' read the entire article

12.25  Merry Christmas ...

12/24 recommendations for Santa in Canada- pick a Subaru
'If Santa had to park his sleigh and resort to modern four-wheel technology, I wonder what kind of vehicle he would drive.
He would require something capable of handling the most severe weather conditions, fuel efficiency would play a very large role with all of the miles he has to cover, and reliability would have to be on top of the list.
I believe he would be making a wise choice if he picked one of the available models from the manufacturer that has won the highest customer-satisfaction ratings in Germany, for four years in a row, beating out BMW, Mercedes and VW.
The vehicle I am referring to is Subaru. If practicality, fuel and purchase price were not an issue, taking into consideration his delivery area and time frame involved, then he should probably opt for the Porsche 911 Turbo 4 S.
Subaru was the first Japanese auto manufacturer to offer a front-wheel-drive passenger car in Japan, this was in 1965; they also pioneered the world's first four-wheel-drive passenger car in 1972. The first Subaru car in 1955 was code named P-1, and would have been marketed as the Subaru 1500; only 20 examples were ever produced due to multiple supply issues. Subaru cars were introduced to the U.S.A. by Malcolmb Bricklin in 1968.
If that name sounds familiar it should, because it has a Canadian connection. Bricklin was known for his New Brunswick-located, self-named automobile company that built the Bricklin SV-1 (safety vehicle) that turned out to be complete flop. Having built 2,854 cars, the company went into receivership owing the provincial government $23 million. Bricklin handed the U.S.A. Subaru distributorship back to the parent company in 1968.
Subaru introduced the Leone to Canada in 1976. The Subaru logo is a cluster of six stars which the Greeks called Pleiades which represents the six companies that merged, creating the parent company Fuji Heavy Industries' the article

12/21 Tuesday is the Winter Solstice, shortest day of the year, and the official start of Winter.

12/19 Subaru Canada is on a sales roll. 'ain’t sexy – but it’s an engineering stud'
'The first major overhaul of Subaru’s signature boxer powerplant in 21 years? Yes, and very much welcome....
Subaru, of course, is the rational brand, the auto company making cars with impeccable crash test scores, top-notch quality, world-class resale values and a small but loyal following. Small but growing, too.
Ever since Subaru Canada cut prices in what was clearly a response to outraged buyers – buyers smart enough to have a look at how much less Americans were paying – sales north of the border have soared. Through the end of November, Canadian sales were up 21 per cent, market share was up two-tenths of a per cent and Subaru Canada vice-president Ted Lalka sees sales ending this month at about 27,500, an all-time record.
“I can see 33,000 next year,” he adds during a briefing on the new boxer making its debut in the Forester compact crossover wagon...
He also recalls Subaru’s aborted attempt to compete head-to-head with the Hondas and the Toyotas of the world. Utter disaster. “When we did try, our brand no longer stood for anything,” he says.
In desperation, in a last gasp before oblivion, Subaru struck on the novel idea of playing to its strength – all-wheel drive. From the mid-1990s onward, every Subaru in Canada and the United States has been equipped with AWD. ..
Beyond AWD, every single Subaru model is a Top Safety Pick of the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety..
Resale? Automotive Lease Guide pegs Subaru as the top mainstream brand....
As for quality, the Subaru brand is ranked No. 7 overall by Consumer Reports for reliability..  To be fair, J.D. Power and Associates ranks Subaru below-average for initial quality (the first 90 days), but above-average for three-year reliability. The initial quality score may be a reflection of the quirkiness of the Subaru brand, or the high expectations owners have, or who knows?
We know this: Subaru owners have high expectations for a long list of reasons; at the top is pricing. There are no cheapo Subarus out there and the company is reluctant to go the discounting route to battle slow sales.
Canadian buyers have become accustomed to generous sales sweeteners and blatant price-cutting, so the fact Subaru is moving the metal in ever-increasing numbers is quite startling...
Putting an emphasis on new products has paid off for Subaru, and not just in sales, but also in profits and customer retention or owner loyalty... “Our sales in North America have expanded much faster than even we expected,” said Ikuo Mori, president and CEO of Fuji...
Subaru officials have said the company will stay true to its core segments with the Impreza, Forester, Legacy/Outback, but there are plans to grow and expand into new segments.
A sporty car is planned, with production beginning next year. Also, a hybrid created with help from Toyota goes on sale in 2012. Neither the sporty car nor the hybrid will be big volume sellers, but they should help attract younger buyers and the environmentally conscious. Subaru officials also conceded they will likely need a hybrid to meet the expected 2020 fleet-wide fuel economy rules.
All this adds up to a good times for what some refer to as the “poor man’s Audi.” Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Mass., argues that through steady hard work, Subaru is steadily attracting buyers beyond the brand’s traditional core of university professors and outdoor enthusiasts. “They are quietly successful, and their buyers appreciate that. They haven't abandoned their core and are now expanding beyond it,” she says. the entire article

12/18 remembering the 1980s...
"It was a beautiful September day, 70 degrees and sunny on the road to 14,000-foot-high Gray's Peak outside of Georgetown, Colo., and my old Subaru wagon with dual range four-wheel-drive and height-adjustable suspension, both fore and aft, crawled up the mountain road with the hardiest of Jeep CJs.
With a splendid view of Colorado's Rockies spreading out below me, I parked my car at the road's head and hiked about with my buddy Baron Theodore Von Beagle. We snapped some photographs. We howled at the wildlife. At dinner, we stoked up a fire, heated some baked beans, broke out the braunschweiger sandwiches, Coors Extra Gold and cooked s'mores while Billy Idol snarled from the cassette deck.
I was young, it was the '80s and nothing beat beagles, braunschweiger, Billy Idol and a night of atmospheric car camping.
Unless it was the surprise snowstorm that rocked the car all night, dropped the temperature into the 20s and laid 3 inches of fluff on the twisting, ancient railroad bed shelf road down which we had to beat our retreat.
No worries. We were prepped with extra food, a sleeping bag, blankets and a coffee can filled with emergency candles, cigarette lighters, a tin cup for melting snow into drinking water, aluminum foil, granola bars and flashlight, plus a gallon jug of water.
That's how we rolled in the Rockies, where snowstorms could strike any time and leave you on your own for a day or two. That's also how you should travel all winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
"AAA urges motorists to have a winter weather kit in their car which can not only help to free the vehicle which may be stuck in the snow, but also to warn other motorists and keep the driver and passengers safe and warm," said Martha M. Meade, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Ms. Meade recommends packing an ice scraper, flares or reflective triangles, flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, something like cat litter or sand to toss beneath your tires when they spin, a shovel and a fully charged cell phone...
So heed Ms. Meade's advice and pack a few supplies in your trunk. Then make some braunschweiger sandwiches and pack some Billy Idol CDs and not only will you survive, you'll party like it's 1985"  read the entire article

12/16 steals an Impreza on a test drive, burns the car, sells parts  Police arrested an El Paso man who allegedly stole a car during a test drive. Investigators say they caught Alan Dwayne Lively trying to sell parts from the 2006 Subaru Impreza on the website craigslist earlier this month. He allegedly stole the car in August. Three days later Sheriff's Deputies found the burned-out shell of the car in the desert. It had been stripped for parts and set on fire. Lively has been charged with theft and was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a $5,000 bond. the article

12/15 some cars are worth more than others...   BMW and Subaru Have Best Resale Value, Says Kelley Blue Book
'BMW and Subaru are the 2011 model-year winners of the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards, which is based on the publication’s projection of how well new models are expected to retain their original list price after five years of ownership.
The average vehicle, regardless of brand, is expected to retain only about 34 percent of its original value after five years. Consequently, a new car costing $50,000 today will be worth only about $17,000 after five years. It is a calculation that can take all the romance out of buying a new car.
The average 2011 Subaru, however, would retain 39 percent of its original value, while a BMW would hold 37.1 percent.
According to Kelley Blue Book’s editors, this year’s race was very close, with last year’s winners, Toyota and Lexus, barely missing the podium. “Subaru and BMW just nosed them out,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for the service’s Web site.
“One of the reasons Subaru has done well and just squeaked by Toyota this year is the fact that they’ve got a nice balance between supply and demand,” Mr. Bell said. “Their dealers are clamoring for more product because they know they can sell more. But the flip side of that is that they are able to sell the product that they do have at or near full M.S.R.P., and that has a huge factor in resale value as well.”
In addition to the brand’s management of supply and demand, much of a vehicle’s resale value is, according to Kelley Blue Book, also based on current and projected future market conditions. However, vehicles that best maintain their value are those that are never heavily discounted.
“Vehicle depreciation is important because it can be one of the biggest expenses during the first five years of ownership if you do not choose wisely,” Mr. Bell said. “And it is something that most people don’t consider when they are looking at cost of ownership, because buying a new vehicle is a pretty romantic and exciting thing to do.”
But, if you consider a vehicle with a high resale value, you might be able to buy one that was a little nicer and more expensive than you thought your budget could accommodate because you would be paid back at trade-in time, he said... ' read the whole article
(see the original article from KBB announced at the LA car show, 11/16, on my archived news page)

12/14 Subarus to the rescue in snow-bound north England, Scotland
'Subaru dealers in the north of the UK have come to the aid of aid organisations left struggling by the snow with their all-wheel drive cars. Subaru dealer, Alex F Noble & Son, help the British Red Cross as the country grinds to a halt
Scottish Subaru dealer Alex F. Noble & Son put its eight-strong demonstrator fleet to use helping the British Red Cross to transport volunteers across Midlothian to aid the elderly and vulnerable in temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees Celsuis.
Dennis Common Subaru supplied the Northumbrian Ambulance Service with three all-wheel drive Imprezas for use as fast-response units by paramedics.
Auto Ecosse Subaru in Dundee has used an Outback demonstrator to help the local community, including ferrying nurses to and from Dundee's Ninewells hospital and rescuing stranded drivers.' the article

12/12 JD Power's customer retention survey. Ford and Honda are top at 62%, Subaru has 57%,
'New-vehicle owners are increasingly citing fun-to-drive vehicles as a top reason to remain loyal to their brand, while shifting away from expected resale value as a loyalty
reason, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Customer Retention StudySM released today.
Now in its eighth year, the study measures the rate at which automotive brands retain their existing customers and the reasons why owners remain loyal. Customer retention is critical to a brand’s market success, particularly during the current period of slow recovery, in which each new-vehicle sale is vital.
The study finds that the importance of fun-to-drive vehicles as a reason for owner loyalty has increased by eight percentage points in 2010, compared with 2009. Meanwhile, the importance of resale value as a reason to stay loyal has decreased by 10 percentage points from 2009.
In addition to customer retention, the study also examines rates at which automotive brands capture customers from their competitors, known as conquesting. The importance of a fun-to-drive vehicle has also increased as a reason why brands conquest new customers from their competitors, as has vehicle styling.
“Now that economic and market conditions have improved somewhat, vehicle owners are increasingly citing emotional, rather than practical, reasons for staying with their vehicle brand or switching to a different one,” said Raffi Festekjian, director of automotive product research at J.D. Power and Associates. “In light of this, developing new models with attractive styling and that are perceived as fun to drive is increasingly critical for automakers in order to retain and conquest customers as the market continues to recover.”
The retention ratings: Ford and Honda 62%, Hyundai,  Lexus and Toyota 60%, Mercedes-Benz 59%, Kia 58%, Subaru 57%, Nissan 54%, BMW 54%, Chevrolet 52%, Industry Average 48%, Audi 46%, Lincoln, Ram, Cadillac, Acura, GMC, Land Rover, VW, Porsche, Mazda, Infiniti, MINI, Jeep, Volvo, Suzuki, Mercury, Buick, Mitsubishi, Scion, Chrysler, Dodge, Jaguar, Saab 4%  read the entire article

12/7  Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941  7:48 a.m.

12/4 automatic transmission drivers missing out- Subaru still makes a few manuals
' Boasts of 90 miles per gallon, if cars and trucks are still using gasoline, have been predicted for the not-too-distant future.
Designs for all-electric, partially electric, solar battery, and everything but wind-driven highway vehicles seem to be formulating...
Producing these low-energy cars with motors that don’t pollute the atmosphere is a great accomplishment. Maybe in the next few decades, we’ll no longer be economic prisoners to countries that produce oil.
There is, however, a downside to these noiseless vehicles. All of them are automatic transmission and they will render standard-shift cars obsolete. And that is a shame. The ultimate driving experience calls for shifting gears that go with standard transmission...
Take a car, truck or SUV with a standard shift out for a spin and you feel the control of fine-tuning your car’s handling and traction. When you are up-shifting or down-shifting, you become part of the car, participating in the technical process of running the engine.
In truth it’s been getting harder and harder to find standard-shift vehicles the last few years... Some car manufacturers have even come up with a phony shifting option, letting you shift into low or second without a clutch. But that’s a far cry from the control of standard transmission...
For now, the low- to mid-priced “foreign” cars, like Toyota, Honda and Subaru, offer the last vestige of standard shift. But the trend is even shifting away to automatics with these fuel-efficient vehicles.
No matter how much favorable publicity high-mileage automatics receive, I’ll bet drivers with standard shift have better safety records. Besides having better control of the car, your focus is more on driving. With a clutch and gearshift, you need two hands to steer and shift, cutting down the opportunities to juggle a cup of coffee and a cell phone while maneuvering one-handed through traffic.
Automatic advocates will emphasize there are too many cars on the road these days and more traffic jams. Even a standard-shift fanatic will admit it’s a chore if you are stuck in four miles of summer Sagamore Bridge traffic backups and you end up with a sore left leg from lifting your foot off and on the clutch.
But that’s an extreme situation. The truth is that drivers who have never driven standard don’t know what they are missing. There’s a feeling of being in control on even the most slippery road surfaces. In snow, you can downshift, taking the strain off the brakes, and slow down while minimizing the chances of skidding. With all the innovations in technology, is it asking too much to design an electric car that has gears needing to be shifted?' read the entire article

11/23 Winter car care tips- taking care of your Subaru

11/19 Subarus hold their value and if you've looked for a used Subaru, you know that. If you thought it was just in your area, its not. Here's confirmation.
ALG, based in Santa Barbara and publisher of the Automotive Lease Guide, the standard guide for Residual Value and depreciation data projections in North America, announced their 12th Annual Residual Value Awards, with Subaru and Infiniti taking the awards for top mainstream and luxury brands.
The ALG Residual Value Awards recognize the vehicles predicted to retain the highest percentage of original price after a conventional three-year period. "High residual values are a key indicator of a brand's health and contribute to driving increased profitability," said Raj Sundaram, Senior Vice President, Solutions Group and ALG.
Subaru, which is enjoying record sales in 2010, won awards in several categories:
Subaru Legacy - Best Midsize Car; Subaru Forester - Best Compact Utility; Subaru Outback - Best Midsize Utility; Subaru Brand - Best Mainstream Brand.  The Best Mainstream Brand is retained by Subaru following its nomination in 2009.  The Subaru Forester now holds three consecutive ALG titles and the Subaru Outback is also a repeat winner.  The two Subaru crossovers are joined as winners for 2011 by the Subaru Legacy sedan.
Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts...  Subaru press release, ALG press release
11/18 How do they do it?  'Subaru, which makes a habit of beating expectations, has done it again. For October, Subaru saw its sales jump 25% in a month where auto sales as a whole rose only 13%. In the year to date, its sales are up 23% vs. the industry's 11%. With two months still to go, Subaru has already beaten its own yearly sales record.
Subaru doesn't grow by selling the deal instead of the car. According to Edmunds.com, its incentives in October were the second lowest in the industry at $474 per car, representing 1.8% of the sticker price.
After more than two years of outperformance, Subaru is no longer autodom's best-kept secret. Indeed, a to-be released study of word-of-mouth referrals by nearly 100,000 people, conducted by New Jersey-based Keller Fay Group, showed that Subaru got the highest percentage of favorable mentions of any auto brand and the fewest negatives - besting BMW.
How does Subaru do it? It presents no surprises. It is steady, consistent and predictable. It sells the steak, not the sizzle.
More than most American subsidiaries of Japanese automakers, Subaru is a mirror of its parent, which goes by the distinctly unglamorous name of Fuji Heavy Industries. Fuji Heavy is a no-frills company of engineers. Designers, marketers, and product planners take a back seat. Its corporate mission statement calls for the need to first "create advanced technology on an ongoing basis." Only after that is established does it mention any concern for the customer.
All that technology essentially gets focused on four car lines with two body styles: four-door and five-door/crossover. Note the absence of coupes, convertibles, and minivans. Fuji doesn't let itself get distracted by product niches and it does what it does very well. (There is a fifth vehicle, Tribeca, that was conceived in a spasm of creativity a few years ago, but its sales have tailed off to a few hundred a month and represents less than 1% of sales).
Besides making the same models year after, Subaru has been run by the same people year after. Its top executives understand its customers inside and out, they are on a first-name basis with its 600 or so dealers and they play the long game.
Tom Doll, who is both chief operating officer and chief financial officer, joined Subaru in 1982 from Arthur Young and brings an accountant's sensibility to his job. He is realistic, focused, and detail-oriented. When asked to name the three main appeals of a Subaru, Doll listed "practical" first and "reliable" second. Only then did he add "fun to drive."
Chief marketing officer Tim Mahoney signed on in 1984. After 15 years with the company, he was lured away by the glamour of a job at Porsche, but soon returned to sensible Subaru as Doll's right-hand man.
It doesn't hurt that the chips have been falling Subaru's way. Crossovers are the fastest-growing segment of the market, so Subaru finds itself in the sweet spot. The strengthening yen makes Subaru's plant in Lafayette, Indiana, where it makes two of its best-selling models, all the more valuable. And customers are beginning to appreciate the benefits of all-wheel drive, which Subaru has made standard since the 1990s. To be sure, playing a pat hand is not a winning strategy for the long term. Subaru will be vulnerable when crossovers are replaced by the next hot thing. As customers seek better fuel economy, it will need to add small cars to its lineup, and it will be challenging to maintain its brand identity when it does. And it needs to add some alternative-fuel vehicles to its lineup to maintain its eco-friendly image.
A turbo-diesel version of its bestselling Outback crossover would be a natural.
Around Subaru headquarters in New Jersey, there's a saying that sums up Subaru's appeal: You may date a Saab (or substitute the sporty, unpractical brand of your choice), but you marry a Subaru. In a difficult and uncertain economic environment, owning a Subaru is the equivalent of comfort food. And Subaru's savvy managers have the recipe down pat.' read the article

11/17 Subaru resale value goes up up
'Japanese automotive brands hold their value longer than the domestics, but some American brands are rising up the ranks, used-car pricing expert Kelley Blue Book said Tuesday.
GMC brand beat out Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus, the top-ranked brand last year, according to Kelley Blue Book's annual analysis of residual values. The upset reflects declines in resale values of Toyota and Lexus vehicles after massive recalls, as well as shrinking resale values of increasingly plentiful small cars.
Trucks and SUVs held or increased their resale values, reflecting shortages after automakers shifted their production in recent years to turn out more fuel-efficient, smaller vehicles.
Kelley Blue Book's analysis ranks auto brands based on projections of how much of their present value their 2011 models will retain in five years.
Topping the list is Subaru, followed by Toyota, Honda and BMW — the highest-ranked luxury brand.
Subaru jumped from sixth place last year to first because the residual value of its models is expected to rise 2.4 points to 39 percent for 2011 models.
"Subaru's rise to the top spot is a result of the brand's ability to keep production very tightly aligned with demand … and bringing superior quality, well-designed vehicles to the market," Kelley Blue Book said in a statement.
On average, vehicle resale values after five years tend to be around a third of their original list price - and that average has changed very little in recent years. It is projected at 34 percent, overall, for 2011 models...' read the article

11/16 Best Resale Value Awards from KBB.com Subaru Outback and WRX
In addition to crowning two brands and 10 overall winners with 2011 Best Resale Value Awards, we also named 18 category champions.
Segment winners you might recognize from last year's list include Honda Accord, Toyota Sienna and seven others. Cars that bumped their way onto the podium this year include the GMC Acadia, which replaced the Honda Pilot, and the Ford Mustang, supplanting the Chevy Corvette. The Best Brand and Best Luxury Brand winners - Subaru and BMW, respectively - each claimed two category wins.
2011 Honda Fit | Best Resale Value: Subcompact Car.
2011 MINI Cooper | Best Resale Value: Compact Car
2011 Honda Accord | Best Resale Value: Mid-Size Car
2011 Ford Taurus | Best Resale Value: Full-Size Car This is the second year in a row Ford Taurus has won this award.
2011 Subaru Outback | Best Resale Value: Wagon
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX | Best Resale Value: Sports Car ..one of the great bang-for-the-buck performers of all time.
2011 Ford Mustang GT | Best Resale Value: High-Performance Car
2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI | Best Resale Value: Hybrid/Alt. Energy Car.
2011 Honda CR-V | Best Resale Value: Compact Utility Vehicle
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser | Best Resale Value: Mid-Size Utility Vehicle
2011 GMC Acadia | Best Resale Value: Full-Size Utility Vehicle.
2011 Toyota Sienna | Best Resale Value: Van
2011 Lexus IS | Best Resale Value: Near-Luxury Car
2011 Audi A5 | Best Resale Value: Luxury Car.
2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty | Best Resale Value: Full-Size Pickup
2011 BMW X5 | Best Resale Value: Luxury Utility Vehicle
2011 BMW X5 xDrive35d | Best Resale Value: Hybrid/Alt. Energy Utility Vehicle
2011 Toyota Tacoma | Best Resale Value: Mid-Size Pickup
read the whole article

11/15 What did your Father say?
'A few days ago I was thumbing through a Pinellas County (thats in Florida) phone book looking for “publications.” Along the way, I ran across the listing “psychic readings.”  As a lifelong fan of spooky-doo, I took time to count the listings. Turns out there were only about 20 psychic readers, some local and some nationwide. Since Pinellas County has about 930,000 residents, this comes out to one psychic reader available for every 42,000 persons.
That’s a much lower ratio than for doctors, lawyers or plumbers. That’s a disgrace. A county that cannot support several hundred psychic readers is a county filled with persons who have no concern for the future, space aliens, dream analysis, the welfare of their dead loved ones or for where local murder victims may be buried. Psychics are interested in all these vital issues and more.
Psychic readers vary in their skills and honesty. A good one can shake hands with you, ask your first name, and then tell you all sorts of facts about your past and present. However, a phony psychic will ask you leading questions, such as “Is there someone in your family named Gwendolyn? No? How about Doris?” In the end you will tell the psychic more about yourself than he/she does.
Other psychics will predict your future. “You will go on a trip, by car, train or aircraft. Perhaps on foot. You will meet a suave, smiling man who will ask you to try out a new bed. His name will be Pierre. He will be a mattress salesman.”
My father was psychic. When I was 16, he told me, “Son, you will never amount to a hill of beans. Your church will expel you. Women will scorn you. You will drive a series of Subaru’s.
Your hair will turn white. Your knees will disintegrate. You will write silly essays containing the word ‘behoove’ more than necessary.”
What a guy. After seeing most of these predictions come true, my father died. I would ask a psychic to contact him on the Other Side, but he’d probably refuse to answer the phone....'   a funny article. Read the whole thing...

11/14 LA Auto Show Subaru will have its Kicker Audio and K&N Performance STIs

11/13  Stability control and all wheel drive?  Whats fun, good in snow, and under $40,000? Whats a good alternative to the Baja.  Read Jonathan Welsh's answers

10/28  two big online companies join forces - autotrader. com and kbb.com
'Auto shopping and research site AutoTrader.com has acquired Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), giving the former the latter's sister companies, CDMdata and CDM Dealer Services. KBB will be a subsidiary of AutoTrader.com...
.. Chip Perry, Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com's CEO tells Marketing Daily that KBB, whose expertise is research and vehicle value, dominates the top of the automotive purchase funnel, where consumers are trying to figure out what they want and what their wallets can bear. AutoTrader.com is a destination for consumers who -- having pretty much made a decision, or narrowed it -- are ready (to borrow from W.C. Fields) to "make a deal, money wise, car wise." It's also a targeted marketplace for dealers and automakers.
Perry says that areas of collaboration will advance the business opportunities of both organizations. Specifically, KBB will begin offering new-car listings, and also its version of a program AutoTrader.com launched several months ago called Trade-In Marketplace.
The latter gives consumers an instant offer for their vehicle without having to find a buyer. To get the cash, they must take the vehicle to a participating dealership for inspection. If the vehicle is as advertised, they get the money on the spot. "Dealers like it because they get access to trade-in; and it solves a major pain point for consumers."
Johnson says that the Trade-In Marketplace is good for KBB.com because when consumers go there to research options, one of the first things they ask is how much their old car is worth..' the article

10/27 Consumer Reports 2010 Annual Car Reliability Survey- some brand up, others down. Always good information
'General Motors has improved considerably, though Honda and Toyota still dominate in the latest predicted-reliability Ratings of new cars, according to Consumer Reports 2010 Annual Auto Survey... Among the three domestics, Ford continues to build the most reliable vehicles. Chrysler lags behind both GM and Ford..,
.. Asia Still Dominates... Honda and Acura are among the top four brands along with Porsche and Scion, with their models topping five vehicle categories -upscale cars (Acura TL, FWD), luxury cars (Acura RL), small SUVs (CR-V), upscale compact SUVs (Acura RDX) and compact pickups (Ridgeline). Problems with rear brake pads help drop the four-cylinder Accord and Acura TSX to average.
Hyundai and Kia continued to do well ... Nissan's mainstream models scored well...
.. Subaru had a good record overall, with a top rating going to the four-cylinder Legacy sedan and the non-turbo version of the Forester SUV. The WRX was the only model that rated below average...
..While European reliability had been improving, momentum seems to have stalled. All Porsche and Volvo models are rated average or better. But Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are among the worst automakers overall in terms of reliability... The Porsche Boxster has the best predicted reliability score in Consumer Reports survey.' read the entire article and a whole lot more on consumerreports.org

10/22 LGBT employees and consumers treated fairly by Subaru
'Subaru of America has once again earned the top rating of 100% in the 2011 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the ninth-annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). Subaru is one of only 338 other major U.S. businesses that received top marks for their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees and consumers...
..The CEI report, released each fall, provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and their policies towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. More than 580 businesses were evaluated on their LGBT-related practices including non-discrimination policies, transgender health benefits and domestic partner benefits. Subaru's efforts in ensuring LGBT equality in each of the survey's main criterion earned it the prestigious 100% rating. For more information on the 2011 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit http://www.hrc.org/cei.' the press release

10/10 Subaru owners- remember to get your Badge of Ownership. Whether your 1st or your 5th Subaru, let folks know you like them

10/8 special finance rates updated through November 1. Now 1.9% is available on all remaining 2010s for 36 months. Forester and Impreza get 1.9% to 63 mos, Outback, Legacy, Tribeca get 2.9% for 63 mo. All on approval of credit, oac.

9/25 Hey, where's my car? Subaru doesn't make the 2009 list of top 10 stolen cars, unless you happen to have a 93 Legacy and live in Washington State
In Washington State,  the list of 'Hey where's my car'  for 2009 includes
 1.  1992 Accord;  2.  1995 Civic;  3.  1990 Camry; 4. 1995 Acura Integra; 5. 1993 Subaru Legacy; 6. Sentra; 7. 1993 Dodge Caravan; 8. 1994 Saturn SL; 9. 1994 Explorer; 10. 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. Check your state here.
Nationally the top stolen vehicles in 2009 from NCIB.org  are 1. 1994 Accord;  2. 1995 Civic; 3. 1991 Camry;  4.  1997  F-150;  5.  2004 Dodge Ram; 6.  2000 Dodge Caravan;  7.  1994 Chevrolet Pickup;  8.  1994 Acura Integra;  9.  2002 Explorer; 10. 2009 Corolla

9/24  Alan Bethke new director of Subaru marketing communications.  Reporting to Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer for Subaru, Bethke will be responsible for the advertising and marketing communications. He is replacing Kevin Mayer who is leaving SOA  to become the director for advertising and sales promotion at Chevrolet. Bethke joined Subaru from Suzuki in 2003 as a district sales manager.  He has worked in a number of positions within Sales and Marketing for Subaru, most recently as marketing planning and operations manager.

9/21 Summer ends, Fall starts 9/22.... its the fall equinox.

9/15 odometer settlement
'If you purchased or leased in the continental United States of America and Hawaii a 2002-2007 Model Year Subaru vehicle, you may be entitled to an extension of your vehicle’s warranties, an extension of your lease contract or a cash refund as part of a class action settlement.
A class action settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit pending against Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Auto Leasing, Ltd., Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (collectively “Subaru” or “Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (styled Peter A. Vasilas, Scott Diamond, Robert Kasindorf, and Paul Thomas, Jr. v. Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Auto Leasing, Ltd., Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., Civil Action Case No. 2007-CV- 2374 (GBD)), alleging, among other things, that that the odometers in their Subaru vehicles overstated the mileage of the vehicle and that Subaru of America had breached the warranty and violated the Federal Odometer Act, according to the Subaru class action settlement notice.
The Subaru odometer class action lawsuit was brought on behalf of the following, unless otherwise excluded: All persons and entities who either bought or leased in the continental United States of America and Hawaii a Subaru vehicle, Model Years 2002-2007 (the “Class Vehicles”). If the Court approves the proposed Subaru odometer settlement, Subaru of America, Inc. will extend by 5% the mileage-based coverage periods of certain warranties, extend annual mileage allowed by vehicles leased from Subaru Auto Leasing, Ltd. by 5%, and reimburse certain repairs and excess mileage charges. The Court is scheduled to hold a settlement hearing before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, 500 Pearl Street, New York, New York 10007 on November 8, 2010, at 9:30 a.m to decide whether the proposed Subaru settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate and should be approved
For more information on the Subaru odometer class action lawsuit settlement and potential settlement benefits and/or updates on the settlement, visit the Subaru odometer class action settlement website: www.odometersettlement.com' read the article

9/14  feeling generous and brave? Jump off a really tall building, or toss your Boss (and cookies?) for a good cause... and Subaru is a sponsor.
'Special Olympics Texas is offering a unique event that stands high above the rest.  Over the Edge, presented statewide by Subaru, is geared toward the fearless or those looking to overcome their fears.  Raise funds (and your heart rate) to support over 36,000 athletes.  Individual participants who raise a minimum of $1,000 will have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of rappelling down the InterContinental Hotel.  Businesses and organizations can raise funds in order to "toss their boss" for the cause.  This unique event grabs media attention and provides great opportunities to enhance team building and company morale.'
'Calling all adrenaline junkies… do you have what it takes to rappel 15 to 22 stories down a high-rise hotel?  If so, Special Olympics Texas wants you!  Over the Edge, presented statewide by Subaru, is a Special Olympics Texas FUNdraising event that is geared toward the fearless or those looking to overcome their fears!  Premiering in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin this fall, participants will raise funds (a minimum of $1,000), and their heart rate, for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of rappelling 15 to 22 stories down the InterContinental Hotel.  Businesses and organizations can raise funds in order to “toss their boss” for the cause.
The event kicks off in Dallas/Fort Worth at the InterContinental Dallas Hotel on October 27, drops on the InterContinental Houston Hotel on October 30, and the final descent is in Austin at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel on November 2.
Over the Edge participants should be 18 years or older by the day of the event, and weigh between 110 to 300 lbs.  Each participant agrees to raise a minimum of $1,000 at least two days prior to the event.  Every friend, family or co-worker donating $50 to help send participants Over the Edge will be entered for a chance to win a 2011 Subaru Outback.
To learn more or to register to go Over the Edge,  visit www.specialolympicstexas.org today!

9/12  Used Subarus are popular and hold their value well. Good clean ones sell quickly in all parts of the US and Canada, and new ones don't plummet in value when driven off the lot. Shoppers are often surprised to find 1 and 2 year old models, usually rental fleet returns since few private owners sell or trade in their Subarus quickly, sell at prices closer to new than expected.
Especially desirable are lower priced, carefully maintained ones that budget buyers, parents, outdoor activity people search and hunt for.
Here is an article about used values in Canada, and it's pretty much the same everywhere.
"... The Outback is one of the more practical automobiles available. The wagon conveys just the right amount of machismo that complements its AWD ability. Outbacks drive, ride and steer like most other cars, but it’s the added ride height and go-anywhere powertrain that gives drivers the confidence to hit the road when conditions might otherwise keep them at home.
Subaru’s growing popularity is reflected in steadily increasing used-car values. Selecting either the turbo XT or high-end L.L. Bean models could bump up the average selling prices by $3,000-$4,000....'  the full article
 

8/21 new finance rate August 21-31, 1.9% (was 2.9%) on 2010 Forester and Impreza, for 36-63 months, oac on approval of credit, in the Seattle, NW area. Last of the 2010s is available now with good deals and even lower finance rates. Don't wait until they're all gone!

8/17  4 cylinder engines are back  as regulations call for new cars and trucks to average at least 34.1 mpg by 2016..
"As automotive earth saviors go, electric cars and hybrids are widely presumed to be the chosen ones. But as carmakers and consumers seek real, affordable gains in miles per gallon, it will be the once-humble 4-cylinder combustion engine that takes them there - far more than electrics or hybrids, which are years away from selling in numbers that would rein in the nation’s greenhouse emissions and appetite for oil...
The new allure of 4-cylinder engines certainly defies the odds. From the ’70s through the ’90s, as Japan rode small cars to world changing success, Detroit’s compacts were poor ambassadors for the 4-cylinder...
Today, though, American buyers shifting to smaller cars and lighter crossovers are discovering downsized engines strong enough to meet their needs. So far this year, 47% of new vehicles have 4 cylinders under the hood, according to J. D. Power & Associates, a remarkable jump from 30 percent in 2005...
Modern 4-cylinders provide relief from the buzzing through the use of technologies that can quell the inherent noise and harshness, including counterbalance shafts, sophisticated combustion controls and improved sound deadening and engine mounts.
An alternate plan, used by Subaru today (and VW in earlier times), is to design engines that don’t generate the jitters in the first place. Boxer engines, whose four cylinders are laid flat in 180-degree opposition, naturally cancel out most vibration, without a need for balance shafts.... But while boxer 4s offer advantages in smoothness, automakers say that their modern in-line 4s are smooth enough to satisfy even the fussiest customers.
..Let’s not overlook the green elephant in the room; this trend is not driven entirely by consumer demand or environmental consciousness on the part of automakers. Around the world, downsized engines are the linchpin of strategies to meet stricter fuel-economy and pollution rules, including limits on carbon-dioxide emissions....' the NY Times article

8/16  Dave Mirra autographs at Gillman Subaru Southwest in Houston, Saturday August 21, 10:30 - 1:30pm. Get a signaturem s\check out the new WRX,  work on your car (Gillman supplies tools and support), show your stuff at a car show.

8/14 full size folks need roomy cars.  Consumer Reports picks a few cars from their recommended models for larger people who might like some extra seat room but don't want big hard to drive SUVs or trucks with poor visibility. CR especially recommends a tilt and telescoping steering wheel as a good feature. But how big are we American's getting that a cars fuel economy is affected?  check out the article and cars.
8/13  cyclist who races for Subaru Gary Fisher Elite Road Team wins national title.
Four-hundred meters from the finish line it hit her. Sara Tussey was about to be a national champion. The 31-year-old cyclist is the newest national champ in the 30-34 age group of the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships after winning a grueling 40-mile road race in Louisville, Ky., last week....
It was the most gratifying win of her career, said Tussey, a licensed chiropractor who opened Lexington (Ky) Chiropractic and Wellness two years ago. She resides in Winston-Salem. She has been cycling for most of her life, but her national crown comes just three years after she really became serious about riding. Not bad for a three-year pro.
“I was so surprised,” said Tussey of her victory. “I just thought, ‘Gosh, somebody was on my side today.’ For this one race, for everything to come together, it was a great feeling.”..
The second-place rider was approximately 10 seconds behind Tussey, a healthy lead in cycling. Tussey pedaled up a hill and heard screams from the gallery to push on. Once she crossed the starting line again, the race was over.
“I was by myself, I still thought I had another lap, but my teammates that were in the seats started yelling, ‘Go, go! The race is over, they’re calling it short,’ ” Tussey said. “That’s when it hit me.”
The title brought a sense of self-accomplishment, but equally important, Tussey said, was what it did for her cycling team. She races for Subaru Gary Fisher Elite Road Team, an invitation-only team made up of riders all across the state. Tussey said earlier this year while racing in Charlotte, a team member was tragically killed after being hit by a car....'  the article
8/4 Cash For Clunkers was August 2009, a year ago. It was a great deal for buyers with old gas guzzlers, and dealers as sales soared, old clunkers and junkers disappeared, and wrecking yards got busy. It successfully shook up and invigorated the market. Many new buyers checked out the world of Subarus for the first time, it brought fast acceptance and recognition for the redesigned 2010 Outback and Legacy even though the supply was tight. Subaru sales is still benefiting from it! No, it is not happenning again.. just looking back
7/29- 8/1 X Games in LA . Saturday 7/31 is the rally day.  Check out the Rally and new Super Rally. All on ESPN. Subarus will be driven by Pastrana, Mirra, Block and Travis Hansen. - schedule - drivers - online rally video schedule

7/30 Synthetic oil -  Subaru is now recommending using Subaru Synthetic 5W-30 oil for 2010 and prior turbo engines, and requiring it for all 2011 turbo engines. The oil change interval does not appear to have changed.  This oil is also recommended for all non-turbo vehicles, except the new 2011 Forester 2.5L (non turbo) due later this year which will use a  0W-20 Subaru synthetic oil.

7/27  The Subaru life- she drives a Subaru, tows a Shasta canned hammobile, is a gourmet roadside cook, and defintely likes burgers.
'Canned Ham Cuisine '- the Top 5 meals this trip from Mary Brown Malouf in SLC
'Once the Subaru axle was fixed, not even Pieandbeer could keep me here on Pioneer Day. We high-tailed it to the Tetons in our 1956 Shasta, also known as a “canned ham... ”We bought this particular trailer because we’re junkers at heart and because it has a 3-burner Princess stove WITH AN OVEN in it.
Because camping for us means hiking, scenery, birdwatching, wildlife and eating well. Here are the top five dishes of this trip:
1 and 2. Grass-fed New York strip cooked over a wood fire, with goat cheese, garlic and butter-stuffed focaccia bread and orzo in pesto with jug red wine—Shebang.
Cans of Sofia sparkling and salted almonds served as an aperitif and only minor injuries were sustained during preparation, due as usual to poor packing. I forgot that essential piece of camping equipment, aluminum foil and had to grill my ciabbatta directly over a fire. Now I have a bandage on my right arm...
3. Our next issue of the magazine features burgers, evidently a topic we’ll never cover enough.
After eating 100 burgers across the state of Utah, you’d think I’d be sated, but no. We stopped at Jackson Lake Lodge for lunch and ordered the elk-buffalo burger on ciabbatta bread with steak fries, which I usually eschew but these were fantastic, and I believe this was the best burger I’ve ever eaten..
4. When we’re out in cool weather, I usually make biscuit dough and bake some off in the Princess oven for breakfast. But the heat in SLC made me feel faint at the idea of baking. So the night before we left I made a batch of blueberry muffins to take for our morning nosh. And let me say a word here about muffins: Muffins are not cupcakes....
5. You’ve heard my milkshake rant: they should be made with real ice cream... '  read the article and Mary's canned hammobile

7/25 Chinese Subarus  'Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. and Power Diversity Automobile Trade Co. are in talks with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.’s Subaru car unit about setting up a production venture in China, the Economic Observer said.
Beijing Auto and Power Diversity plan to each hold 25 percent stakes in the venture, while Fuji Heavy will own a 50 percent share, the Chinese newspaper reported today, citing unidentified people. The partnership, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, will be based in Beijing, and its first model will be a Subaru sport-utility vehicle, the report said. The companies will later add local production of Subaru sedans, the report said. Kenta Matsumoto, a spokesman for Fuji Heavy in Tokyo, couldn’t immediately comment on the details of Chinese report. Fuji is also talking to two other Chinese automakers about forming a venture, according to the report.' the article

7/16- making it harder to find dealers?  The subaru.com dealer search function has changed. Where before you used to be able to find all the dealers in a state, now dealers must be searched by city and state, or by zip code, and then only a few dealers are shown.
7/13 talk to Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra on July 26th, in advance of the the X Games, July 29 to Aug. 1 in LA.
Subaru is having an hour-long interactive conference call featuring rally drivers Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra on Monday, July 26 at 6 p.m. EDT and inviting fans to participate!  On the call, fans can ask questions and hear Travis and Dave talk about their preparation and plans for X Games 16, their love of Rally and the the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and STI.
Sign up in advance for a chance to connect with them.

7/12 why does Subaru look like that -  Subaru designer Osamu Namba's job is to change it starting with a redesigned Impreza due in the coming year or two...
Osamu's favorite car designs: Renault 5 (who remembers the Le Car with the canvas roll-back sunroof?), and first generation Fiat Uno. Foods: Ham, salami, prosciutto, tomato pasta...
"When Subaru arrived in the United States in the 1960s, ads used the unflattering slogan "cheap and ugly."  The brand has come a long way. But to critics, the concept of "Subaru styling" is still an oxymoron. Even loyalists describe it as "quirky"; the less charitable choose "bland" and "boxy."
Subaru is one of the few brands that have been unscathed, even growing stronger, during the U.S. recession -- and now it wants to build on its success. The company finally is getting serious about design, its Achilles' heel, and is turning to an outsider as the new point man.
Osamu Namba joined Subaru in 2008, hired from an independent styling studio he had founded a decade earlier. His mission is to unify the Subaru look across models and win new fans.  "We want to broaden the appeal to make it accessible to more than a small, loyal crowd," Namba, 54, said last month in an interview at the Tokyo headquarters of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., Subaru's parent company. "We need to add a more contemporary element."
Styling long played second fiddle to the Subaru brand's engineering must-haves: all-wheel drive, horizontal boxer engine and a functional interior.
Traditionally, the Subaru boxer engine's horizontally aligned pistons make for a low front profile. But they also lend the car a lower center of gravity, making it more agile. Tall roofs, meanwhile, offer plenty of cargo space for all the outdoor gear that Subaru fans tote around, while aiding visibility.  Performance came first - and if the car looked funny, so be it. Previous attempts to improve design sometimes fell spectacularly flat -- most notably the widely panned, aircraft-inspired "propeller" grille of the mid-2000s...
..But executives and dealers say sales could do better still with a more eye-catching lineup.
"They had the engineering down," says Ernie Boch Jr., owner of one of Subaru's two independent U.S. distributorships. "Design was the final frontier. It's absolutely crucial."
Namba's creations for Subaru have yet to hit the street. But his Hybrid Tourer Concept, designed for the 2009 Tokyo motor show, foreshadows the clean lines and bold look he is seeking.
His first production design will be the Impreza, which was last overhauled in 2007. The company won't say when the next Impreza will arrive. Namba cut his teeth as a designer at Suzuki Motor Corp. straight out of college in 1979. Early works included the first-generation Wagon R, a minicar that today is among the best-selling vehicles in Japan. In 1994, Namba left to form his own design studio, HUB Design Engineering Ltd., where he consulted for Subaru and rival Japanese and Korean brands. HUB is not doing any business currently...
Subaru was already on its way to unifying its design language with what became the latest overhauls of the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. Namba says he will build on that, with a couple of tweaks.
He wants to keep Subaru's utilitarian spirit and functional packaging but add a more modernistic flair.
Namba says he will approach the packaging of the upcoming Impreza with a keen eye for whether it should be bigger. Previous versions of the Forester crossover and Legacy were too small for the United States, a problem resolved only with their latest upgrades, he notes.
Also, look for the Impreza sedan to shed its soft, rounded silhouette in favor of something stronger. "We have to show the function through design with simple, clean lines," says Namba, who counts the compact, no-frills Renault 5 - remembered in the United States as American Motors' Le Car -  among his all-time favorite rides. "I want a very simple design that exhibits strength."
Subaru needs to be more responsive to market trends but not slavish to them, he says. Namba decries the styling of some European brands as too busy with flourishes that perform no function.
Design watchers say Subaru is making improvements but still has a long way to go. "Subaru has too long been heading in the wrong direction and become too focused on confused brand development," says Kuni Ito, an automotive design instructor at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.
But aiming for a futuristic, market-driven look again might be off the mark, he says. "Subaru users want a unique, almost cult, design, not a clean design like the Hybrid Tourer Concept," Ito says. The goal should be a timeless look that better embodies functionality, he said.
Subaru bets existing fans will stay true. "It won't alienate the core because they appreciate that it's an evolution, not a revolution," Boch says. "The hard-core fans will keep buying it even if it's ugly. It's an added plus if it looks good."
And that encapsulates Namba's challenge: Sticking to Subaru's roots while casting a wider net that keeps fueling the momentum of one of North America's hottest-selling brands. "I don't want it to be just something serious and boring," Namba says. "A lot of people don't know that Subaru brand. If we can make styling more accessible, it will bring them in."  the article from autonews.com

7/11   Subaru 'welcome packet' guide to owner benefits with corporate websites, info etc mailed to new car buyers. You should still always contact your dealer with any questions about operating the car, or for help, service, comments, advice etc.
Plus you can request a free 'Badge of Ownership' to put on the car to help spread the Love. If you currently have a Subaru, you can get one too. Check out photos here.

7/9 Road trips are great! Author Jane Smiley writes about road trips and hitchhiking in the 1970s, and now being a parent with kids who drive..
'When I came home for the summer after my first year of college, I told my mother that my best friend and I were driving to California. She laughed out loud – 2,000 miles in a what? Well, my best friend had an old Chevy. What could go wrong? ...
.. There are several methods for introducing your children to driving, and all of them are bad. Probably the worst is to put it off...'  read the article

7/4 July 4th Independence Day

6/23 Subaru Canada gets new CEO -  'Ikuo Mori,  Director of the Board, President and CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, is pleased to announce that Mr. Shiro Ohta has been named the new Chairman, President, and CEO of Subaru Canada. (SCI). Mr. Ohta replaces Katsuhiro Yokoyama, who has held the top position at SCI since 2005.
Ohta is a familiar face at SCI. From 1995-1998 he worked at the Canadian head office as Executive Co-ordinator Field Operations and Assistant to the CEO. Since then, he has acquired extensive experience with Subaru operations around the globe.
Mr. Ohta joined Subaru's parent company in 1986, immediately after graduating from university. His most recent position was general manager of FHI's North American Sales and Marketing Department. His extensive sales and marketing experience also includes managing FHI sales/marketing divisions in Africa and the Middle East, Oceania/Australia, and Europe. He has also spent time at the dealership level, gaining important insight into the front-line sales experience...' the article

6/21 Summer starts and the longest day of the year is Monday 6/21

6/17 JD Power 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS) Results.  Subaru is #22, between Toyota and Chrysler
'Each year, tens of thousands of new-vehicle owners respond to J.D. Power and Associates surveys to provide feedback on quality during the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership. Consumers are asked to rate both mechanical quality (i.e., defects and malfunctions) and design quality  ... the  Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership.
Study results are tabulated using a “problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)” metric, where a lower PP100 indicates higher initial quality.'
#1 with feest problems is Porsche; #2 Acura; #3 Mercedes Benz; #4 Lexus;  #5 Ford #6 Honda, #7 Hyundai  #8 Lincoln #9 Infiniti #10 Volvo. The rest of the list: Ram, Audi, Cadillac, Chevy, Nissan, BMW, Mercury, Mazda, Scion, Toyota, #22 Subaru, Chrysler, Suzuki, GMC, Kia, Jeep, Dodge, Jaguar, Mini, VW, Mistubishi, Land Rover. read the whole article about specifc models etc
6/14 No new Saabaru. Did anyone like the much maligned 2005/6 Saab 92x? Apparently Saab's new owner doesn't...
'... Under General Motors' ownership, Saab rebadged a Subaru Impreza and named the car the Saab 9-2X. That car was sold in 2005 and 2006. "I deliberately call it (a new forthcoming model) the 92 [ninety-two] because I don't like the name 9-2. It reminds me of the Saab-aru," Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, said during a press event here. Spyker is Saab Automobile's Dutch owner.
"The Saab-aru was the GM monster--not because it was a bad car but because it was nothing," Muller said. "It wasn't an overpriced Impreza or underpriced Saab. It was neither here nor there. That is the type of badge engineering that you will never, ever see at Saab."  Ah, come on, a monster, really? it was just a Subaru with a different grill, badging, wheels, and a huge rebate. read the article
6/10 new cell phone law starts in Washington State. Use a speaker phone, or either a wired or a wireless Bluetooth earpiece. And no texting at all. Police will start enforcing the ban right away. It's a $124 ticket.
Cell phone and texting laws for all states http://www.iihs.org/laws/cellphonelaws.aspx
Police officers say if the phone rings and drivers don't have a hands-free device, they should ignore the call or pull off the road before answering. But don't stop on highway shoulders to take a call because that can be a safety issue. "The last thing we want is to have 100 cars parked on the shoulder with people talking on the phone," Wilbur said. Trying to stop on the shoulder can lead to problems, as can trying to re-enter the highway and get back up to the 60 or 70 mph speed limit.
The holder of an instruction permit or an intermediate license may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving a motor vehicle. And no texting. the Washington State Patrol statement.

6/6-  D Day, 6 June 1944
6/6 hole in one by lucky player wins free Impreza from Rimrock Subaru in Billings Mt
'Kurt Alme’s first hole-in-one is definitely one to remember. With a swing of his 5-iron at Pryor Creek Golf Club, Alme notched his ace on the 174-yard, par-3 No. 12 hole and won a new car Friday while taking part in the annual Young Life fundraiser golf scramble on the John Walker Course.
The 43-year-old Alme, an assistant U.S. attorney in Billings, took home a dark blue Subaru Impreza from Rimrock Auto for his efforts.
“Stunned is probably an understatement,” Alme said of his reaction. “I don’t play well to begin with and I wasn’t having a good round. That made it a little more miraculous than normal.”
Alme said he saw his ball hit the green, but thought it had rolled behind the pin. However, tournament director Rich Lutton signaled that the ball went into the cup. That meant the new car parked near the tee box belonged to Alme.
His playing partners — Joe Bloyder, Bill Dolan and Jeff Ouradnik — witnessed the perfect shot, along with Lutton and staff member Marya Pennington. There were 13 four-member teams competing in the scramble, which benefits Young Life, a youth outreach organization. Alme’s foursome was the last group to play the No. 12 hole.' the article
6/3  China sales. 'Fuji would need sales in China of over 100,000 vehicles a year before it builds a production plant in the country, a company executive said Monday. "We would need at least 100,000 vehicles to begin local production" in China, Akira Mabuchi, a corporate senior vice president at Fuji Heavy said in an interview. The company would also seek to expand its tie-up with Toyota in procuring models for some emerging markets, Mabuchi said...
The company is targeting China sales of 60,000 vehicles in the current fiscal year through March, which would be a 23% rise from its sales in the last fiscal year ended March. But that figure is still well below overall sales growth in the Chinese auto market, which expanded by 46% last year. Other Japanese automakers are already scrambling to increase their local production capacities in an effort to keep up with the surge in demand.'  the WSJ article
5/27 Different cars for different summer road trips, from KBB.
#1 - KBB suggests: drive an Outback to the Sasquatch Music festival, Quincy, Wa, Memorial Day Weekend
Three hours east of Seattle, smackdab in the middle of Washington, there's a three-day music festival that boasts a name even more fun than Lollapalooza or Bonnaroo. This year's Sasquatch! lineup includes newer names like Vampire Weekend, OK Go and MGMT, older names like The Posies, Pavement and Public Enemy, and less familiar names like Dinosaur Feathers, Morning Teleportation and Garfunkel & Oates. Or so legend has it.
How to Get There: 2010 Subaru Outback: A communal gathering that takes place in the middle of nowhere in the Pacific Northwest? The question here isn't which car, but which Subaru? And even that's a no-brainer. The Subaru Outback combines all-wheel drive (a three-hour drive from Seattle just might involve some slick roads), a notably comfy and quiet highway ride, and room for a whole bunch of camping equipment and provisions - for Sasquatch! expeditions not hastily arranged on Friday afternoon.
Road trip #2-  Pike's Peak International Hill Climb, Colorado, June 27, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart; #3 Boston Harborfest,  Massachusetts, Independence Week, 2011 Mustang; #4  Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival, Quebec, Canada, July 7-25, 2010 Mini Cooper; #5 Major League All-Star Game, Anaheim, Ca, July 13, 2010 Toyota Sienna; #6 Comic-Con San Diego, Ca, July 22-July 25, Nissan Cube; #7 Elvis Week Memphis, Tn, Aug 10-16, Cadillac CTS; #8  Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Iowa, Aug 12-22, Doge Ram Hemi pick-up; #9 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Carmel, Ca, Aug 15, 2010 Porsche Panamera;  #10 Burning Man art festval, Black Rock City, Nevada, Aug 30-Sept 6, VW Jetta TDI sportwagon  Read the article
5/24 ever lose your Subaru in a parking lot full of them? could happen anywhere - Seattle, Portland, Boulder, Vermont..
'... There's nothing new about people in Boulder owning Subarus in high percentages. My husband and I made a game out of counting Subarus soon after moving here nine years ago, and there was nothing new about it then, either...
... It was getting late when I parked at the trailhead for Mount Sanitas, stuck my keys in my pocket and headed up the hill. But the keys banged at my hip. I didn't want them smacking me the whole time I ran, so I skipped back down the trail, jamming away to my iPod, and stashed my keys under the lip of my bumper...
... What a lovely spring run! I thought as I returned to my car. I only wish I had more time! I was still panting as I stooped down to fish the keys out. My keys weren't there.
...Ugh! I stood up and scratched my head with both hands. As I was thinking about running down the hill to a friend's house, I took a few steps back and realized, with this slightly broader view, that next to my Subaru was another Subaru. Same model. Same color. Same ski rack on the roof. I examined the license plates to make sure I was searching under the correct car. I was.
No way. No way I hid my keys under the wrong Subaru...'  but of course he did. read the article
5/23 Washington State cell phone law starts June 10. No grace period, so use a speaker or bluetooth device. And no texting.
The new designation as primary offenses mean police can stop drivers for a texting or cell phone violation alone.
'Any person operating a moving motor vehicle while holding a cell phone or other wireless communication device to their ear is guilty of a traffic infraction, unless the person is: operating an authorized emergency vehicle, or a tow truck responding to a disabled
vehicle; using a hands-free device including a speaker phone, a headset, or an earpiece; reporting illegal activity, summoning medical or emergency help, or using the device to prevent injury to person or property; or using a hearing aid.
A violation has an associated infraction of $124. The infraction does not become part of the driver's record and is not available to insurance companies or employers.
The holder of an instruction permit or an intermediate license may not use a cell phone or other wireless communication device while driving a motor vehicle. And no texting.  the final bill report PDF, and the Washington State Patrol statement

5/12  New Subaru dealer in Napa, California - Hanlees Subaru, 495 Soscol Ave, Napa. They took over Jensen Subaru 5/3/10
5/11 a scary start but things turn out well in Colorado. The story of a road trip with a 6 week old baby and a broken car.
'Sometimes a brighter perspective helps turn a bad situation into the best of times. I was recently asked to present at a convention in Denver. My wife and I decided to bring our six week old baby and make it a weekend visit with her family in Boulder. On the way, my car died and the three of us were stranded on a remote stretch of the interstate. Seemingly, a bad situation, but like most things in life, everything worked out for the best.
Between exits and miles from any services, it might have been easy to panic, but a highway patrol officer happened by and offered to call us a tow truck. So far from any services, a tow to the nearest garage would surely be costly; however, after calling my insurance, my road side assistance plan covered a tow to the nearest dealer in Golden. Not sure how we would transport ourselves, the baby and all our stuff, it would have been reasonable for us to worry while we waited for help to arrive. But we had plenty of water and yummy snacks to help keep us calm, and we were fine.
When the tow truck finally arrived, we could have been terrified when the driver calmly explained that it was both safe and legal to remain in our car while he transported us on the back of his truck to Golden. Instead of second-guessing our safety, we made a funny video of the experience while the baby slept through the entire thing. When we got to the garage in a torrential downpour, I learned that my engine needed to be completely replaced - a notoriously expensive repair - and that my warranty had expired three days earlier. Facing an exorbitant repair could have been enough to put me over the edge, but I learned a day later that Subaru would cover 100 percent of the cost to rebuild my engine.
My wife's family picked us up in Golden with their van — which was big enough to transport us and our stuff back to Boulder. I was able to borrow another family vehicle to drive myself to the convention in Denver the following day — which turned out to be a screaming success. My wife's family was thrilled to have a few extra days to visit with the baby, and we all enjoyed each others' company while we waited several days for my car to be fixed. My appointments were easily rescheduled; my colleagues and clients were all very understanding and accommodating; and my family's hospitality and generosity was overwhelming.
In the end, I had almost $9,000 worth of complimentary repairs, an unexpected opportunity to visit with my family, and a unique opportunity to experience how a different perspective improved my outlook on a potentially bad situation.' the article
5/9 Celebrate Mother's Day - give Mom a present and arrive safely - drive a Subaru.
5/9 Hey, where's my car...
A Bellingham, Wa man has been charged with allegedly stealing nine Subarus throughout the city from March 27 to April 16.
Detectives say Andrew J. Geer, 22, was breaking into the cars and driving them to other locations so he could prowl more cars or buy methamphetamine, said Bellingham police spokesman Mark Young.
Most of the cars were recovered soon after they were stolen, with many recovered within blocks of where another Subaru was stolen... When detectives interviewed Geer in jail, he admitted to stealing the cars and said he stole Subarus because “that’s all I know how to take,”....' the article

5/6 how loyal are you? customers are still loyal to Toyota. Subaru ranks well for customer devotion. Toyota's customer loyalty faded slightly in the first quarter after a spate of safety recalls, but its loyalty numbers were still the strongest in the industry, auto information site Edmunds.com said Tuesday.
During the first three months of the year, nearly 58% of Toyota trade-ins resulted in the purchase of a new Toyota, Edmunds said. That was down 4% from the same quarter a year ago but still higher than other brands.
Ford's loyalty rate was second-highest, at nearly 56%. Hyundai, Honda, Subaru, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz were the only other brands that had a loyalty rates of 50% or higher, Edmunds said. Mercury had the lowest loyalty, at 14 percent.

5/5  Rally driver Dave Mirra signs autographs 5/13 in Vancouver Wa. Subaru Rally Driver Dave Mirra signs at Dick Hannah Subaru, Vancouver, Wa. Thursday May 13 2010, 6- 7:30pm
5/1 warranty expiring letters, they're fake, Subaru doesn't send letters saying your warranty is expiring. The alarming cards and letters in your mailbox are fake and now Wa State is going after the companies.
Under federal law, a “factory warranty” or “extended warranty” can only be sold by a automobile manufacturer. Other plans are called service contracts.
"The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is driving a multistate investigation into companies that hawk pricey extended auto warranties through deceptive junk mail, illegal telemarketing robocalls and misleading TV ads. Today, the state announced lawsuits against two of the worst offenders. “If you own a car, there’s a good chance you’ve received a phone call or official-looking postcard claiming that your auto warranty has expired or will soon,” Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna said. “The marketing companies behind these pitches have tricked hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide into buying expensive service contracts that often don’t cover promised repairs. Their illegal marketing practices have to stop.”
Washington State and four other states filed civil lawsuits today against Credexx Corporation, of Irvine, Calif., and its president, David J. Tabb. Credexx did business as Auto One Warranty and Auto One Warranty Specialists.
Nine states are suing recently defunct U.S. Fidelis today and two additional states are expected to file suits. Additionally, several states are asking that an independent trustee be appointed to manage the company’s assets during bankruptcy proceedings.
Assistant Attorney General Mary Lobdell, with the Washington Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, led the investigation. It began in 2008 with 18 states and swelled to approximately 40. She said the defendants are responsible for millions of illegal mailers and telemarketing calls. “U.S. Fidelis and Credexx created an impression that their service plans were ‘extended warranties’ provided by car manufacturers or dealers that provide ‘bumper to bumper’ coverage of all major repairs,” Lobdell said. “Unfortunately for consumers, their representations were lies...”  If you want a warranty for your Subaru, contact your dealer directly   the press release
4/28 Eat Out 4/29 for a good cause
Subaru sponsors Dining Out For Life April 29. An estimated 250,000 people will dine out to fight AIDS in over fifty cities across the U.S. and Canada. Nearly 3,000 restaurants are participating in Dining Out For Life hosted by Subaru by donating a generous percentage of proceeds from the day’s meals to a local AIDS service organization.
Money raised in each city stays in that city. The campaign has some fabulous leaders. Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s Chopped has been spokesperson since 2008. This year he is joined by actress Pam Grier.
4/24 Cannon Subaru, a new Subaru dealer opens in Lakeland, Florida, Cannon Subaru. Find more dealers in Florida
4/23/10  station wagon mini revival The Outback is now an CUV and the Legacy wagon isn't available in the US anymore and soon the BMW 5 series and Volvo V70 wagons will be gone. But wait, we have the new Honda Crosstour hatchback and there are others coming, are wagons poised for a comeback?
'... It's been years since the venerable summer road trip relied on an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser fitted with a rooftop luggage carrier ..
Since they peaked in popularity in the late 1950s and 1960s, grabbing as much as 17 percent of all light vehicle sales, wagons have been slowly nudged out by minivans, sport-utility vehicles and now crossovers. With a few exceptions, notably Subaru and European brands, wagons have largely vanished from the asphalt jungle. But they still have their champions.
Recent attempts to reinvent rear-wheel drive wagons for the American consumer - i.e., the Dodge Magnum -- have been short-lived.
Too many people still think of them as old and somewhat dull. Some automakers are betting on a station wagon revival as consumers shift to more practical purchases and fuel economy rules toughen. That is the way it has been for years in Europe, where gas prices are perpetually elevated and wagons outsell sedans 2 to But it won't be a return to the grand Buick Roadmaster Estate wagons used to shuttle kids off to camp or college, and romanticized in movies such as 2009's "Julie and Julia." They had sweeping bench seats with sticky vinyl and names like Country Squire, Colony Park and Grand Safari. A lazy V-8 always hummed under the hood. The third row was a conversation pit under a vista roof.
The Chevrolet Caprice and Buick Roadmaster were the last full-size wagons built in America. And now BMW and Volvo are pulling the 5-Series and V70 wagons from the U.S. market.
The modern wagon has morphed into two types. The front-wheel drive variety with a stingy powertrain. And unapologetic sport wagons with bucket seats that are engineered to compete with the finest luxury sedans. Acura and Cadillac are taking a stab at the wagon market.. In short, a limited seller prepped for the insider crowd. And about as far from a depot hack as you can get. Where once wagons were the provenance of the masses, now they are engineered and marketed to people with bold-faced names and high octane gasoline in their veins. They aren't your father's wagon, either.' the article from the detroit news
4/22 Subaru sells Daihatsu mini cars in Japan  '.. Subaru began sales of the Lucra and the Pleo minicars in Japan Tuesday.  The Lucra features a 0.66-liter engine and a tall body design that provides enough interior space for four adults to ride comfortably. Both the Lucra and the Pleo are supplied by Daihatsu Motor Co. After strengthening its tie-up with Toyota in 2008, Fuji  decided to end development of minicars to focus on its mainstay midsize vehicles. But because minicars are popular in Japan, the company has opted to continue selling such vehicles by procuring them from Daihatsu, a Toyota group minicar specialist. The Lucra is the first model born out of the new strategy. The Lucra is based on Daihatsu's Tanto Exe, while the Pleo on the Daihatsu Mira

4/21 Subaru and Yakima continue their affiliation
Continuing its  5 year marketing and 20 year relationship, Yakima in Beaverton, Oregon, announced its renewed partnership with Subaru through 2012 for the RoadWarrior Tour presented by Subaru. This is a grassroots consumer and trade initiative, during which Yakima brand ambassadors travel to outdoor events and retailers throughout the United States in co-branded 2010 Outbacks.
The two brands will continue their marketing of OEM co-branded products.
“The shared partnership between the Subaru and Yakima brands continues to grow stronger with time,” says Joel Grabenstein, marketing and promotions manager at Yakima. “We are like minded brands that share a love for the outdoors and the environment, as well as strong consumer alignment. We appreciate this long-standing connection and look forward to years of working together to get more people, their families and their toys to the places they love most.” the article
3/28 Ford sells Volvo to a Zhejiang Geely  (this has nothing to do with Subaru)-  Zhejiang Geely, Chinese company, agreed Sunday to buy Volvo from Ford for $1.8 billion, a lot less than the $6.45 billion Ford paid for the Swedish car company in 1999.  Ford has been trying to sell Volvo for a while. Geely makes 8 cars with 30 models and has 300 dealer around the world.
3/20 It's Spring! Spring has sprung. Saturday 3/20 is the first day of Spring

3/19  Subaru is only average in the latest JD Power 3 year survey of  owner problems over the past 3 years on 2007 models measured in problems per 100 cars.  Porsche is #1 with 110 problems per 100 2007 cars and Subaru is #14 with 155 problems per 100 cars. 155 is the industry average and not very good. The list is a bit surprising - Mercury is #2, Subaru is #14, and Scion is almost the bottom.
Here is the fuill list starting at #1: Porsche, Lincoln, Buick, Lexus, Mercury, Toyota (that's sure to change), Honda, Ford, Mercedes, Acura, Huyndai, Cadillac, Infiniti, Subaru, Saab, Saturn, BMW, GMNC, Chrysler, Kia, Volvo, Hummer, Jaguar, Chevy, Nissan, Audi, Dodge, Pontiac, mazda, Scion, Mitsubishi, Mini, Jeep, VW, Suzuki, Rover .

Here's the press release "25 of 36 vehicle brands have improved in long-term dependability in 2010, compared with their performance in 2009, continuing a steady trend of industry-wide improvement.  However, for some of these brands, consumer perceptions have not kept pace with their actual performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2007 model year) vehicles, includes 198 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle.  Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality..." JD Power, press release

3/18 Yes your car has a black box, yes it knows what you're doing but its not quite like Santa Claus yet knowing whos been good and bad...
Toyota has been slow to disclose and make available information they collect, and with their recent troubles that has brought a new focus on Event Data Recorders or EDRs, aka black boxes.
A rule by the NHTSA will require car companies to disclose upfront, to tell you whether your car is equipped with an EDR starting with 2011 models,  and by 2013 all will have to have one.
Subaru, GM (then a Subaru stockholder), Ford, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki were using EDRs by 2005, according to NHTSA.
In August 2006, NHTSA issued a rule for 2013 and later models standardizing what EDRs collect and making the info easier to get. EDRs will record things like brake and throttle pressure, seatbelt use, airbag deployment, speed at crash impact etc.
Advanced EDRs will record things like sideways, forward, or rearward acceleration, engine speed, driver steering input, front passenger seatbelt use, engagement of electronic stability control system, antilock brake activity, side airbag deployment time for driver and right front passenger, and seat track positions for both the driver and right front passenger. Occupant size and position for drivers and right front passengers may also be recorded.
No secrets! EDRs and the data belong to vehicle owners but as expected the information is available, depending on the laws of your state, to police,  insurance companies etc.  Here's a link to a NHTSA site analyzing crash data. Car dealers don't have access to the EDR at all. Cars can also be equipped with crash notifications systems to alert emergency responders in the events of an accident.
Lots more information on the IIHS site. Here's a good the article from KVUE News

2/28 Consumer Reports annual April car issue is available. There's a lot to read about choosing new and used cars so pick it up at your local newstand. It's always good information.
Japanese cars always tend to score well with CR but Ford and GM seem to be better represented than in previous years. CR suspended recommendations of recalled Toyotas and noted those with an *.
> Recommended cars cover the spectrum of manufacturers and prices.  Top cars are: small SUV- Subaru Forester; small sedan- Hyundai Elantra SE;  sporty car- VW GTI;  family sedan- Nissan Altima;  sports sedan- Infiniti G37; family hauler- Mazda5; truck- Chevy Silverado 1500; green car- Prius; family SUV Chevy Traverse; and the best overall car is the Lexus LS 460L.
Most Subarus are recommended except the Impreza WRX. Read magazine page 7, and the best/worst ratings summary on page 26.
> Top car companies based on CR reliability scores only:  #1Honda, #2 Toyota, 3 Mitsubishi, 4 Hyundai, 5 Porsche, 6 Subaru... read the magazine pg 16.
> The top car companies based on a combination of CR reliability scores and road tests etc. Top score is 100: #1 is Honda and Subaru. Both got the highest score of 77 (out of 100). Toyota got  74, Hyundai 73, Nissan 72, VW 72, Mazda 71, Mercedes 69 down to Chrylser with 46. (read magazine page 15).
Buy the annual CR April car issue at your local bookstore or subscribe online

3/15 Growing up and growing old together but the road always ends   'I had to put down a good friend last week. In dog years, she was 105 — a good, long life. She was reliable, always there in good times and bad. She rarely gave us problems, and was always out and about, from the sunniest day to the worst of winter. I can’t say I loved her, but I admired her so. I don’t know why my kids didn’t like her much at all. They were even mean to her sometimes, saying she was old and ugly and smelled. Can you believe it?
Of course, I’m talking about my car. My 1995 Subaru, which lasted us through three homes, two states and more than a handful of pets, finally gave out last week after more than 243,000 miles. I bought her in 1999 with 60,000 miles and got more than a great deal. I got a relationship.
By the time her engine failed, she had no cruise control, the dashboard panel lights were spotty (I haven’t known what time it is at night in that car in a decade) and a broken trunk hinge became a guillotine with tail lights for the careless person.
..For years, I told the boy that this piece of sturdy machinery would be handed down, like a fine watch or Coca-Cola stock...
..The car was older than my son. I had it longer than I have had my daughter. Until that car went, those facts would never change. I don’t think the children liked that I repeated those facts about once a month for the last seven years.
Now that the deed is done, and my beloved car has gone to the big junk yard in Norwich, maybe my children and I can start anew. We can find common ground as we begin the relationship with a new vehicle together.' read the full article from Jim Konrad

3/11 Reset your clocks ahead 1 hour Saturday night 3/13. It's Spring Forward
2/16 KBB.com Top 10 family cars
'If safe, roomy and affordable are the characteristics that qualify a vehicle as a family car, then the American family has never had so many choices. While a sea of options is ultimately a good thing, it can also make it more difficult for families to pick a winner. To help ease the pain, every year we put together a list of the Top 10 Family Vehicles, evaluating an ever-lengthening list of eligible vehicles on such factors as resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and kid-friendliness. This year's list features vehicles in a range of sizes and prices, offering something for a wide variety of families -- everything from an SUV that can comfortably accommodate nine passengers to a compact, fuel-efficient wagon capable of taking the road less traveled.'
'The Subaru Outback is a sport wagon with a crossover complex, combining some of the best elements of both. And the all-new 2010 Outback is the longest, widest, most family-friendly yet. Combined with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, this rugged wagon can make it to grandma's house in even the toughest conditions.'  read the article
The list in order of overall passenger/cargo roominess. All are 2010s.  Chevy Suburban, Honda Odyssey LX,  Chevrolet Traverse LS,  Ford Flex SE, Subaru Outback 2.5i, Chevrolet Equinox LS, Honda Accord Crosstour EX, Ford Taurus SE, Ford Fusion Hybrid

2/10 The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize program has added a few twists to its $10 million competition for energy efficient motor vehicles. The competitions that matter the most won't be held in public view, but will be conducted instead behind closed doors.
When the contest had its kickoff two years ago, X Prize officials said the competition would climax with a couple of rounds of "real world" cross country racing, incorporating city as well as highway driving. Peter Diamandis, chairman and CEO of the X Prize Foundation, even mused about rerunning the New York-to-Seattle road race that jump-started the Model T's popularity back in 1909.
The public will still get a look at X Prize cars in Michigan, during viewing opportunities at the State Capitol in Lansing in April and at the Michigan International Speedway outside Detroit in July. No judging will take place at those events, however. Instead, the judges will put the vehicles through closed-door road tests at the speedway, starting April 26. The field will be winnowed down to 20 vehicles during further tests in June and July.
The finals aren't the final word, however. The last contest comes in August, when the top finalists undergo dynamometer testing at the Environmental Protection Agency's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, and at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago. All the numbers are plugged into a formula to select the winners, who will receive their checks at a September prize ceremony in Washington.
The aim of the competition is to reward teams that come up with efficient, clean, safe and affordable automotive vehicles. The key target is to surpass the equivalent of 100 miles per gallon fuel economy, while satisfying all the standards for safety and emissions that have to be met for a marketable car. Half of the $10 million purse is set aside for the winning "mainstream" car, capable of seating four. The other half would go to "alternative" two-seaters: $2.5 million for the side-by-side winner, $2.5 million for the top tandem.' the article

2/3 winner of the 1st Subaru/ASE award  Master Tech Toby Costa of Maita Subaru in Sac. Ca is the winner of the new Subaru ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year award given by Subaru and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
The rest of the top ten are Shawn Mitchell, Subaru of Richmond, Va; George Weller, Ambassador Subaru, Id; Shane Maas, Cascade Subaru Wenatchee, Wa;  Chris Debban, Team Subaru of Nampa, Id; Jeffrey Sparrow, Mastro Subaru Tampa, Fl; George Thabet, Maita Subaru (again!);  Jared Kalina, Power Subaru of Scottsdale, Az; Anthony DiSalvo, Ganley Subaru Aurora, Co; John Ochsner, Subaru of Sioux Falls, SD

2/1 Skiiers take note The Subaru Master the Mountain team is back at ski resorts with music and giveaways
Demo the latest Nordica skis, attend free mini ski and snowboard sessions (must have prior skiing and boarding experience), get tips, behind the scenes tours and watch rescue demonstrations.  Check out footage from the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, The Northface Masters of Snowboarding tour stops, and the latest film from MSP Films, In Deep: The Skiing
Below are locations of 15th Subaru Master the Mountain
> California:  February 27–28, Kirkwood; March 6–7, Kirkwood; March 6–7, Mountain High.
> Colorado:  February 6–7, Telluride; Feb 27–28; Durango; Feb 20–21 Crested Butte; March 27–28, Loveland.
> New Mexico:  February 20–21, 2010, Taos
> Pennsylvania: February 27–28, 2010, Hidden Valley; March 5–6, 2010, Jack Frost Big Boulder.
> Utah: January 23–24, 2010, Snowbird; March 20–21, 2010, Snowbird
> Washington State: February 13–14, 2010, Crystal Mountain
> West Virginia: February 20–21, 2010, Snowshoe.
1/22 Subaru to be sold in S Korea
'Fuji has reported that it will enter into car sales business in South Korea. The sales of Subaru-brand vehicles will reportedly start from April 2010 in South Korea working through the company's local distributor, Subaru Korea. Subaru Korea will operate sales, distribution and after-sales servicing businesses of Subaru cars. The Legacy, Outback and Forester models will be available in the South Korean market from April 2010.  Subaru Korea has set an initial sales target of 600 units in the first year and aims to increase that number to 3,000 units by 2015. Subaru Korea is in the process of developing its own dealer network and plans to open Subaru outlet in Seoul and Pusan at first then expands to the other metropolitan areas in South Korea.' the article
1/18 Hollywood star Jessia Biel drives a Subaru. She's from Colorado....
'You can learn all sorts of interesting things about a person on a road trip together. For example: Jessica Biel is a very good driver. She is behind the wheel of a Subaru heading north from Vancouver toward Whistler, one of the ski resorts hosting the Olympics this month. Because of record-breaking snow, Biel has decided to ditch the more traditional plans she'd made for our interview and hit the slopes instead. So here we are, side by side, snacking on trail mix and listening to the sound track to Where the Wild Things Are. In the car in front of us is Biel's assistant and best friend, Lindsay Ratowsky, who is being driven with all of our bags and equipment. Our mini caravan left Vancouver in the late afternoon in a downpour, and now we are driving in the dark in a snowstorm. Wearing jeans and hiking boots, Biel, who grew up in Boulder, Colorado, and has been snowboarding since she was a kid, is utterly in her element. "This is very much a me moment: in the snow, in the Subaru, listening to music," she says. "I feel really at peace in this environment."
It's a far cry from where we were two hours ago, when Biel had 40 pounds of ammo strapped around her waist and an M4 semiautomatic assault rifle hoisted above her right shoulder. We were on the outskirts of Vancouver in an empty warehouse the size of a Walmart, part of the soundstage where she has been filming The A-Team...'   Vogue magazine February issue

1/16 Dealer list updated. Here are a few new Subaru dealers opening January 2010 - Gateway Subaru in Delmar Md; Subaru of Dayton in Dayton Oh, Huffines Subaru inDenton, TX; Don Miller West in Madison WI, Peoria Subaru in Peoria Az, Subaru of Orange Park in Jacksonville, Fl. Check them out...

1/8/10 survey of how we view car manufacturers
'It is only the end of the first week of January, but for Subaru, 2010 is already shaping up to be a very happy new year.
Just the other day, Subaru of America reported it had its best year in 2009, selling 216,652 vehicles. It was a 15 percent increase from 2008 and well above the automaker’s previous annual record of 200,703 in 2006.
Now, Subaru has scored big in Consumer Reports’ recently released 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey, a nationwide survey performed in early December. Subaru was one of three automakers that saw at least a 30-point improvement in how people view their vehicles. The other two were Chevrolet and Ford.
The survey covered 1,752 adults in households that had at least one car, and the scores reflect how consumers perceive each brand in seven categories: safety, quality, value, performance, design/style, technology/innovation and environmental friendliness.
Subaru had a 39-point increase, the largest of any brand, doubling its score from last year and taking it from 18th place to ninth place in this year’s survey.
The top-10 scoring brands based on the perception of the car owners surveyed were: Toyota (196), Ford (141), Honda (135), Chevrolet (124), Volvo (92), Mercedes-Benz (92), BMW (90), Cadillac (87), Subaru (81) and Lexus (80).
Subaru’s improvement is significant on multiple fronts. It was one of the top 10 scoring brands based on the perception of car owners, and in third place in terms of perceptions of being a safety leader. Moreover, Subaru is seen as more environmentally friendly than in last year’s survey.
“In the last 12 months, they’ve made some dramatic improvements to their product line, sales have been relatively strong and the products deserve them,” said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports’ deputy online editor, who was an author of the survey.
“The cars are good,” he said. “They’ve improved the fuel economy while making the cars bigger, and they’re not more expensive. They’re really hitting on a lot of the magic hot buttons.”
The survey found that safety, quality and value were the most important factors for new-car buyers. Sixty-four percent of those surveyed said safety was most important, 58 percent cited quality and 52 percent said value.' from the NYT

1/7/10  2009, the car year in review
2009 total vehicle sales 10.43 million, -21% from 2008 and the lowest total since 1982.  Most ever sold, 17.4 million in 2000.
Cash for clunkers was a great program and boosted sales across the board.
Losers for 09: Hummer -67%, Suzuki -54%, Smart (owned by MB) -47%, Mitsubishi -44%, Chrysler -36%, GM -30%, Mazda -21%, BMW -21%, Toyota -20%, Honda -19.5%, Nissan -19%. MB Daimler -17.8%,  Ford -15%, Volvo -14.6%, Land Rover /Jaguar (Tata)  -14%, Audi -5.7%,
Winners for 09:  Hyundai + 8%, Kia (owned by Hyundai) +10%; Subaru +15% to 2.1% of the US market from 1.4% in 2008.
Top sellers: 1. Ford F-150; 2. Toyota Camry; 3. Chevrolet Silverado;  4. Toyota Corolla/Matrix;  5. Honda Accord; 6. Nissan Altima;  7. Ford Escape;  8. Honda CR-V;  9. Ford Fusion;  10. Honda Civic

1/6 Top 20 new Subaru dealers in the US. The dealers are loosely clustered as expected in the Northeast, Northwest, West coast and Rocky Mtn areas. NY and Colorado have 3 of the top 20, then WA, OR, PA, CA, CT have 2.  #1 toip volume new Subaru dealer in the US for 2009 once again is Heuberger (Colorado) with 2537 cars for the 2009 calendar year. That's a lot of cars. The rest of the top 20 in order- Van Bortel (NY) 1300 cars in 2009, Manchester (NH) 1245 cars, Carter Subaru Shoreline (WA) - where I work- 1121 cars, Colonial (CT) 1116 cars, Bill Kolb (NY) 1101 cars, Chaplins (WA) 1089 cars, Continental (AK) 1034 cars, Patrick's (MA) 1030 cars, Carr (OR) 1029 cars, Becker (PA) 1019 cars, Go Arapahoe (CO) 994 cars, Wentworth (OR) 985 cars, Northtown (NY) 974 cars, Irvine (CA) 945 cars, Goldstein (NY) 903 cars, Shortline (CO) 899 cars, Georgetown (CT) 888 cars, Lithia Reno (NV) 885 cars, Stevens Creek (CA) 884 cars.
In the top 100, the #100 spot is shared by Day Apollo (PA) and Lee Galles (NM)  with 511 cars each for the year.
 
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Subaru Tribeca
news and reviews
edited for length, content
2010 calendar year

> Subaru's Top Safety Picks: Small Car category- Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX); Midsize Car category- Subaru Legacy and Outback, Small SUV category - Forester; Midsize SUV category- Tribeca.  the full press release with all Top Safety Picks 

10/29 auto dimming mirror with back-up camera is by Gentex 
Gentex Corporation, the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based active-safety systems for the automotive industry, commercial fire protection products and dimmable aircraft windows, has announced that it is shipping auto-dimming rearview mirrors with its Rear Camera Display (RCD) feature as original equipment for the 2011 Subaru Outback sport utility vehicle. The Outback is sold in North America and is the second original equipment program between Gentex and Subaru (2011 Outback, 2010 Tribeca).
The RCD mirror is also equipped with a compass that utilizes Gentex's proprietary Z-Nav(R) technology, a highly-accurate sensor that determines the vehicle's directional heading, and universal garage door opener as part of the popular Power Moonroof Package. Vehicles equipped with a navigation system feature a Gentex mirror with compass and garage door opener.
The RCD Mirror contains a liquid crystal display (LCD) that works with a video camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle to provide a view directly behind the vehicle while backing up. When the vehicle is shifted into "reverse," a display appears automatically through the auto-dimming mirror's reflective surface. The display disappears when the vehicle is shifted into any other gear, a capability that is made possible utilizing Gentex's "transflective" coating and lighting techniques, which result in a bright, high-resolution color image.
"For the second time, Gentex is working directly with Subaru engineers to make auto-dimming mirrors with advanced features as original equipment on the vehicle," stated Enoch Jen, Gentex Senior Vice President. "Subaru has long offered Gentex auto-dimming mirrors as an accessory option on its vehicles, but the 2010 Subaru Tribeca, which featured the RCD mirror display, was the first original equipment program between our two companies. Subaru is gaining U.S. market share and we are pleased that Gentex products are being offered to the Subaru-buying public."

10/18 Tribeca brochure error.  2011 brochures have an color error. New for 2011,  Ruby Red now has the slate gray interior. Brochures say it still has desert beige like the 2010s. 

9/28 2011 Tribecas arriving at dealers. 

9/16 2011 WRX/STI and Tribeca brochures arriving at dealers. 2011 Spec pages WRX, STITribeca

9/8 2011 Tribeca- prices and models detail released.  No changes announced and the line continues with Premium, Limited, and Touring models.  There aren't many 2010s around, so why not just order a 2011? 2011 Tribeca

6/4 Tribeca review '... It's a decent enough SUV on its own merits, neither failing nor excelling with any significance, but when we begin comparing the 2010 Subaru Tribeca to a crowded field of competitors, it begins to show its mediocrity. Our 2010 Subaru Tribeca test vehicle, in range-topping Touring trim, was priced in the same range as its rivals. For the price, the features list is comparably generous, with all-wheel drive, navigation, third-row seating and pleasant interiors for all. Unfortunately for the Tribeca, it trails in terms of cargo capacity, passenger space and fuel economy. The interior design is a standout among other SUVs, but its style comes with compromised usability, as well.
The front-running Ford Flex and Chevrolet Traverse (and its Buick and GMC twins) are, quite simply, hard to beat. Toyota's Highlander and Mazda's CX-9 are also worthy of consideration. But the disappointing 2010 Tribeca should give even the most loyal Subaru fans some pause. As such, we recommend shopping the rest before committing to a purchase....
Who Should Consider This Vehicle? The 2010 Subaru Tribeca seems to be stuck in a mediocre position from which even its all wheel drive cannot extract it. It doesn't really fail in any category; it is simply upstaged by more talented and competent choices. We suggest looking elsewhere, even if you're a die-hard Subaru fan. The cheaper Outback may only have five seats, but it offers almost as much cargo space and is more fuel-efficient.' read the whole article
4/7 Tribeca review - low sales volume because size, price and features matter
'I was driving a Subaru Tribeca during a week of walloping storms and I thanked my guardian angels several times. I felt in complete control fording troughs of water in lanes of interstate, while visibility was blown out by sheets of rain.
Size isn't as important as control in adverse conditions, and the Tribeca is so tight, refined and responsive it felt as if I were driving a BMW on dry roads. Even its 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder has that strong Bavarian engine tone.
I could see why owners love their Subarus and how Tribeca is a logical step larger for them. But I could also see why this Subaru is overlooked by owners of other brands.
Size does matter when paying $30,000 and up for a seven-passenger crossover. But as a seven-seater, Tribeca is too small and overshadowed by the overwhelming style and function of Subaru's own five-seat Outback and Forester.
Monthly sales have been so low, it is honorable that Subaru keeps Tribeca in production. It had 175 sales last month, 256 in January and 208 in December – and those are the months when all-wheel drive is a selling point. By comparison, sales for Outback and Forester were 5,467 and 4,943, respectively.
Tribeca went on sale in 2006 and Subaru appears to be giving its biggest vehicle, a last shot at stardom – and it already gets 24 out of 25 stars for government crash-safety ratings....
If the devil's in the details, then Tribeca's troubles aren't in what it does have, but what it doesn't have as a top-line vehicle with a near-luxury price...
As a seven-passenger vehicle, there is little legroom in the second row if there are tall adults in the front seats. And while the third row has nice seat bottoms, there is very little legroom...
Tribeca is an in-between caught in the American culture of people who spend hours a day in their vehicles where they like room to spread out. Size, price and features do matter in a seven-passenger vehicle...' the full article
3/21 2010 Tribeca Safety Recall to move front door latch cables on app 1,585 Tribecas made 9/4/09 - 3/8/10. more

2/11 Tribeca Touring review and he's not too happy with it
'Gas mileage, dated looks hamper Subaru Tribeca Touring .. The (2010) Tribeca Touring was outdated even before it arrived. The big body, once considered spacious, is now cumbersome. The multi-terrain capable all-wheel drive is just rough. The inconspicuous styling is just boring, but that was true before.. It looks like any other run-of-the-mill SUV and big and bulky have already fallen out of favor with consumers.
After the superb Legacy, Outback and ever-capable Forester, Subaru was due for a dud.
The Tribeca Touring may have a gutsy little engine, and it is still fun to drive, but it's as exciting as a bag of rock salt in the summer...
The all-wheel drive system remains one of the best around and explains why every Subaru sold comes with it...
The five-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and responsive to aggressive or mild driving, remains one gear short of a modern vehicle.
The exterior looks outdated, and it's only 3 years old. The 2007 Tribeca may have been homely -- what with the triple grille fascia and sharp headlights cutting into the hood -- but at least it had some character. Now, the Touring adopts the much more staid and flat front end with a single grille stretched across its face and rectangle headlights. Before it was the Lady Gaga, now it's the Grey Lady.
...If the design needed a headline it would be simple: Zzzzzzzzzzzz.
Despite my displeasure with the vehicle's exterior, I found the interior quite accommodating... While the second row is roomy, the third row looks pointless..  Every vehicle has its time. And despite Subaru's success, the time for the Tribeca Touring should have never arrived.' the full article

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Subaru Outback
news and reviews
edited for length, content
2010 calendar year - (archives 2009)
> Subaru's Top Safety Picks: Small Car category- Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX); Midsize Car category- Subaru Legacy and Outback, Small SUV category - Forester; Midsize SUV category- Tribeca.  the full press release with all Top Safety Picks 
12/20 The 170hp 4 cylinder Outback is fine, but if you must have a 6 cylinder...
'Looking for an entry-luxury crossover? One that's quiet, comfortable, smooth, and powerful, with proven all-weather ability and space for four or five adults?
Think Subaru.Yes, Subaru. As in Outback 3.6R. Unless you absolutely have to have a luxury brand in your driveway… because the Outback 3.6R is as comfortable, well-equipped, and capable as any name-brand entry luxury crossover.
The 3.6R is the premium Outback, and it gets its name from the latest iteration of Subaru's six-cylinder engine, now with 256 horsepower. It is, of course, horizontally-opposed ("boxer") for a low center of gravity even with a useful 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so handling is closer to WRC than SUV. A six-cylinder engine is inherently smooth, making it perfect for an upscale car. And, like all Subarus in recent times, the Outback 3.6R has full-time all-wheel drive for optimum traction in all conditions from loose mud and gravel through snow to dry pavement.
If Subaru didn't actually invent the wagon-with-SUV abilities crossover (that honor goes to the AMC Eagle, perhaps), it has the right vehicle for the right time when it debuted the first Outback in 1995. The concept was quickly copied, but not necessarily improved... It's instantly recognizable as a Subaru Outback even though all body panels, and the grille and lights, have changed...
..Get in, aided at night by courtesy lights at the bottoms of the front doors, and the new Outback feels more spacious. Only because it is. Two inches extra width doesn't sound like much, on paper. But, allied with the restyled instrument panel and doors, there is more elbow room. And headroom. And legroom - especially for rear-seat passengers, with a healthy four-inch increase...
..It's a Subaru, so the 2010 Outback uses "Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement" architecture to protect occupants. A full complement of airbags, with impact force sensors, front passenger weight sensor, and even sensors to measure the driver's distance to the steering wheel to control inflation strength offer further protection. As do anti-whiplash front seats, standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with traction control, and of course all-wheel drive traction and handling...
... why bother with the larger, naturally-aspirated six? Smoothness and refinement....  with the debut of the new Outback (and Legacy upon which it is based) last year, the six got major revisions...  and now runs on regular unleaded with no loss of fuel economy - the 23 mpg I got during the week is not bad at all for a 3600-pound all-wheel drive crossover. 
..A luxury Subaru? Absolutely, if it's an Outback 3.6R Limited.'  read the entire article

12/10 Outback review
'If there's one car that says Summit County (or, conversely, the womyn of New Hampshire), it's the Subaru Outback. An oddity in coastal climates, unknown in the Midwest (despite being assembled in Indiana), but as steady a staple in snowy climes as dudes in gaily colored Burton jackets.
Outback got a complete makeover in 2010, and the results appear to be popular with car-buyers given the number of new Outbacks I've seen on the road this year - though I wondered a bit when I first drove the vehicle last winter.
.. That's produced a taller and boxier looking vehicle that now seems almost like a more pleasant version of that butt-ugly Tribeca minivan crossover type deal, though Outback remains a five-seater with wagon and wagon utility written all over it.
... My drives in the 2011 earlier this week were all on dry pavement, but when I hit some really bad stuff on Vail Pass last year, the Outback's standard, full-time symmetrical AWD system kept me remarkably glued to the earth, even with all-season tires.
At 3,658 pounds, there's not much lightweight factor to the automobile, but it's still not like driving a Tahoe - you just have to mentally recompute that you really are still in a Subaru. The growth has also resulted in easier exits and entries to the vehicle and a more commanding view of the road.
... With the exception of slightly ungainly but rugged body moldings - Subaru apparently did not see the lack of aesthetic success GM had with them on its old Avalanche truck - the larger, taller-yet-shorter, much-more-angular look is very nice. The extended moldings will, sadly, deposit mag chloride on your pant legs each time you stretch to get out of the car, so step lively.
A fresh dash and instruments, plus a streamlined center stack, also brighten things; the futuristic looking shift knob, slightly bioluminescent gauges and the requisite mix of perforated leather and wood paneling makes it all rather pleasant. The apparently nuclear-powered heated seats are even hotter than ever. There's also a new, fully electronic and an occasionally loud-to-engage parking brake (also found on the Legacy).
This year's models also include a painfully bright rear vision camera display located inside the rear view mirror. If you opt for the optional navigation package, the camera displays on the navi screen.
For your entertainment pleasure, you can get the 440-watt, nine-speaker harmon/kardon audio system, featuring XM satellite radio, with Bluetooth connectivity included in the package.'  read the entire article

12/6 New options - leather shift knob now available for Legacy and Outback automatics except Limiteds where its standard. Catback 2.5" exhaust now available on 4 door WRX (a good upgrade),  Fog lights with body colored surrounds for base WRX and STI 4 door.  110v 110w power outlet now for Impreza and Forester in addition to Outback, Legacy.

11/29  how do child seats fit in the Outback 
'The Subaru Outback is a popular car in the offices of our friends at Cars.com. Three of the editors there own it. For our Car Seat Check, we had the 2011 Outback, which seats five.
For the Car Seat Check, we use a rear-facing infant-safety seat, a convertible child-safety seat and a high-back booster seat, all made by Graco. The front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position for a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-8 passenger. The child seats are installed in the second row and, if available, third row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant seat and convertible seats are installed behind the passenger seat.
Here’s how the 2011 Outback scored in MotherProof.com’s Car Seat Check:
Latch system: Two sets of lower Latch anchors sit in the outer seat positions. The anchors are covered by cloth or leather straps. Once removed, the Latch anchors are easy to use.  Three tether anchors can be found in the cargo area’s ceiling. They’re easy to access, but when in use, they limit the driver’s rear visibility.
Booster seat: The Outback’s reclining seatback makes it easy to get a good fit with the booster seat. The seat belt buckles in the outer seats sit on stable bases and stick up high enough for kids to grasp. The middle seat’s buckle, however, is floppy.
Convertible child-safety seat: Both the forward- and rear-facing convertible fit well in this wagon.
Rear-facing infant-safety seat: We had to move the front passenger seat forward a few inches to fit this car seat in the second row. However, there was still enough legroom for the front passenger.
Do two car seats fit? Yes
Do three car seats fit? No, but it’s close. We were able to fit our three car seats in the backseat, but there wasn’t enough room for a child in the booster seat to get to the seat belt buckle.'  read the article
11/26 Updated 2011 model spark plug replacement interval all 2011 Outback, Legacy, Forester; all turbos and all 3.6L 6 cylinder engines, except Tribeca. Replace plugs at 52,500 miles, 52.5 months, or 84000km. This replaces the 60,000 mile, 5 year interval  This is new and in owner's manual maintenance books printed Sept, 2010. Does not affect other years. subject to change

11/16 Best Resale Value Awards from KBB.com Subaru Outback and WRX
In addition to crowning two brands and 10 overall winners with 2011 Best Resale Value Awards, we also named 18 category champions.
Segment winners you might recognize from last year's list include Honda Accord, Toyota Sienna and seven others. Cars that bumped their way onto the podium this year include the GMC Acadia, which replaced the Honda Pilot, and the Ford Mustang, supplanting the Chevy Corvette. The Best Brand and Best Luxury Brand winners - Subaru and BMW, respectively - each claimed two category wins.
2011 Honda Fit | Best Resale Value: Subcompact Car.
2011 MINI Cooper | Best Resale Value: Compact Car
2011 Honda Accord | Best Resale Value: Mid-Size Car
2011 Ford Taurus | Best Resale Value: Full-Size Car This is the second year in a row Ford Taurus has won this award.
2011 Subaru Outback | Best Resale Value: Wagon 
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX | Best Resale Value: Sports Car ..one of the great bang-for-the-buck performers of all time. 
read the whole article

10/31 new options announced
Outback and Legacy
> Body side moldings  - body colored side moldings help minimize door dings. Factory installed only at the present time, not currently available as an uninstalled part. 
> Interior Illumination Kit. Includes soft ambient light in the footwells, around the cupholders, and in the storage  by the shift lever. Very cool option and the lights are not distracting. 
Forester and Impreza
> Side window rain deflectors. Helps keep rain from dripping in when the windows are slightly open. Dealer installed only, not available installed from the factory. Fits Forester 2009-2011, Impreza 2008-2011. See your local Subaru dealer

10/29 auto dimming mirror with back-up camera is by Gentex 
Gentex Corporation, the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based active-safety systems for the automotive industry, commercial fire protection products and dimmable aircraft windows, has announced that it is shipping auto-dimming rearview mirrors with its Rear Camera Display (RCD) feature as original equipment for the 2011 Subaru Outback sport utility vehicle. The Outback is sold in North America and is the second original equipment program between Gentex and Subaru (2011 Outback, 2010 Tribeca).
The RCD mirror is also equipped with a compass that utilizes Gentex's proprietary Z-Nav(R) technology, a highly-accurate sensor that determines the vehicle's directional heading, and universal garage door opener as part of the popular Power Moonroof Package. Vehicles equipped with a navigation system feature a Gentex mirror with compass and garage door opener.
The RCD Mirror contains a liquid crystal display (LCD) that works with a video camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle to provide a view directly behind the vehicle while backing up. When the vehicle is shifted into "reverse," a display appears automatically through the auto-dimming mirror's reflective surface. The display disappears when the vehicle is shifted into any other gear, a capability that is made possible utilizing Gentex's "transflective" coating and lighting techniques, which result in a bright, high-resolution color image.
"For the second time, Gentex is working directly with Subaru engineers to make auto-dimming mirrors with advanced features as original equipment on the vehicle," stated Enoch Jen, Gentex Senior Vice President. "Subaru has long offered Gentex auto-dimming mirrors as an accessory option on its vehicles, but the 2010 Subaru Tribeca, which featured the RCD mirror display, was the first original equipment program between our two companies. Subaru is gaining U.S. market share and we are pleased that Gentex products are being offered to the Subaru-buying public."

10/6 Safety-  crash test results using the new stricter tests released.  For the 2011 Crash Test reults, there is a new total Overall Vehicle Rating, and new tests include side pole and barrier impacts, and a new female crash test dummy, all scored using the familiar 1-5 Star Rating system. Because of the new tests, ratings for 2011 and newer vehicles should not be compared to previous ratings.
For model year 2011, NHTSA will rate 24 passenger cars, 20 SUVs, 2 vans and 9 pickups under the new ratings system
Outback and Legacy are both tested and each gets an Overall Vehicle Rating of 4 Stars in these new stricter government crash tests. 

Only 2 cars tested got the Top Overall Vehicle 5 Star rating, the BMW 5 Series 4 DR RWD and the Hyundai Sonata (later release). 
Most other cars tested got Overall Vehicle Rating of 4 Stars, like the Honda Pilot, Chevy Malibu and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Taurus and Fiesta, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sorento, Audi A4, S4, Cadiallac Escalade...
The only car with an Overall rating of 3 Stars is the Camry, and only getting 2 Stars is the Nissan Versa. Read the NHTSA press release

9/12  Used Subarus are popular and hold their value well. Good clean ones sell quickly in all parts of the US and Canada, and new ones don't plummet in value when driven off the lot. Shoppers are often surprised to find 1 and 2 year old models, usually rental fleet returns since few private owners sell or trade in their Subarus quickly, sell at prices closer to new than expected.
Especially desirable are lower priced, carefully maintained ones that budget buyers, parents, outdoor activity people search and hunt for.
Here is an article about used values in Canada, and it's pretty much the same everywhere.
"... The Outback is one of the more practical automobiles available. The wagon conveys just the right amount of machismo that complements its AWD ability. Outbacks drive, ride and steer like most other cars, but it’s the added ride height and go-anywhere powertrain that gives drivers the confidence to hit the road when conditions might otherwise keep them at home.
Subaru’s growing popularity is reflected in steadily increasing used-car values. Selecting either the turbo XT or high-end L.L. Bean models could bump up the average selling prices by $3,000-$4,000....'  the full article

8/31- Fold-In replacement outside mirrors are now available for the 2010 Outback and Legacy  The non-breakaway power outside mirrors on all 2010 Outback and Legacy were a source of concern for many people. This was fixed on 2011s, and now these fold-in mirrors are available as replacement for the 2010s, in all the colors so no painting is required. Mirrors kits (including left and right side) are MSRP $199.95 from your local Subaru dealer.  Standard unheated mirror kit is part #SOA635985,  Heated mirror kit is part #SOA635086
8/25 2011 maintenance.  According to the printed 2011 owner manual warranty booklet, some 2011 model maintenance schedules on 2.5L Outback, Legacy, Impreza and Forester XT no longer calls for replacing the rubber timing belt at 105,000 miles as in previous years. The schedule calls for an inspection at 30,000 mile intervals when other services are normally performed, but not for a replacement.  This is a typo- replace the timing belt at 105,000 miles Check back for updates. More on 2011 maintenance and also the new Subaru Synthetic oil

8/24 Jerry Garcia and Dirty feet welcome in the new Outback 
'I get the feeling the 2011 Subaru Outback is either inspired partially or wholly by Jerry Garcia. (Or maybe I get the feeling I’m sitting too close to the exhaust pipes these days.) Sure there’s the easy observation — more “Jerry Bear” stickers have made their way onto Subarus than have made their way onto black lights and lava lamps. But the connection runs deeper than that.
Underneath the beard, glasses and ragged T-shirt, you’d be hard pressed to find a guy that could mash a Fender better than ol’ Jerry. If Jerry had looks only a mother could love, Mother needs thicker eyeglasses. But grungy looks aside, that guy could wail.
Back to the Outback. It’s clear that Subaru hasn’t exactly taken its signature, go-anywhere wagon avant garde here. How could they?  From the beginning the Outback was more about where it could go rather than how it looked getting there. I dare you to build a five-passenger wagon with nine inches of ground clearance. I guarantee you come out with something that looks closer to George Patton than George Clooney.
Remember the commercials with a grizzled Paul Hogan? Exactly. But this year, like last year, Subaru let the interior reign supreme. Similar to Jerry, the folks from Fuji Heavy let the Outback play from the inside out by packaging all the rock and roll you’ll need between four wheels. Which is to say the Outback now features more room, more cargo capabilities and a better engine underneath the wagon exterior.
Hot? No. Helpful? Yes. I’m being too harsh, because for whatever aesthetic shortcomings the Outback has, the new models make up for it with a wide swath of overall improvements.
First - and my favorite - Subaru finally heard the cries of its customers and offers the six-cylinder model without a premium gas requirement. The 3.6-liter flat six flavor supplants last year’s 3.0-liter that only drank the good stuff without losing any horsepower in the process. In fact, Subaru has engineered the six-cylinder to have a longer, flatter torque curve between 2,000 and 6,500 rpm, which gives it a smooth, calculated power delivery.
Thankfully, the bigger displacement doesn’t mean one will take it in the pants at the pump. This year’s six-cylinder model gets one more mpg than did last year’s; and the smallest Outback, the 2.5i with a continuously variable transmission, will break the 20-mpg barrier in the city and carry a carload of Dead Heads en route to the next show at a 30-mpg clip on the highway.
Second, Subaru pushed the wheels back and out in the Outback affording passengers another eight cubic feet of interior space without making the car any longer than it already is. In fact the Outback is actually two inches shorter than in previous years. Rear passengers have four extra inches of leg space and the cargo area grows by nearly six cubic feet when the seats are down.
Lastly, and almost more importantly, Subaru has kept the Outback from taking itself too seriously again this year. Despite the fact the Outback can tip the scales at more than $35,000 fully equipped with the six-cylinder engine and lots of goodies like our test model, you can still ride the Outback hard and put it away wet without feeling bad.
Dirty feet are welcome in the Outback. You can’t say that about many cars these days. 
Of course the 2011 Outback benefits from Subaru’s standard blessings: all-wheel drive and enough ride height to tackle weekend excursions to the elevated hinterlands.  Call it fire up the mountain." the article by aaron.m.cole

8/18 Outback review- the automotive version of a multi-tool pocketknife.  'It’s hard to imagine any other vehicle as versatile as the Subaru Outback. It’s the all-purpose car. It’s ideal as a family wagon. It’s a workhorse for a small businessperson. It’s as safe as any car on the road in inclement weather.
Introduced in 1995, the Outback has gone through several editions, including a redesign and a new lineup of models with more than 40 trim configurations for 2010.
The Outback has a new 6-cylinder engine and it’s about 3 inches wider and longer in wheelbase than the 2009 Outback. Two engines and six models are offered, all with horizontally opposed engines...
I’ve driven several Subarus in recent years, and I also leased an early version of the Legacy wagon for four years in the mid-1990s. Leased or tested for a review, every Subaru I’ve driven has the same secure feel. Originally marketed as the “world’s first sport utility wagon,” Subaru’s early reputation as a versatility performer was enhanced in its several-year sponsorship with the U.S. National Ski Team based in Colorado Springs, Colo. 
It was an ideal marriage. Winters present serious weather in Colorado and that allowed for a nice, truth-in-advertising campaign. But even in far less severe circumstances it’s easy to see how Subaru has built its strong reputation, particularly among mountain drivers.... 
As a wagon acting like an SUV, the Outback has a slightly raised suspension, which only adds to its efficient, simple good looks. It doesn’t have the off-road capabilities of true SUVs, but that shouldn’t deter potential buyers....
Likes: Comfortable leather seats, spacious back seats, visibility, huge navigation screen, secure ride. 
Dislikes: Small lever engages and disengages hand brake. It’s positioned oddly and makes a “grinding” noise when engaged.
The Weekly Driver’s final words: Neither snow, nor rain, nor sleet, nor a youth soccer team nor a handyman’s supplies can prevent the Subaru from getting the job done. It’s the automotive version of a multi-tool pocketknife. Own one and not much else is needed." the full article 
8/6  new, optional 110 power outlet on 2011 and 2010 Outback, Legacy- 110 volt, 100 watt, 2 prong power outlet goes in the back of the center console for charging cell phones, laptops.

7/24  Recall - 2010 and 2011 manual transmission Outbacks and Legacys built April 28,1010 - June 23, 2010, App 809 cars are missing a lubrication passge in the transmission transfer case which could eventually lead to gear failure. The passage will be opened in the affected vehicles. If the gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop. Cars with 6,250 miles will need third through sixth gears as well as the main shaft.  Letters will be sent August 6th late July . Recall WVS-29
7/15 - new optional Wi-Fi mobile internet for 2011 and 2010 Outbacks is now available.  Mobile router mounts in the rear cargo area providing internet access for multiple wi-fi devices such as laptops, phones, game devices, Wii, iphones etc. Great for families with kids who like to study or play while traveling and camping, and especially for business people who want internet access on the road.  Range is up to app 150ft depending on line-of-sight access and buildings. The car must be running or the key turned to 'accessory' to power the unit. The router can carry many connections at the same time.
Internet access is 3G by AutoNet Mobile and see the coverage map. Requires a 1 year contract at $29 month with the first 3 months free (promo code 'Subaru'). Connection is 802.11a/b/g, with USB, ethernet ports. Security features include passwords. 
Optional services available from autonet include 'Find My Car' vehicle tracking and 'Geo Fence' vehicle location notification. 
Available factory installed for $529 list price, or from Subaru dealer parts dept for $499 part #H001SAJ200

7/14-  new optional side window moldings are available for 2011 and 2010 Outback and Legacy.  Have a dog, kid in the back seat, do you like fresh air, or smoke? These window moldings will help minimize rain dripping in when your windows are open a bit. Lets in the fresh air but not the rain on both front and back windows, plus they look good.  Dark gray with chrome trim. Available from your dealer, not from the factory. Photos on my Outback, Legacy page..
7/6 Comparison- 2010 Outback with Honda Crosstour and Toyota Venza
'While some see station wagons as the family haulers of yore, the future looks bright with new models like the Honda Accord Crosstour and Toyota Venza entering the fray. They square off against the venerable Subaru Outback....
Crosstour- is a curious beast, and one whose appeal seems limited. A lot of utility is sacrificed in the name of design. It's more "wagon lite" than fully functional hauler. 
Outback- By sticking to the basics — like a comfortable, roomy cabin, a forgiving ride and vast cargo room — the Outback gives shoppers plenty of reasons to check it out. 
Venza-The Venza's sculpted looks and spacious interior win points, but its suspension is too sporty for the shopper it's likely to attract.'  the article

6/25 recall - 2010 Outback and Legacy . This is similar to an Australian recall earlier in the week. According to NHTSA (safercar.gov), the grease used in the steering roll connector can cause the flat cables of the roll connectors to crack, which could damage the surrounding electrical circuits. Damaged circuitry would cause the airbag warning light to illuminate and the loss of steering wheel mounted controls, including the cruise control, radio controls, paddle shifters, and the horn. Subaru has received nine reports associated with this issue.

6/22 2011 Outbacks arriving at dealers slowly, one by one. Check out the new Ruby Red color, rear view mirror with back-up camera

6/18 Consumer Reports reviews the Outback.
'A cross between a wagon and SUV, the Subaru Outback is a popular vehicle choice for buyers who want a versatile vehicle with all-wheel-drive. Subaru redesigned the Outback for 2010, addressing the previous generation’s low fuel economy for its class, tight interior space, and emergency handling. So, have these fixes improved the popular Outback?
The redesign brings many welcome changes. The rear seat is now spacious and comfortable and fuel economy has improved to 24 mpg overall with the addition of the CVT transmission (up from 21 mpg in the last generation).
Even though there have been improvements, the Outback still has a few flaws. For instance, the base 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has better acceleration than the previous version, but it’s still just adequate. The optional six-cylinder engine is quieter and quicker, but not as fuel efficient. Handling is responsive in routine driving, but a little clumsy at its limits and the standard stability control is slow to kick in.
On the plus side, a roomy cabin with a tilt-and-telescope wheel helps the driver find a good driving position and the large windows are good for visibility. Further, crash test results are excellent and the Outback earns the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2010.'  see the article by Liza Barth, s subscribe for CR for lots more

6/16 Outback 3.6R Limited long term review from automobile magazine: they like the car but not the navigation system:  'that the car continues to be booked for lengthy road trips says a lot about the vehicle's quality and desirability...''
'Months in fleet: Eight.  Miles to date: 22,755.  The Subaru Outback continues to be a strong seller in the United States, and Automobile Magazine's Four Seasons Outback 3.6R Limited has also been quite popular as summer has started to warm up.
Art director Matt Tierney drove the Subaru to North Carolina for the second time in as many months and was again generally pleased with the vehicle. Still, he criticized the navigation system. "There's not enough detail in many cases...."
Senior editor Joe Lorio also expressed some negative comments about the nav system when he had the car in New York...
It would be much more difficult, unfortunately, for consumers to address the issue that associate editor Eric Tingwall recently described after driving the Outback back-to-back with our Four Seasons Audi Q5. "I was well aware that the Subaru isn't a great handler," Tingwall wrote, "but I was surprised to find that the ride doesn't feel any better than in the Q5...
Another logbook commenter agreed: "There were few curves on my journey, but plenty of body roll was still evident...
Despite the body roll, though, the fact that the car continues to be booked for lengthy road trips says a lot about the vehicle's quality and desirability...'   the entire article from automobile magazine

6/13 Outback review - a nice package..  fair price.. the mpg economy guage is silly..
'Drive around most towns in the Northeast and you'll see so many Subaru Outbacks you might think the company is giving them away. The Outback has been "New England's car" for years; anyone looking to re-up will find Subaru has redesigned this cherished model for 2010, making roomier for passengers and cargo. This fourth generation Outback has been revamped to spread Subaru's appeal to the SUV-loving general public. Subaru still calls it a wagon, but the lines are blurring. The car sure looks more like an SUV, maybe even more than the Toyota Venza, which figures to be among its main competitors...
..We found the Outback comfortable on all creature-comfort fronts. The heated leather seats were plenty big and supportive. Interior materials, including wood trim, were of good quality.
Subaru, however, has included a "what's-this-for?" miles-per-gallon gauge in lieu of an engine temperature gauge. Frankly, it's pretty useless. Push on the accelerator and it drops way down, take your foot off the gas and it goes way up...
..The ride, especially on the highway, was comfortable and predictable. Steering was steady. My test is driving Rte. 95 north of Topsfield late at night - a dark stretch with faded lane markers. The Subaru was easy to keep on track.
Even at 40 mph over ready-to-be-repaved grooved roadway, it was comfortable to carry on a conversation. Subaru's tried and true symmetrical all-wheel- drive system is standard as is stability control.
Also standard is an electronic parking brake, a feature that takes some getting used to if you're among the dwindling number of drivers who use their parking brake. The brake also has a built-in hill-holding feature, which seems unnecessary with an automatic transmission... We kept meaning to try it but kept forgetting.
Outback pricing starts at $22,295 for a base model (+ $695 destination, and not including PZEV emissions if required) with a four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. Opting for the automatic-a constant variable (CVT) transmission-adds $1,000. Prices continue to escalate as you step up to the Premium and Limited versions and/or to the six-cylinder, which also is available in all three trim levels...
While the Outback looks bigger in all respects, it's partly an illusion. The 2010 actually is an inch shorter than its predecessor but 2.3 inches higher and 2 inches wider. Because the overhang is less at each end, the wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer and there's 4 inches of added rear-seat legroom. Bottom line: This is a nice package at a fair price.' the whole article

6/12 recall, Outback and Legacy
Some ABS brake units may have a plastic cover that was cracked when made, and under certain circumstances, like washing the engine with a pressure washer,  the unit could short circuit. The normal brakes would continue to work but the ABS light would come on. The unit will be inspected. Owner letters sent June 7th, 2010.
6/9 Outback in Cochise's Arizona desert
'Built on legend and myth of a world gone by, Tombstone is a town of Hollywood fame. But just across the desert from its dusty wooden walks lies a lesser known area of lore....
I'm thankful for the Subaru's all-wheel drive as we bounce down the dusty dirt road and over the dry rocky washes, tires whining on metal cattle guards. The scarce green of the low-growing scrub around us yields sweeping scapes of the towering rocks ahead. Across the seemingly endless desert, the distant mountain range slowly grows larger until individual areas become apparent..." the whole article
5/27 Different cars for different summer road trips, from KBB.
#1 - KBB suggests: drive an Outback to the Sasquatch Music festival, Quincy, Wa, Memorial Day Weekend
Three hours east of Seattle, smackdab in the middle of Washington, there's a three-day music festival that boasts a name even more fun than Lollapalooza or Bonnaroo. This year's Sasquatch! lineup includes newer names like Vampire Weekend, OK Go and MGMT, older names like The Posies, Pavement and Public Enemy, and less familiar names like Dinosaur Feathers, Morning Teleportation and Garfunkel & Oates. Or so legend has it.
How to Get There: 2010 Subaru Outback: A communal gathering that takes place in the middle of nowhere in the Pacific Northwest? The question here isn't which car, but which Subaru? And even that's a no-brainer. The Subaru Outback combines all-wheel drive (a three-hour drive from Seattle just might involve some slick roads), a notably comfy and quiet highway ride, and room for a whole bunch of camping equipment and provisions - for Sasquatch! expeditions not hastily arranged on Friday afternoon.
Road trip #2-  Pike's Peak International Hill Climb, Colorado, June 27, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart; #3 Boston Harborfest,  Massachusetts, Independence Week, 2011 Mustang; #4  Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival, Quebec, Canada, July 7-25, 2010 Mini Cooper; #5 Major League All-Star Game, Anaheim, Ca, July 13, 2010 Toyota Sienna; #6 Comic-Con San Diego, Ca, July 22-July 25, Nissan Cube; #7 Elvis Week Memphis, Tn, Aug 10-16, Cadillac CTS; #8  Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Iowa, Aug 12-22, Doge Ram Hemi pick-up; #9 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Carmel, Ca, Aug 15, 2010 Porsche Panamera;  #10 Burning Man art festval, Black Rock City, Nevada, Aug 30-Sept 6, VW Jetta TDI sportwagon  Read the article

5/26 Outback review-  what would Harry Potter drive?
'... don't be surprised if the next time you see your local magician headed to the mustache-wax emporium, he's driving Subaru's 2010 Outback. Any good magician will appreciate the phantasmagoria the folks at Subaru pulled off when redesigning this model.
From the outside, the Outback looks as if your run-of-the-mill station wagon put on a Gore-Tex jacket and some hiking boots, and perhaps ate a ClifBar. It looks like a butch wagon and nothing more.
But climb inside and voila! Suddenly you're in an SUV, with the same field of vision and command of the road... This isn't obvious until you're inside, lolling about. Any seat in the house is a roomy and comfortable one. The cavernous trunk swallows cargo so there's plenty of room for cages of rabbits or boxes of top hats. Controls are laid out in the logical manner you'd expect from a company that designs its all-wheel-drive cars for people who own more aluminum water bottles than they do neckties.
Previous versions of the Outback, and indeed the Legacy on which it was based, often paid for this AWD capability with sub-par gas mileage... For 2010, Subaru got serious about making their Outbacks more economical...  Four  cylinder Outbacks with the CVT are now rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway...
Take either version off-road and the Outback is in its element. With four-wheel independent suspension and 8.7 inches of ground clearance (more than some full-out SUVs), the Outback will be more than adequate, unless your last name is Sherpa. I took my test model on a deeply rutted and long-neglected trail in the Malibu mountains and was often on three, and at one point two wheels. A pygmy goat on steroids couldn't get around the trail faster...
.. Finally, the Outback seems to suffer from a bout of aesthetic regression. The previous version was headed in a handsome, almost Audi-like direction. The front end of the new version looks like a surprised reptile....
Subarus have long been known for their value, and this Outback is no exception... Whether it was by good ol' muggle know-how, or some genuine studying of Dark Arts for Dummies, Subaru has hit the sweet spot between the space and capability of an SUV and the pragmatism of a station wagon. Cape and wand sold separately.' read the article

5/13 recall and stop sale on Outback, Legacy with CVT built July 31- Dec 1,2009  NHTSA and Subaru has issued a recall of app 29,443 2010 Outbacks and Legacys with the CVT transmission built July 31 - December 1, 2009 to replace a CVT fluid lower inlet cooling hose that might split and leak. Subaru will notify owners and dealers and replace afffected hoses. Recall number WVQ-27. 
In the meantime affected unsold cars are not available for sale until fixed. The VINs are Legacy A3215537-A3227670; Outback A3317662 - A3346480 Outback.  (updated 5/26/09)
This is the first issue for the successful new Subaru continuously variable transmission in the the 2010 Legacy and Outback. The Outback CVT has been popular and Subaru has had a hard time supplying enough of the some them and is increasing prodcution at the SIA factory in Indiana.
5/18 review Outback 3.6R Limited with Navigation -  some like the softer ride of the 2010s, a complicated Navigation stereo. 
'The all-season tires are back on our Four Seasons Subaru Outback, but associate editor Eric Tingwall still isn't pleased with the Subaru's handling. "The body is always one step behind the wheels," Tingwall notes. "Hit a bump mid-corner and the Outback becomes a gyrating and undulating mass of clumsiness. Turn-in at highway speeds and the body dips and leans before it eventually changes direction.. "It's a shame, too," Tingwall continued, "because the engine and drivetrain are very capable, dishing out smooth power and gently transmitting it to the pavement through the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.".. 
Our new art director Matt Tierney had plenty of time to evaluate the Outback's engine, comfort, and amenities when he sprinted to North Carolina for the weekend. "This is a fantastic road-trip car-great ride, fantastic seating position and visibility, impressive range, plenty of power for merging and passing," he proclaimed. "Despite cruising much of the time at 75-to-85 mph, the Subaru exceeded its 25 mpg highway estimate..   .."Unlike any sound system I've ever used in my life - in a home or in a car - this one (Navigation stereo) didn't have a graphic equalizer. Instead, the Subaru has a four-band parametric equalizer that requires that you adjust the frequency, acumination (!), and gain. Do I look like an audio engineer or a record producer? Am I supposed to use a pink-noise generator to set up the equalizer? Moreover, you can't adjust anything unless the car is in Park. Nonetheless, Tierney came away from his trip with a fairly positive opinion. "Despite my lengthy rant about the audio system," he concluded, "this car would be at or near the top of my list for any lengthy road trip, and I could easily see this as my family car...' the article

5/15 Outback on the CSI scene - an animal crime scene investigation unit
'On Wednesday night, the ASPCA unveiled what it calls its newest mobile "Animal CSI" response vehicle at the third annual Veterinary Forensic Sciences Conference held here in Orlando, Florida. The purpose of this customized 2010 Subaru Outback is to help collect and process evidence at animal crime scenes. Dr. Melinda Merck, Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics at the ASPCA, said that they had it made not necessarily because there's an increase in animal cruelty, but because more people are reporting it and more law enforcement are getting involved.
She told WDBO that they've had a unit similar to this new Subaru before.  "I have a larger 26-foot-long CSI unit that was donated in 2007 to the ASPCA, but we needed a smaller unit so we could reach some of the crime scenes where we can't always get the bigger unit back there," she said. "We needed something that could carry people, supplies and evidence."
Dr. Merck said the older unit was primarily used to examine animals, but the new response vehicle focuses more on examining evidence from animal crime scenes.
"The one [older] unit wasn't enough," she said. The modified unit is unique and gives them more flexibility. It has everything needed to respond to animal crime - special lighting, a radio, computer, exam table, roof rack and refrigerator to store evidence.
The new unit will be based out of Gainesville, Fl,  home to ASPCA's other crime scene unit and veterinary forensics program, but it will primarily assist local agencies across the state..' the article
5/10  What, a 2011 Outback already?  it's all or a good cause.  Subaru is a sponsor of, and has donated a 2011 Outback to, the Southern California Heal the Bay, "Bring Back the Beach" auction fundraiser May 20th. Subaru will also give $50 for each test drive taken by Heal the Bay supporters through May 31, click here for the test drive form.  Heal the Bay is dedicated to making S. Ca coastal waters healthy and clean.  With the recent oil disaster in the gulf, protecting our waters is more important than ever.
5/9 more Subarus coming SIA, the Subaru Indiana America factory where they make lots of Outbacks and Legacys, a couple of Tribecas, and the yes the Toyota Camry, will increase production again to meet a sales surge.
'Fuji Heavy Industries,the Toyota Motor Corp. affiliate that makes Subaru cars, will boost output at its Indiana plant for the fifth time in a year and hire more workers to meet surging U.S. demand.
Annual production capacity at the Lafayette factory should reach as many as 140,000 Subarus by year’s end, a 40% increase, Tom Easterday, the facility’s executive vice president, said today in an interview. The plant’s second line can build as many as 100,000 Toyota Camrys a year.
“I’ve been here 21 years, since it opened, and we’ve never had growth this phenomenal,” Easterday said. The plant, once a joint venture shared with Japanese truckmaker Isuzu Motors Ltd., should build a record 220,000 vehicles this year, he said.
Fuji Heavy, based in Tokyo, is taking advantage of a 41 percent jump in Subaru’s U.S. sales through April. The Lafayette plant used 95% of its capacity in 2010’s first quarter, up from 61% a year earlier, said Haig Stoddard, an analyst at consultant IHS Global Insight in Troy, Michiga
SIA has added 200 workers, pushing employment to 3,326, with 40 more people still to be hired, Easterday said.'   the article
5/7 2011 Outback and 2011 Legacy features and prices announced. Yes outside mirrors now fold-in. Minor price increases, and destination now $725 (Ak $875),  Harman/Kardon radio includes XM satellite with 3 mos free trial subscription, rear view mirror with back-up camera, compass and Homelink now standard part of Sunroof package. More details: 2011 Outback and 2011 Legacy
5/2 Kiplingers annual best picks, Outback and Legacy
Wagons, Best in Class and Best New Wagon: a bigger, bolder and better Outback wins both Best in Class and Best New Wagon plaudits. It boasts sharp new styling and more headroom, rear legroom and cargo space than the previous generation, plus crisp handling.
Best New Car: the redesigned Subaru Legacy wins. The Legacy features compelling design inside and out, plus Subaru’s always-standard all-wheel drive, and it’s a top safety pick. 
Other category winners include the VW Golf, Jetta TDI, Honda Accord V6, Taurus SHO, BMW 335d, Lexus LS 460, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes-Benz E550, Chevy Camaro, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Highlander V6, Lexus RX 350. Read the article
4/22 More Outback and Legacys coming, a better supply?  'Subaru is still seeing record sales for its newly redesigned Legacy and Outback, and the company is looking to bump up production.. by a hefty 40%. Automotive News reports that Fuji wants to see a total of 140,000 vehicles roll out of the doors at its Indiana plant by the end of 2010.. the Lafayette facility is presently only geared to turn out 100,000 cars per year. That means Subaru will have to rummage up a way to crank out an extra 40,000 units, which may mean adding an additional production line. So far, Subaru hasn't said how it plans to meet the goals set forth by the higher-ups, but Automotive News seems to think the company may take over a line currently devoted to producing the Toyota Camry. Considering there are whispers that the increased output will require an investment of tens of millions of dollars, our money is on seeing another line at the plant.
Last year, Subaru sold a total of 216,652 vehicles. The company says that with the announced nudge in production, that figure should increase to 230,000 for 2010.' the article

4/19  2011   model Outback and Legacy model information released. Early information only. You can now order a 2011. No feature changes, prices, or specs announced yet, so no official conformation on rumored fold-in mirrors or any other changes for the 2011s. 
> Outback model line seems to remain the same as 2010. The models are 2.5i manual or CVT, Premium manual or CVT, Limited CVT, 3.6R 5AT, 3.6R Premium 5AT, 3.6R Limited 5AT. Major Option Packages reduced. New colors: Caramel Bronze Pearl replaces Harvest Gold, and Ruby Red Pearl added.  Sunroof package now includes new auto dimming mirror with back-up camera.It works well, see 2010 Tribeca page for pictures, and is not available with navigation.
> Legacy model line seems to remain much the same with 1 less Option Packages, and no GT Premium model. The models are 2.5i manual or CVT, Premium manual or CVT, Limited CVT, GT Limited manual, 3.6R 5AT, 3.6R Premium 5AT, 3.6R Limited 5AT. GT Premium model dropped. New Caramel Bronze Pearl color replaces Harvest Gold. 

4/13 Outback wins interior award  '..the 2010 Subaru Outback received the 2010 Ward's Auto Interior of the Year Award for popular-priced car under $29,999. The 2010 Ward's Auto Interior of the Year Awards list features winners in pricing and vehicle type categories, as well as special award winners for design, versatility and brand expression...
"We are thrilled that the 2010 Outback has been recognized by Ward's Auto in their 2010 Auto Interior of the Year Awards," said David Sullivan, Car Line Manager, Subaru of America, Inc. "During the design process, we spoke with numerous customers about what they wanted in a vehicle and we used their feedback to develop a car that is not only comfortable, but also includes interior features such as an electronic parking brake to open up console space and 60/40 reclining rear seatbacks.  Coupled with 29 EPA mpg on our 2.5i CVT model, and over 71 cubic feet of available cargo space, the changes made to the Outback's interior have definitely resonated with consumers as sales have doubled each month over the same period as last year."
A team of eight Ward's editors evaluated 40 vehicles that have either all-new or significantly upgraded interiors this year.  The vehicles - both car and truck - were divided into segments, with one winner named in each category' the press release
 3/22  last day to order a 2010 Outback, Legacy or Impreza. The inventory and incoming supply of WRX and STI is already very short. The STI SE is selling quickly (esp the white- it's almost gone),  also other models like Forester X with manual transmission could become hard to find
3/15 end for 2010s. Its close to the end for the 2010 Outback, Legacy and Impreza. Orders for those end March 22 so if you want one now is the time to get your order in.  2011s expected June-ish. 
3/14 Outback review by car reviewers who appreciate the 2010 redesign but really wish it was more fun to drive and sort of prefer the 09
"Winter still hasn't quite yet released its grip from Michigan, but our Four Seasons Subaru Outback 3.6R doesn't mind one bit, what with its (aftermarket) Yokohama winter tires, all-wheel drive, and lots of ground clearance.
Senior Web editor Phil Floraday faced some ominous conditions in his journey to the Chicago auto show, with forecasts predicting ten inches of snow during his trip. Once he returned safely to his desk in Ann Arbor, Floraday reported: "In deep snow, the Outback is simply brilliant. I tackled what seemed to be at least a foot of snow at the entrance to the alley near my house, and the Outback easily slogged through it. Driving on completely unplowed pavement like the third lane of I-75 during a blizzard is no different than driving on dry pavement."...
After his trip, Floraday had mixed feelings overall: "There's something very cool about the idea of an Outback since it can pretty much do anything you might imagine, aside from tow heavy trailers or haul extremely bulky objects. However, this Outback feels entirely too boring and generic for me to really enjoy spending time in it."
"The new Outback is one of those vehicles that highlights how sharply typical Americans can differ from us enthusiasts in their preferences," said assistant editor David Zenlea. "I find the previous-generation Outback (my mom owns a 2009) to be a much, much superior vehicle in the way it drives, and I think it already offered more than enough utility. But the sales charts indicate that this new model is far and away more popular."
Technical editor Don Sherman is also lukewarm to the Outback: "Nicely executed interior. Well laid out, high-quality plastics, credible faux wood, perforated vinyl, and textured plastic that resembles metal. Plenty of room for five plus luggage. This hauler does fulfill much of the typical family mission.
"So this is a nicely oiled, highly practical appliance," Sherman continued. "Unfortunately, the fun-to-drive gene is weak or nonexistent. Two specifics: the steering isn't sufficiently precise to laser you down the road at cruise velocity; and immediately off-center, there's a notch in the feel/effort curve when the power assist is triggered."
We'll see if the Outback fares any better once its all-season tires are reinstalled and the weather warms up."  the article
2/26 Who buys Outbacks, and is it a problem? (Canada)
"Subaru may be rolling along nicely in terms of sales performance (In Canada up 15.8% in 2009 and 45.8% in January), but dig a little and you'll find some troubling numbers.
Consider the Subaru Outback, one of the oldest names in the crossover segment. It was introduced in 1996 and most recently updated for 2010. This new Outback is longer, taller, and wider, less expensive than its predecessor -- and less appealing to younger buyers than most of its rivals. Yes, less appealing.
According to data from the Power Information Network (PIN), the four-cylinder Outback is attracting a buyer that is 53 years old on average. The average age of a Mazda CX-7 buyer is 42, by contrast. Car companies are always chasing younger buyers, convinced they are the key to long-term success. Hmm.
Another problem: 40 per cent of Outback buyers are female versus, say, 51.4 per cent for the Toyota RAV4. With this sort of vehicle, a 50-50 split would be better.
So what Subaru has here is a bunch of mid-50s men who like the Outback. With a family vehicle like this, one would expect somewhat younger family types to be buying. They're not – at least not in the kind of numbers Subaru would surely like.
Outback buyers are also careful about finances. While more than half of all four-cylinder Outback transactions include a trade, just 1.1 per cent of these trades were “upside down” – they owed more on the trade than it was worth. PIN says that ranks the Outback at the top of this competitive set. The majority of Outback buyers pay cash or use some sort of financing outside of Subaru. 
Finally, price. The average Outback transaction is $32,930. That's high. For comparison, the average Dodge Journey transaction is $20,932. In a nutshell, the middle-aged guy buying an Outback is willing to spend more than most other crossover buyers in this segment, and more than not he brings his own money to the table.
Given that Subaru owners are notorious for holding onto their cars for not years, but decades, the company must be wondering if today's Outback buyer will ever be back for another one. " the article
2/25 Can't find the Outback or Legacy you want? Hmm... how about a Forester instead? 
Dealers are short on new Outbacks and and Legacy. Its good demand is strong but bad that dealers don't have enough of them so you may not find exactly want you want sitting on the lot. 
Of course part of the problem is that with over 400 possible Outback and Legacy model, package, and color combinations, and over 600 dealers to supply, no dealer will ever have a lot of them sitting around.
So salespeople are asking how about another color, or how about one with a sunroof, or about an order and waiting 2 months (sigh)  . 
Especially scarce are 4 and 6 cylinder Outback Limiteds. 
However all is not bad, because currently there is a very good supply of Foresters and that means deals! 
'With sales hot and market share rising, the only thing Subaru dealers want is more cars. They can't keep enough in stock, particularly the updated Outback crossover and Legacy sedan, Phil Porter, chairman of the Subaru National Dealer Advisory Board, said after the make meeting here.
"We don't know, because we don't have excess inventory, just how many Outbacks and Legacys we can sell," said Porter, who owns three Subaru stores in Florida and Connecticut.
Subaru of America's overall supply is under 30 days, COO Tom Doll told Automotive News. Supplies of the Outback and Legacy are under 10 days, he said. "Our biggest challenge is to get enough product to dealers so they can achieve another sales increase," Doll said. Subaru's plant in Indiana is running on overtime, including weekends. The company is investing in additional tooling in the plant to expand capacity. Those upgrades will come in April and July, Doll said." the article
2/19 Outback review - it's a good alternative
'When the original Outback, a jacked-up wagon, arrived, Subaru used Paul Hogan of Crocodile Dundee fame as the pitchperson. The commercials were a hit; the Outback became the bigger star. It not only introduced the "World's first sport-utility wagon," it went on to define a whole new market segment -- the crossover.
The reason for the Outback's popularity was, and still is, its blend of practical utility, on-road civility and off-road ability -- no, it won't wade through a hood-high mud bog, but the 220 millimetres of ground clearance is enough that it does everything most SUVs do but without the downsides. It is car-like in its comfort and it carves a corner without giving the driver white knuckles. It is, as someone from the real Outback might say, a ripper.
The latest version is slightly larger than the previous model (the wheelbase is up 70 millimetres to 2,740, it is 50 mm wider and 105 mm taller), which adds some needed interior volume. Up front, the seats are form-fitting, there's a comfortable driving position and plenty of head-and legroom...
Naturally, the Outback brings the desired utility. There's an accommodating 34.3 cubic feet of space with the seats upright and 71.3 cu. ft. when they're folded flat...
When not in use, the crossbars are stored along the sides of the roof in the form of rails. When needed, simply unlatch the side rails, flip them across the car and they become the crossbars needed to support a canoe. The beauty is that when stored, the crossbars are not a source of wind noise...
The powertrain also benefits from the manumatic and its paddle shifters. The fact the transmission obeys the paddles regardless of the shifter's position is a welcome change from the norm -- a quick flick of the paddle drops a cog as the engine rev matches, which smoothes the downshift and brings the desired engine braking...
When it comes to handling, the Outback is, again, a rather pleasant surprise. There is little body roll, the response to steering input is fast and understeer stays at arm's length even as liberties are taken. Factor in the P225/ 60R17 tires and it all comes together very nicely. In short, the Outback's balanced approach makes it an ideal alternative to the typical SUV.' the article

2/16 KBB.com Top 10 family cars
'If safe, roomy and affordable are the characteristics that qualify a vehicle as a family car, then the American family has never had so many choices. While a sea of options is ultimately a good thing, it can also make it more difficult for families to pick a winner. To help ease the pain, every year we put together a list of the Top 10 Family Vehicles, evaluating an ever-lengthening list of eligible vehicles on such factors as resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and kid-friendliness. This year's list features vehicles in a range of sizes and prices, offering something for a wide variety of families -- everything from an SUV that can comfortably accommodate nine passengers to a compact, fuel-efficient wagon capable of taking the road less traveled.' 
'The Subaru Outback is a sport wagon with a crossover complex, combining some of the best elements of both. And the all-new 2010 Outback is the longest, widest, most family-friendly yet. Combined with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, this rugged wagon can make it to grandma's house in even the toughest conditions.'  read the article
The list in order of overall passenger/cargo roominess. All are 2010s.  Chevy Suburban, Honda Odyssey LX,  Chevrolet Traverse LS,  Ford Flex SE, Subaru Outback 2.5i, Chevrolet Equinox LS, Honda Accord Crosstour EX, Ford Taurus SE, Ford Fusion Hybrid

2/15 And the applause just keeps coming. Outback is the Canadian Crossover/SUV of the year.   The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the 2010 Outback is the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year at the start of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto Feb 11. All the winners

2/6 CVT review   Legacy and Outback.... CVT, get used to it
'More cars in the future will resemble the 2010 Subaru Legacy Limited, whether we like it or not.
While this all-wheel drive sedan is fun, capable and good looking, it's also got a CVT connected to its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This continuously variable transmission is going to take some getting used to.
See, CVTs defy the senses, and that's where the trouble begins. But there's no doubting that they're going to be inside future cars because they undeniably provide better gas mileage. The base Legacy with a 6-speed manual transmission and the same engine gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. But the Limited, which offers the CVT as standard, gets 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway -- those are certainly noticeable differences.
So how is a CVT different? Well, it doesn't have any gears. It works like a bad marriage -- it needs tension to run efficiently...
Typical CVTs use a belt and pulley system to maintain tension between the engine and the wheels. As the engine revs, the pulleys and belts adjust to meet the driver's demands. Whereas regular transmissions move through set gears, the CVT adjusts its pulleys and belts to avoid that lurch between gears known as shift shock. It's truly ingenious -- though not really new. Leonardo da Vinci sketched out the idea -- though he was also a little ahead of his time. (NASA copied his plans for the original space shuttle.) The first patent for a CVT was filed in the late 1800s and these transmissions have been around for more than 20 years in the U.S., though in smaller numbers. Subaru was, in fact, the first carmaker to provide a CVT in America with the 1989 Subaru Justy.
Driving the Legacy 2.5i Limited, I longed for that little shifting sound and feel...
They may be different, but they are also getting better. The Legacy's CVT works much better than most of the CVTs in cars from just a few years ago. And in some vehicles, such as gas-electric hybrids, they feel very "normal."...
Do I like the CVT? Not really. But I can get used to it and in the coming years, people will just get used to it. At least until all of the cars become purely electric -- those cars have no transmission at all.  read the article from the detroit news

1/30 Outback and Legacy article from Denver
'How do you know you've officially stopped being a true mountain person, and turned into one of those loathsome Front Rangers? Simple: You're the guy stuck on Loveland Pass (a ski area in Colorado) New Year's weekend for three hours, “just trying to beat the traffic,” when you could have been chilling at the Goat or passed out on a friend's couch.
And as I sat there, grating my teeth and cursing my Denver-area mailing address, the only thing that kept me from breaking down in tears was the warm, safe and now quite substantial shelter provided by the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback.
The high country's most ubiquitous ride (and its sedan sister, the Legacy) both got a total makeover this season and the results are quite impressive — though they may prove a little unnerving to Subaru purists.
In an age when many carmakers have opted to downsize their wares, Subaru has been working to bring its fleet up to 2000s-era American standards, the result being an Outback which is now 2 inches wider, 4 inches taller and has a 3-inch-longer wheelbase, but is actually shorter overall than the car it replaces...
While Subaru still owns just 2.5 percent of the American car market, the mountains are obviously a huge exception to that rule and so the company is heavily stressing that adventure lifestyle in all of its national ad campaigns — as well as prominently plastering its vehicles with “AWD” badges.
Not sure if this strategy will fly in the sun belt (I saw a grand total of zero Subarus during my week in south Florida at Christmas), but up here, it just takes a well-known entity and makes it better.
I got to tackle the pass (quite literally) in an Outback sporting a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, a larger mill borrowed from the Tribeca, and I was suitably impressed by both the 256 horsepower and the 23.5 mpg I got in mixed highway and city use...
Even with company-supplied all-seasons, the symmetrical AWD system kept me absolutely glued to even the worst of roads. At 3,658 pounds, it's no longer a lightweight vehicle, but the substance and the size felt good; Outback's growth also results in easier entries and exits and a more commanding view of the road.
With the exception of those new, ungainly body mouldings — Subaru apparently did not see the lack of aesthetic success GM had with them on its old Avalanche truck — the larger, taller-yet-shorter, much-more-angular look is very nice.
A fresh dash and instruments, plus a streamlined center stack, also brighten things; the futuristic-looking shift knob, slightly bioluminescent gauges and the requisite mix of perforated leather and wood paneling makes it all rather pleasant. The apparently nuclear-powered heated seats are even hotter than ever.
A couple of new touches include a new, fully electronic and oddly loud-to-engage parking brake (also found on the Legacy); a new continuously variable “six-speed” transmission is an option.
I also spent time a few weeks later in the reconfigured Legacy (you know, the Subaru sedan that nobody in the mountains buys), and while it's pleasant-looking and also sporting the whole taller-wider-longer-but-actually-shorter thing, I must admit that I absolutely loathed its base, non-turbo 2.5-liter boxer engine.
Subaru old-schoolers may feel some extra affinity to the gurgling clatter of the boxer (you knew it and you loved it in your Brat), but I found myself frequently parking the Legacy and driving the Suzuki SX4 I had at the same time just to avoid the Legacy's rototiller engine noise. The Legacy's six-speed manual, also new, was overly sticky.'   the article
1/26 Manifest Destiny? Outback and Legacy go south. 
'This could be the beginning of Subaru Manifest Destiny, as the maker of hardy all-wheel-drive cars tries to move beyond its heartland in the great, icy north to places where frost is seen mainly in the freezer. 
That would be a huge change, because Subarus have had some geographic limitations. With four drive wheels and a practical nature, they have been a logical choice in snowy, mountainous regions. In such places, where drivers put a premium on bad-weather propulsion, the cars’ negatives — scant rear legroom and middling fuel economy — were more easily tolerated than in much of the rest of the country.
But the redesigned 2010 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon — all Legacys are now sedans and all Outbacks are wagons — have significantly more rear legroom, much better fuel economy and upgrades in safety and civility. They are not just for Yankee blizzards anymore.
The Legacy and Outback share mechanical underpinnings but are aimed at different customers. The Legacy’s competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. 
The Outback’s probable rivals include the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape...
Attractive and similar, the interiors show that Subaru has moved upscale. There is a practical simplicity in the controls and enough storage to bring order to the daily mess of motoring. For extra gear, the back seats flop down.
The important safety features, from side impact air bags to electronic stability control, are standard. 
The 2010 Legacy and Outback are rated “top safety picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, based on front, rear and side impact crash tests and the roof’s ability to withstand a rollover...
The Legacy works well at speed on the most demanding roads. It’s not a hard-edged sport sedan, but good...
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback rides almost three inches higher than the Legacy, giving it an advantage in light off-road use or deep snow...
..Greater use of high-strength steel has resulted in solid, shake-free bodies. In addition, the glass in the doors is fully framed; the frameless glass of older models made the doors feel flimsy and produced more wind noise.
A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower gives adequate acceleration, with the strongest response above 3,000 r.p.m. While Subaru deserves credit for offering a 6-speed manual transmission, its linkage is a bit balky.
The $1,000 Lineartronic automatic is an intriguing alternative. Because it is not limited to six gears, the engine always responds quickly and allows particularly low engine speeds for cruising. 
...The enhanced appeal of all these Subarus could bring more good news for the company, which in 2009 managed to distill lemonade out of a lemon of a year for the auto industry. Overall light vehicle sales were down 21 percent in the United States, but Subaru managed a 15 percent gain, to 216,652 vehicles.
“We sold more cars in one year than we have ever done before,” Thomas Doll, chief operating officer of Subaru of America, said at the Detroit auto show.
Things could be even better in 2010. Subaru predicts that the new cars will be much more appealing to a far wider group of owners. One might ask why it took so long to go mainstream, but in any case the Legacy and Outback have evolved from Northern necessities - at least for some people - to compelling alternatives to the usual candidates.' read the whole article from the NYT
1/11 Outback loses out to Ford van at Detroit Auto Show (open for the press 1/11, public 1/16-1/23).  Ford took the 2010 North American 16th annual Car of the Year and also Truck of the Year awards at the 2010 Detroit auto show. The Fusion Hybrid sedan is Car of the Year and the Transit Connect van Truck of the Year. Winners are selected by 49 auto journalists and given annually since 1994. Finalists for the truck award included the Chevy Equinox, Ford Transit Connect  (winner), and Subaru Outback.
Also at the the auto show, the Kia Soul was named Small Car of the Year by Fama, a Hispanic women's magazine.
The new Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe with a 1.5-liter hybrid electric system due this summer makes its U.S. production debut
1/3/10 Inventory is down on many models, especially Outback and Legacy, at least here in the NW

top
 

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Subaru Legacy
news and reviews
edited for length, content
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2010 calendar year  (archives 2009)

> Subaru's Top Safety Picks: Small Car category- Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX); Midsize Car category- Subaru Legacy and Outback, Small SUV category - Forester; Midsize SUV category- Tribeca.  the full press release with all Top Safety Picks 

12/17  Legacy review ... have you looked at one recently? 
' Let’s suppose you and the wife or husband have decided that a new car is in order, and you think a midsize family sedan fits the bill. You’re thinking about the Accord, the Camry, the Malibu, the Taurus, the Altima. The Legacy - Subaru’s entry in this segment - never enters your mind.
You might want to start thinking differently. Completely redesigned for 2010, the fifth-generation Legacy breaks into the 2011 model year with minor tweaks: consolidation of the lineup... All this adds up to a very competitive car that more than holds its own. Subaru gives the shopper plenty of choices - there are seven sedan variations, separated by three engines and three trim lines...
As befitting Subarus, they all are all-wheel drive, harkening back almost four decades to the Japanese automaker’s commitment to build a completely AWD lineup. That’s something those of us in the Snowbelt take seriously, and the sophisticated AWD’s confident grip is especially welcome now that the weather is turning.
Engines offered are a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder....  All Subarus come well equipped with safety features.. The handsome interior of the Legacy doesn’t disappoint and seemed far more luxurious than I remembered from previous models...  Subaru paid attention to minor details, too, as shown by the front cupholders in the center console... The seats split and fold to augment the trunk’s cargo-carrying capacity. The trunk is wide, with a low liftover... Prices begin at below $20,000 for the base Legacy and top out at $31,395 for the Legacy 2.5GT Limited, plus a $725 delivery charge. Our 3.6R Limited tester carried a retail price of $28,295, plus an optional $995 sunroof. Our grand total was $30,015. 
As for the Legacy’s improved good looks, the following made me realize just how much its curb appeal has changed for the better. I offered to pick a friend up for an outing. She did a double take when she saw the Legacy. “I didn’t think Subaru made Legacies that look like this,” she said. She made similar comments sitting inside.
That’s the thing about the Legacy these days. It causes you to think differently.' read the entire article
12/6 New options - leather shift knob now available for Legacy and Outback automatics except Limiteds where its standard. Catback 2.5" exhaust now available on 4 door WRX (a good upgrade),  Fog lights with body colored surrounds for base WRX and STI 4 door.  110v 110w power outlet now for Impreza and Forester in addition to Outback, Legacy.
12/3  Legacy GT review from a Seattle snowstorm
'It takes an event like last month’s snowstorm in Seattle to determine the snow-worthy effectiveness of one’s vehicle.
Unfortunately, it was a chance to see our city’s worst drivers in action. Just because one drives a four-wheel-drive vehicle doesn’t mean one is exempt from rules of gravity and physics.
The storm allowed drivers of cars like a Subaru to truly appreciate the built-in features that make a car like this a potent weapon against snowy and icy streets, provided you know how to drive the car.
The evening commute of Nov. 15 and the morning drive of Nov. 16 were probably the worst two days in Seattle driving history. Cars were being abandoned on Interstate 5, city streets were being closed because of snow dangers and every official from the governor on down was warning drivers to stay home and off the streets.
I was glad I was driving a Subaru that week. The 2011 Legacy 2.5GT Limited handled Seattle’s snowy and icy streets like the true all-wheel-drive professional vehicle that it is. I didn’t do anything stupid, like try to defy physics and drive down an extremely steep, ice-encrusted side street. But the vast majority of Seattle’s city streets were passable, and the Legacy 2.5 GT handled them easily.
This was a loaded Subaru Legacy, complete with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower. The EPA rates the engine at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, and in a test of combined driving, which included a traverse of snowy Snoqualmie Pass, I got a little less than 23 miles per gallon. That wasn’t too bad, considering I didn’t use the highest gears in the six-speed manual transmission-equipped Subaru over the snowy and icy roads, which probably would have delivered even better mileage. One note is that the Legacy 2.5GT’s clutch takes a little more effort to depress than you’re probably used to applying.
The test Legacy 2.5GT was loaded, including cold-weather features such as heated front seats and heated outside mirrors. The sedan’s trunk was big and roomy, and the rear seating area could fit normal-sized people (although, on this trip, they would have to share the back with a pleasingly ensconced canine).  After days of driving over roads that have returned to normal, the car’s $32,120 sticker price didn’t seem at all unreasonable...' read the article by Ben Miller, including an Audi review

11/26 Updated 2011 model spark plug replacement interval all 2011 Outback, Legacy, Forester; all turbos and all 3.6L 6 cylinder engines, except Tribeca. Replace plugs at 52,500 miles, 52.5 months, or 84000km. This replaces the 60,000 mile, 5 year interval  This is new and in owner's manual maintenance books printed Sept, 2010. Does not affect other years. subject to change

11/20 2011 Legacy finance rates lowered through 1/3/11, now  0.9% x 60/63 months, oac on 2011s

11/3 Legacy gets an award from NADAguides (National Auto Dealer Assoc)
'After increasing engine power and legroom of the Subaru Legacy for 2010, Subaru has enhanced the 2011 model with new exterior features, improved safety and technology features, as well as a new Convenience Package option for the 2.5i, earning the versatile sedan NADAguides' November Car of the Month.
"When you think of Subaru, you think of all-wheel drive and versatility," says NADAguides president Don Christy, Jr. "What impressed the analysts and automotive aficionados here at NADAguides, however, is the 2011 Legacy's complete package of ride quality, handling, safety and creature comforts."
"The Subaru Legacy has broken all sales records since its launch due to its unique combination of class-leading safety, a fun to drive Boxer engine and the security of AWD as well as fuel economy of 31mpg," said Tom Doll, Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America. 
...The NADAguides "Car of the Month" award provides consumers with practical information on cars, trucks and SUVs chosen by NADAguides experts for exceptional performance and efficiency, features, options and appeal.'   The press release

10/31 new options announced
Outback and Legacy
> Body side moldings  - body colored side moldings help minimize door dings. Factory installed only at the present time, not currently available as an uninstalled part. 
> Interior Illumination Kit. Includes soft ambient light in the footwells, around the cupholders, and in the storage  by the shift lever. Very cool option and the lights are not distracting. 
Forester and Impreza
> Side window rain deflectors. Helps keep rain from dripping in when the windows are slightly open. Dealer installed only, not available installed from the factory. Fits Forester 2009-2011, Impreza 2008-2011. See your local Subaru dealer

10/25  2011 Legacy review
'The Legacy was completely redesigned for the 2010 model year. For 2011, there are only some minor content and trim updates to differentiate the two. The 2011 is on sale now, so these changes could help you make up your mind if you’re trying to decide between a 2010 and 2011.
The 2011 Legacy is available in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited trim levels. The 2.5GT Premium trim was dropped for the 2011 model year; it was the base turbocharged boxer engine option and included features like four-wheel-disc ventilated brakes, dual chrome exhaust and 18-inch wheels. The 2.5 GT Limited trim is now the sole turbocharged trim, which comes equipped with a standard power moonroof and fog lights.
The optional Harman Kardon stereo package, which is standard on the Limited trims, now includes XM Satellite Radio. For 2011, all trims come with folding side mirrors standard like the 2011 Outback.
As for pricing, the base Legacy maintains its $19,995 starting price from the 2010 model year, though higher destination and delivery fees will increase the total price by $30. The 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited see $300 price increases, thanks to the addition of satellite radio. The updated 2.5GT Limited increases in cost by $1,400. The 2011 Legacy is already on sale.' read the article

10/11- 3.6R Legacy review- its not a GT but it's a good choice and should be considered by every midsize-sedan shopper...
'I've always seen the Legacy as the car that Impreza owners eventually graduate to when they need more space but want to maintain respectable performance chops. For people with WRXs or STIs, they have the 2.5GT model packing a turbocharged boxer four-cylinder with 265 hp, while the regular folks looking for decent power and fuel economy have the normal “i” models with a 2.5-liter, 170-hp H4. The turbocharged H4 requires the good stuff while this H6 doesn't, which was one of the big changes from the previous generation Legacy with the 3.0-liter H6 which did need premium.
This 3.6R version is for the regular buyer who wants a potent engine but doesn't want to shift gears or fill up with premium fuel.
Unfortunately, the six-cylinder is only available with the five-speed automatic transmission. On that front, an extra cog is needed to raise fuel economy  some. But getting back to this five-speed, it shifts smoothly and will downshift quickly when you get on the throttle some, but it suffers from the same violent gear engagement when you're in the process of slowing down and then get back onto the throttle without coming to a complete stop. One example of that situation is when a stoplight goes from red to green before you come to a stop or if you have to slow down when you come up on much slower traffic.
This problem doesn't just center on this particular test car, either. Our long-term Outback 3.6R with the same drivetrain also did it, but more violently than this Legacy did. A service bulletin was put out on it for updated ECU software, which as far as I can tell has fixed it in our Outback.
Everything else about the car is very good. It's bigger than its predecessor with generous rear-seat legroom, and the ride is a step forward. It smoothes out rough road surfaces and the cabin is well isolated on the expressway. Steering feels is fairly responsive and in corners, the car is relatively composed with an acceptable amount of roll dialed-in. In my opinion, the old car was sharper and more fun to drive (especially in Spec B form), but I understand Subaru's want to appeal even more to the masses.
In the midsize-sedan category, the Legacy remains as one of the more entertaining choices available with standard AWD and a trim level for nearly every buyer. For me, it's the 2.5GT, but this car with any of the engine options is a player and should be considered by every midsize-sedan shopper.' read the article

10/6 Safety-  crash test results using the new stricter tests released.  For the 2011 Crash Test reults, there is a new total Overall Vehicle Rating, and new tests include side pole and barrier impacts, and a new female crash test dummy, all scored using the familiar 1-5 Star Rating system. Because of the new tests, ratings for 2011 and newer vehicles should not be compared to previous ratings.
For model year 2011, NHTSA will rate 24 passenger cars, 20 SUVs, 2 vans and 9 pickups under the new ratings system
Outback and Legacy are both tested and each gets an Overall Vehicle Rating of 4 Stars in these new stricter government crash tests. 

Only 2 cars tested got the Top Overall Vehicle 5 Star rating, the BMW 5 Series 4 DR RWD and the Hyundai Sonata (later release). 
Most other cars tested got Overall Vehicle Rating of 4 Stars, like the Honda Pilot, Chevy Malibu and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Taurus and Fiesta, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sorento, Audi A4, S4, Cadiallac Escalade...
The only car with an Overall rating of 3 Stars is the Camry, and only getting 2 Stars is the Nissan Versa. Read the NHTSA press release

10/4 2011 Legacy review - "For me, not quite..."
'It seems the fate of the Subaru Legacy is to always be that, "Oh, yeah!" after-thought model. It's the car people tend to think of only after considering mainstream mid-sized sedans like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu. As in: "Oh, yeah, I should look at the Subaru, too."
Subaru's plant in Indiana has only built about 23,000 copies of the Legacy in the first eight months of 2010 — that isn't even a month's supply of Camrys or Accords — suggesting that while people may be looking at the Legacy, not many are buying.
Of course, Subaru seems content with its niche status... It isn't that Subaru has stopped trying. The Legacy - which comes only as a sedan, as its wagon version became the Outback - was completely redesigned for 2010. And while the styling was updated, it still looks a generation or so behind some of the other cars in this class, especially the 2011 Hyundai Sonata...
Our Caramel Bronze test car was a 2.5i Limited model, somewhere in the middle of the Legacy lineup. The 2.5 in the name comes from the 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Typical of Subaru, the engine is a "boxer" design, which has two cylinders on one side, two on the other, and when the opposing pistons go back and forth, it's like they are "boxing." Most everyone else's 4-cylinder engine is in a straight line. This design makes the Subaru engine much wider than the usual 4-cylinder, but flatter.
This boxer design has seldom been lauded for smoothness and a quiet ride, and this one was no exception. Under acceleration, there's quite a bit of engine noise, which is fine if you are listening to the sweet song of a Porsche boxer engine, but the Subaru isn't so sweet. And the continuously variable transmission - a CVT - doesn't help. Unlike a regular automatic transmission that has four, five or six speeds, the CVT doesn't use gears. To oversimplify, imagine a traffic cone inside the transmission - rather than shifting from one set gear to another as you accelerate, a CVT uses a belt or a chain that moves up and down that cone, which changes the ratio as the belt or chain goes from the big end of the cone to the smaller one. This means that the transmission, which is "continuously variable," has a theoretically infinite set of ratios, rather than the handful in a regular transmission....
Otherwise, there is nothing particularly memorable about this 2011 Legacy, neither good nor bad. Handling is above average but never sporting. The interior is nicely done, with lots of leather and wood, and much-increased rear seat room over the previous Legacy...
Aside from Subaru's mild cult status, the Legacy's central selling point is the same as with all Subarus: all-wheel-drive. That's certainly more important in Maine than in Florida. But it is one extra safety feature that sets Subaru apart, and I'm a fan of AWD. Does it overcome the mediocrity of the engine and this CVT transmission? For some, I suspect it does. For me, not quite.' read the article

9/4 A  Legacy GT braves a steep winding narrow Mt. Washington road
'..how the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT fared as our mule on the harrowing eight-mile ascent up the Mt. Washington Auto Road..
My first clue that Mt. Washington wouldn't be a kiddie climb came at the front gate. The rate for a passenger vehicle with two occupants was $31, which struck my already vacation weary wallet as steep for the privilege of driving up what I thought to be a family friendly mountain. The guard took my money and handed me a large packet, instructing me to pull over and read its contents thoroughly before we followed the road up ahead into the trees.Three items in this packet made me nervous: a disclaimer, a full page of safety instructions in small type and a bumper sticker that read "This car climbed Mt. Washington." The bumper sticker's implication that there were cars that tried to climb Mt. Washington and failed created a small bead of sweat on my brow, as did the safety instructions' suggestion that we turn off the Subaru's air conditioning to avoid overheating the engine...
The Auto Road is about eight miles long, but climbs over a mile in elevation. That means the nose of our Legacy was – on average – pointing up at a 12-degree angle. Doesn't sound like much? It felt like a 45-degree angle with my back pressed into the seat and hands clenching the steering wheel to avoid any unintentional and possibly deadly steering inputs. Meanwhile, the Legacy is putting along under 20 mph in first gear. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is running around 3,500 rpm, but with the windows down and no wind noise, it sounded like it was redlining the whole way up... 
.. And as for our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, it earned its bumper sticker.'  read the entire article

8/31- Fold-In replacement outside mirrors are now available for the 2010 Outback and Legacy  The non-breakaway power outside mirrors on all 2010 Outback and Legacy were a source of concern for many people. This was fixed on 2011s, and now these fold-in mirrors are available as replacement for the 2010s, in all the colors so no painting is required. Mirrors kits (including left and right side) are MSRP $199.95 from your local Subaru dealer.  Standard unheated mirror kit is part #SOA635985,  Heated mirror kit is part #SOA635086
8/25 2011 maintenance.  According to the printed 2011 owner manual warranty booklet, some 2011 model maintenance schedules on 2.5L Outback, Legacy, Impreza and Forester XT no longer calls for replacing the rubber timing belt at 105,000 miles as in previous years. The schedule calls for an inspection at 30,000 mile intervals when other services are normally performed, but not for a replacement.  This is a typo- replace the timing belt at 105,000 miles Check back for updates. More on 2011 maintenance and also the new Subaru Synthetic oil
8/6  new, optional 110 power outlet on 2011 and 2010 Outback, Legacy- 110 volt, 100 watt, 2 prong power outlet goes in the back of the center console for charging cell phones, laptops.
7/31 Legacy GT review.  Like Kevin Costner's 'field of dreams', this is the car of dreams,  an almost right mix of affordable, performance, sleeper, and comfort.  If they build it will you buy one, please? 
'When Subaru introduced the 2005 Legacy GT wagon  with a turbocharged flat four, all-wheel-drive, and a manual transmission, it went straight to the short list of cars I’d buy…if I was buying a car. But I wasn’t buying a car. Apparently there were too many like me, for Subaru discontinued the manual transmission the following year, then dropped the Legacy wagon altogether with the 2008s. With the 2010 redesign of the Legacy, Subaru appears to be giving the GT incarnation one last shot. While other Legacies and Outbacks are powered by naturally aspirated fours and sixes, the GT retains the turbo four - and is available only with a six-speed manual transmission. Clearly it was developed for enthusiasts. But will enough enthusiasts return the favor? Should they?...
.. The Subaru’s interior scores higher marks in functional areas. Ergonomics and visibility from the high-mounted driver seat are both first-rate. Perhaps this is what happens when engineers retain the upper hand...
..the Legacy GT might be quick, but it doesn’t feel quick. A triumph of refinement over excitement, boost comes on almost imperceptibly, with none of the punch traditionally dished out by powerful turbocharged engines...
..the new Legacy GT’s handling can most favorably be described as secure and competent... 
.. Other Subarus might be going mainstream, but the Legacy GT is in a class of its own. It currently has no direct competitors in the U.S...
So the prognosis for the Legacy GT is not good. Subaru might rethink the car, like they did with the 2008 WRX after enthusiasts rejected it. But they’re more likely to send it the way of the Legacy wagon. Don’t want the Legacy GT to go away? Then you’d better put your money where your mouth is and buy one soon.'  read the entire article by Michael Karesh
(Note- when you read the article, the silver plastic trim mentioned on the 2010 has been replaced by carbon fiber patterned plastic trim for 2011  photos)

7/24  Recall - 2010 and 2011 manual transmission Outbacks and Legacys built April 28,1010 - June 23, 2010, App 809 cars are missing a lubrication passge in the transmission transfer case which could eventually lead to gear failure. The passage will be opened in the affected vehicles. If the gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop. Cars with 6,250 miles will need third through sixth gears as well as the main shaft.  Letters will be sent August 6th late July . Recall WVS-29

7/21  2011 Legacy GT images added here

7/15 - new optional Wi-Fi mobile internet for 2011 and 2010 Outbacks is now available.  Mobile router mounts in the rear cargo area providing internet access for multiple wi-fi devices such as laptops, phones, game devices, Wii, iphones etc. Great for families with kids who like to study or play while traveling and camping, and especially for business people who want internet access on the road.  Range is up to app 150ft depending on line-of-sight access and buildings. The car must be running or the key turned to 'accessory' to power the unit. The router can carry many connections at the same time.
Internet access is 3G by AutoNet Mobile and see the coverage map. Requires a 1 year contract at $29 month with the first 3 months free (promo code 'Subaru'). Connection is 802.11a/b/g, with USB, ethernet ports. Security features include passwords. 
Optional services available from autonet include 'Find My Car' vehicle tracking and 'Geo Fence' vehicle location notification. 
Available factory installed for $529 list price, or from Subaru dealer parts dept for $499 part #H001SAJ200

7/14-  new optional side window moldings are available for 2011 and 2010 Outback and Legacy.  Have a dog, kid in the back seat, do you like fresh air, or smoke? These window moldings will help minimize rain dripping in when your windows are open a bit. Lets in the fresh air but not the rain on both front and back windows, plus they look good.  Dark gray with chrome trim. Available from your dealer, not from the factory. Photos on my Outback, Legacy page..
6/25 recall - 2010 Outback and Legacy . This is similar to an Australian recall earlier in the week. According to NHTSA (safercar.gov), the grease used in the steering roll connector can cause the flat cables of the roll connectors to crack, which could damage the surrounding electrical circuits. Damaged circuitry would cause the airbag warning light to illuminate and the loss of steering wheel mounted controls, including the cruise control, radio controls, paddle shifters, and the horn. Subaru has received nine reports associated with this issue.

6/12 recall, Outback and Legacy
Some ABS brake units may have a plastic cover that was cracked when made, and under certain circumstances, like washing the engine with a pressure washer,  the unit could short circuit. The normal brakes would continue to work but the ABS light would come on. The unit will be inspected. Owner letters sent June 7th, 2010.
6/5 Legacy review from Colorado 'Subaru has rather forcefully and consciously de-weirded its fleet'
'..Ask anyone why they feel it's important to buy a Subaru and you'll get a few different answers. Some might say it's the novelty of having a vehicle that their Uncle Leo in Akron, Ohio will never ever see on the road, yet you might find six of them on your block here in Colorado.
Others will swear that Subaru's nearly bulletproof symmetrical all-wheel-drive system makes the automobiles seemingly impervious to weather, especially in years where winter looks like it will last until July.
Whatever the reason, this past year has produced a bumper crop of new Subaru choices, with a significant redo of both the painfully ubiquitous Outback (the official vehicle of the High Country) and the Legacy.
The four-door Legacy sedan, while a rare sight in ski towns, shows up in good numbers in the Front Range, probably at the behest of those who want a sporty sedan but are looking for the aforementioned security of AWD.
I recently had a chance to drive the new Legacy, powered by a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Boxer engine and … well, I didn't drink the Kool-Aid. The engine seemed rough and loud and the new five-speed manual was sticky and hard to operate. I whined so much I got dissed online.  My opinion on the 2010 Legacy line completely changed when I upgraded to the new 3.6R Premium model, packing a significantly more solid 265-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder borrowed from that Tribeca SUV/crossover thing Subaru also makes (but no longer features the Electrolux vacuum cleaner nose).
Physically, both Legacy models are taller, wider and sport a longer wheelbase than the older model, plus a much larger rear seat than the old days (new, curved backs on the front seats add extra leg room); with the larger engine in place, Legacy also turns into quite the nimble performer...
.. Given an isolated stretch of mountain road and the right mood, the Legacy is downright sporty, the all-wheel-drive adding poise and balance to what is already a great handling, smooth riding machine. And as I careened through kiddie-pool-depth troughs of water on Hwy. 36 heading back from Boulder to Denver a week back, the Legacy didn't hesitate for a minute — it just remained rock-solid and straight, even with some pretty wimpy Turanza tires in place. Still, the 2010 model's most outstanding shortfall is (besides that anemic smaller powerplant) a design that, while still fully Subaru in its smaller details, looks an awful lot like its competitors. Subaru has rather forcefully and consciously de-weirded its fleet...' read the whole article
5/13 recall and stop sale on Outback, Legacy with CVT built July 31- Dec 1,2009  NHTSA and Subaru has issued a recall of app 29,443 2010 Outbacks and Legacys with the CVT transmission built July 31 - December 1, 2009 to replace a CVT fluid lower inlet cooling hose that might split and leak. Subaru will notify owners and dealers and replace afffected hoses. Recall number WVQ-27. 
In the meantime affected unsold cars are not available for sale until fixed. The VINs are Legacy A3215537-A3227670; Outback A3317662 - A3346480 Outback.  (updated 5/26/09)
This is the first issue for the successful new Subaru continuously variable transmission in the the 2010 Legacy and Outback. The Outback CVT has been popular and Subaru has had a hard time supplying enough of the some them and is increasing prodcution at the SIA factory in Indiana.
5/7 2011 Outback and 2011 Legacy features and prices announced. Yes outside mirrors now fold-in. Minor price increases, and destination now $725 (Ak $875),  Harman/Kardon radio includes XM satellite with 3 mos free trial subscription, rear view mirror with back-up camera, compass and Homelink now standard part of Sunroof package. More details: 2011 Outback and 2011 Legacy
5/2 Kiplingers annual best picks, Outback and Legacy
Wagons, Best in Class and Best New Wagon: a bigger, bolder and better Outback wins both Best in Class and Best New Wagon plaudits. It boasts sharp new styling and more headroom, rear legroom and cargo space than the previous generation, plus crisp handling.
Best New Car: the redesigned Subaru Legacy wins. The Legacy features compelling design inside and out, plus Subaru’s always-standard all-wheel drive, and it’s a top safety pick. 
Other category winners include the VW Golf, Jetta TDI, Honda Accord V6, Taurus SHO, BMW 335d, Lexus LS 460, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes-Benz E550, Chevy Camaro, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Highlander V6, Lexus RX 350. Read the article
4/22 More Outback and Legacys coming, a better supply?  'Subaru is still seeing record sales for its newly redesigned Legacy and Outback, and the company is looking to bump up production.. by a hefty 40%. Automotive News reports that Fuji wants to see a total of 140,000 vehicles roll out of the doors at its Indiana plant by the end of 2010.. the Lafayette facility is presently only geared to turn out 100,000 cars per year. That means Subaru will have to rummage up a way to crank out an extra 40,000 units, which may mean adding an additional production line. So far, Subaru hasn't said how it plans to meet the goals set forth by the higher-ups, but Automotive News seems to think the company may take over a line currently devoted to producing the Toyota Camry. Considering there are whispers that the increased output will require an investment of tens of millions of dollars, our money is on seeing another line at the plant.
Last year, Subaru sold a total of 216,652 vehicles. The company says that with the announced nudge in production, that figure should increase to 230,000 for 2010.' the article

4/19  2011   model Outback and Legacy model information released. Early information only. You can now order a 2011. No feature changes, prices, or specs announced yet, so no official conformation on rumored fold-in mirrors or any other changes for the 2011s. 
> Outback model line seems to remain the same as 2010. The models are 2.5i manual or CVT, Premium manual or CVT, Limited CVT, 3.6R 5AT, 3.6R Premium 5AT, 3.6R Limited 5AT. Major Option Packages reduced. New colors: Caramel Bronze Pearl replaces Harvest Gold, and Ruby Red Pearl added.  Sunroof package now includes new auto dimming mirror with back-up camera.It works well, see 2010 Tribeca page for pictures, and is not available with navigation.
> Legacy model line seems to remain much the same with 1 less Option Packages, and no GT Premium model. The models are 2.5i manual or CVT, Premium manual or CVT, Limited CVT, GT Limited manual, 3.6R 5AT, 3.6R Premium 5AT, 3.6R Limited 5AT. GT Premium model dropped. New Caramel Bronze Pearl color replaces Harvest Gold. 

4/18 Legacy review. Car and Driver compares Legacy, Accord, and Sonata. Sonata comes out on top. They like them all, but top pick goes to the fast and pretty,  trumping value and all wheel drive. The article:
> #1 Sonata: "..The doors close with that nicely damped thunk that sounds like quality, and the interior is quiet in most operating modes, though at full-tilt-boogie, the engine begins sounding a bit thrashy... the Sonata’s 2.4-liter, DOHC 16-valve four is the first in its class to be fed by direct injection, with variable valve timing on both cams. It’s rated for 198 horsepower .. the SE does have a set of paddle shifters affixed to the steering wheel. Up and downshift response time is relaxed, as are passing kickdowns when in drive, but generally speaking, Hyundai’s new homegrown gearbox is a smooth operator. Smooth also applies to ride quality, and if the Sonata isn’t quite as athletic as the Accord, the distinction is subtle..  Sonata won nearly every objective category. And, as also indicated it wins flat-out for style'.
>#2  Accord: '.. the Sonata has unseated a car we generally regard as the best of a very competitive class. It’s also the first Hyundai to claim top honors in a mainstream C/D comparo.. Honda was the champ on mountain roads, attacking decreasing-radius turns and quick transitions with a certainty the Hyundai couldn’t quite match. Though the Honda was the biggest car in the group, its agility belied its dimensions...  Accord’s 70-to-0 stops were the poorest... Comfort is another Accord advantage. Its front seats are better bolstered than those in the supposedly sportier Sonata; the cloth upholstery is grippier; there’s more rear-seat headroom; and the Honda is the only car in the group with rear-seat A/C outlets, a welcome feature in the desert. Interior materials are also top-notch, although it is hard to appreciate this, given the Honda’s stygian monochromatic décor. Boring—a word that also applies to the Accord’s exterior.' 
>> #3,  Legacy: '... the Subaru has the most rear-seat space and ties the Accord for best rear-seat comfort... its trunk is a little bigger than the Honda’s... The Legacy’s expert management of inner space is augmented by quality materials... Driver comfort is another strong suit. The relaxed-fit front buckets aren’t as supportive as the Honda’s when the cornering loads are high. But they are just fine at an everyday pace, an index bolstered by a slight edge in ride quality among the threesome.  And let us not neglect the Legacy’s value quotient. Like all Subarus, all-wheel drive is standard, as are traction and stability control... even with $2300 in options, the Legacy’s as-tested price - $22,990 -is lower than the base price for both its competitors here. And it also beat the others in observed fuel economy, 25 mpg to 24. 
Lots of positives. So what’s the problem? Power, for one... Subaru’s 0-to-60 sprint tied the Honda’s... but in the real world, the Legacy feels sluggish...
That velvety ride comes with a downside: lots of rock and roll in hard cornering. And even though the Legacy was tops in our lane change exercise, its abundant up-and-down body motions, plus skinny 205/60 tires on 16-inch wheels, yielded reluctant corner entries...
We grew weary of the Legacy’s CVT crescendos in hard driving. Its manual paddle-shift preset ratios mitigated this effect, but the shifts were soft and not satisfying to a crew spoiled by double-clutch automated manuals. A soggy brake pedal, whose travel kept getting longer as the test progressed, didn’t help, either.
In the end, our flogging reinforced the conclusion in our December ’09 test: The Legacy 2.5i stacks up as a solid choice among mid-size sedans - provided you’re not in a hurry... "  check out the article in May issue of CarandDriver
4/17 Legacy review.  When is a Subaru a Subaru, and who buys them anyway?  Lots of people right now. 
'Who buys Subarus? Contrarians, that's who. Kayakers, rock-climbers, college professors, co-existentialists, lesbians (Subaru actively courts the gay community). Subaru Foresters might as well come with dealer-installed golden retrievers.
Meanwhile, a whole galactic mindset away are the hard-handed libertarian Subaru drivers, the ornery Snowbelt hermits living far out of town, where the plows never go, who need to get to and from their forested keeps. These are people who darn their own socks and whittle their own fireplace mantles. Engineers, scientists, cheapskates, committed rationalists of every stripe. And, face it: nothing is more contrary than living in the Northern tier. Do you think the Seneca tribe would have lived in upstate New York if they'd had a decent map of Florida?
What unites Subaru's diverse audience, it seems to me, is a love of self-reliance, and it's here that engineering meets psychoanalysis. For Subaristas, the company's trademarked all-wheel drive system means more than just all-weather traction. It represents traction in life. Mobility, independence, a deeper validation, freedom. Subaru owners are the William Wallaces of the auto world...
Lately I've been driving a 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited, a car that tidily sums up all the progress Subaru has made even as it foreshadows a longer term risk for the brand.
For example: After hearing in customer surveys that the car was too small for American audiences—and, let's get real, America, you are significant of pants—Subaru radically enlarged its flagship sedan for model year 2010...
Unfortunately, in its quest to make the Legacy size-competitive with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, Subaru also made the car style-competitive, and let me avoid ambiguity here, it is not stylish.... By comparison, the ordinarily dowdy-looking Camry looks like a sinewed cage fighter. Dialing up the generic is not in Subaru's long-term interest. This is a distinctive brand. The sheet metal should match...
 ..the Legacy's (CVT automatic) fuel economy goes from stellar to just OK (19/27 mpg, city/highway) when buyers opt for a conventional six speed manual transmission. That's quite a drop-off. I would think a lot of Subie's core clientele are row-your-own-gears types...
Alas, 0-to-60 mph acceleration felt like childbirth- it was noisy and it seemed to take forever. This is not a car that in any way rewards the impulse to go fast. Still, this is a very pleasant car to do the drudgery of daily driving. The equipment level is excellent..
What we have here, then, is a car with all the trappings of an up-level Honda Accord.. That's not a bad thing. Nor is the Legacy's five-by-five-star crash rating. As for the dawdling performance, the race doesn't always go to the swift.
My concern is simply this: Subaru's strength is in the purity, the clarity of its brand. It's the brand's self-definition, apart from the competition, that attracts the faithful.
Subaru has chased mass-market acceptance before, and been burned badly. Does anyone remember the SVX? By all means, Subaru, make the cars better, but don't throw them in the anonymizing blender of the mass market.
And if all else fails, hope for snow.'  the article from WSJ Dan Neil
4/4 Legacy comparison  Motortrend checks out 7 midsize sedans in the May issue.
The Legacy gets good and bad comments, comes in #5.
'Since 1989, Americas best selling car has been a mid size sedan. Only 3 cars have held that title in the last two decades: the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and the 12 time top-selling Toyota Camry. But the tsunami of bad news washing over Toyota this year has prompted recalls, production stoppages and a crisis in consumer confidence, the combined effect will make it difficult for Toyota to earn it's 13th best seller title in 2010. That leaves the top sales spot side open to one of Camry's competitors in this white hot segment..'
> Here are a few of the brief comments and observations in the article: 
#7 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL: least noise during full throttle acceleration.. disappointing economy.. supple ride.. feels the most cramped...
#6 Chevy Malibu LT: I had more fun than I thought.. love the big bold clean appeararance.. hard grained plastic.. rental grade pall.. 
#5 Subaru Legacy 2.5i: tall greenhouse, exaggerated flares, standard all wheel drive.. Fuji folks do their own thing.. as tested fuel economy topped all but the Accord.. the slowest sedan here.. ride oriented chassis gets flustered.. growling engine noise enters the cabin.. rear foot room is abundant.. there are 4 better choices...
#4 Honda Accord EX: oddly shaped trunk is the smallest and lest useful.. most comfortable attacking twisty roads.. light steering.. feeling bigger and clumsier than Accords we loved a couple of generations ago.. interior too loud for comfortable conversation.. interior materials are first rate.. seats are exceptionally supportive.. ergonomic shortcomings.. interior racket.. homely styling...
#3 Hyundai Sonata SE: we were huge fams of the previous model.. cabin din at 70mph was the second loudest.. access to the roomy trunk is through a smallish opening.. a terrific car at a great price but the bar has been raised.
#2 Ford Fusion SEL: impressive driving dynamics.. is this really an econo-family sedan?.. after a few turns you'd believe it's really a BMW.. dash graining and plastics look cheap, but Ford's earned sales leadership with this one..
#1 Toyota Camry LE: Nobody wants to like this car.. it's an automotive appliance and appliances aren't fun.. gigantic back seat, huge trunk opening, breathtakingly simple cockpit ergonomics.. materials and build quality suggest this could be the priciest car in the group when in fact it's the cheapest..  involved in two whopper sudden-acceleration recalls..  bigger issue is Toyota's image problem.. the company systematically hid and destroyed evidence of safety problems..  don't bet against mighty (and wealthy) Toyota doing and spending whatever's necessary to dig out this mess..  one helluva sedan and may never sell for less than it is right now.'  motortrend
3/25 Legacy GT- good performance but is the price too high? 'Subaru's 2010 Legacy 2.5 GT Limited (** out of four stars) struggles with a high price that neither the brand's standard all-wheel drive nor its reputation for durability can overcome.
The car costs more than obvious competitors like the all-wheel drive Ford Fusion, front-wheel drive Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry and even the base versions of luxury cars like the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series...
A thirst for pricey premium fuel and a balky manual transmission reduce this sporty version of the Legacy's charm. A small trunk and poor integration of the car's audio and hands-free phone systems limit its practical appeal.
While less expensive models of the Legacy offer Subaru's hallmark value and capability, the 2.5 GT Limited is undone by better cars at lower prices...
Subaru essentially sets its prices by looking at the comparable Toyota model -- in the midsize Legacy's case, that would be the Camry -- and offering all-wheel drive at no additional cost. That creates some enticing base prices, but the options add up fast, pushing the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited into rarefied territory.
The base price for a 2010 Legacy is $19,995.... A turbocharged 265-horsepower version of the 2.5-liter and six-speed manual transmission motivate the 2.5 GT, which has a base price of $29,995...
The well-equipped Legacy 2.5 GT Limited I tested cost $33,251, thanks to options that included a sunroof, iPod-compatible stereo and backup camera. All prices exclude destination charges... However, the price of the Legacy I tested puts some very good luxury cars into play, including the least expensive all-wheel drive model of the Audi A4 at $32,350 and the rear-drive BMW 328i at $33,150.
The Legacy 2.5 GT's pricing sorely tests the appeal of the Subaru brand, which has earned loyal customers with a history of affordable all-wheel drive and durability. Will people pay more for the Subaru than for a comparably equipped all-wheel drive Fusion or a lightly equipped A4 or 3-series?..
The steering is quick, responsive and nicely weighted. The Legacy leans noticeably in fast curves. The turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine delivers good power for smooth acceleration from 2,000 r.p.m.
The somewhat balky six-speed manual transmission has an extremely tight shift pattern. Throughout my test, I regularly found myself missing gears. I frequently overshot third and landed in fifth, bogging the Legacy down just when I wanted maximum acceleration.
The integration of Bluetooth hands-free phone service and the audio system leaves a lot to be desired. Rather than pausing during phone calls -- as virtually all automotive systems do -- CDs and my iPod continued to play when I took a call. 
Combined with its high price, the Legacy 2.5 GT's drawbacks leave it short of leading midsize front- and all-wheel drive competitors.
the full article

 3/22  last day to order a 2010 Outback, Legacy or Impreza. The inventory and incoming supply of WRX and STI is already very short. The STI SE is selling quickly (esp the white- it's almost gone),  also other models like Forester X with manual transmission could become hard to find

3/16 Legacy review Subaru strongly associated with two things: all-wheel drive and station wagons. 
'Associations are a powerful part of contemporary culture. For example, tell a friend you just got back from Disney World and they'll probably conjure up images of Mickey Mouse. Similarly, Subaru has long been strongly associated with two things: all-wheel drive and station wagons...  you can't even buy a Subaru without it.
The company may be identified almost as closely with station wagons as it is with AWD. But if it continues to produce sedans as impressive as the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium that I recently tested, that might not be the case much longer.
Bigger, bolder, roomier and in some configurations more powerful and fuel efficient than its predecessors, the new Subaru sedan finally appears to be truly competitive with the top dogs in the midsize sedan class.
And it holds one ace that trumps all of its competitors: Even the least expensive Legacy has all-wheel drive.
That would be the 2.5i with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its list of standard equipment is longer than most competitors... 
My test vehicle, a 2.5i Premium, is the next step up the 2010 Legacy lineup..
..There are six other standard Legacy models... Only the base and 2.5i Premium offer the choice of six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)... A bit more power from the engine would have pleased me, too...  Yet the 170hp engine is far from anemic. Some might even consider its performance laudable given the Legacy's full-time AWD, fuel economy and size (five adults can fit comfortably in the new Legacy). 
But you no longer need to visit another automaker's showroom to acquire a roomy, attractive midsize sedan that does so many things so well you may forget it has all-wheel drive. Or that it's a Subaru...'  the full article

3/15 end for 2010s. Its close to the end for the 2010 Outback, Legacy and Impreza. Orders for those end March 22 so if you want one now is the time to get your order in.  2011s expected June-ish. 
3/13 who cares about the accoutants? a Legacy review
'...Historically known for providing drivers with some of the best engineered cars in the world, they (Subaru) have made a glorious habit out of producing cars that appear to have skipped the accounting department entirely. Uniquely engineered vehicles such as their beloved and now defunct SVX sports coupe and rally-ready WRXs and STIs, and now the all-new 2010 Legacy sedan, all provide provenance of the company’s unparalleled devotion to engineering excellence..
And of course, any discussion of Subaru’s engineering ability simply must begin their trademarked Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive platform. An evolution of Subaru’s older selectable all-wheel drive system born in the early seventies, the modern full-time system differs from the majority thereof in both its design and operation, and is available in three variations within the 2010 Legacy lineup...
But there’s little that is more demonstrative of the Legacy’s impressive engineering budget than the interior..
Looking like an amalgam of Nissan and Toyota products, it appears to have been designed entirely by a horde of engineers whose sense of style stopped at their pocket protectors. The lower-spec 2.5i tested was nearly bereft of luxurious styling touches, leaving the interior awash with shades of grey. However, its spartan nature doesn’t detract from its practicality: it is supremely comfortable. The driving position is nearly perfect, with excellent visibility and a good reach to the adjustable steering wheel and fixed pedals. Likewise, this, the largest of Legacies, offered a surprising amount of rear seat legroom and a downright shocking amount of trunk space. With a cavernous hold and a low lift-over height, it was already useful enough, but the relocation of the now standard fitment 60/40 folding seat controls makes it even more so as the driver no longer needs ..
Whilst a far cry from the blistering performance of its 3.6R cousin or any of Subaru’s rally-inspired smaller sedans, the new Legacy does a fantastic job of exposing a new generation of customers to the engineering prowess that has typified Subaru cars for decades. With agile handling and a robust powertrain, it’s a car that’s perfectly suited to our Canadian climate, and offers buyers the security of all-wheel drive paired with practicality that’s on par with the best of the segment...' the article

2/25 Can't find the Outback or Legacy you want? Hmm... how about a Forester instead? 
Dealers are short on new Outbacks and and Legacy. Its good demand is strong but bad that dealers don't have enough of them so you may not find exactly want you want sitting on the lot. 
Of course part of the problem is that with over 400 possible Outback and Legacy model, package, and color combinations, and over 600 dealers to supply, no dealer will ever have a lot of them sitting around.
So salespeople are asking how about another color, or how about one with a sunroof, or about an order and waiting 2 months (sigh)  . 
Especially scarce are 4 and 6 cylinder Outback Limiteds. 
However all is not bad, because currently there is a very good supply of Foresters and that means deals! 
'With sales hot and market share rising, the only thing Subaru dealers want is more cars. They can't keep enough in stock, particularly the updated Outback crossover and Legacy sedan, Phil Porter, chairman of the Subaru National Dealer Advisory Board, said after the make meeting here.
"We don't know, because we don't have excess inventory, just how many Outbacks and Legacys we can sell," said Porter, who owns three Subaru stores in Florida and Connecticut.
Subaru of America's overall supply is under 30 days, COO Tom Doll told Automotive News. Supplies of the Outback and Legacy are under 10 days, he said. "Our biggest challenge is to get enough product to dealers so they can achieve another sales increase," Doll said. Subaru's plant in Indiana is running on overtime, including weekends. The company is investing in additional tooling in the plant to expand capacity. Those upgrades will come in April and July, Doll said." the article
2/13 Legacy GT  'A True Sleeper
If you were looking for one of the most exciting segments in the car industry, you'd be crazy to consider mid-size sedans. But, of course, the reality is that most people don't end up in the sedan segment out of any particular burning desire. The cars are practical three-box designs with enough room to carry four or five passengers and enough trunk space to accommodate the baggage for said people...
Buyers are often left wondering: if I can't spend $30,000 and I want something that's roughly a sports sedan, what should I get?
The new Legacy 2.5 GT might be that answer...Our test model was a 2.5 GT Premium trim, which featured the incredibly fast, 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled four-cylinder and had a starting MSRP of $27,995. This is the same engine that's found in the WRX sports hatchback..
I was disappointed to find some of the same problems I've experienced in Subaru transmissions of the past: a rubbery shift feel and the occasional inability to select a gear.
 Subaru's in a unique spot: no other manufacturer at their price point offers such compelling driving experiences. Therefore, the buyer who gets intoxicated by the beauty of the 265-hp, turbocharged engine can overlook even something like this. The keyless entry system is more of a nagging problem that all Subaru owners tend to live with.
"I hate it, but if that's the worst thing about it, I don't mind," said a friend of ours from Royal Oak, Michigan who owns a 2008 Forester.
So, in the end, Subaru's given us another opportunity to give them conditional love. The Legacy isn't perfect, but the qualities that we do harbor such strong feelings for make it stand out amongst the crowd.
They're offering a driving experience and exterior design that can't be found anywhere near this price point. Maybe that's the point they were trying to make all along.' read the article from Reilly Brennan at AOL Autos
2/6 CVT review   Legacy and Outback.... CVT, get used to it
'More cars in the future will resemble the 2010 Subaru Legacy Limited, whether we like it or not.
While this all-wheel drive sedan is fun, capable and good looking, it's also got a CVT connected to its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This continuously variable transmission is going to take some getting used to.
See, CVTs defy the senses, and that's where the trouble begins. But there's no doubting that they're going to be inside future cars because they undeniably provide better gas mileage. The base Legacy with a 6-speed manual transmission and the same engine gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. But the Limited, which offers the CVT as standard, gets 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway -- those are certainly noticeable differences.
So how is a CVT different? Well, it doesn't have any gears. It works like a bad marriage -- it needs tension to run efficiently...
Typical CVTs use a belt and pulley system to maintain tension between the engine and the wheels. As the engine revs, the pulleys and belts adjust to meet the driver's demands. Whereas regular transmissions move through set gears, the CVT adjusts its pulleys and belts to avoid that lurch between gears known as shift shock. It's truly ingenious -- though not really new. Leonardo da Vinci sketched out the idea -- though he was also a little ahead of his time. (NASA copied his plans for the original space shuttle.) The first patent for a CVT was filed in the late 1800s and these transmissions have been around for more than 20 years in the U.S., though in smaller numbers. Subaru was, in fact, the first carmaker to provide a CVT in America with the 1989 Subaru Justy.
Driving the Legacy 2.5i Limited, I longed for that little shifting sound and feel...
They may be different, but they are also getting better. The Legacy's CVT works much better than most of the CVTs in cars from just a few years ago. And in some vehicles, such as gas-electric hybrids, they feel very "normal."...
Do I like the CVT? Not really. But I can get used to it and in the coming years, people will just get used to it. At least until all of the cars become purely electric -- those cars have no transmission at all.  read the article from the detroit news
2/2 New interest rates announced. Both Legacy and now Forester 1.9%x36 mos. Other models continue with 2.9%. more
1/30 Outback and Legacy article from Denver
'How do you know you've officially stopped being a true mountain person, and turned into one of those loathsome Front Rangers? Simple: You're the guy stuck on Loveland Pass (a ski area in Colorado) New Year's weekend for three hours, “just trying to beat the traffic,” when you could have been chilling at the Goat or passed out on a friend's couch.
And as I sat there, grating my teeth and cursing my Denver-area mailing address, the only thing that kept me from breaking down in tears was the warm, safe and now quite substantial shelter provided by the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback.
The high country's most ubiquitous ride (and its sedan sister, the Legacy) both got a total makeover this season and the results are quite impressive — though they may prove a little unnerving to Subaru purists.
In an age when many carmakers have opted to downsize their wares, Subaru has been working to bring its fleet up to 2000s-era American standards, the result being an Outback which is now 2 inches wider, 4 inches taller and has a 3-inch-longer wheelbase, but is actually shorter overall than the car it replaces...
While Subaru still owns just 2.5 percent of the American car market, the mountains are obviously a huge exception to that rule and so the company is heavily stressing that adventure lifestyle in all of its national ad campaigns — as well as prominently plastering its vehicles with “AWD” badges.
Not sure if this strategy will fly in the sun belt (I saw a grand total of zero Subarus during my week in south Florida at Christmas), but up here, it just takes a well-known entity and makes it better.
I got to tackle the pass (quite literally) in an Outback sporting a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, a larger mill borrowed from the Tribeca, and I was suitably impressed by both the 256 horsepower and the 23.5 mpg I got in mixed highway and city use...
Even with company-supplied all-seasons, the symmetrical AWD system kept me absolutely glued to even the worst of roads. At 3,658 pounds, it's no longer a lightweight vehicle, but the substance and the size felt good; Outback's growth also results in easier entries and exits and a more commanding view of the road.
With the exception of those new, ungainly body mouldings — Subaru apparently did not see the lack of aesthetic success GM had with them on its old Avalanche truck — the larger, taller-yet-shorter, much-more-angular look is very nice.
A fresh dash and instruments, plus a streamlined center stack, also brighten things; the futuristic-looking shift knob, slightly bioluminescent gauges and the requisite mix of perforated leather and wood paneling makes it all rather pleasant. The apparently nuclear-powered heated seats are even hotter than ever.
A couple of new touches include a new, fully electronic and oddly loud-to-engage parking brake (also found on the Legacy); a new continuously variable “six-speed” transmission is an option.
I also spent time a few weeks later in the reconfigured Legacy (you know, the Subaru sedan that nobody in the mountains buys), and while it's pleasant-looking and also sporting the whole taller-wider-longer-but-actually-shorter thing, I must admit that I absolutely loathed its base, non-turbo 2.5-liter boxer engine.
Subaru old-schoolers may feel some extra affinity to the gurgling clatter of the boxer (you knew it and you loved it in your Brat), but I found myself frequently parking the Legacy and driving the Suzuki SX4 I had at the same time just to avoid the Legacy's rototiller engine noise. The Legacy's six-speed manual, also new, was overly sticky.'   the article
1/26 Manifest Destiny? Outback and Legacy go south. 
'This could be the beginning of Subaru Manifest Destiny, as the maker of hardy all-wheel-drive cars tries to move beyond its heartland in the great, icy north to places where frost is seen mainly in the freezer. 
That would be a huge change, because Subarus have had some geographic limitations. With four drive wheels and a practical nature, they have been a logical choice in snowy, mountainous regions. In such places, where drivers put a premium on bad-weather propulsion, the cars’ negatives — scant rear legroom and middling fuel economy — were more easily tolerated than in much of the rest of the country.
But the redesigned 2010 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon — all Legacys are now sedans and all Outbacks are wagons — have significantly more rear legroom, much better fuel economy and upgrades in safety and civility. They are not just for Yankee blizzards anymore.
The Legacy and Outback share mechanical underpinnings but are aimed at different customers. The Legacy’s competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. 
The Outback’s probable rivals include the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape...
Attractive and similar, the interiors show that Subaru has moved upscale. There is a practical simplicity in the controls and enough storage to bring order to the daily mess of motoring. For extra gear, the back seats flop down.
The important safety features, from side impact air bags to electronic stability control, are standard. 
The 2010 Legacy and Outback are rated “top safety picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, based on front, rear and side impact crash tests and the roof’s ability to withstand a rollover...
The Legacy works well at speed on the most demanding roads. It’s not a hard-edged sport sedan, but good...
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback rides almost three inches higher than the Legacy, giving it an advantage in light off-road use or deep snow...
..Greater use of high-strength steel has resulted in solid, shake-free bodies. In addition, the glass in the doors is fully framed; the frameless glass of older models made the doors feel flimsy and produced more wind noise.
A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower gives adequate acceleration, with the strongest response above 3,000 r.p.m. While Subaru deserves credit for offering a 6-speed manual transmission, its linkage is a bit balky.
The $1,000 Lineartronic automatic is an intriguing alternative. Because it is not limited to six gears, the engine always responds quickly and allows particularly low engine speeds for cruising. 
...The enhanced appeal of all these Subarus could bring more good news for the company, which in 2009 managed to distill lemonade out of a lemon of a year for the auto industry. Overall light vehicle sales were down 21 percent in the United States, but Subaru managed a 15 percent gain, to 216,652 vehicles.
“We sold more cars in one year than we have ever done before,” Thomas Doll, chief operating officer of Subaru of America, said at the Detroit auto show.
Things could be even better in 2010. Subaru predicts that the new cars will be much more appealing to a far wider group of owners. One might ask why it took so long to go mainstream, but in any case the Legacy and Outback have evolved from Northern necessities - at least for some people - to compelling alternatives to the usual candidates.' read the whole article from the NYT
1/3/10 Inventory is down on many models, especially Outback and Legacy, at least here in the NW

top
Subaru Forester
news and reviews
edited for length, content
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2010 calendar year (archives 2009)

> Subaru's Top Safety Picks: Small Car category- Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX); Midsize Car category- Subaru Legacy and Outback, Small SUV category - Forester; Midsize SUV category- Tribeca.  the full press release with all Top Safety Picks 

12/21  Comments on the 2011 Forester and its new engine
'Automakers change engines about as often as Utah changes senators. And when it happens, it makes news just the same.
Consider this: Lamborghini used relatively the same V-12 engine from its first model, the Miura, all the way up to the last edition of the Murciélago this year. The Chevy small block was officially discontinued in 2004 after nearly five decades of service in one form or another (it’s still made in Mexico, kind of), and there are others. In certain circles you hear engines fawned over like Beach Boy albums. Was Brian Wilson really that good? Was the Honda F20C really that important?
Which brings us to the 2011 Subaru Forester. Outside, the Forester looks precisely as it should. Quiet, lightly funky and tall, the Forester is unassuming if anything else. But packed underneath the hood is a monumental shift for the folks from Fuji Heavy Industries.
Subaru’s signature horizontally opposed engine, or boxer, got a makeover this year — the third such makeover since the company built its first boxer engine in 1966.
The boxer engine has served as Subaru’s ligature throughout its lineup, with everything from rally cars to Outback haulers getting a form of its horizontally opposed powerplant. In fact, the legendary EJ series horizontally opposed engine is a legend in rally circles in the same way Michael Jordan’s tongue is in basketball lore.
What does that mean for the Forester? This year’s Forester now is the guinea pig: the third-generation boxer benefits from lighter components, less friction and new intake ports, which should translate into 10 percent better fuel economy for owners. The common refrain from buying Subarus has long been the engine’s penchant to swig dinosaur juice whereas the competition can sip.
This year’s Forester doesn’t benefit from a 10 percent EPA bump (this year gets only a 1 mpg boost in city and highway driving, up to 21/27 from 20/26) and the horsepower is the same, 170, despite having a longer stroke and larger displacement.
That either means Subaru has some kinks to work out with their new engine, or that the new Forester has untapped potential they haven’t reported yet. Personally, the engine isn’t the selling point for the 2011 Subaru Forester here in the mountain West. An engine with the power of a non-binding resolution paired with symmetrical all-wheel drive would still sell in Colorado.
The Forester is easy to live with day-to-day. Plenty of cargo room, space for five and an easy entry price point make the Forester an attractive option for families and crossover buyers looking for something different. Little has changed from the 2010 model other than the engine, and although most everything is laid out well and easily accessible, the seat warmers on the Subaru are a bit of a head scratcher. Located near the cupholders near the driver side, it’s hard to imagine a passenger using the switch without nearly becoming intimately familiar with the driver.
The exterior isn’t the big news on the 2011 Forester, rather its method of motivation. Funny, you could wonder about the motivation of some senators, too.' read Aaron Cole's article

12/13 Forester review... likes the new engine but not the 4 speed automatic
With fuel economy and emissions standards growing tighter by the day, the minds at Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent company, unveiled the third-generation of their boxer engine recently.
But at first blush, the new heir to the Pleiades throne looks to be little more than a carbon copy of its predecessor. Horsepower, torque and fuel economy figures are all within a shave of the old engine's numbers, and while the company's competitors are investing heavily in direct-injection systems, Subaru passed on this tech all together. Where was the improvement? Judging by the specs alone, we had to wonder why Subaru went through the trouble of building an entirely new facility just to produce what looked to be the same old beating heart we'd known and loved for years. We jumped behind the wheel of the 2011 Forester to find out just what had changed beneath the hood of its all-wheel-drive family hauler...
...The real difference here lurks under the hood. Despite the deceptively similar numbers compared to last year's model, the 2011 Forester uses an engine that's considerably more advanced than its predecessor. The old engine's belt-driven, single-overhead cam design has been replaced with a chain-driven dual-overhead cam setup for better efficiency. The change helped net the engine an extra one mpg in the city on the EPA's cycle. Additionally, the four-cylinder uses a marginally larger bore and longer stroke, tweaking displacement from 2,457cc to 2,498cc and helping to deliver an extra four pound-feet of torque 300 rpm sooner than the old 2.5-liter engine...
...We've had a soft-spot for the Forester since the first generation debuted in 1998, and while we would have liked the third-generation boxer engine bring to bring a little more to the table, the quieter, smoother mill makes for a more pleasant driving experience altogether. For us, the five-speed manual transmission is the logical solution to the old four-speed automatic, at least until Subaru can come up with an automatic gearbox to keep pace with its new engine architecture. With its surprising poise, copious cargo room and ample passenger space, the Forester still makes an excellent alternative to hordes of Novocain CUVs out there.'  read the article

12/9 Navigation systems go aftermarket like the Forester and Impreza with optional Tom Tom 
'Portable navigation companies are fast becoming original equipment suppliers, providing software and/or hardware to car companies looking to offer contemporary route guidance at an attainable price. Subaru is now offering integrated TomTom navigation devices on the Forester and Impreza. This strategy hands navigation development to an industry expert, leaving Subaru to design in a cradle, power supply, and audio system connections. In the end, the customer benefits from a modern navigator at a price well below those of typical, in-dash systems...
...The integrated, 4.3-inch TomTom unit routes audio through the car speakers, and it mutes the stereo system when issuing navigation guidance. Plus, it adds Bluetooth connectivity and audio input. It remains a portable, removable unit,  and with an available mount and power cord, the TomTom device could be used in another car. However, it cannot be readily replaced in the vehicle with a newer TomTom device down the road. Due to the design, a replacement would likely include the double-DIN cradle, as well. Subaru is not the first to explore this strategy. Toyota offered a 4Runner with similar integration, and Suzuki offers a flip-up Garmin in the SX4. We wouldn't be surprised to see this trend continue, and our talks with major navigations providers suggest it will.'  the article from Consumer Reports

11/26 Updated 2011 model spark plug replacement interval all 2011 Outback, Legacy, Forester; all turbos and all 3.6L 6 cylinder engines, except Tribeca. Replace plugs at 52,500 miles, 52.5 months, or 84000km. This replaces the 60,000 mile, 5 year interval  This is new and in owner's manual maintenance books printed Sept, 2010. Does not affect other years. subject to change

11/12 Forester is most frequently researched vehicle on Consumer Reports Online
'The Subaru Forester is the most frequently researched vehicle on Consumer Reports Online. It makes sense: This small SUV typically vies with the Toyota RAV4 for the spot of Consumer Reports Top Pick in its class. Plus, it's practical and economical.
Subaru has redesigned the Forester's base, normally-aspirated engine for 2011. You wouldn't know it by looking at the spec sheet: same 2.5-liter displacement, same 170-horsepower. But it is indeed different.
EPA figures show a 1 mpg increase from the new engine. So far, Subaru has stuck with a behind-the-times four-speed automatic in the Forester, rather than adding more gears or going to a CVT (like in their own Legacy/Outback) for better fuel economy.
One odd change for a car company whose tag line was once "Inexpensive and built to stay that way" is that even the non-turbo 2.5-liter now calls for synthetic oil. That will raise the cost of oil changes down the road. It also moves to 0W-20 weight oil, a fuel-saving change that we've seen in several Hondas this year. But since the new engine now lacks a timing belt that would need replacing, maintenance costs probably break even with the old car.
This time around, we bought the most popular trim-line, a 2.5X Premium. It adds features we like, such as a telescope steering wheel, power driver's seat, alloy wheels, a big sunroof, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity over the Spartan base model. Our car has the optional Cold-Weather Package, which includes heated seats and a deicing grid for the wipers -- features that you'd think would be standard for all Subarus sold in New England.
Including the automatic transmission, our Subaru stickered for $25,720. Since Connecticut seemingly has a Subaru dealer on every corner, we got our just-arrived car for mere dollars over invoice. The MSRP is almost identical to the sticker price for the Honda CR-V EX and Toyota RAV4 four-cylinder in our Ratings. We'll see if the new engine provides a fuel economy improvement, or has any affect on acceleration in our tests'  the article by Tom Mutchler. Subscribe for $29yr

11/5 Forester and Impreza colors dropped  Sky Blue Metallic and Paprika Red Pearl colors are not available, effective November, 2010. This might be temporary or permanent. Perhaps Subaru realized that too many choices- 15 Impreza colors, 10 Forester plus multiple option packages - led to disappointment (yes they make it, no we don't have it). If you want one of those colors, now is the time

10/31 new options announced
Outback and Legacy
> Body side moldings  - body colored side moldings help minimize door dings. Factory installed only at the present time, not currently available as an uninstalled part. 
> Interior Illumination Kit. Includes soft ambient light in the footwells, around the cupholders, and in the storage  by the shift lever. Very cool option and the lights are not distracting. 
Forester and Impreza
> Side window rain deflectors. Helps keep rain from dripping in when the windows are slightly open. Dealer installed only, not available installed from the factory. Fits Forester 2009-2011, Impreza 2008-2011. See your local Subaru dealer

10/21 Click and Clack from Cartalk on Subaru head gasket leaks
"I have a 2002 Subaru Forester. Upon my monthly check of fluids, I was shocked to see that there was no cooling fluid in the reservoir. I immediately took it to the shop, where they told me the head gasket was blown, and it would cost $2,000 to fix.
After doing some research, I found that Subaru had a service bulletin about this problem and advocated the use of a special Subaru additive for the coolant that could "possibly" stop the leak. So, I asked the mechanics to put the additive in my coolant. My mechanics then advised that I should just drive the car until it overheats, and only then fix my head gasket.
So I have two questions: (1) Is it truly possible that this "additive" will fix my leak? And (2) if the additive doesn't fix my leak, should I really wait until my car overheats to fix it? 
TOM: It IS possible that the additive will fix your leak. For years, Subaru has had problems with its head gaskets "seeping." They would remain intact (i. e., not torn or broken), but would allow fluid to seep through or around them. And if your head gasket is just seeping, and not actually blown, the additive may work.
RAY: I've tried the additive on my scalp, but somehow bald spots are still seeping into the regions where I once had hair.
TOM: The fact that you check your levels every month is actually discouraging to us, Catherine. Because that means the coolant reservoir went from full to empty in less than a month. That suggests that the solution may involve your home equity line in addition to the additive. But by all means, try the additive first.
RAY: But don't just wait for the engine to overheat. That's bad advice.
TOM: Right. Let's say your head gasket really is broken. You try the additive, it doesn't work and the car overheats. If it overheats badly enough, you could crack or warp the heads or damage the block. Or you could degrade the oil so badly that you damage the engine's bearings, which will shorten the life of the engine considerably. So you really don't want the car to overheat, ever.
RAY: Instead, now that the additive is in there, check your coolant reservoir every day for a while. See if you can assess whether the level is continuing to drop, and if so, how quickly. If it stops losing coolant, then have your garage do a pressure test and, hopefully, proclaim the problem solved.
TOM: But if the coolant level continues to drop, you want to find someone to fix it before the car overheats. And I'd suggest that that person be a different mechanic.
RAY: Right. Your current guys didn't know about the Subaru additive, and they gave you bad advice about what to do next. Ask friends who own Subarus who they use in your area. Or check out The Mechanics Files at www.cartalk.com.
And let us know how it works out, Catherine.
Got a question about cars? E-mail Tom and Ray by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com."

10/19 infrequent car buyer picks the Forester 
'It was our wedding anniversary Monday. Thank you. But that's not the anniversary I want to discuss. Monday also marked our car's four-day anniversary. We picked it up Friday. And in terms of the life of our family, the latter may be the more important milestone.
We purchase a new car approximately once every dozen years - or however long it takes our previous vehicle to die of natural causes. We've been married 24 years and the slate-gray Subaru Forester we bought last week marks our marriage's third car. 
The nuptials kicked off in 1986 with a Honda  Civic station wagon that gave up the ghost at 164,000 miles...
.. Indeed, we were so delighted with it that our fantasy for a follow-up vehicle was the Civic Wagon..
.. It seemed as if the folks at Honda read our mind when they came out with the Honda CR-V, essentially the Civic Wagon writ large. Thus, in 1997 we purchased the second CR-V on the East Coast....
..The reason we haven't bought a new car sooner and given the Honda to our older daughter to take to college wasn't just because she failed her driving test; it was because we're incredibly picky about our cars. Not only must they be modestly priced but they must be attractively boxy. Honda betrayed us when they redesigned the CR-V several years back, making it look like a lozenge...
Our options were further limited by the fact that we need four-wheel drive - the Taconic, our preferred route upstate, is double the fun in a blizzard and the driveway of our house is essentially a snowfield until someone remembers to plow us out...
To me the most important part of an automobile is the dashboard. I know that makes me sound superficial, if not imbecilic, but I like a console that looks pretty, especially at night. I want to be able to make believe that I'm piloting a 747. My favorite toy as a kid was one of those plastic car dashboards with steering wheel, motorized wiper blades, horn and directional signals. If I had my way I'd be surrounded by dials, switches, levers, altimeter, GPS, radar—including overhead—all of them tastefully illuminated. There's a limit to what you can get for $23,000 but the Subaru, with its blue dials, red-colored radio controls and green pinpoint lights in surprising places, doesn't utterly disappoint....
The rearview mirror also automatically adjusts for nighttime driving... There are only two cup holders, but I can live with that. And I suspect there are other impressive features, the result of all the innovation and collective wisdom that have gone into car design since we last bought one. Unfortunately, our dealer forgot to include an owner's manual, so I'm discovering my car mostly by trial and error, and hopefully before I do irrevocable damage to the engine. It's got to last us until at least 2023...' read the full article

10/14 the first 2011 Foresters start slowly arriving

10/9 2011 Forester- brochures now available at dealers, cars expected to start arriving October, and special finance rates already apply!

10/5 2011 Foresters due mid-late October.

10/3 HD radio- a first  Subaru is  the first Japanese brand to offer HD receiver radio. Its on the 2011 Forester Limited and Touring models. HD radio is free, broadcast over the air. You get improved sound quality- AM sounds like FM, FM sounds like a CD, plus you get additional local digital only FM channels HD2/HD3/HD4. 
Also Subaru is one of the first automakers to offer iTunes® Tagging- if theres a song you like, push the Tag button on the radio and the next time your iPod is connected to iTunes, a list of tagged songs will appear which can be previewed, purchased and downloaded.

9/23 2011 Forester prices, features finally announced including long awaited details on the models, the new 2.5L engine, new stereos, new TomTom Navigation. Also TomTom prices on the Impreza 2.5 Premium, Outback Sport. More? Forester, Impreza

9/10 Impreza, Forester supply. As 2010 Foresters sell out, due to factory scheduling, there will be a shortage until the 2011s arrive later in November or perhaps October.  This will also affect the supply of  2011 Imprezas. The 2011 Forester will have a new verson of the 2.5L engine with slightly better fuel economy and torque.

9/1  2011 Forester CVT rumors keep popping up. Many of us had hoped for a 2011 Forester CVT but it seems the 11s will have the same 4 speed auto and 5 speed manual choices. Well, at least at first. Maybe. (update- there is NO CVT for the 2011 Forester)
Subaru teased us a while ago, announcing that the 2011 Forester will have an updated 2.5L DOHC with a timing chain and requiring 0w-20 synthetic oil. No reason was given and no transmission or other mechanical upgrades or changes was announced, and as a result there has been much talk and speculation as to the reason for a make-over of the tried and trusty 2.5L.
It was announced at the same time that the 2011 Forester is expected to get a minor 1mpg better economy over the 10 with the same transmissions (thats not the 10% the article below mentions),  and the engine will require the new 0w-20 synthetic oil.
So, rumors keep popping up- is a CVT is coming on the 2011 model? Maybe,  maybe not. Will it be a mid-2011 model year change, or will the 2011 be a short run replaced by an early 2012?
All is still rumor, speculation, as the article below says, "details remain murky". But where there's enough smoke there's fire, and yes Subaru holds their cards close to the chest... 
"According to a Nikkei report sourced by Automotive News, Subaru will soon unveil an updated version of its four-cylinder boxer engine, which may reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. The redesign would mark the first major change in the Subaru's horizontally opposed engine in nearly two decades. While details remain murky, the report suggests the engine will displace between 2.0 and 2.5 liters and will be paired to a continuously variable transmission to maximize efficiency. The engine is expected to make its first appearance in the Forester compact SUV by the end of 2010, and will be followed by applications in the Legacy and Impreza...."  the article
7/30 Synthetic oil -  Subaru is now recommending using Subaru Synthetic 5W-30 oil for 2010 and prior turbo engines, and requiring it for all 2011 turbo engines. The oil change interval does not appear to have changed.  This oil is also recommended for all non-turbo vehicles, except the new 2011 Forester 2.5L (non turbo) due later this year which will use a  0W-20 Subaru synthetic oil.
7/3 2011 Forester details. Just some initial information released. Looks like no CVT transmission, or diesel engine (but no one really expected a diesel). 
The 2.5L engine is upgraded to a chain-driven double overhead cam DOHC (replacing belt driven SOHC) with slightly more power at lower RPMs, 175 torque at 4100rpm (10s are 170 at 4400), and 1mpg better fuel economy to 21/27 for manual and 4 spd automatic. (announced 7/28/10- Requires Subaru 0w-20 sythetic oil)
New top of the line X and XT Touring models. 
All models except base X have Bluetooth, and driver's window auto up/down feature.
Model line-up 
> 2.5L X, Premium, Limited and new top of the line Touring.  Premium gets redesigned alloy wheels. X Touring model adds HID low beams, dual front zone climate control, silver roof rails, electroluminescent guages, outside mirrors with turn signals, upgraded stereo
> XT turbos are Premium and new top of the line Touring. XT Limited is dropped. Premium gets the 10way power seat, and both get a redesigned rear spoiler.
> new Stereos: 
X Premium and XT Premium get a new single cd/am/fm with 6 speakers, handsfree bluetooth, audio streaming, iPod control, USB and auxiliary jack. Sirius radio capable.
Optional on X Premium: very cool sounding Tom-Tom removable 4.3" touchscreen Navigation GPS unit with handsfree Bluetooth, audio streaming, iPod control, USB and aux input. Back-up camera is optional.
X Limited and Touring, XT Touring all get a new 4.3" audio screen with back-up camera (camera optional on Limited), single cd/am/fm with 6 speakers, handsfree Bluetooth, audio streaming, iPod control, USB and aux input. Sirius radio capable. (note- not sure if this is the same removable Tom-Tom navigation gps unit)

5/28 Forester- last day to order a 2010 Forester is Friday 5/28/10. This was announced with almost no advance notice, and means the supply of 2010 Foresters on lots and incoming will dwindle. No information on 2011s other than the CVT rumors.

2/25 Can't find the Outback or Legacy you want? Hmm... how about a Forester instead? 
Dealers are short on new Outbacks and and Legacy. Its good demand is strong but bad that dealers don't have enough of them so you may not find exactly want you want sitting on the lot. 
Of course part of the problem is that with over 400 possible Outback and Legacy model, package, and color combinations, and over 600 dealers to supply, no dealer will ever have a lot of them sitting around.
So salespeople are asking how about another color, or how about one with a sunroof, or about an order and waiting 2 months (sigh)  . 
Especially scarce are 4 and 6 cylinder Outback Limiteds. 
However all is not bad, because currently there is a very good supply of Foresters and that means deals! 
'With sales hot and market share rising, the only thing Subaru dealers want is more cars. They can't keep enough in stock, particularly the updated Outback crossover and Legacy sedan, Phil Porter, chairman of the Subaru National Dealer Advisory Board, said after the make meeting here.
"We don't know, because we don't have excess inventory, just how many Outbacks and Legacys we can sell," said Porter, who owns three Subaru stores in Florida and Connecticut.
Subaru of America's overall supply is under 30 days, COO Tom Doll told Automotive News. Supplies of the Outback and Legacy are under 10 days, he said. "Our biggest challenge is to get enough product to dealers so they can achieve another sales increase," Doll said. Subaru's plant in Indiana is running on overtime, including weekends. The company is investing in additional tooling in the plant to expand capacity. Those upgrades will come in April and July, Doll said." the article
2/7 Impreza and Forester optional hands free cell phone bluetooth 'BlueConnect' now available. Installs in center dash under the heater controls. Not available on all models or with Navigation.
2/5  Why I didn't buy a new Forester and fixed the old one instead.   'Story: I was driving home from Salida (Colorado) about 10 days ago when my speedometer and tachometer needles suddenly jumped a bit and then froze in place. The speedometer was at 62 mph, and the tach was at 4,200. And a state trooper running radar was on the horizon. I let off the gas, and nothing happened.
Now, the Subaru dealer who sold me my Forester a little over three years ago is in my cell phone address book, so I called and spoke to the service department. And, I might mention, I pulled off the side of the road.
There is no speedometer cable; without looking at the car, the service rep's best guess was a cluster gone bad. Hmmm, I thought. Cluster indeed. This was Thursday, and I made an appointment to take the car in the following Monday...
Somewhat unsettled by the lack of gauges, I drove home, and the only other trip I made was to church on Sunday before taking the car to the dealer. The service rep very kindly provided me with a rental, and I came home, expecting to pick my car up on Thursday...
In the meantime, the cost of repairs, a new set of tires (which I needed) and a new timing belt crept upward and surpassed $2,000. And then the thought occurred to me: Why not trade in my old Suby with 108,000 miles for a brand-spanking new one?
Great idea! And off I went, with my neighbor, Linda, on the appointed day.
The service rep knew my plans for the trade, and I arranged to meet with a salesman. Kelley Blue Book figures in hand, I was ready to talk turkey.
Which we did for about 90 minutes. But when the salesman checked on my car appraisal, I was hit with the news that because the cluster had been replaced, the odometer read zero. And the car's value went from a reasonable amount to a pitiful amount.
Out in the parking lot, waiting for me to pay for all the repairs and new tires and new timing belt, sat my old, suddenly devalued car.
There was just no way to mask the disappointment I was feeling. To put it mildly and in car terms, I was honked off in a big way. Linda was standing off to one side as I paid the cashier, and I said, "Let's go spend money."
So we did, finding flameless candles for her house and, for my house, a comforter on the clearance rack...For 24 hours I fumed and fretted and fired off a righteously indignant e-mail, but eventually my anger was replaced by contrition and even some embarrassment.
What had me so upset was a thing? A thing like a new car, when my old car is mechanically sound, steady and reliable? Then the most crucial question came to me.
Where, that Still Small Voice asked me, is your treasure? In a new car? Because if it is, then your heart is there as well.
Well, it's mighty humbling to have the slack yanked out of me at this age, but I am so thankful for the end of this story. It's II Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Thanks be to God I am that creature. Amen. And of course, hallelujah..."  read the article

2/2 New interest rates announced. Both Legacy and now Forester 1.9%x36 mos. Other models continue with 2.9%. more
1/31 Forester XT comparison- how the Forester XT stacks up to CRV, RAV4, Tiguan, Mariner, Outlander, Grand Vitara, Terrain. 
Forester XT- 4th place. 'Overall, this is a gratifying blend of agility, practicality, and performance. It’s interesting to note that before we calculated observed fuel economy, the Forester was in third place. Turbos can be thirsty. Airy cockpit, superb sightlines, light, agile, quick. Lows: Not the world’s most rigid platform, needs a fifth gear. The Verdict: A Subaru that’s finally gone mainstream.' 
1st place- Rav4, 2nd VW Tiguan, 3rd CRV, 4th Forester XT, 5th Mitsubishi Outlander, 6th GMC Terrain, 7th Suzuki Grand Vitara, 8th Mercury Mariner. Read the article from from carandriver.com, February 2010 issue
1/29 Prices announced on new mid year models. 
WRX Limited ($1000 more than Premium) and STI SE ($2000 less than STI) prices officially announced. details here. STI SE and WRX Limited due in March, 2010.
Forester X SE ($400) and Limited with Navigation and new Convenience Package ($2300) due in February 2010 details here

1/23 new Forester brochures out- updated with new X 'SE' and Limited 'Navigation and Convenience Package' model information
1/15/10 Forester comes in last when Motor Trend compares the 2010 Forester to the GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson.
The 2009 Forester was all new and top of the heap in power and fuel economy and was Motor Trend's 2009 Sport Utility of the Year. That was then.
In this new comparison, the 2010 Forester continued to do well and was even slightly faster than the 09 and had better braking for example, but since then the other models have had a few upgrades and the Forester just didn't shine like it did 2 years ago when it was brand new..
> 1st place CRV- 'In a class by itself in quality feel, classy interior materials, and carefully wrought details -- looks and feels like a premium piece," says St. Antoine. Harwood summarizes the Honda as follows: "This isn't just the smart decision when looking at crossovers, it appeals to the emotions too. Both sides of the brain would be very happy with the CR-V. True enough..  Composed chassis, premium materials, and a jewel of an engine equal winner.'
> 2nd place  Tuscon-  'Hyundai's first crossover to be designed and engineered in Europe, and it shows... Tucson emanates a personality that could only come from across the Atlantic. And we like it. "Easily the best-looking vehicle of the bunch, inside and out. Stiff ride and spotty steering handicap an otherwise quick, agile, and choice CUV'.
> 3rd place Terrain- '..we did find the Terrain an impressive rig when on the move. St. Antoine remarks, "Supple chassis, with good control and solid steering feel." Evans adds, "I'd call it the sports car of the group, as it handles the best on pavement." If it weren't for the hefty price, disappointing performance stats, and elephantine curb weight, the Terrain would have scored higher.. GM's boxy newcomer is fun to drive and feature laden, but too heavy and too costly.'
> 4th place Forester- 'In May 2008's test, the Forester's 170 horsepower and 20/26-mpg fuel economy put it near the top of the class. In this 2010 shindig, however, those numbers place it dead last... Fast forward 22 months, our 2010 tester -- a 3311-pound 2.5X Premium -- proved considerably quicker (9.3 seconds), but was nonetheless slower than all three of its foes. Whereas before the Subaru's four-speed automatic was competitive, now it seems conspicuously uncompetitive...  With archaic four-speed and basement power, the former champ shows its age.'  read it all on Motor Trend
1/12/10 Detroit Auto Show- New Forester Option Packages announced (and I was hoping for news about a diesel- sigh).
New Option Packages available on Foresters arriving starting March February, 2010.
X gets a new Special Edition (SE) Option Package (code #21, List $400) with 16" alloy wheels and roof rails.
X Limited gets a new Navigation and Convenience Package (code #22, List $2300, $500 more than std Navigation Pkg) which adds cargo cover, HID headlights, telescoping steering wheel.
The Hybrid Tourer Concept was there and and Thomas Doll said Subaru hopes to have something like the Tourer out in 2012.
STI SE and WRX Limited  should be available starting March

top
Subaru Impreza
news and reviews
edited for length, content
2010 calendar year - (archives 2009)

> Subaru's Top Safety Picks: Small Car category- Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX); Midsize Car category- Subaru Legacy and Outback, Small SUV 
category - Forester; Midsize SUV category- Tribeca.  the full press release with all Top Safety Picks 
 

12/23  the wrong tires.  Most Subarus come with decent all season tires, but three of them don't. The Impreza WRX, STI and Legacy GT are sold with performance tires that aren't meant for everyday driving on wet or snowy roads. Maybe it helps to market the performance aspect of these models but many folks who buy these all wheel drive cars then spend money on tires so they drive safely in wintery weather.  Subaru all wheel drive is great but the right tires are essential. Here's a video from TFLcar.com worth watching before you buy a WRX, STI or GT.. 
"... what about racing two All-Wheel-Drive cars with the same horsepower in the snow? The catch?  One car has snow tires while the other one has summer tires. Can you guess what happens when we pit the 2011 all-wheel-drive Mercedes R350 against the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT in the snow?..'   http://www.tflcar.com/2010/12/mashed-up-match-up-awd-snow-vs-summer-tire-shoot-out-in-the-rocky-mountians-.html

12/9 Navigation systems go aftermarket like the Forester and Impreza with optional Tom Tom 
'Portable navigation companies are fast becoming original equipment suppliers, providing software and/or hardware to car companies looking to offer contemporary route guidance at an attainable price. Subaru is now offering integrated TomTom navigation devices on the Forester and Impreza. This strategy hands navigation development to an industry expert, leaving Subaru to design in a cradle, power supply, and audio system connections. In the end, the customer benefits from a modern navigator at a price well below those of typical, in-dash systems...
...The integrated, 4.3-inch TomTom unit routes audio through the car speakers, and it mutes the stereo system when issuing navigation guidance. Plus, it adds Bluetooth connectivity and audio input. It remains a portable, removable unit,  and with an available mount and power cord, the TomTom device could be used in another car. However, it cannot be readily replaced in the vehicle with a newer TomTom device down the road. Due to the design, a replacement would likely include the double-DIN cradle, as well. Subaru is not the first to explore this strategy. Toyota offered a 4Runner with similar integration, and Suzuki offers a flip-up Garmin in the SX4. We wouldn't be surprised to see this trend continue, and our talks with major navigations providers suggest it will.'  the article from Consumer Reports

11/27 the Impreza  concept car at the LA car show is a clue to Subaru's future look
'future cars to have similar design  to the Impreza Unveiled last week at the LA Auto Show, the Subaru Impreza Design Concept is set to inspire more than just the one compact car. In fact, according to Subaru’s top designer Osamu Namba, the vehicle foreshadows a design language that will shape all future Subaru models. The “Confidence in Motion” design language displayed in the concept will more directly flow through to the Impreza, but Namba says to expect many of the cues to be reflected in the future generation of models, with design traits like the front grille and headlights sure to become staples of Subaru’s new vehicles.
In an interview with AutoCar, Namba admitted that in the past there were design “inconsistencies” at Subaru, and the goal is now to bring all models in line, so you’ll know a Subaru when you see one. New Subaru models are also expected to get a lower and wider stance from now on, while taller models like the Tribeca and Outback will be varied somewhat. As for the WRX and STI, they will continue to also differentiate themselves from the rest of the lineup, with aggressive race-inspired features.' the article

11/22  2012 Impreza concept car shown at the LA auto show November 19-28, 2010. Check out this new tease of the coming 2012 Impreza. An assertive stance, bulging fenders, glaring headlights... well, maybe its not the final production version... A new 2.0L boxer 4, 148 hp, a CVT, an all wheel drive... will this get 35mpg+?  Check out more photos here.. concept car 

11/16 Best Resale Value Awards from KBB.com Subaru Outback and WRX
In addition to crowning two brands and 10 overall winners with 2011 Best Resale Value Awards, we also named 18 category champions.
Segment winners you might recognize from last year's list include Honda Accord, Toyota Sienna and seven others. Cars that bumped their way onto the podium this year include the GMC Acadia, which replaced the Honda Pilot, and the Ford Mustang, supplanting the Chevy Corvette. The Best Brand and Best Luxury Brand winners - Subaru and BMW, respectively - each claimed two category wins.
2011 Honda Fit | Best Resale Value: Subcompact Car.
2011 MINI Cooper | Best Resale Value: Compact Car
2011 Honda Accord | Best Resale Value: Mid-Size Car
2011 Ford Taurus | Best Resale Value: Full-Size Car This is the second year in a row Ford Taurus has won this award.
2011 Subaru Outback | Best Resale Value: Wagon 
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX | Best Resale Value: Sports Car ..one of the great bang-for-the-buck performers of all time. 
read the whole article

11/11 WRX rally driver Travis Patrana leaves Subaru- goes to Nascar
After mining gold medals in the X Games, shattering jump records on both motorcycles and automobiles and starring as a cultural icon for the action sports world, the star of MTV's "Nitro Circus" is ready to turn his attention to America's most popular form of motorsports – NASCAR.
Michael Waltrip Racing, Gary and Blake Bechtel and Pastrana announced today the creation of Pastrana-Waltrip Racing that will field cars in the NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in 2011.
Pastrana-Waltrip Racing will focus on creating programs that expose the action sports world's fans and participants to NASCAR and develop youth marketing initiatives designed to create greater awareness of both sports.
Initial plans are for Pastrana to compete in seven NASCAR Nationwide races in 2011 and twenty races in 2012.
"I've been following NASCAR closely for years as a fan of the sport with competing in the sport a life-long dream," Pastrana said. "I decided it was time to try and turn that dream into reality and with the help of the Bechtel family, Michael Waltrip Racing and Wasserman media group I'm now one step closer!"
Pastrana-Waltrip Racing will field Toyotas out of the Michael Waltrip Racing shop in Cornelius, N.C. Waltrip noted the importance of the youth demographic Pastrana brings to NASCAR.
"Travis has built an enormous and unique following all over the world," said Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 champion....
Watch Pastrana announce his NASCAR arrival at www.pastranawaltrip.com and www.facebook.com/pastranawaltrip and follow us on Twitter at @pwr99. Expect more Pastrana-Waltrip Racing news on schedule, sponsors and youth initiatives in January in Los Angeles.

11/9 Impreza 5 door is in Robert Downey's new movie 'Due Date'.
In the new Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures production, Robert Downey Jr plays a character that is in a race against time to get home for the birth of his child, using a Subaru Impreza. The comedy, directed by Todd Phillips, follows father-to-be Peter Highman (Downey Jr) as he tries to make his way home in time for his wife’s due date. 
Highman therefore starts a road trip with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis – the Hangover), with the duo taking their hilarious road trip in a Paprika Red Pearl Impreza hatchback. The car, however ends up totaled.
“The AWD hatchback copes admirably with all that the duo can throw at it before its role in the movie ends dramatically, when, with the troublesome Tremblay at the wheel, it is inadvertently launched from a motorway flyover and lands on its roof on the road below (a seriously stern crash test for any car),” a Subaru statement reads.' read the article

11/6 something new, something hidden, something secret,  something COOL? A concept to be unveiled at the LA car show November 17th. is it the Subatoy coupe, or a tease of the redesigned 2012 Impreza, a tuner ready WRX, perhaps (dare I even say) a diesel or hybrid concept 
'Tokyo, November 2, 2010 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced today the establishment of a new global brand statement, "Confidence in Motion", as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the Subaru brand.
"Confidence" reflects Subaru's attitude toward engineering excellence and the trust generated among drivers by following through on its commitment to provide both enjoyment and peace of mind. "in Motion" expresses Subaru's resolve to continue innovating to meet customer expectations in a world of constant change.
Subaru will proactively address global environmental issues and the demands of ever-maturing automobile use. Subaru believes automobiles should be more than just a means of simple transportations. They should also be a source of enjoyment, and enjoyment rests on a foundation of peace of mind. These two inseparable values are central to the Subaru experience. As customer expectations are diversifying, Subaru will foresee these needs with independent thinking and continue to offer enjoyment and peace of mind without losing sight of the essence of what an automobile should be.
"Confidence in Motion" expresses Subaru's aim to continue evolving in order to offer even more customers new ways to enrich their lives through a uniquely satisfying Subaru experience.
From now on, "Confidence in Motion" will be at the center of all Subaru activities. As the first step, FHI will exhibit a concept car embodying the new brand statement at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, USA (press days on November 17 and 18, open to the public from November 19 to 28). A press briefing with FHI President & CEO Ikuo Mori is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17 at 12:20 (PST) at the Subaru booth.'

11/5 Forester and Impreza colors dropped  Sky Blue Metallic and Paprika Red Pearl colors are not available, effective November, 2010. This might be temporary or permanent. Perhaps Subaru realized that too many choices- 15 Impreza colors, 10 Forester plus multiple option packages - led to disappointment (yes they make it, no we don't have it). If you want one of those colors, now is the time

11/4 small performance car competition heating up? 
'Move over Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Ford thinks it's Focus ST, the performance version of its small car, will fit right in against them. And it will be a lot cheaper. "We have the opportunity to be much more value oriented than them," said Jim Farley, Ford's vice president of marketing, at the SEMA show here in Las Vegas. That's him in the picture at top.
Foreshadowing the arrival of the ST in 2012, Ford stacked its SEMA exhibit with hot, customized small cars. The ST just arrived in the Europe, where it will go on sale before it hits the U.S.'... from USA today

11/1 a look back to the 98-02 Imperza RS. It was a hard sell when introduced as a 2 door in 98 with flashy gold wheels and a big spoiler, and the later 4 door was a bit quirky too, but with hindsight they were hot hot hot... 
'...You'd be hard pressed to find any car enthusiast who isn't aware of the impact of the Subaru WRX. In wagon or sedan form, it owns the competition with its freaky fast turbo power and AWD. But what of the first generation Impreza? We were mostly passed over for a performance-oriented version, but Subaru did manage to stick a toe into the import scene waters with the Rally-inspired Subaru 2.5RS. The larger NA 2.5-liter boxer four, larger brakes, and a sportier transmission. It also looked as fast as anything on the road with enough visual tweaks to convince anyone on the road they were just passed by Colin McRae.
Available with gold wheels and in coupe form, it's not the performance car the following WRX was, but it's awesome and probably the best looking Impreza ever sold in the U.S.' the article at Jalopnik

10/31 new options announced
Outback and Legacy
> Body side moldings  - body colored side moldings help minimize door dings. Factory installed only at the present time, not currently available as an uninstalled part. 
> Interior Illumination Kit. Includes soft ambient light in the footwells, around the cupholders, and in the storage  by the shift lever. Very cool option and the lights are not distracting. 
Forester and Impreza
> Side window rain deflectors. Helps keep rain from dripping in when the windows are slightly open. Dealer installed only, not available installed from the factory. Fits Forester 2009-2011, Impreza 2008-2011. See your local Subaru dealer
10/12 STI sedan review - the wing is a a freak flag of the fast and furious...
'You may have peculiar tastes and offbeat hobbies. Commemorative spoon collecting, Civil War reenactments, insisting that people refer to you as "Gandalf." But I assure you you're not remotely as close to the edge of strange as the people who would buy this car, the 2011 Subaru WRX STI Limited Sedan. These people aren't just unusual. They're practically unicorns...
.. the company sells a high performance version of the Impreza called the WRX, powered by a raunchy 2.5-liter, 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and fitted with rudely punched-out fender flares, 17-inch wheels, sports seats and more. This bandy legged, sawed-off little rat racer is awfully interesting in its own right. Zero-to-60 mph blows by in about 5 seconds, making it roughly as quick as a Chevy Camaro SS or Ford Mustang GT.
Five thousand dollars north of the WRX and well into the land of alphabet soup is this car, the WRX STI -a crushing, outrageous factory tuner warthog powered by an even more insane version of the 2.5-liter turbo four, with fancy-dancy valves, crank, pistons, intercooler, the works. Grand total: 305 hp. The fervid, overreaching exhaust note is what a very fine sports car would sound like if it got a hernia.
In addition to lots of other go-fast gristle, the WRX STI is equipped with a complex AWD system that includes front and rear limited-slip differentials and an adjustable center differential that basically allows you to dial in increasing levels of power-on oversteer, depending on road and track conditions.  Don't worry if you've never heard of this technology. It evolved out of Subaru's efforts in World Rally Championship racing, which you also have never heard of...
For 2011, the sedan, and the wing, is back. Who would miss the silly wing? Well, aerodynamicists, for one. According to Subaru, the sedan with the giga-sized rear wing has lower aero drag and so a 3-mph-higher top speed (158 mph) than the hatch. Seems like an awful lot of ugly for just 3 mph, but that's just me.
Also, fanboys. And here it's necessary to philosophize a bit on the nature of the sport-compact/factory-tuner culture. This is an automotive tribe that celebrates the transformation of ordinary cars into something extraordinary, a process of building, constructing, modifying, improving. The visual narrative here is one of empowerment, of Charles Atlas's 97-pound weakling returning from the gym to flatten the bully on the beach...
In this subculture, the Subie's wing is more than just an ugly hunk of composite plastic (which it is). It's a proud, defiant signifier, a freak flag of the fast and furious, a totem, a talisman, a misanthropic chakra. Or it could just look cool. In any event, the audience seemed to miss it, judging by the declining sales numbers. Subaru now expects the be-winged sedan to make up two-thirds of its WRX STI sales (roughly 4,000 annually).
Not bad for a car that looks like it was rear-ended by a Sopwith Camel...  ..Meanwhile, the metabolism of the new car feels appropriately quickened, more acute, more present, focused like a preschooler on Adderol... 
Is this a car for you? The odds are, most definitely not—the factory-tuner segment is dying on the vine anyway. But Subaru should be commended for giving the fanboys what they want, the way they want it. Better, faster, more furious. It's all about the wing.' the article from Dan Neil at WSJ
 

9/29 Opening weeknd -  Drive Dirty... Taste the Dirt at the brand new DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington at the Old Mill Rally Park.. Learn to drive in the dirt, hard, fast in a real Subaru competition car by Vermont Sports Cars, the same folks who make them for Dave Mirra, Travis Pastrana. Skid control, steering, left-foot-braking, handbrake turns, braking on a variety of surfaces, and cornering techniques. At Twin Peaks X-Park. Special intro prices.  info@dirtfish.com

9/19  Check out the fun Subaru Get More Gs website, send postcards, make your face go nuts with desire...

9/18 Subaru is trying to make more Outbacks. Yes they're coming. That means more jobs too
'Over the next six months, SIA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive) in Lafayette will add 100 full-time production positions to its work force of nearly 3,300. A sharp rise in demand for two redesigned SIA-built models - the Outback and Legacy - are being credited with creating increased work and the need for more production associates... The new employees will be hired from the ranks of SIA's temporary work force employed by CTI Personnel. 
Over the past 15 months, the Lafayette manufacturer has increased its variable work force by more than 380, while scheduling daily and weekend overtime. In addition, five line-speed increases have been implemented. Total SIA production for 2010 is projected to exceed 250,000 vehicles.'  the article

9/17 Subiefest winner to get free trip Las Vegas SEMA show
Subaru is offering the winner of Subiefest 2010 "Best of Show" competition the opportunity to have the winning Subaru displayed on the Subaru stand at the 2010 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas from November 2-5
In addition, the winner will receive a complimentary six-night hotel stay in Las Vegas, $500 cash, free meals and transportation to Las Vegas, and passes to attend the SEMA show. The competition will be held at Subiefest 2010 on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA. Subiefest is the largest all-Subaru shootout in the world with over 1000 attendees.  The event will have exciting driving demos and ride-alongs and the famous all-Subaru parade lap.

9/16 2011 WRX/STI and Tribeca brochures arriving at dealers. 2011 Spec pages WRX, STITribeca

9/13  2011 WRX review - changes are for the better
'In the years since its 2002 U.S. introduction, the rally-inspired Subaru Impreza WRX  evolved aesthetically like Barry Bonds, morphing from the scrawny-looking yet scrappy original to this version, the beefed-up and muscular 2011 model. Yes, there were a few stylistic missteps along the way, 2006’s funky nose and the softer look of the 2008 chief among them, but we’ve never loved the WRX for its looks. The thing has always been a blast to drive, and it got even better for 2009 when Subaru poured on 41 more horsepower, for a total of 265, and stirred in a raft of chassis revisions. The result was a 0-to-60-mph run of just 4.7 seconds and more poise than ever; the only remaining issues were a tendency to understeer and that it looked pretty much like a regular Impreza. You may now consider those rectified.
This year, both the WRX sedan and hatchback receive the aggressive, wide-body design of the more powerful STI, including its quad-tipped exhaust. Track increases of 1.3 inches in front and 1.5 inches in the rear -coming in part from the lighter, wider 17-inch wheels (eight inches wide versus seven) -make sure the newly flared fenders are filled. As expected given the wheel widening, the Dunlop SP Sport 01 skins increase in width from 225 millimeters to 235. The chassis changes are rounded out by stiffer rear subframe bushings
... A revised audio system now includes Bluetooth and iPod connectivity as standard; it’s the only other major interior change for 2011.
The small alterations to the footprint improve the WRX’s ride and handling just as much as the burlier styling enhances its look.
...toss the Rex into a corner and now neither front nor rear will let go without the other unless your inputs are overly aggressive. This composure at the limit vastly increases driver confidence, which is further enhanced by reduced body roll and steering that feels sharper and more responsive than the previous car’s. In short, the WRX finally feels at home on a track.... 
While we’d prefer a little better initial brake bite and a shifter that doesn’t feel so rubbery- a very good short-throw shifter is available as an accessory - we can’t ask for much more than the punch delivered from the carry-over turbocharged 2.5-liter...
The WRX has changed quite a bit in the years since its introduction, and the 2011 enhancements have produced the best-driving iteration yet. Perhaps best of all, it remains among the few standout enthusiast machines available for less than $30K, proving that when a car makes great strides, the sticker price doesn’t have to follow suit.'  read the whole article

9/11 Rally driver Travis Pastrana zooms up Mt Washington, seting a record on his first try!  Compare that to John Neff's recent steering wheel clenching experience on the same road in a Legacy GT, noted below dated 9/4 and on his blog.
'Yesterday (9/9),  traveling at an average speed of nearly 72 mph in a Vermont SportsCar-prepared, BFGoodrich Tires-shod 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car, four-time Rally America National Champion Travis Pastrana made sure the project name, Red Bull Speed Chasers, lived up to its name. He reached the summit faster than anyone else in history by clocking an officially timed run of 6 minutes 20.47 seconds, besting the previous record by more than twenty seconds. Amazingly, Pastrana achieved the impressive time on his first ever high-speed run to the summit. Pastrana has effectively thrown down the gauntlet in advance of the legendary Mt. Washington "Climb to the Clouds" Automobile Hillclimb, which will take place in 2011 after a 10-year hiatus...
Pastrana was up to the challenge, and on his first attempt was able to set his fast time, besting "Climb to the Clouds" Hillclimb record holder Frank Sprongl's time of 6 minutes 41.99 seconds, set in 1998. Pastrana attempted three more runs but each time he was slowed by near zero visibility conditions at near the summit, as low rain clouds inundated the area. Pastrana's test session was officially sanctioned by RallyCar (formerly Rally America).
"This is an amazing road, it's just so much fun," said Pastrana, who last New Year's Eve set the world record for distance jumping in a car at 269 feet. "It's extremely challenging, there is no room for error and the scenery is epic. The Mt. Washington Auto Road has some amazing history to it."  the press release

9/10 Impreza, Forester supply. As 2010 Foresters sell out, due to factory scheduling, there will be a shortage until the 2011s arrive later in November or perhaps October.  This will also affect the supply of  2011 Imprezas. The 2011 Forester will have a new verson of the 2.5L engine with slightly better fuel economy and torque.

9/9 STI sedan review - its not going fast, its just being able to go fast if you did actually want to...
'The main attraction of a high-performance car is not that you'd actually attempt what it is capable of, but that you could if you wanted to—assuming, of course, that you have the skills.
A case in point: the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI sport sedan. This is a powerful all-wheel drive compact designed to conquer grueling European rally courses—not something the typical American buyer is likely to encounter... In such circumstances with the new STI, the only limiting factor is the skill of the driver. The car supplies everything else...
The STI sits at the pinnacle of an all-new lineup of high-performance hatchbacks and sedans from Subaru of Japan, the keeper of the boxer flame...
..New for 2011, in a nod to American preferences, is a wider-bodied four-door sedan in the WRX STI version. It joins the WRX sedan and four-door hatchbacks offered on previous models. Prices start at $26,220 for the WRX sedan and climb to $36,720 for the hatchback WRX STI. The test car was a loaded STI Limited sedan with a suggested price of $38,070..
..The main visual characteristic of the new WRX STI sedan is a giant wing-like spoiler on the trunk that fairly screams, "I'm speeding. Arrest me." It's part of the standard equipment so you can't get rid of it unless you cut a deal with your dealer or buy the less-expensive and less powerful WRX sedan. Hatchbacks come with more sedate roof-mounted spoilers...
Despite their kinship, the WRX and WRX STI are different cars. The STI has a unique drive train and suspension system developed with race-car parts, along with binders from Brembo, the famed supplier of high-performance brakes.
Unofficially, the STI can snap off zero-to-60 acceleration times of less than five seconds, with a top speed north of 155 miles an hour. Not surprisingly, the city/highway fuel consumption, at 17/23 miles to the gallon, is less than outstanding. On the road, the STI has taut handling but without the punishing ride that sometimes accompanies stiffly sprung performance cars. Clutch action is smooth and the shift linkage for the six-speed gearbox is somewhat tight but likely will loosen up in time.' the whole article

8/27 WRX review
'..The WRX's resemblance to the STI is more than skin deep, but stops short of the bone. Where the STI is taut and hard, the WRX is compliant, even soft. The STI gets a true sports-car transmission, but the WRX's gearbox feels like surplus from Fuji Heavy Industries commercial trucks. On the practical side, the new WRX benefits greatly from a cabin tech makeover, a new navigation unit that brings in a Bluetooth phone system, and extensive audio-tuning capabilities...  Our test car was a Premium-edition model, between the base and Limited trims. We fell in love with its leather-covered sports seats immediately (note- leather is available on Limited model only). High backs and nominal side bolsters provided comfort and stability. The red, stitched WRX logo is a nice touch.
Only in the Premium and Limited trim cars is the navigation option available. This DVD-based system is far from cutting edge, but the maps offer decent resolution. It takes more than one DVD to cover the U.S., forcing disc swaps for different regions, which is kind of weak in this era of hard-drive and flash-memory-based GPS. Worse, we had to specify the actual state when entering a destination. Given the primitive nature of this navigation system, it is no surprise that it does not show traffic or weather information. And annoyingly, it blocks out all destination input, except for emergency locations, while driving...
We were eager to test the WRX's performance, but our initial experiences left us unimpressed. The long shifter felt too far from each gate position, and lacked any kind of precision. We rowed it into second gear, then third, with each movement feeling like pushing a fireplace poker around a loose clump of logs. The transmission also lacked a sixth gear; instead reverse sits in that position, which invites havoc when looking for top gear on the freeway. ..Trying to work with the car, we got it set for a fast start. Revs up and clutch dropped, the car slogged carefully forward, its 2.5-liter four-cylinder doing the best to comply with our wishes. After a few seconds, the turbo kicked in, and the real fun began. The WRX boasts 265 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque, but considerable turbo lag kept us waiting like a kid on Christmas Eve for something to happen.
When it did get going, we could feel the power surging the car forward, taking it from snail to Cape buffalo at full charge. The WRX requires just a little patience. Making it all worthwhile was the whine from the turbo whenever it kicked in, making us feel like Top Gun pilots.  As the wide fenders brought the STI to mind, we were surprised to find the ride so soft. Rough city pavement and wide freeway expansion joints were absorbed equally, with dampers avoiding any unnecessary oscillation. A few of the bigger potholes sent a jolt through the car, but under most circumstances it offered a better ride than your average midsize sedan."  the article

8/25 2011 maintenance.  According to the printed 2011 owner manual warranty booklet, some 2011 model maintenance schedules on 2.5L Outback, Legacy, Impreza and Forester XT no longer calls for replacing the rubber timing belt at 105,000 miles as in previous years. The schedule calls for an inspection at 30,000 mile intervals when other services are normally performed, but not for a replacement.  This is a typo- replace the timing belt at 105,000 miles Check back for updates. More on 2011 maintenance and also the new Subaru Synthetic oil
8/12 most stolen 1-3 year old cars. You're safe with a Subaru, only the 2008/09 Impreza wagon makes the list and it's on the 'Lowest Losses' end which is good!  The article doesn't say which wagon model but I'd suggest its the WRX/STI. 
The most stolen vehicles are big SUVs, trucks, fast/expensive cars etc ....
"These are the latest theft loss results (released 8/3/10) for passenger vehicles 1 to 3 years old published by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Sedate family cars and fuel sippers aren't on the hot list," says Kim Hazelbaker, HLDI senior vice president. "Thieves are after chrome, horsepower, and HEMIs...."
Highest Losses: Cadillac Escalade, 2008-09 Ford F-250 crew 4WD, 2008-2009 Infiniti G37 2-door , Dodge Charger HEMI, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Hummer H2 4WD, Nissan Pathfinder Armada, Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew, GMC Yukon, 
Lowest Losses:  Volvo S80, 2008-09 Saturn VUE 4WD, 2009 Nissan Murano, 2008-2009 Saturn VUE, 2009 Honda Pilot 4wd, 2008-2009 Subaru Impreza wagon, Toyota Prius, Mini Cooper, Toyota Tacoma double 4wd, Toyota Sienna 4WD
8/10/10 SPT Catback Exhaust now available on the 5 door WRX in addition to the 5 door STI.   Low restriction, deeper sounding but not loud exhaust. Available factory installed as a package with exhaust finishers and 'tuned by STP' decal for MSRP  $1327, or alone for MSRP $1067. This is a very good upgrade.

8/8  2011 Impreza 2.5L model brochures available - 2.5i, Premium, Outback Sport. On the 'Trim Levels' page at the back of the brochure, it incorrectly states that the Outback Sport has a 4 way power passsenger seat. The 2011 Outback Sport does not currently have this feature - a power seat has never been available on any Impreza. The seat options are correct however on the 'Equipment' page under 'Seating and Trim', indicating manual adjustments. A separate WRX and STI brochure will be available later. 
8/2 STI SE Just got in my last 2010 STI SE with the upgraded suspension.  Graphite gray, USB etc.  Contact if interested.

8/1  Sky Blue Impreza photos added, new color on the Imprezas. click here
7/23 July 29- August 1st X Games in LA . Saturday 7/31 is the rally day.  Check out the Rally and new Super Rally. All on ESPN. Subarus will be driven by Pastrana, Mirra, Block and Travis Hansen. - schedule - drivers - online rally video schedule

7/22 WRX and STI prices and features released.  Factory orders accepted for delivery late summer.

7/20 WRX and STI reviews are out. Over the last few weeks, car reviewers had an opportunity to vist Colorado to test the redesigned 2011 WRX and STI due later this summer.  The reviews are now out and here's a sampling. Remember, you can now order the cars.

> from autoweek.com 'Perhaps it is unfair to consign the last-generation Subaru Impreza WRX  STI to a place in history best occupied by the likes of New Coke and the Pet Rock. Yet when Subaru unveiled the 2008 STI--the replacement for its legendary, flame-snorting predecessor which launched in the United States in 2004--there was no escaping the feeling that its performance flagship might have lost as much as it gained along the way. And for what? Yes, the 2008 STI was smoother and quieter. It also felt softer and easier to drive, even--and this was the depressing part--tame in comparison with the original. Some of that feeling was simply perception born from inevitable refinement, but it remained in place to some degree even as Subaru's engineers improved the car's suspension and engine for 2009, with even more suspension upgrades added to last year's STI Special Edition. Unfortunately for the product planners and the early adopters, this is often the case when an inspiring machine evolves, especially one that arrived on the scene providing a driving experience so genuine that it earned a diverse loyalist following spanning traditional gearheads, rally nuts and the sterotypical street-racer fan boys trained on PlayStation more than their local road courses.
Two and a half years later, Subaru does not feel a need to apologize for the last STI, as sales have remained relatively stable at around 3,000 to 3,500 cars sold per year...   ... While the 2010 car's tires roared in tortured pain, the 2011's rubber only chirped, even during deliberate attempts to push harder and harder in order to unsettle the chassis, to find the spot when an inherent “softness” emerged as it did in the old car. Such a scenario never happened. Front-end bite is much better, with less understeer and improved grip through all phases of cornering. The new STI appears to handle lateral transitions significantly better than the old, and without doubt, the difference between the two generations was indisputably laid bare.
As this was a first drive, plenty remains to be discovered about the latest WRX and STI. There are many more miles to cover in the real world before we have a definitive sense of whether Subaru has taken a major step toward rediscovering the line's old magic. But if initial impressions prove correct, there's only one thing to say about the previous incarnation. It's history.' read the article
> from MotorAuthority.com  '..there remains quite a difference between these two models, just in the way they respond to your right foot—even in how they sound. Start the STI up and take off gently and the engine sound is deep and pulsating, with more of a tuner note; the WRX sounds more like a 'normal' car..
.. There's a real difference in the way the WRX and STI ride and handle. While the STI's setup feels tight and well controlled in almost every case, and the WRX continued to surprise us with its poise, the WRX has a little more bounciness, a little more lift and squat during extreme maneuvers. Both models, by the way, benefit from an inch more of rear track, and the WRX has stiffer rear bushings and new, lighter 17x8 Hitachi wheels. While the WRX's suspension layout has been mostly carried through, there are some major changes in the STI's suspension. With some clever engineering, Subaru has managed to stiffen springs, bushings, and stabilizer bars, and lower ride height, without making the in-cabin experience any harsher..  We still weren't that fond of the interface or the sound quality from the audio systems in the WRX and STI models, though they now include Bluetooth connectivity....  Otherwise, it's easy to forget when out on the track that these are very practical, useful vehicles; with a good set of all-weather tires, they're great in the snow" the article
> from Popular Mechanics 'For years, the Subaru WRX  has been one of the world's least pretentious performance buys. In either sedan or hatchback trim, the car has presented itself as a conservative economy car...  But you can forget all that. For 2011, the WRX has ditched the black robe for a string bikini, flaunting some serious haunches in the process. Meanwhile, the car's big brother – the WRX STI – has been fitted with a completely reworked suspension and an all-new four-door body style... 
Subaru has managed to sharpen both the WRX and the WRX STI for 2011, but in different ways.'  rear the article
> WRX from caranddriver.com  'For 2011, the Subaru Impreza WRX gets new bodywork, wider wheels and tires, stiffer rear subframe bushings and . . . not much else. We’re not complaining. We had a chance to drive the new WRX on the back of the 2011 WRX STI launch, and we found its intrafamily struggle with the STI further muddied. The WRX continues to be available as either a sedan or a five-door hatchback... The flared fenders carve out room for wheels and tires widened one inch over their 2010 counterpart... Track increases by 1.3 inches in front and 1.5 in the rear. The STI’s quad exhaust outlets show up in back as well....The driving experience is much like that of last year’s WRX. The ride is compliant, and handling is good if not quite STI-sharp...' the article 
> STI from caranddriver.com  '...and now, for 2011, progress yields a sharpened Impreza WRX STI that addresses some long standing complaints about its handling. Taking the modifications responsible for the 2010 STI Special Edition a few steps further, Subaru’s STI engineers aimed to improve grip, steering accuracy, and aerodynamics, while reducing body roll and understeer...  A few back to back laps at the former Aspen International Raceway with 2010 and 2011 cars confirmed that the changes have made a noticeable if not dramatic difference....' the article
> STI from autoblog.com   '...that was then, and this is now. The company assures us that for 2011, we can expect a return to the fundamentals that helped establish the STI as a force to be reckoned with.... It isn't a completely new generation – more like a much needed do-over – but the changes are enough to make the 2011 model instantly recognizable from behind the wheel...
Complete with its rear wing, the sedan version of the 2011 STI looks downright menacing. The widebody treatment is easier to spot compared to the five-door version, thanks in part to the bulging rear quarters, and the overall effect is a squat, muscular stance. While the look is a little showy for the less potent WRX, it's right at home on the mighty STI...
..We have to congratulate Subaru for rearming the STI. In a world of ever eroding performance in favor of poseur looks and not much else, the company has done an intelligent job of refocusing the car toward what made it a success to begin with...' the article
> from jalopnik.com   '...three main things are changed for 2011: The WRX now sports STI-like fender flares and a wider track; the STI boasts sharper, retuned suspension; and we are once again gifted with a four-door STI sedan..
As you might expect, the WRX and STI feel a lot like they did last year. Yes, you can now buy a four-door version of either, which is nice, though the car drives exactly like the five-door upon which it is based. No, the WRX's wider track isn't really noticeable behind the wheel... And yes, the STI's suspension updates make a significant difference - cornering stability and overall grip are up, as is dumbass-driver error forgiveness at the limit...
..The STI is still the most approachable and user-friendly all-wheel-drive speed demon on the market, a go anywhere, do anything piece of all weather genius that wants to be your friend in a million different ways. The suspension updates merely sharpen the knife..' the article

7/13 talk to Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra on July 26th, in advance of the the X Games, July 29 to Aug. 1 in LA. 
Subaru is having an hour-long interactive conference call featuring rally drivers Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra on Monday, July 26 at 6 p.m. EDT and inviting fans to participate!  On the call, fans can ask questions and hear Travis and Dave talk about their preparation and plans for X Games 16, their love of Rally and the the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and STI. 
Sign up in advance for a chance to connect with them. 

7/7 STI with an automatic tranmission?  While in the US, the slow selling Impreza 2.5GT (an automatic WRX with 224hp) has been dropped from the 2011 line,  Subaru Australia is making an automatic STI. The 2011 Impreza WRX STI will be available for the first time anywhere with the option of a 5 speed automatic transmission... 
6/24 2011 Imprezas start arriving at dealers
6/21 WRX, STI orders accepted. No prices announced. Sedan 4 door models include WRX,  WRX Premium, and WRX Limited, STI, STI Limited. 5 door hatchback models include WRX, WRX Premium, WRX Limited, STI. The WRX Premiums and Limiteds and all STI are available with optional Navigation.  Looks like the 2.5GT (WRX automatic) has been dropped.
6/7 2011 Impreza 2.5L prices, options announced. Cars expected in July. No WRX or STI info released, and those cars are expected in September. 
5/8 STI SE review. Note to interested buyers- It's so good there are fewer than 100 SEs still available for sale..
Motortrend writes: 'Exactly what's so Special about it, then? Well, for starters, it's an even $2000 cheaper than a garden-variety STI because Subaru set the standard feature wayback machine to the year 2000. Gone are the six-disc CD changer and associated 10-speaker stereo, automatic climate control, and HID headlamps. In their place are simple knob-based manual air-con, single-disc stereo with just four speakers, and halogen headlamps. Additionally, the rearview mirrors of the Special Edition do not come with integrated turn signals. Beyond that, all Special Editions get distinctive charcoal-colored 18-inch wheels and 125 buyers will be able to get theirs in a special shade of white called Aspen White...
..The verdict? Two thumbs up. The new suspension all but banishes the STI's plowing understeer, instead suppling nearly Evo-sharp turn-in response. You point, it goes. With traction control off, a little power oversteer proved quite useful coming out of some of the tighter hairpins. Amazing what higher spring rates, thicker anti-roll bars, and stiffer bushings can do. And to think Subaru is charging less for this car, not more, as is the trend when it comes to lighter-weight, de-contented variants.
The frills will come back in just a few short months with the arrival of the 2011 STI. Not only will it once again be available as a sedan -- giant "pull me over, officer" wing and all -- but the entire range will be fitted with the retuned suspension. But for Subaru fans who don't care and don't want to wait, the Special Edition offers a great driving experience at a cheaper price and it does so right now. Who knows, next year there might not even be a cut-rate version offered.' read the article

4/26 2011 Impreza 2.5i, Premium and Outback Sport information released. Orders are now available on those model.  No WRX, 2.5GT, or STI info, that's expected early summer (Summer starts June 21)
The 4 cylinder line continues much the same as 2010 with no changes, feature upgrades, or mechanical specs announced yet. This is all early info.
The models are 2.5i sedan/wagon, Premium sedan/wagon, Premium Value Package sedan/wagon, Outback Sport wagon. The Premium Value Package includes fog lights, all weather pkg, moonroof like the 2010 Premium SE package. 
Transmissions are manual and automatic- no changes announced on those.
New colors includes Marine Blue Pearl and Sky Blue (see the 2010 Outback, Legacy), and new 2tone for the Outback Sport is Marine Blue Pearl with steel silver accent. Gone is the Newport Blue.  Looks like the WRX line may get a new plasma blue. 

4/12 Subaru back in the Rally? The WRX STI spec C will be driven on the Rallye Deutschland of Production World Rally Championship

4/9 Subaru signs up to sponsor PilotsnPaws, an organization and website that provides a meeting place for those who rescue, shelter or foster animals, and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of the animals.
Nearly 7 out of 10 Subaru owners have a pet and Subaru knows that pets are part of the family. In an effort to help find homes for animals in need, Subaru is proud to partner with Pilots and Paws and looks forward to working with PNP bringing people and pets together. The pilotsnpaws.org. website 
4/1 2011 STI Both ways - it's a split decision - STI available as a sedan and wagon for 2011.
Wider body with more pronounced lines, stiffer and now lower suspension. Designed interior and trim colors.  Available late Summer. 
Continuing: 305hp, 6spd transmission, SI Drive, DCCD, tri-mode VDC,  Brembo brakes...
New: Sway bars are 1 mm larger to 21mm front, 19mm rear, spring rates +15.6% front, +53% rear. Redesigned lighter weight 18" alloy wheels are only 17.6 lbs. New standard am/fm single disc CD with Bluetooth hands free calling plus audio streaming, iPod capability,  and a USB plus a 3.5mm aux input (and it wasn't long ago that there were no connections). Steering wheel has Bluetooth phone controls. Continuing as options: Silver BBS wheels (are the famed gold BBS wheels gone a thing of the past) and Navigation. More coming
Don't want to wait and wait and wait for the 2011? check out the 2009 STI SE...
3/30 STI sedan with a spoiler is back! To be unveiled at the NY auto show April 1, open to the public April 2nd, NY Auto Show

3/28 STI SE - the 125 Aspen White ones are selling quickly.  The SE is what the STI 5door should always have been- tight, flat firm handling but not uncomfortably stiff or choppy. And who cares about climate control anyway... 
3/27 More on the 2011s - watch the NY Auto Show starting April 2 for more 2011 WRX and possibly STI news - NY Auto Show

3/24 STI SE review from motortrend- of course they like it. 
If you want an SE they are selling quickly, the 125 Aspen White ones are almost all gone. 
"When the STI first came to the U.S. in 2004, it didn't have a radio. It was a car more interested in going fast. The 2004 remains the lightest and rawest STI we've ever had in the U.S. Today's version is less frenetic and more mature, but heavier and more expensive. It's still a formidable sports car (with a real backseat and bountiful cargo space, mind you), but we can't help but think the polish it's gained has dulled the experience. With the unimaginatively named STI Special Edition, Subaru appears to be shifting focus back to its rightful place...
The SE spring rates are up 16% front and 29% rear over a stock STI; the rear stabilizer bar is thicker; and the rear sub-frame bushings are stiffer. The result, as we found after a few laps around Streets of Willow raceway in Rosamond, California, is a more agile car. The current STI, when pushed, asks too much from its front tires. Its limits are high, yes, but when reached they return unrelenting understeer. In the Special Edition, the dial's been turned in the right direction; it's more eager to rotate and point. You arrive at corners with the same velocity -- the 305-horse, flat-4 under hood is no different -- but you find more control and confidence from the time the wheel turns off-center to the time it returns.
The suspension changes can take all the credit for the fun. The 18-inch wheels, though they make for nice visuals, offer only negligible weight difference over the standard rolling stock. Nor are the wheels shod with the upgraded Potenza RE-070 rubber from the Spec C Japanese rally special. In the Special Edition, you also won't find the Spec C's upgraded turbo, intercooler water-spray system, or mechanical rear differential.
But don't think of the SE as a Spec C wannabe. Don't think of it as just a better-handling STI, either. Think of it as the least-expensive STI you can buy. At $33,690, the Special Edition undercuts the base car by $2000. How come? Subaru removed creature comforts like the automatic climate control; the six-disc, ten-speaker sound system; and HID headlights. In their place are budget items: a single-disc stereo, manual air conditioning with rotary knobs, and halogen headlights. The rationale is similar to that of the Tuner Ready WRX that Subaru sold in 2006: Decontent the car and allow customers to modify with the money they've saved.
So why the "special" name? The first 125 units wear Aspen White paint, waiting for their time to shine during Barrett-Jackson 2042. But after those sell, the Special Edition will joins the Subaru lineup full-time in the standard allotment of colors. Maybe with all the seemingly random alphanumeric monikers slapped on STIs roaming the world (Spec C, Rev. A through G, S204, Type RA-R), Subaru's worn out its marketing division. Either way, it's a rawer, more fun STI for less money -- even with a radio.' the article

3/23 2011 WRX- a few new upgrades announced.  A more aggressive look, with a wider body and track, and upgraded suspension. Wider fenders, new headlights, new front grill, fog lights surrounds, front lip spoiler, wider wheels/ tires. The track is app 1.5" wider front and rear, firmer rear subframe bushings. The 2011 wheels will be 17 x 8-in. (replaces 17 x 7) and tires 235/45R17 (replaces 225/45R17). No official word on the STI yet. There are not a lot of 2010s WRXs and STIs around- it seems Subaru has been keeping 2010 production low recently.

3/22  last day to order a 2010 Outback, Legacy or Impreza. The inventory and incoming supply of WRX and STI is already very short. The STI SE is selling quickly (esp the white- it's almost gone),  also other models like Forester X with manual transmission could become hard to find

3/15 end for 2010s. Its close to the end for the 2010 Outback, Legacy and Impreza. Orders for those end March 22 so if you want one now is the time to get your order in.  2011s expected June-ish. 

2/27 Impreza STI SE and WRX Limited models arriving at dealers. The STI SE upgraded suspension tightens up the car like it always have been! And the new alloy wheel is really good looking, and the Aspen White looks great. Only 125 in Aspen White wiill be made and they are available now. Check out  more on the 2010 WRX and STI, including photos
2/20 Impreza review-  comfort, performance at a reasonable price.
' What's not to like with a Subaru Impreza? The test car was the mid-level Impreza 2.5 Premium that starts at a reasonable $18,995... Darn near perfect for our climate and a nice entry-level car for younger buyers, or thrifty shoppers. In fact, you can go even thriftier with a standard 2.5i sedan, starting at just $17,495. Like the hatchback styling and utility? That's just a tad more at $17,995.
This Premium model (and there are both Outback and GT models still above it) is nicely equipped, plus the test car added a spiffy Special Edition package for just $500 that included a sunroof, fog lamps, heated front seats and side mirrors and heated wiper nozzles. All that heated stuff is worth the $500 alone...
Still, the Impreza is a fairly lively car to drive...  Generally the ride is good, but there is some bump and jiggle as this is still a small car...
Kudos to the designers for creating a small car that earns a five-star crash rating for front and side crashes too.
After driving a number of cars with dark décor interiors the Subaru was refreshing with its brown over cream velour seats.. This looks light and youthful.
The interior was comfortable too and the controls were easy to see and use..
Seating here is mildly contoured on the bottom with more shape and support from the seatback. Impreza's seats are manually adjusted but include a height adjustment lever on the side to help drivers of all sizes get comfortable behind the wheel.
The steering wheel, which was wrapped in brown leather, is tilt only but has radio and cruise control buttons on the hub. I found it easy to get comfortable in this car.
I got decent gas mileage for an All Wheel Drive car, although at this size, I could appreciate a bit more. 
The final tally on the test car was $21,617, and by sticking with the manual transmission you could be into this for about $20 grand. That translates to an economical hatchback that's comfortable and a good all-around performer with superior traction, thanks to its AWD system. A nice value!' read the full article by Mark Savage

2/18 mighty mice: 7 small, safe and mostly homely cars. Forbes Magazine's 7 safe small cars include Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Subaru Impreza, VW Golf, Smart Fortwo.  the article

2/7 Impreza and Forester optional hands free cell phone bluetooth 'BlueConnect' now available. Installs in center dash under the heater controls. Not available on all models or with Navigation. 

1/29 Prices announced on new mid year models. 
WRX Limited ($1000 more than Premium) and STI SE ($2000 less than STI) prices officially announced. details here. STI SE and WRX Limited due in March, 2010.
Forester X SE ($400) and Limited with Navigation and new Convenience Package ($2300) due in February 2010 details here

1/23 WRX 5door with Navigation and Mitsubishi Ralliart compared by Popular Mechanics - Ralliart preferred
'While numbers don’t accurately portray the Mitsubishi’s talents, the WRX’s figures speak volumes. The 265-hp flat four-cylinder engine is burdened with only 3235 pounds to pull around the racetrack. And unlike the traction-challenged Mazdaspeed3, the WRX has all-wheel drive—so every pony is channeled to the ground. The WRX is a scrappy, point-and-shoot specialist. The blown motor suffers little turbo lag and dispatches straights with startling brevity. Directional changes take an aggressive hand. You pitch this car, rather than delicately thread an arc, and count on the all-wheel drive to handle corner exits. While the WRX has an excellent, everyday, plush ride, it leans dramatically into the corners. And the body heaves and bobs, which makes the driver wonder just which way the car wants to go. The brakes are another confidence killer because they fade quickly and the pedal gets spongy. Finally, there’s the overly stiff clutch, which really saps the fun of rowing the manual gearbox.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel falls perfectly to hand, and the seats are all-day comfortable. Better quality interior plastic, however, would be more fitting in this $30,000 car.
Though the WRX includes heated seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth and touchscreen navigation, we’d skip all of it for a tauter suspension to match the Subaru’s straight-line speed. 
WINNER- The Ralliart is a perfect example of why hard test numbers often fail to tell the whole story. The car is not as powerful or outrageously quick as some. But the Mitsubishi's engaging personality extends far beyond the spec sheet.
The Ralliart's all-wheel drive and dual-clutch transmission make the Mitsu heavy, but they meld into a car that’s a tactile delight. Ours included a set of fantastically supportive front seats. The steering wheel has just the right thickness. And a pair of gorgeous magnesium paddles that wouldn’t be out of place in a Ferrari flank the wheel and operate the gearbox.
Ergonomically, the Mitsubishi is close to perfection. And while the ultimate grip is low, you always know exactly what the tires are doing. This car doesn’t pound the pavement; it conforms to it, deftly accommodating any surface. It’s sublimely balanced. That capability imparts confidence. We comfortably explored up to and beyond this car’s limits on the racetrack. The Ralliart makes you look and feel like a better driver.' in Popular Mechanics January 2010 issue

 1/12 Detroit Auto Show.. new mid year STI SE and WRX Limited models should be available starting March

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Baja, SVX, Loyale, 360, Brat etc and all other models
news and reviews
Subaru halted production of the Baja sport-utility truck in mid-April 2006

12/18 remembering the 1980s...
"It was a beautiful September day, 70 degrees and sunny on the road to 14,000-foot-high Gray's Peak outside of Georgetown, Colo., and my old Subaru wagon with dual range four-wheel-drive and height-adjustable suspension, both fore and aft, crawled up the mountain road with the hardiest of Jeep CJs. 
With a splendid view of Colorado's Rockies spreading out below me, I parked my car at the road's head and hiked about with my buddy Baron Theodore Von Beagle. We snapped some photographs. We howled at the wildlife. At dinner, we stoked up a fire, heated some baked beans, broke out the braunschweiger sandwiches, Coors Extra Gold and cooked s'mores while Billy Idol snarled from the cassette deck.
I was young, it was the '80s and nothing beat beagles, braunschweiger, Billy Idol and a night of atmospheric car camping.
Unless it was the surprise snowstorm that rocked the car all night, dropped the temperature into the 20s and laid 3 inches of fluff on the twisting, ancient railroad bed shelf road down which we had to beat our retreat.
No worries. We were prepped with extra food, a sleeping bag, blankets and a coffee can filled with emergency candles, cigarette lighters, a tin cup for melting snow into drinking water, aluminum foil, granola bars and flashlight, plus a gallon jug of water.
That's how we rolled in the Rockies, where snowstorms could strike any time and leave you on your own for a day or two. That's also how you should travel all winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
"AAA urges motorists to have a winter weather kit in their car which can not only help to free the vehicle which may be stuck in the snow, but also to warn other motorists and keep the driver and passengers safe and warm," said Martha M. Meade, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Ms. Meade recommends packing an ice scraper, flares or reflective triangles, flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, something like cat litter or sand to toss beneath your tires when they spin, a shovel and a fully charged cell phone...
So heed Ms. Meade's advice and pack a few supplies in your trunk. Then make some braunschweiger sandwiches and pack some Billy Idol CDs and not only will you survive, you'll party like it's 1985"  read the entire article

11/13  Stability control and all wheel drive?  Whats fun, good in snow, and under $40,000? Whats a good alternative to the Baja.  Read Jonathan Welsh's answers

5/25 SVX-  the Italian company that designed the exotic Subaru SVX and DeLorean sold to VW Group
Volkswagen is buying a 90.1 percent stake in Italdesign.  Formally called Italdesign-Giugiaro, the design consultancy was established in 1968 by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani.
“As the creator of the Golf I, Giorgetto Giugiaro laid a new foundation for Volkswagen design in the 1970s,” Mr. Winterkorn added, referring to one of Italdesign’s most famous designs. Other Italdesign products include the Fiat Panda, Maserati Quattroporte, Subaru SVX, and DeLorean DMC-12...  In the 1950s, VW hired Ghia, the Italian coachbuilder, to design its Karmann-Ghia sports car. Italdesign, based in Moncalieri, south of Turin, was also responsible for the appearance of the Scirocco and other models for Volkswagen. Giorgetto Giugiaro, 71, appears to have thought hard about the decision to sell the company. If he had any fears about dissolving the identity of his firm in the large corporation of Volkswagen, he seems to have come to terms with them.

4/20  Baja recaptured. Sorry you didn't  get one? Here's a happy tale  "For several years, I’d regretted not buying a Subaru Baja during its short lifespan (2003-2006). The Baja was basically an Outback with a small pickup bed in back instead of a station wagon-type cargo area. I started looking at used Bajas without much success. The two I probably would have purchased already had “sold” stickers on them. The half dozen others I looked at and test drove were either overpriced or not up to my standards.
That meant it was time to go to Plan B, especially since my ideal vehicle doesn’t exist on the U.S. market. That would be a compact pickup truck with a diesel engine and manual transmission.
I needed a pickup truck because the only way to dispose of yard debris in our community is to lug it to the compost dump or pay for a landscaping service.
My other need was a big enough back seat for my grandson’s car seat. So I settled on a mid-sized pickup truck, finally buying a 2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 with a 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. It was a nice truck and surprised me by averaging nearly 23 miles per gallon.
There turned out to be three downsides: (1.) There wasn’t quite enough space in the rear seating area for said grandson in his car seat; (2.) There was more space than I needed in the cargo bed; (3.) Even a Tacoma-sized pickup was a tad big for parking in my allotted space at home.
Still, I wasn’t quite ready to give up on the truck until a surfing-the-Internet search spit out a new crop of Bajas late this winter.
One caught my eye: a 2006 turbocharged Baja with only 15,000 miles on its odometer. The pictures showed a really clean car with a car bra installed to protect the front from stone dings. It sounded as though someone had babied this car.
An email to the dealership- Herb Chambers Ford in Westborough - brought the news that the vehicle was still on the lot. Unfortunately, it was 75 miles away. However, it was pretty much on the route to visit that aforementioned grandson. So Mrs. G was bamboozled into a dealership stop en route to a family weekend, not an unprecedented event in our 40-year marriage.
“I didn’t really think much of it,” she says. “You’re always stopping to look at some car or truck. But I was surprised when you asked if I’d like to go for a ride in it. And I was really surprised when you started talking numbers.”
When the numbers matched, I surprised myself by buying the Baja. To me, it seemed to be an unusual deal, trading an almost new truck for a not-so-new used car. The CarFax report was clean but my eyes, ears, and butt (all in play on the test drive) said the Baja was a good one.
Fast forward three days. During the paperwork portion of signing titles, I flipped over the Baja title and noticed the name of the previous owner, a gentleman in Blackstone, Mass. A few minutes on the Internet matched a phone number to the name. “Oh, it’s a great car. I used it to drive to work every day,” was what the woman who answered the phone said. Her husband expanded on that. “The Baja runs great and really goes with the turbo. It was garaged all its life. We hated to trade it but had to put it into the deal to get the car we wanted. “You got a good one, and you’re going to love it.” And so I do." Bill Griffith's article

4/16 SVX.  affordable yet collectable?  SVX, an ugly beauty.  My own picks off the top- AMC Marlin, 1961-3 Dart wagon, Subaru XT6, Pontiac Fiero GT,  Toyota Celica convertible, late 60s Toyota pickup, any Olds Cutlass through 1974,  eventually even a Baja... 
The article 
'.. trying to pick out the diamonds in the rough. A low-mileage AMC Gremlin? I don't think so. A Buick Grand National GNX clone with fresh paint? Don't mind if I do!
But there's a problem. Everybody already knows that these cars are classics, or collectibles, or at the bare minimum just weird enough to consider holding on to...
Here are five cars to grab and tuck away in the garage for a few years:
VW Corrado VR6  '.. taking on a VW's inherent electrical foibles as well as a 25-year-old supercharger will have even owners of classic British cars wondering whether you're a bit of a masochist...'
Toyota MR2  '.. the first generation MR2 is perhaps a little purer than the later models. With classic door-stop wedge styling and a supercharged four-cylinder engine, it's an auto-cross legend'
Subaru SVX '..Okay, bear with me here. I know I'm a bit of a Subaru nut, but this car is great because it's one of the worst Subarus ever.. What you don't expect is a futuristic coupe with weird split windows that only open three-quarters of the way.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the SVX was as quirky as any other Subaru, but it was also extremely expensive, very odd-looking, and it weighed as much as the moons of Jupiter. Naturally, nobody bought them. Great news for you then, as the collector, because these coupes are luxurious, reasonably quick, and as sure-footed as a mountain goat. Well, it is pretty heavy. Call it a mountain yak. With few on the road, parts are a little expensive, but as all SVXs came with a durable four-speed automatic and solid flat-six engine, they're reasonably trouble-free.'
Miata: 'It's a little boring these days..  an early Miata is not going to put you in an exclusive club; there's more than a few of these around. On the other hand, there's little else you can park in your garage that's going to give you such an enormous amount of fun for so few loonies.
33ZX twin turbo 'Of all the Pacific Muscle of the early '90s (Supra, 3000GT, RX-7 TT), it's the best blend of 'Vette-crushing performance and Japanese high-tech' the article

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2010 calendar year news about... 
Hybrids, Concept car news
Fuel economy issues
Safety crash tests, safety ratings, recalls
Subaru and Toyota 
Advertising news
Sales news
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HYBRID, ALTERNATE FUEL and CONCEPT CAR news in 2010
edited for length, content

11/27 the Impreza  concept car at the LA car show is a clue to Subaru's future look
'future cars to have similar design  to the Impreza Unveiled last week at the LA Auto Show, the Subaru Impreza Design Concept is set to inspire more than just the one compact car. In fact, according to Subaru’s top designer Osamu Namba, the vehicle foreshadows a design language that will shape all future Subaru models. The “Confidence in Motion” design language displayed in the concept will more directly flow through to the Impreza, but Namba says to expect many of the cues to be reflected in the future generation of models, with design traits like the front grille and headlights sure to become staples of Subaru’s new vehicles.
In an interview with AutoCar, Namba admitted that in the past there were design “inconsistencies” at Subaru, and the goal is now to bring all models in line, so you’ll know a Subaru when you see one. New Subaru models are also expected to get a lower and wider stance from now on, while taller models like the Tribeca and Outback will be varied somewhat. As for the WRX and STI, they will continue to also differentiate themselves from the rest of the lineup, with aggressive race-inspired features.' the article

11/6 something new, something hidden, something secret,  something COOL? A concept to be unveiled at the LA car show November 17th. is it the Subatoy coupe, or a tease of the redesigned 2012 Impreza, a tuner ready WRX, perhaps (dare I even say) a diesel or hybrid concept 
'Tokyo, November 2, 2010 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced today the establishment of a new global brand statement, "Confidence in Motion", as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the Subaru brand.
"Confidence" reflects Subaru's attitude toward engineering excellence and the trust generated among drivers by following through on its commitment to provide both enjoyment and peace of mind. "in Motion" expresses Subaru's resolve to continue innovating to meet customer expectations in a world of constant change.
Subaru will proactively address global environmental issues and the demands of ever-maturing automobile use. Subaru believes automobiles should be more than just a means of simple transportations. They should also be a source of enjoyment, and enjoyment rests on a foundation of peace of mind. These two inseparable values are central to the Subaru experience. As customer expectations are diversifying, Subaru will foresee these needs with independent thinking and continue to offer enjoyment and peace of mind without losing sight of the essence of what an automobile should be.
"Confidence in Motion" expresses Subaru's aim to continue evolving in order to offer even more customers new ways to enrich their lives through a uniquely satisfying Subaru experience.
From now on, "Confidence in Motion" will be at the center of all Subaru activities. As the first step, FHI will exhibit a concept car embodying the new brand statement at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, USA (press days on November 17 and 18, open to the public from November 19 to 28). A press briefing with FHI President & CEO Ikuo Mori is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17 at 12:20 (PST) at the Subaru booth.'

8/26 Have you been waiting for a Subaru Hybrid? This might not be what you had in mind...  Start with a wrecked Subaru Baja, mix in a Toyota Prius, and in the obviously capable hands of Steve at used Prius parts specialist autobeyours.com in Scottsburg Indiana, an odd love child is born. Like in a bad Japanese Gozilla vs Mothra monster movie, is this the mythical 'Bajius'? The whole story photos

4/14 diesel not really dead is that faint heartbeat or a mechanical pump? With Mazda announcing their plans for their diesel in 2012 at the NY auto show earlier this month,  Subaru again keeps their diesel diehards hope on life support.  A few back in 2008, Subaru said we'd have a diesel this year (2010) but that speech is long forgotten (did it even happen), replaced by hybrid talking points about 2012. Subaru's 2.0L diesel is available around the world, but not in North America. Why not, what's wrong with us? It's expensive to make a diesel engine and diesel fuel is more expensive here than in other parts of the world so there's less saving for the consumer, US emissions are strict, and how much of a market is there for a diesel anyway?  Diesel's reputation here isn't great- think 1970s GM, smoking MBs, and noisy oversize trucks clattering away next to you at at stop lights. Forget it, that's old school diesel. New diesels are really quiet, clean burning, efficient and zippy. And yes VW and Audi do well with them.  But can Subaru afford both hybrid and diesel? Note- Toyota doesn't have diesel here, they're all about hybrid and when you're partnered up with the hybrid leader, why fight it? But would enough Subaru buyers pay the premium for a diesel anyway? Which will get better MPG going forward, diesel or hybrid? Basically, if you have to pick one technology, hybrid or diesel, which one has the better long term future for improvements as well as marketing? Tough questions, but I'd bet on hybrid. Though tomorrow or next year I might change that. 
Here's a recent article that keeps the hope of US diesel enthusiasts hanging on and the rumor mill churning. And Subaru never wants to quash or confirm rumors or online chat keeps them in the news - its all good advertising.
"Subaru is open to the possibility of selling diesel-equipped vehicles in the U.S., but according to Subaru Executive Vice President Tom Doll, several things will have to happen first. In an interview with Ward’s Automotive, Doll commented on emissions regulations and the price of diesel fuel.
“The emissions requirements in the U.S. are significant. And given the price of diesel fuel, where it is right now, it really does not pay to bring the vehicle into the U.S. ,” he said, then giving hope to diesel-lovers by also stating that, “We’re trying to see what happens. As the market sorts itself out, we’ll get ready, and then look at bringing the car (here).”
Currently Subaru sells its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer diesel in Europe where it makes 145-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque and gets around 34/41 mpg (city/highway) in vehicles like he Forrester 2.0D.
Two other factors will play an important role in Subaru’s decision. The first is what other automakers are doing, with VW recently announcing its new mid-size sedan (which will replace the Passat) will be offered as a diesel. Not to mention confirmation that Mazda will also bring a diesel model to the U.S. Another factor will be economies of scale. Subaru has long played a niche role in the North American marketplace, but has seen considerable growth in sales over the past year. If that growth continues and Subaru can see fit to offer the 2.0D diesel engine in models ranging from the Legacy, to Outback to Forrester, then a more sound business case could be made for the engine." the article

3/30 Toyota sells hybrid technology to Subaru, Mazda, Nissan .. it's expensive to develop hybrids so smaller car companies are falling in behind Toyota as the need and demand for better gas mileage cars increases.
'Mazda took another step toward independent product development March 29, agreeing to lease hybrid drivetrain technology from fellow Japanese auto maker Toyota Motor Corp. instead of longtime U.S. partner Ford Motor Co.
The deal gives Mazda access to the electric powertrain system used in the third-generation Prius, which was launched last year and is the world’s most popular hybrid vehicle.. 
For Toyota, the deal also pushes its hybrid technology closer to becoming a global standard. Leasing it to other companies is not only a cash stream for the world’s biggest auto company, it’s also a potent way to guarantee volume for its suppliers, which drives down cost.
Subaru also has been developing its own hybrid drivetrain based on technology from Toyota Motor.. Toyota also supplies the hybrid system used in the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan.' the article

1/12 Detroit Auto Show The Hybrid Tourer Concept was there and and Thomas Doll said Subaru hopes to have something like the Tourer out in 2012.
STI SE and WRX Limited  should be available starting March
 

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FUEL  Economy in 2010: ratings, issues, news, EPA and CAFE' news etc
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5/21 EPA looks beyond the app 34mpg 2016 model year fuel economy requirement, plans for 2017-2025
'Automakers joined federal policymakers at the White House today (5/21/10)  to launch the next phase of coordinated NHTSA and EPA regulations to address fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions through 2025. The new rules would be for 2017model year and on and would also expand to include medium- and heavy-duty trucks for the first time, beginning with model year 2014 and running through 2018. The agencies hope to finalize the truck rules by 2012. 
Passenger car regulations are currently in place. Starting with 2012 model year vehicles, automakers are required to improve fleet-wide economy and reduce fleet-wide greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5% every year.
NHTSA has established fuel economy standards that strengthen each year reaching an estimated 35.5 mpg for the combined industry wide fleet for the 2016 model year. 




 

SAFETY CRASH TESTS  safety news, including recalls etc in 2010
edited for length, content
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12/26 NHTSA wants to hear from you...
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received more than 40,000 complaints through Dec. 14, four times the usual volume, a research firm said. Toyota's high-profile recalls helped trigger the increase. Driver complaints to federal highway safety regulators soared this year, spurred by a slew of Toyota Motor Corp. recalls and a rush by other automakers to announce fix-it campaigns that focused the public's attention on auto defects.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received more than 40,000 complaints through Dec. 14, according to an analysis by automotive research firm Edmunds.com. That's four times the volume of recent years."People are now more aware that there is an agency called NHTSA and that you can complain to it. Complaints are a good thing," said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety...
Toyota, long considered one of the most reliable brands, was the subject of more than a quarter of the complaints. Its ratio of complaints to 100,000 vehicles sold jumped to nearly 87 so far in 2010 from 37 a year earlier.... 
Nissan Motor Co. had the second-worst ratio, at nearly 62 complaints per 100,000 vehicles sold; Volkswagen was third at nearly 58. The industry average was 47 complaints per 100,000 vehicles sold, up from fewer than 30 in 2009.
NHTSA is hearing from people such as Mark Cox of Leesburg, Va. He filed a complaint after his 2003 Subaru Legacy sedan and his 2004 Nissan Quest minivan both failed routine state safety inspections because of clouded headlight lenses....
NHTSA said it had received more than 64,000 complaints in 2010, compared with about 35,000 in recent years. (To arrive at its total, Edmunds tossed out duplicate complaints from the same individual and complaints that had other inconsistencies.)
The agency reviews every complaint, looking for patterns that might determine whether an investigation is warranted, NHTSA spokesman Eric Bolton said. "Safety is the top priority of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and information from consumers is a vital tool the agency uses to identify defects," he said. Bolton urged drivers experiencing problems with a vehicle to file a complaint, either online at http://www.nhtsa.gov or through the agency's auto safety hotline at (888) 327-4236. Because of the volume of complaints, the agency contacts a driver only when more information is required, he said... 
.. Although higher than in recent years, the volume of complaints is still tiny considering that there are about 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads, said Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety. The volume of complaints was higher during President Carter's administration, Ditlow said, but subsequent administrations were less interested in auto safety, and the number of complaints declined as NHTSA's prominence faded. "What we are seeing once again is an administration and agency that are saying, 'We welcome your complaints. Tell us what is wrong with your car.' And it is saying we will take action," he said.' read the entire article

12/23  the wrong tires.  Most Subarus come with decent all season tires, but three of them don't. The Impreza WRX, STI and Legacy GT are sold with performance tires that aren't meant for everyday driving on wet or snowy roads. Maybe it helps to market the performance aspect of these models but many folks who buy these all wheel drive cars then spend money on tires so they drive safely in wintery weather.  Subaru all wheel drive is great but the right tires are essential. Here's a video from TFLcar.com worth watching before you buy a WRX, STI or GT.. 
"... what about racing two All-Wheel-Drive cars with the same horsepower in the snow? The catch?  One car has snow tires while the other one has summer tires. Can you guess what happens when we pit the 2011 all-wheel-drive Mercedes R350 against the 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT in the snow?..'   http://www.tflcar.com/2010/12/mashed-up-match-up-awd-snow-vs-summer-tire-shoot-out-in-the-rocky-mountians-.html
 

12/22 Subaru scores on IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2011 models.   IIHS put 66 cars on the 2011 model Top Safety Pick list and every Subaru except WRX made it. Subaru is the only company with winners in each category they have a vehicle- small car, midsize car, small SUV, midsize SUV. 
"Sixty-six vehicles earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award for 2011, including 40 cars, 25 SUVs, and a minivan. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have available electronic stability control, a crash avoidance feature that significantly reduces crash risk. The ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require.
Last year the Institute toughened criteria for Top Safety Pick by adding a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a good rating for performance in a roof strength test to assess protection in a rollover crash. The move sharply narrowed the initial field of 2010 winners. At the beginning of the 2010 model year, only 27 vehicles qualified for the award, but the number grew to 58 as auto manufacturers reworked existing designs and introduced new models. Now another 10 vehicles join the winners' list for 2011. Two discontinued models drop off.
Hyundai/Kia and Volkswagen/Audi each have 9 winners for 2011. Next in line with 8 awards apiece are General Motors, Ford/Lincoln, and Toyota/Lexus/Scion. Subaru is the only manufacturer with a winner in all the vehicle classes in which it competes. Subaru earns 5 awards for 2011...
"Safety is a priority among this crop of winners," Lund says. "From the start these manufacturers set out to design vehicles that would earn Top Safety Pick, even though we've made it harder to win..."
> Subaru's Top Safety Picks: Small Car category- Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX); Midsize Car category- Subaru Legacy and Outback, Small SUV category - Forester; Midsize SUV category- Tribeca.  the full press release with all Top Safety Picks 

12/8 EDR,  aka black boxes but correctly known as Event Data Recorders. The big unsecret. Ok, so Subarus have had them for years. Toyotas also does as was widely reported during the recent acceleration scare.  The big question is what does it record, how long does it store it, and how does one access it.  EDRs will be required in 2013 models. I'd only be concerned if a car has a long memory like my girlfriend :).  Links NHTSA, IIHS

12/5 safety- regulated and soon required by NHTSA- better rear view ...but  what about all those high-butt sedans?   more back-up cameras?
The U.S. Department of Transportation today (12/3/10) proposed a new safety regulation to help eliminate blind zones behind vehicles that can hide the presence of pedestrians, especially young children and the elderly. The proposed rule was required by Congress as part of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007. Two-year old Cameron Gulbransen, for whom the Act is named, was killed when his father accidentally backed over him in the family’s driveway.
"There is no more tragic accident than for a parent or caregiver to back out of a garage or driveway and kill or injure an undetected child playing behind the vehicle," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The changes we are proposing today will help drivers see into those blind zones directly behind vehicles to make sure it is safe to back up."
The proposal, issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), would expand the required field of view for all passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, buses and low-speed vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds so that drivers can see directly behind the vehicle when the vehicle’s transmission is in reverse. NHTSA believes automobile manufacturers will install rear mounted video cameras and in-vehicle displays to meet the proposed standards. To meet the requirements of the proposed rule, ten percent of new vehicles must comply by Sept. 2012, 40 percent by Sept. 2013 and 100 percent by Sept. 2014.' 
read the proposed rule on NHTSA.  PDF of the rule

10/6 Safety-  crash test results using the new stricter tests released.  For the 2011 Crash Test reults, there is a new total Overall Vehicle Rating, and new tests include side pole and barrier impacts, and a new female crash test dummy, all scored using the familiar 1-5 Star Rating system. Because of the new tests, ratings for 2011 and newer vehicles should not be compared to previous ratings.
For model year 2011, NHTSA will rate 24 passenger cars, 20 SUVs, 2 vans and 9 pickups under the new ratings system
Outback and Legacy are both tested and each gets an Overall Vehicle Rating of 4 Stars in these new stricter government crash tests. 

Only 2 cars tested got the Top Overall Vehicle 5 Star rating, the BMW 5 Series 4 DR RWD and the Hyundai Sonata (later release). 
Most other cars tested got Overall Vehicle Rating of 4 Stars, like the Honda Pilot, Chevy Malibu and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Taurus and Fiesta, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sorento, Audi A4, S4, Cadiallac Escalade...
The only car with an Overall rating of 3 Stars is the Camry, and only getting 2 Stars is the Nissan Versa. Read the NHTSA press release

9/27  Subaru makes safe cars. The crash testing people at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, IIHS.org, think Subarus are Top Safety Picks. To earn Top Safety Pick for 2010 a vehicle must have good ratings in all four Institute tests. In addition, the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. 
Every 2010 Subaru made their list of Top Safety Pick, except the WRX. 
And all 2011s currently available continue as Top Safety Picks, including the 2011 Outback, Legacy, and Impreza (except WRX). The 2011 Tribeca and Forester aren't out yet.
Heres the Top Safety Pick list

4/8 Safety ratings and crash tests to get stricter for 2011 models with fewer models getting 5 star rating. 
Because so many cars currently get 5 stars, especially for front impact tests, the results are no loner a real help to differentiate models. 
There will be a new overall star rating that summarizes the front, side and rollover crashes in additon to the 5star ratings. Top selling models will tested first at a rate of 30-40 per year.
Tests will be done with a new 97lb female-size dummy in addition to the larger male dummy used now.
A new Pole side impact test will have the car sliding into a 10" diameter pole at 20 mph, hitting by the driver’s door behind the windshield pillar (aka A pillar).
Starting with the 2011 models, 20% of a company's cars need to meet the stricter rules, going up to 100% for the 2014 models.
NHTSA started using the 5 star ratings in 1994my, side impact tests were added for the 1997my, rollover tests based on car height and width were added for the 2001my with acual rollover tests for the 2004my.

2/28 Consumer Reports annual April car issue is available. There's a lot to read about choosing new and used cars so pick it up at your local newstand. It's always good information. 
Japanese cars always tend to score well with CR but Ford and GM seem to be better represented than in previous years. CR suspended recommendations of recalled Toyotas and noted those with an *.
> Recommended cars cover the spectrum of manufacturers and prices.  Top cars are: small SUV- Subaru Forester; small sedan- Hyundai Elantra SE;  sporty car- VW GTI;  family sedan- Nissan Altima;  sports sedan- Infiniti G37; family hauler- Mazda5; truck- Chevy Silverado 1500; green car- Prius; family SUV Chevy Traverse; and the best overall car is the Lexus LS 460L. 
Most Subarus are recommended except the Impreza WRX. Read magazine page 7, and the best/worst ratings summary on page 26.
> Top car companies based on CR reliability scores only:  #1Honda, #2 Toyota, 3 Mitsubishi, 4 Hyundai, 5 Porsche, 6 Subaru... read the magazine pg 16.
> The top car companies based on a combination of CR reliability scores and road tests etc. Top score is 100: #1 is Honda and Subaru. Both got the highest score of 77 (out of 100). Toyota got  74, Hyundai 73, Nissan 72, VW 72, Mazda 71, Mercedes 69 down to Chrylser with 46. (read magazine page 15). 
Buy the annual CR April car issue at your local bookstore or subscribe online
3/10 safety- not just Toyota uses electronics.  All car companies use electronic components, microprocessors and computers. Its a fact of modern life. Toyotas recent problems will bring greater attention to and focus on safety redundancies. Here's a recent article
'Japanese carmakers are considering following Toyota's lead in adopting a brake override system that would potentially address all sources of unintended acceleration, including driver error. The system cuts engine power when the accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time.
Nissan Motor is the only Japanese carmaker that has a function on nearly all of its cars that prioritises the brakes when both pedals are depressed.  Among Japan's eight carmakers, Mazda said it would add the system to all future models "as soon as possible" starting this year.
Morgan Stanley auto analyst Noriaki Hirakata wrote in a recent report that the cost of installing a brake override system was about $50 a vehicle, adding that it could come down if more brands adopt it.
Honda, Suzuki,  Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Daihatsu all said they were considering adopting the system. The timing and scope of the roll-out were still under study, they said. "I think (it) could eventually become a standard feature, just like airbags or anti-lock brake systems," said Daihatsu spokesman Haruki Mori.
Unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles -- at the heart of the automaker's recalls -- has been linked with at least five U.S. crash deaths since 2007. The causes of many cases of unintended acceleration are unknown, and are often blamed on driver error.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said that safety regulators may require allnew cars to have braking systems that tell the engine to return to idle when both accelerator and brake pedals are depressed.'  the article



Subaru and Toyota news in 2010
edited for length, content

11/30 Subaru sells a Toyota in Japan. Subaru has unveiled today on its home market the Subaru Trezia to compete with the Honda Fit. The Trezia is based on Toyota's Verso. The Subaru Trezia will be available with a 1.3-liter and a 1.5-litre engine and with a choice between a CVT automatic transmission and a manual gearbox. The Subaru Trezia will be sold with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive and in four trim levels: i, iL, iS and TYPE EURO. Unfortunately, the official press release regarding the new Subaru Trezia is available in Japanese only, which we're not very good at. The Subaru Trezia will have all the modern safety systems, including SRS airbags, together with a panoramic sun roof, HID and LED lights. The Subaru Trezia price starts at 1,360,000 YEN and goes up to 1,979,250 YEN. Although at this point, the Subaru Trezia is only available in Japan, it could make it way into the European and USA markets too. the article

7/29 SubieOta, MotorTrend looks deep into the glass ball, makes predictions on the SubieOta sport coupe due in 2012/13. With images.
'Sitting on a revised Legacy platform with the Impreza's  rear suspension and horizontally opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, we can expect Subaru's version of the FT-86 to look not that much different than its Toyota twin. In contrast to the Toyota's incorporation of a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer, which is said to feature a redesigned head unit and be good for around 200 horsepower, the Subaru rendition is rumored to employ a slightly modified version of the current 2.0-liter turbo, pumping out around 260 horsepower. Obviously both cars will also get the Impreza's six-speed manual gearbox....
But don't expect too many differences in the bodywork between the two. Both carmakers will use identical body panels, but differentiate their car's look using unique grilles, bumpers, and wheels. According to one insider, testing of the Subaru - and Toyota - has already started at the Nurburgring in Germany, carried out not by Toyota engineers but by Subaru's test drivers, which makes a lot of sense. After all, the bulk of the underpinnings are from the Subaru parts bin, so Subie testers would be the ones to conduct the shakedowns. One source suggested that the Subaru might get a four-wheel-drive version, but this was ruled out simply because the basic theory of both Toyota and Subaru was to build sporty, rear-wheel-drive coupes using the best engineering from Subaru and the best marketing techniques and quality control from Toyota.'   the article and images
5/6 how loyal are you? customers are still loyal to Toyota. Subaru ranks well for customer devotion. Toyota's customer loyalty faded slightly in the first quarter after a spate of safety recalls, but its loyalty numbers were still the strongest in the industry, auto information site Edmunds.com said Tuesday.
During the first three months of the year, nearly 58% of Toyota trade-ins resulted in the purchase of a new Toyota, Edmunds said. That was down 4% from the same quarter a year ago but still higher than other brands.
Ford's loyalty rate was second-highest, at nearly 56%. Hyundai, Honda, Subaru, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz were the only other brands that had a loyalty rates of 50% or higher, Edmunds said. Mercury had the lowest loyalty, at 14 percent.

3/30 Toyota sells hybrid technology to Subaru, Mazda, Nissan .. it's expensive to develop hybrids so smaller car companies are falling in behind Toyota as the need and demand for better gas mileage cars increases.
'Mazda took another step toward independent product development March 29, agreeing to lease hybrid drivetrain technology from fellow Japanese auto maker Toyota Motor Corp. instead of longtime U.S. partner Ford Motor Co.
The deal gives Mazda access to the electric powertrain system used in the third-generation Prius, which was launched last year and is the world’s most popular hybrid vehicle.. 
For Toyota, the deal also pushes its hybrid technology closer to becoming a global standard. Leasing it to other companies is not only a cash stream for the world’s biggest auto company, it’s also a potent way to guarantee volume for its suppliers, which drives down cost.
Subaru also has been developing its own hybrid drivetrain based on technology from Toyota Motor.. Toyota also supplies the hybrid system used in the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan.' the article
3/10 safety- not just Toyota uses electronics.  All car companies use electronic components, microprocessors and computers. Its a fact of modern life. Toyotas recent problems will bring greater attention to and focus on safety redundancies. Here's a recent article
'Japanese carmakers are considering following Toyota's lead in adopting a brake override system that would potentially address all sources of unintended acceleration, including driver error. The system cuts engine power when the accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time.
Nissan Motor is the only Japanese carmaker that has a function on nearly all of its cars that prioritises the brakes when both pedals are depressed.  Among Japan's eight carmakers, Mazda said it would add the system to all future models "as soon as possible" starting this year.
Morgan Stanley auto analyst Noriaki Hirakata wrote in a recent report that the cost of installing a brake override system was about $50 a vehicle, adding that it could come down if more brands adopt it.
Honda, Suzuki,  Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Daihatsu all said they were considering adopting the system. The timing and scope of the roll-out were still under study, they said. "I think (it) could eventually become a standard feature, just like airbags or anti-lock brake systems," said Daihatsu spokesman Haruki Mori.
Unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles -- at the heart of the automaker's recalls -- has been linked with at least five U.S. crash deaths since 2007. The causes of many cases of unintended acceleration are unknown, and are often blamed on driver error.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said that safety regulators may require allnew cars to have braking systems that tell the engine to return to idle when both accelerator and brake pedals are depressed.'  the article

3/9 Subaru and Toyota:  In a move to strengthen their relationship, Toyota will dispatch an executive to Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Mitsuru Takada, 54, will assume the post of corporate senior vice president at Fuji Heavy on April 1, and his title at Toyota will change from managing officer to adviser the same day, Toyota said Tuesday. This will mark Toyota's first time dispatching one of its current executives to Fuji Heavy.
Takada represented Toyota when it formed a tie-up with Fuji Heavy in 2005 and when Toyota raised its Fuji Heavy stake from 8.7 per cent to 16.5 per cent in 2008.
He became general manager of Toyota's corporate planning division in 2004 and then managing officer in charge of corporate planning in 2008. And since 2009, he has been a Tokyo-based public relations executive for the automaker."
1/26 Toyota goes all the way -  recall the cars,  stop sales, shut factories
This is the right time to compare Legacy-Camry, Forester - Rav4, Impreza - Corolla/Matrix, Outback, Tribeca to Highlander.
1/30 updates- a fix for the sticking gas pedal will be shipped in the coming week.
Honda Motor Co. meantime is recalling 140,000 2007-2008 Fit hatchbacks because of a bad window switch, after a child died when fire broke out in a car last year.
1/29 updates- 
the recall now includes Europe, China etc. 'Consumer Reports has temporarily suspended its "recommended" status for eight Toyota vehicle models and one Pontiac model that may have accelerator pedals that can stick and cause unintended acceleration.
We are also advising used-car buyers to avoid purchasing any of the affected vehicles until this issue is resolved.' CR website

Toyota, known for building some of the best cars around, is taking the drastic step of not only recalling 2,300,000 cars but also halting new sales of 8 very popular cars and trucks and actually shutting down the factories that make them for a week because the gas pedal can stick causing unintended acceleration. The US government requested this action.
The sticking throttle only involves cars with accelerator pedal from component supplier CTS of Elkhart, Ind, Toyota says, and is separate from the Toyota/Lexus recall to stop floor mats from sliding up over the pedal.
According to Toyota, the accelerator pedal can become stuck when mechanisms get worn. It's uncommon and develops gradually over time, Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said. The pedal may become harder to press and become slower to return when released. In the worst cases, it may become stuck in a partially depressed position.
The cars in the recall/stop sale are the 2007-2010 Camry (the #1 selling car in the US), 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2009-2010 Rav4, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2008-2010 Sequoia, and 2010 Highlander. The 09-10 Pontiac Vibe is included because its based on the Corolla and built at the now closed GM/Toyota plant in Fremont, Ca.
The stop sale does not include the Camry hybrid, Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser or  Lexus or Scion.
Toyota will also stop production for a week starting February 1st  at 5 Toyota plants including the Camry line at Subaru's SIA plant in Indiana. Also temporarily shutdown will be plants in Canada, Texas, Kentucky and engine plants in Alabama and West Virginia.
  The official Toyota press release, for help call Toyota Customer Service  800-331-4331.



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ADVERTISING and SPONSORSHIP  news in 2010
edited for length, content
.

12/27- advertising- Baby Driver ad one of the years best according to Time magazine.
'Minneapolis advertising agency Carmichael Lynch struck a winning chord with the editors of Time magazine, who picked the company's heartwarming ad for Subaru as one of its top 10 TV commercials of the year.
In it, a 5-year-old girl is settling into the driver's seat as her father warns her to stay off the freeways and not to text. As he hands over the keys, we see that he's really been talking to his teenage daughter, who gently says, "Thanks, Dad" and backs out of the driveway.
Randy Hughes, Carmichael Lynch's group creative director for Subaru, said the commercial featured a father and his two daughters, and not a trio of actors. The casting agent found the family in California, and Hughes said the agency decided to "chance it with real people."
While the advertising industry hands out plenty of awards, "they're not ones your Mom knows about," said Hughes, who worked on the campaign with chief creative officer Jim Nelson. "Telling your mom you were honored by Time magazine, it means something."
And how did Hughes' mom react? "She started crying."' read the article
> Time says 'Subaru's entry into the annals of awwwwww was a fine one. A 5-year-old girl is buckling up in the driver's seat of a Subaru, as her dad warns her to stay off the freeways- "You're not ready for those yet" - and to leave her phone in her bag: "I don't want you texting." Finally, he hands her the keys. "Thanks, Dad," says the daughter, whom we now see is a teenage girl ready to hit the road. All parents fear the moment they realize their 5-year-old is gone forever. But they'll still smile when watching this ad'  Time magazine article

12/14  Subaru supports good writing. 6th AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books.
'The prizes were established in 2005 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, with sponsorship from Subaru, to celebrate outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults.
The prize winners in each category will receive $1,500 and a plaque during the AAAS' annual meeting in Washington in February. There'll be other announcements as well: AAAS and Subaru will award $5,000 worth of science books to public schools in the District of Columbia, the Kids' Choice Award will be revealed, and Subaru will kick off a book donation program.
> Young adult science books. Winner "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Sklooty. Skloot's highly acclaimed book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman with cervical cancer who had a sample of her tumor removed in 1951. Neither she nor her family knew that the sample was used to give rise to the immortal HeLa cell line, the first successful tissue culture. The HeLa cells have played a vital role in a wide range of medical research projects. Skloot focuses on the science and the ethics of the HeLa saga, as well as the personal story of Lacks (who died just months after her diagnosis) and her family.
Other young-adult finalists include: "The Case for Pluto," by Alan Boyle (who wrote this article) ; "The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love and the History of the World From the Periodic Table of Elements," by Sam Kean;  "Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discovery, Deductions and Debates," by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw.
> Children's science picture books. Winner "Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge," by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen.. Ms. Friz uses hippos, sunbeam slides and "microscope goggles" to explain the greenhouse effect, carbon footprints and other complexities of climate science in a way that elementary and secondary-school students will understand.
Other finalists include: "Bones: Skeletons and How They Work," by Steve Jenkins; "Lizards," by Nic Bishop; "Why Do Elephants Need the Sun?" by Robert E. Wells;
> Middle-grade science books. Winner "The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe," by Loree Griffin Burns,  illustrated by Ellen Harasimowicz. This beautifully illustrated book describes the organization of an artificial beehive and how beekeepers care for their bees and extract honey from the hives.."
Other finalists include: "Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot," by Sy Montgomery, photo by Nic Bishop;  "The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing," by Suzanne Jurmain; "The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder," by Mark Cassini with John Nelson;
> Hands-on science books. Winner "The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists," by Sean Connolly. It's intended for upper elementary and/or middle-school students. Each of the experiments is rated on a 1-to-5 scale, with 5 being the most potentially hazardous. No scientific apparatus is necessary.
Other finalists include: "Insect Detective," by Steve Voake,  illustrations by Charlotte Voake; "Nature Science Experiments: What's Hopping in a Dust Bunny," by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen with illustrations by Edward Miller; "You Are the Earth: Know Your World So You Can Help Make It Better," by David Suzuki and Kathy Vanderlinden.
read the entire article by Alan Boyle who wrote "The Case for Pluto", a finalist in the Young Adult section above
11/9 Impreza 5 door is in Robert Downey's new movie 'Due Date'.
In the new Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures production, Robert Downey Jr plays a character that is in a race against time to get home for the birth of his child, using a Subaru Impreza. The comedy, directed by Todd Phillips, follows father-to-be Peter Highman (Downey Jr) as he tries to make his way home in time for his wife’s due date. 
Highman therefore starts a road trip with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis – the Hangover), with the duo taking their hilarious road trip in a Paprika Red Pearl Impreza hatchback. The car, however ends up totaled.
“The AWD hatchback copes admirably with all that the duo can throw at it before its role in the movie ends dramatically, when, with the troublesome Tremblay at the wheel, it is inadvertently launched from a motorway flyover and lands on its roof on the road below (a seriously stern crash test for any car),” a Subaru statement reads.' read the article

11/8 advertising, Share the Love v3  Subaru again launches a now apparently regular annual 'Share the Love' event where $250 is contributed for each car sold to the buyer's choice of charity.  2 new charites for 2010, Ocean Conservancy and Big Brothers Big Sisters,  join ASPCA,  Habitat for Humanity, Meals On Wheels. Gone is National Wildlife Federation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
This is the 3rd Share the Love event and in the previous 2 years, Subaru has donated $1m to each charity. No, it isn't tax deductible because you didn't pay it.  The Share the Love Event is from November 20, 2010 - January 3, 2011. photos 2010 Share the Love Event

10/30 advertising Subaru Forester ' Hockey Mom' commercial
The Pogues' 'If I Should Fall From Grace With God' is the soundtrack for an extremely busy mother, who is shown corralling her hockey-playing triplets in the new Subaru Forester commercial. The song is the title track from the band's 1988 album of the same name, the third and most popular collection of their unique blend of folk, punk rock and traditional Irish music. article by Matthew Wilkening
 

10/26 advertising - more on the Mediocrity ad campaign
'Welcome to a campaign that proudly heralds and displays an ordinary product--except this time, those presenting it admit, with a wink, that this is a promotion built on much ado about nothing.
The spots - both on TV and the web -are for a new car model that isn't at all that new, the 2011 Mediocrity, just another boxy four-door sedan standardly equipped. In one spot, for example, a Mediocrity designer explains that instead of breaking the mold, he and his colleagues gathered the broken pieces of the old mold and put it back together..
.. Beyond broadcast and online commercials directed by Baker Smith of harvest, the expansive campaign from Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis, includes an agency produced website via Exopolis (www.2011mediocrity.com) with online games and tongue in cheek purchase options. A Facebook page, Twitter feed, and YouTube channel played an integral role. The Carmichael Lynch media team was also able to partner with automotive sites such as AutoTrader, Cars Direct and Edmunds to integrate spotlight pages and reviews into their sites. These sites would then reveal those pages to sedan shoppers. Those logging onto the Mediocrity website see the host URL as being that of Subaru. And those who are seeking a higher level in a sedan than Mediocrity can push a little orange button (which reads "Click here to feel something more"), leading them out of the campaign ruse over to the Subaru Legacy.
As for the strategic rationale behind the humorous decoy Mediocrity campaign, Randy Hughes, Carmichael Lynch group creative director/senior partner, explained, "We did clinics with the new Subaru Legacy. Owners were passionate about the Legacy and couldn't imagine getting another make... We realized these non-Subaru owners were sleepwalking through the car-shopping experience..
Hughes added that the agency didn't want to keep the ruse up too long when people explored the 2011 Mediocrity site. "Some pundits said 'you blew it. We knew it was you guys.' But the point is that we didn't want to have the sponsor behind this -Subaru - remain that big a secret. We wanted to get attention and then link quickly to the Subaru Legacy..
However there's a method to the madness. The goal was to have the Legacy stand out from the crowded mid-sized sedan category and to attain a higher profile in the car buying conversation. The campaign has yielded a 65 percent increase in traffic to Subaru.com/legacy. Thus far there have been 253,000-plus total site visits, thousands of comments, retweets, etc., and more than 180,000 video views on YouTube.
 Hughes noted that the agency naturally gravitated to director Smith given "his taste level, handling of humor and a body of work marked by great production values."..  The Carmichael Lynch creative team included Hughes, executive creative director Jim Nelson, group creative director/art director Brock Davis, group creative director/writer Matt Elhardt, sr. digital designer Joe Kral, director of integrated production Joe Grundhoefer, director of digital production Pete Mertz, sr. integrated producer Freddie Richards, sr. digital producer Jennifer Helm and sr. project manager Jennifer Abbey..' read the article

10/15 advertising The book 'Where Suckers Moon', written in 1994, is a candid look inside Subaru and their ad campaigns. The author had amazing inside access and today this book would never get written, and now Subaru would probably love to pretend that it hadn't been.  But it did get written and is a great read for Subaru enthuisiasts. Subaru has certainly moved on from the 1990s with mostly better planning (no one hits a home run every time), certainly better cars, and advertising that while a bit saccharin and very emo-centric, is effective and at least entertaining. Ok, some of the ads are totally sappy and pull the heart-strings. Its obvious. Some yank at your stomach like the Get More Gs WRX campaign.  But at least we're talking about the ads, about the new fake car, we're talking about how we feel about the ads. That means they working! On that level anyway.   Read on...
"I don’t know what you get out of the current Subaru Legacy ad campaign (the fake 'Mediocrity' car) , but what I  get out of it is: “The Subaru Legacy is so banal, and sucks so unrepentantly hard, that we had to put extra crap on an old Kia Optima to create an alternative you wouldn’t automatically prefer.” This is not the first time Subaru has pointed a shotgun at its own feet, nor is it likely to be the last.
Where The Suckers Moon is, primarily, a story about advertising, but along the way we get a true sense of Subaru itself: a company stumbling from failure to failure, forever being rescued by market conditions, outrageously misinformed buyer perception, and completely random factors. It’s simply a company that is too lucky to fail, no matter how hard it tries.
Although it was originally just another one of the infamous Malcolm Bricklin’s get-poor-quick schemes, Subaru of America found itself an unwitting beneficiary of circumstances beyond its control. An early adoption of part-time 4WD, done at the suggestion of the Japanese Post Office, made the little “DL” and “GL” the darlings of the Northeastern ski set and those who wished to emulate them. Later on, the Voluntary Restraint Agreement meant that every Japanese car that could find its way onto a boat would eventually be sold at a healthy profit somewhere....
... Time and again, Subaru reveals itself to be the most hilariously incompetent of Japanese automakers..
... At one point in the book, the author cannot restrain himself any longer and states a simple fact: Subarus are primarily sold to people who cannot afford (or, in the VRA era, cannot get) a Honda or Toyota. While that was entirely true in the early Nineties, we are now familiar with Subaru as the people who bring you the WRX, STi, and Legacy GT, to say nothing of the Outback and Forester which actually keep the lights burning at the stars-and-swoosh dealerships.
Still, as we take a look at the way in which Subaru continually manages to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory (look at the STi and current Outback for some great examples) it’s worth noting that reality as described in Where The Suckers Moon hasn’t completely disappeared. It’s worth a read for any number of reasons. And for those of you pointing to Subaru’s current sales success as a refutation of everything I’ve said above… well, perhaps you’re right, but I’d recommend checking Rothenberg’s work out anyway. TTAC readers have recommended it no less than four times in the comments section. Consider this a fifth thumbs-up." read this whole article.

10/13 advertising- about the 'Mediocrity' car campaign
'When Harvest Films was approached by agency Carmichael Lynch to launch a multiplatform campaign "Mediocrity" for client Subaru, it was clear the experience would be anything but ordinary. The Mediocrity launch is a playful send-up of automotive advertising and a reflection of how the average consumer perceives car shopping.
The expansive campaign includes television and online commercials directed by Harvest Films' Baker Smith, and the agency produced website via Exoplis with online games and tongue-in-cheek purchase options. "We did clinics with the new Subaru Legacy," explained Randy Hughes, Carmichael Lynch GCD/Senior Partner. "Owners were passionate about the Legacy and couldn't imagine getting another make.
And when non-owners were asked what they loved about their cars the most common answer was, 'I don't think about it.' We realized these non-Subaru owners were sleepwalking through the car-shopping experience. If we could show them a playful sea of sameness perhaps it would give them a wake up call." read the article, check out the Mediocrity ad campaign

10/7 Subaru sniffing around for super puppies
Subaru of America is looking for some extra special talent for a 2011 Super Bowl spot. The automaker will be scouting the filming of Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl in New York City Oct. 15 and will select five puppies to star in the spot, which will be shot the same day. The spot will air nationwide just before the Super Bowl, according to sources close to the process. The commercial is about a guy from Animal Planet traveling to the Super Bowl (in his Subaru, of course) with his five puppies and they make several stops along the way.
A Subaru spokesperson declined to comment.
Cherry Hill, N.J.-based Subaru was a sponsor of last year's Puppy Bowl, which is aired on Animal Planet at the same time as the Super Bowl. Known by pet lovers as the furry alternative to the Super Bowl, puppies compete for the title of MVP -- Most Valuable Puppy. The show is routinely one of Animal Planet's highest-rated shows of the year, pulling in a collective 7.8 million unique viewers during a February 2009 marathon and 1.1 million viewers during last year's live telecast.
The automaker has said that more than 50% of their car owners have dogs, and it indexes higher than most carmakers with dog owners.
Last year, the automaker rolled out a series of spots from Carmichael Lynch featuring all-canine drivers under the tagline: "Dog tested, dog approved."
Subaru has a long history of supporting animal welfare organizations such as the ASPCA. The automaker recently helped dogs and puppies find homes at the Pilots and Paws Gulf Rescue Flyway on Sept. 18. Dogs are shown "driving" and even parallel parking their vehicles. The spots premiered during Animal Planet's "Dogs 101" marathon the Saturday before the Super Bowl and then aired during the telecast of the sixth annual Puppy Bowl.
Beginning in 2008, the marketer started running print ads touting its ASPCA partnership that read: "Without dogs, how would you get rid of that new-car smell?"  read the article
10/1 Advertising. Want a plain old boring sedan? Subaru thinks outside the advertising box again - remember the Skunk? -  and introduces a faux sedan, the 2011 'Mediocrity',  a pastiche of generic sedans that are on the market.
I wonder what group of snoozemobiles Subaru advertising and web folks threw into the bubbling cauldron they drank from before conjuring up this latest idea to market a totally boring  fake car as a counterpoint to the Legacy. While the Legacy may not be one of the worlds most exciting 4 doors, compared to some everyday snorers, its a little bit different and a little bit fun, and yes all wheel drive is cool because you can go places you don't even really want to.
The Mediocrity car company's Mission Statement is ".. to manufacture the most mainstream mid-size sedan on the road today... We strive for predictability, unoriginality, and no-frills utilitarianism... The 2011 Mediocrity will get you from A to B without anyone ever noticing..."
Specs:  Electrical ignition with spark plugs; leaf spring rear suspension, basic flexibody construction; 4 drum brakes, 
Dimensions: height: medium; wheelbase: adequate;  ground clearance: clears small rocks
Colors: Medium Crumb or Stale Biscuit, with Brown Gravel or Chimney Soot interiors. (Hey, wait a minute! don't I recognize Biscuit from the 03 Subaru?)
Options and extras include a cushioned seat, a floor mat, a hubcap, an odometer, windshield, wicker chair...
Serious about a snoozemobile? Subaru wants to Hey wake you up with a strong dose of  Legacy reality, encouraging viewers to click a link for 'something better'- a 2011 Legacy of course
 Check out the 2011 Mediocrity at www.2011Mediocrity.com, but don't try to buy one..  The Legacy is the recommended cure for the common sedan.. 
Subaru advertising creates the 2011 faux sedan, 'Mediocrity'
the Mediocrity snoozemobile- no nothing

9/30 Subaru like kids, pets - makes family friendly cars and is a family friendly company
"Subaru, known for its reputation of building family-friendly vehicles, is continuing to build a reputation for generous adoption assistance benefits for its employees. Subaru, for the second year in a row, was ranked #1 in the automotive industry category on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's "Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America" list.
This special achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that Subaru has been honored by the foundation. The list, categorized by industry and size of business, names Subaru of America, Inc.:
#1 in the auto industry category, #2 in the medium-sized company category, #7 out of all companies in the United States 
"Subaru remains extremely proud to support its employees and our adoption assistance program allows them to make a special difference in the lives of children," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "As a family-focused organization, we are thrilled to provide employees with the financial assistance necessary to welcome children into their homes." read the press release
9/26 Subaru sponsors Heal The Bay's Coastal Clean Up day in Southern California
 'An all-time number of volunteers today collected more than 100,000 pounds of ocean-bound trash from local watersheds as part of Heal the Bay's 21st annual Coastal Cleanup Day.
Despite blazing heat throughout the region, participants scoured Southland beaches, inland waterways, regional parks and urban neighborhoods. Some 14,131 volunteers mobilized from 9 a.m. to noon at 65 sites throughout the county, covering 101 miles.
..Sites covered the entire county this year, from Tujunga to Long Beach, Compton to Malibu. SCUBA dive teams canvassed under the Santa Monica and Redondo Beach piers, while a flotilla of kayakers removed trash from Marina del Rey.
Among the unusual items found this year: three bowling balls cut in half at Coyote Creek Trail (Cerritos); a vibrator discovered in Lake Machado (Ken Malloy Regional Park); goatskin hide and mummified cat (Tujunga Wash); a submerged gas-burning stove (Redondo Pier dive site); several crack pipes (Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu); and a floating bag of marshmallows (Marina del Rey kayak site)
.. Coastal Cleanup Day sponsor Subaru hosted special test drive and sweepstakes events throughout the county to benefit Heal the Bay and raise awareness about the cleanup.' the press release and photos
9/20 Actors wanted- Have a Subaru, are you green, think you can act? Let the world know!  Audition in SF, closes 10/12/2010 
'We are looking for all types of active Subaru car owners who live an environmentally and socially "green" lifestyle.  This person can drive any model or make of a Subaru. We want to hear about your "green" character story and your commitment to living a "greener lifestyle".  Want to know about your story of taking environmental and social responsibility to "live green" and embracing the greater good of protecting our planet.  We want to know how your Subaru directly helps in that effort.
Auditions: Start week of September 20, 2010;  Shoot Date: October 13;  Location: San Francisco;  Pay: approx. $600.00 + residuals.
Please note there is NO pay for the audition… only if chosen for the shoot.  Please forward this to anyone you may know that fits the specs or may be interested….thank you!'  the link

8/23 Animals - 1 good, and 1 not too smart- 'Pilots N Paws' to transport animals from Gulf Coast.
Subaru is a sponsor of Pilots n Paws
'There are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands of animals who need to move out of the New Orleans/Gulf Coast area. These are perfectly healthy animals who through no fault of their own have ended up in a shelter. Many had families who loved them and are direct victims of the oil spill disaster. Their owners have lost their jobs, their homes, have no income and are barely surviving. They are turning their animals over to various shelters and rescue groups to at least give their pets a chance at finding someone to care for them.
On September 18 with the 19th as a back-up weather date.. we are asking for pilot volunteers to work together to move as many of these fully vetted animals to three specific areas of the country.
The areas are Lakeland, Florida, D.C. (Warrenton, VA) and Caldwell, N.J. We also have some special trasnports set up with individual pilots for Chicago, Memphis, Iowa and possibly Houston....  The receiving areas may be expanded beyond just these three destinations if we have pilots willing to fly the routes...'  check out Pilots N Paws website
the bad -  get a cargo/pet barrier, pet carrier, or at least a leash attached to the cargo hooks
'Many pet owners let their pooch go along for the ride in their cars... Witnesses say a Subaru wagon barreled through a red light, hit another car, and flipped over. "It appears the driver of the Outback that violated the traffic signal was distracted by the small dog that was on his lap," said Omaha Police Officer Adam Rokes. The driver in that wreck was injured and the dog in his lap killed....
"If you have the dog in the back seat and you come to a stop, the dog is still traveling 50 miles per hour until it hits something," said Sgt. Gutierrez.'  the article

8/9- advertising-  continuing with the Love theme, Subaru TV ad shows Dad nervously watching his daughter drive. Here's a pretty accurate review for USA Today
"Subaru goes for the heartstrings in a new TV ad aimed at playing on parental angst about letting their kids get behind the wheel on their own for the first time. 
Pretty smart.  Watching the ad, it's hard not to share in the dread of any parent who ever handed the keys to a son or daughter for their first solo journey when they still aren't old enough to vote. In an interesting twist: the actors playing the dad and his daughter -- age six and as a teenager -- are a real-life family from Malibu, Calif.
Subaru calls spot "Baby Driver." When it was shown at a dealers meeting recently, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. How it plays out: The spot begins with a little girl aged six, sitting in the driver's seat of a Subaru Legacy with her father speaking to her through the passenger side window. She smiles patiently as her father gives her the "safety talk." As he hands her the keys, we realize that all along its been a 16-year-old waiting for her first ride alone whose Dad still sees her as his "little girl."
"Most parents dread that moment when their children first take the wheel alone. It's momentous," said Kevin Mayer, director of marketing communications, Subaru of America, Inc. "We talked about this with our agency, Carmichael Lynch and we loved the idea of building a story around that moment through the eyes of the father."
For the actor playing the concerned father, Andy Lyons, art is imitating life. "As father to both the girls, portraying those complex emotions on-screen was not a stretch for me. Having my first daughter, Lanna reach driving age and knowing that my second, Georgie, will be there all too soon, I understand the anxiety of handing over the keys for the first time."
The spot is aimed at portraying Subaru as the brand that will reassure parents when their teens start driving. Subaru just recorded its highest July sales ever, so whatever the brand is doing appears to be working." the article
7/31 advertising - The 2010 Subaru lot To Love Event runs August 3-31 with banners, window stickers, balloons etc. Various  taglines include things like ' 95% of all Subarus built in the last 10 years are still on the road', '2010 IIHS top safety picks for all models',  'highest predicted resale value in the industry', 'Subaru was the first automotive plant in the US to achieve zero landfill status'....
Subaru Lot to Love Event August 2010
window sticker from the Lot to Love, 8/3-31, 2010

7/26 advertising- "We've got a bridge, and we've got a gorge- it's time to jump into it!"  Subaru sponsors Bridge Day. 
Jump off a bridge at the 31st Annual Bridge Day Festival in West Virginia October 16, 2010
'This festival, the state's largest, is all about living. Our setting, the New River Gorge, is one of the world’s oldest places, and BASE jumping is one of the world's most cutting edge sports. Above the famous white water rafting on the New River, jumpers, rappelers, and thousands of onlookers gather for the state's biggest party of the year'. Bridge Day

6/11 What women buy, a study of registrations by truecar.com. 
Subaru is #4 with 43.2% of cars sold registered in a woman's name, though no one Subaru model was in the top 10. 
'TrueCar’s study was based on over 13 million actual vehicle registrations, covering the last two years.. In looking at the gender of the name on the registration alone, and not driver or decision maker, the data shows that more men than women – at a rate of 64% to 36% – register vehicles in the US, even though females make up 51% of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  Some of the key findings of the TrueCar.com study include...
The brand with the highest percentage of female registrations was Kia (45.8%), followed by Suzuki (44.2%) and Mini (43.9%).  There were 10 total makes with female ratio of over 42%, including Subaru, Hyundai and Volvo, which are all brands known for safety and/or value.
> The top models women buy (more women than men buy):  VW Beetle 56.1%, Nissan Rogue 53.5%, Hyundai Tucson 53%, VW EOS 53%, Volvo S40 sedan 51.9%, Honda CRV 51.3%, Kia Sportage 50.5%, Toyota Rav4 50.4%, Nissan Sentra 50.1%.
> The top brands women choose are: Kia  45.8%, Suzuki 44.2%, Mini  43.9%, Subaru 43.2%, Nissan 43.1%,, Hyundai  43.0%, Honda  42.8%, Volvo 42.4%, Lexus   42.3% , Mitsubishi  41.5%, Mercury 41.4%, Mazda  40.9%, VW 40.2%, Toyota 39.6%'. by Truecar.com

5/31 advertising- new 'Badge of Ownership' program. Have a Subaru, get a badge. Subaru marketing is hard at work coming up with new ways for you to show Love and spread enthusiasm for Subaru. 
To enhance the experience and welcome new owners, Subaru will send a welcome packet with a guide to owner benefits booklet with company contact info, various websites etc.  Hopefully they'll also include your dealer and salesperson contact info since that's always the first place to go for specific questions about operating the new car, or for service, comments, help, advice etc. 

Plus you can request a free 'Badge of Ownership
check my webpage www.cars101.com/subaru/badgeofownership.html
 Request a free Badge of Ownership to put on the car to show and help spread the Love. If you currently have a Subaru, you can get one too.  Its a small round badge that you adhere anyplace but typically car logos, names, and emblems are put on the back of the car or the sides just in front of the doors.  The Badge will indicate what number Subaru this is that you have owned (my 2nd Subaru, 3rd etc), and off on the side of the badge you can attach your choice of 12 currently available emblems or symbols indicating your sport, hobby, or lifestyle etc. You can choose more than one emblem, and yes, you have to have a Subaru to get the badge (you'll need the VIN). The emblem choices are (see image)
Snow Sports, Outdoor Sports, Biking, Mechanical, Animals, Performance, Lesbian/Gay, High Mile, Gardening, Love, Environment, and Music/Art. 

Here's the website BadgeofOwnership.com to order your badge. It takes 4-6 weeks to arrive.
On the website is a suggestion box for future emblems, which is a good idea. Here are a few quick thoughts and yes there are more but I'm being polite. So, in no particular order, and having fun, here are a few more possible emblems: photography/cinema (camera); carpenter/painter (hammer, brush); reading/writing (book, pen); hunting/fishing (crossed gun, bow, rod); sailing/boating (boats); planes/flying (plane, parachute); working ($1 paycheck); gym fitness (workout machine), horse, dog, cat, bird etc; knitting/sewing (needles, thimble); camping/hiking (tent); jogger (running feet), cooking (pot over crossed fork and knife); democrat or republican (donkey, elephant);  shopping (building with 'Mall' over door); wine/drinking (bottle); space (rocket); sex (ah ... never mind); computer (laptop with virus); medical (syringe or caduceus); nothing ( O with a line through it); bored (question mark); and of course the obvious ones, the Subaru logo, and one with your dealer's name. And ones Subaru won't make that you have to make yourself- other car brand logos, body parts, off-color words etc..

5/22 ASPCA Guardian members qualify for special Subaru pricing on new cars.
"The ASPCA Guardians are a group of dedicated friends like you who make monthly gifts that provide a consistent, reliable income stream, allowing us to focus more resources on our lifesaving programs, and less on raising the necessary funds." 6 months of Guardian membership is required. Read more about the ASPCA/Subaru program here.
 

5/19 a summary of Subaru's success with customers that like to go where and when they want.
One thing won't change: Subaru's emphasis on the relatively upscale buyer who values freedom and frugality. Subaru managers think that's a market of up to 60 million buyers—far larger than the niches of academics, tree huggers, and gays and lesbians that it's long been associated with...
'... By courting financially solid buyers with a taste for the quirky, tiny Subaru of America sped through 2009, logging record sales and market share along the way. Last year Subaru became the 11th most popular U.S. auto brand, up from No. 19 just a year earlier... It's the growth leader again so far in 2010 - up 41% through April. For the first time, its unit sales exceed those of such better known brands as BMW, Lexus, Mazda, and Volkswagen...
Subaru's secret is that it understands the customers who drive its cars and has gotten smarter and more aggressive about reaching out to new ones who would feel at home as part of that clan. The company has the type of customer base that's particularly attractive to carmakers. The average household income of a Subaru owner is $88,000, the same as Honda and $10,000 more than Toyota, says Alexander Edwards, president of market researcher Strategic Vision. Plus, Subaru buyers are three years younger than the industry average and a quarter more likely to have a college degree.
They are a thrifty lot, traditionally buying less car than they can afford. Some 36% pay cash. Subaru has played to that frugal bent by cutting roughly $1,200 from the $26,342 average price of its cars in 2007. Those cuts haven't killed profit margins because the lower prices allowed Subaru to reduce sales incentives and rebates on its cars substantially. Currently, the company gives about $1,333 per vehicle in incentives—the lowest level of any major car brand, says Thomas Doll, chief operating officer. That's almost half the $2,310 in incentives Toyota currently gives its buyers.  Much of the automaker's marketing focuses on cementing its connection to customers. Subaru's research shows them to be an eco-friendly bunch who value the freedom to go where they want, when they want. Unlike luxury car buyers, Subaruers are "customers who are not buying things, but experiences," says Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney. That meshes nicely with Subaru's all-four-wheel-drive lineup, showcased by TV ads that star one of its cars caked with road grit, being applauded by admiring spectators on a suburban Main Street. The tagline: love. "In their marketing they've been focusing on what creates love between the owner and the automobile," says Edwards. "The 'share the love' campaign has been effective. They play up fun, the adventure you can have in a Subaru."
Last year the company sold a record 216,652 cars in the U.S. It's upping production 40% this year at its Indiana plant, which also builds cars for Toyota, Fuji's largest shareholder. The plant is located in an official wildlife preserve with no waste sent to landfills, in keeping with Subaru's support for causes such as the American Canoe Assn. and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Such brand-building moves help Subaru win new customers on the cheap. It spends about $154 million a year on U.S. advertising—$100 million less than the VW brand (which sells about the same number of vehicles in the U.S.), a fifth of what Hyundai spends, and a fraction of the $2.2 billion plunked down by GM, the industry spending leader, according to Kantar Media. "They're kind of the poor man's Audi," says James Bell, executive market analyst for KBB in Irvine, Calif. 
To keep growing, Subaru would benefit from adding a compact-class car and hybrid to its U.S. line, says Bell. Subaru and Toyota have said they're working together to develop a small, sporty car that both will sell. Fuji Heavy President Ikuo Mori has said the company's first hybrid will arrive in 2012.
One thing won't change: Subaru's emphasis on the relatively upscale buyer who values freedom and frugality. Subaru managers think that's a market of up to 60 million buyers—far larger than the niches of academics, tree huggers, and gays and lesbians that it's long been associated with. "They are basically adding people who are Subaru buyers in their hearts, but don't know it," says Edwards of Strategic Vision. By Subaru's math, with 2.4 million Subarus now on the road, that leaves 57.6 million customers to go.'  the article

5/15 Subaru advertising overview from www.brandinsightblog.com
'Winter Storm Slams Into Washington. Travel Advisory For The Entire Mid Atlantic. Historic Storm Hits Atlantic Coast.'
Subaru of America loves headlines like that. Every time a big storm brings traffic to a standstill, the Subaru brand shines.
You seldom see an all-wheel-drive Outback wagon or a Forrester stuck in a snowbank. And you won’t see the company taking government bailout money. While the big three automakers were buried in losses, Subaru was cruising right along. Overall, U.S. sales were up 15% in 2009. In July, they posted a record sales month, up 34% from the previous year. In 2008, despite the lowest incentives in the industry, Subaru gained market share.
Not bad for a niche brand with a limited vehicle line up and a miniscule media presence. Subaru’s entire advertising budget is less than what some automakers spend on a single vehicle.
Which brings me back to those dreaded winter storm warnings and an ad I recently spotted in Ski Magazine:
“Snowstorm Advisory. More of a calling than a warning.” Subaru. No photo of the car. Just a dramatic, black and white photo of a lonely road in a blizzard. It’s taken in the first-person perspective, as if I’m sitting in the front seat. That ad doesn’t just speak to me. It sings. Hats off to the creative team at Carmichael Lynch. And a round of applause for the client at Subaru who actually stood up against the industry convention and agreed to leave the car out altogether.
It takes guts to run a full page ad in a national magazine without showing the product. And I’m sure the dealers gripe about it, and say “it’s just a branding ad.”
But it works. It speaks volumes about the brand, and it touches a highly relevant emotional chord with anyone who has ever driven through a blizzard to be first on the chairlift.....
... To me, the message is loud and clear… crummy, snowy roads can’t stop me from doing what I love.
In this ad, it’s benefits over features, all the way to the bank. Karl Greenberg, editor of Mediapost said, “Subaru has the kind of brand equity and staunch loyalty you usually find in luxury marques, which means they can keep their message on product and brand, not on deals or features.”
Rather than running a headline that touts the features of a Subaru (ie the “symmetrical all-wheel-drive system) the ski magazine ad conveys the benefits of that system:
It sells the idea of all wheel drive. While everyone else is stuck at home, Subaru owners are out enjoying life. Having fun. Missing nothing. It’s a message of empowerment wrapped in a warm, wintery blanket. That’s what long term brand advertising is all about… connecting with specific groups of people in a relevant, emotional manner, time after time, after time. Until people start feeing like part of club.
Clearly the top executives at Subaru get it. They know their market. They’re clear on company values. And they’ve designed products that align perfectly with the brand, the message and the medium. You couldn’t place that Subaru ad in The New Yorker or Parade Magazine, even during a snow storm. It would be out of context and off target. And when you see it in context of ski magazine, it doesn’t come across as hype. It’s as authentic as they come. But no brand is perfect, and Subaru has had its share of flops. For instance, they ran full page ads featuring the Motor Trend Car Of The Year trophy.
Unfortunately, Subaru drivers don’t care about automotive awards. In fact, they buy Forresters almost because of the derogatory comments from industry insiders. Subaru once tried to build a sports car. The SVX was a classic branding faux paus… In the mind of the consumer, Subaru means only one thing: Functionality. No amount of advertising could change that. So it wasn’t a sports car, and it didn’t look like a Subaru. What the hell was it? It didn’t’ stand a chance.
Subaru CEO Ikuo Mori recently admitted that the “up market migration” with the B9 Tribeca hasn’t worked.
Too big and too flashy for that family of cars. Jim Treece from Automotive news said, “There is nothing especially wrong with the B9 Tribeca, except that it has utterly nothing to do with Subaru’s brand.”
Despite its occasional slip-ups, Subaru enjoys tremendously high brand loyalty. Rally enthusiasts swear by them and people sell their neighbors on Subaru based on their own brand stories. And the common theme: The cars are relentlessly practical. Especially in a snow '  read the article

5/10  What, a 2011 Outback already?  it's all or a good cause.  Subaru is a sponsor of, and has donated a 2011 Outback to, the Southern California Heal the Bay, "Bring Back the Beach" auction fundraiser May 20th. Subaru will also give $50 for each test drive taken by Heal the Bay supporters through May 31, click here for the test drive form.  Heal the Bay is dedicated to making S. Ca coastal waters healthy and clean.  With the recent oil disaster in the gulf, protecting our waters is more important than ever.
4/12 Subaru back in the Rally? The WRX STI spec C will be driven on the Rallye Deutschland of Production World Rally Championship

4/9 Subaru signs up to sponsor Pilots'nPaws, an organization and website that provides a meeting place for those who rescue, shelter or foster animals, and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of the animals.
Nearly 7 out of 10 Subaru owners have a pet and Subaru knows that pets are part of the family. In an effort to help find homes for animals in need, Subaru is proud to partner with Pilots and Paws and looks forward to working with PNP bringing people and pets together. The pilotsnpaws.org. website 
3/1-31, 2010 Love Spring Event. a feel-good event with no specific model focus. The tag line was 'Great Deals On All Models. Now through March 31'. 

3/12  Subaru's loyal customers serve the company well. "When Russell Levine's lease on his 2006 Subaru Forester was coming to an end, his car hunt was quick. Levine picked out another Forester SUV, his fourth. Levine, 48, of Huntington Woods, Mich., was not tempted to try another brand.
"The data speaks for itself. It's highly rated by independent agencies. The mileage is good," said Levine, an information technology architect who recently started commuting to a new job at General Electric's technology center.
Subaru's message of high safety ratings, fuel economy and resale value is resonating with more drivers, especially highly educated ones that automakers like to capture.
Last year, Subaru's sales rose 15.4% even as U.S. auto industry sales fell 21%, the best performance of any automaker. That helped the Japanese automaker's U.S. market share grow from 1.4% to 2.1%. That 50% market-share gain is a huge jump for a niche automotive brand.
Subaru is seen as a quirky company that appeals as much to drivers who need their cars to haul skis as it does to engineers and professors looking for a practical vehicle...
James Bell, Kelley Blue Book executive market analyst, calls Subaru one of the most well-placed companies in the industry.. Falling auto sales and the credit crisis that pushed Chrysler and General Motors into bankruptcy reorganization didn't touch Subaru. "The stars kind of aligned for us," said Tom Doll, COO of Subaru of America.
Since mid-2008 — as U.S. auto sales started to dive — Subaru has updated its lineup. It also has received high safety ratings and praise from magazines such as Consumer Reports and Motor Trend. Subaru's momentum, however, didn't stop last year. The company's sales are up 33% through February. Doll said he expects sales to be higher in 2010 and that Subaru will hang onto a 2%-plus market share in the U.S.
"Subaru today appeals to everyone, whereas years ago it really did have a limited audience," Glassman said. To meet rising demand, Subaru this year plans to hire 200 to 400 employees at its plant in Lafayette, Ind., where the Legacy, Outback and Tribeca are built...
"Subaru also knows its customers do research. According to J.D. Power, 68% of Subaru drivers have at least a four-year college degree, compared with 55% of other new-car buyers. Subaru customers, Doll said, are "happy with who they are. They could afford to buy anything. But they prefer to buy a Subaru."  the whole article

2/14 Valentine's Day- get your Subaru True Love Event chocolate heart

2/14 advertising- Subaru ads in the Puppy Bowl. As Subaru says, 'Nearly half of Subaru owners are dog owners. That’s why we’re letting our best friends do the testing'. The ads are designed to reinforce the emotional bond between car and owner. Watch the videos and yes dogs are bad drivers. 

2/12 advertising, 2009 Share The Love results . For the 2nd year in a row, Subaru contributed $250 per car sold from 11/21/09-1/4/10 to the buyer's choice of charities.  Proving how much Subaru people like animals, the breakdown is ASPCA $1,339,860.66,  Meals On Wheels $1,355,376.46, Habitat for Humanity $1,094,917.66, National Wildlife Federation $712,027.86, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America $717,817.36.

2/5 Advertising- Subaru Puts Dogs in the Driver Seat for New Campaign
'This weekend, the automaker will roll out a series of spots, created with Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis, featuring all-canine drivers of the Subaru Forester under the tagline "Dog tested. Dog approved." Dogs are shown "driving" and even parallel parking their vehicles to tout Subaru's pup-friendly brand message. The spots will premiere during Animal Planet's "Dogs 101" marathon Saturday, with airings planned for Animal Planet's Sunday telecast of its sixth-annual "Puppy Bowl,"  National Geographic's "Dog Whisperer" marathon Feb. 15 and USA's coverage of "The Westminster Dog Show" Feb. 15 and 16. Subaru will also air different versions of the spots on its YouTube channel and on several key websites. 
Kevin Mayer, the car maker's director-marketing communications, said about half of Subaru's customers own a pet, and it indexes higher than most car makers with dog owners...
Beginning in 2008, the marketer started running print ads touting its ASPCA partnership that read, "Without dogs, how would you get rid of that new-car smell?" 
The doggie outreach is the latest iteration of the "reverse upfront" integrated-marketing strategy Subaru started two years ago. The company meets with key media partners months before the marketplace formally moves to get first crack at key integrations and sponsorships. Deals with Animal Planet ("Groomer Has It," the "Dogs 101" marathon), Syfy (a co-starring role for the WRX in "Eureka") and History's "Expedition" were inked during that period.
Although many of the partnerships feature specific Subaru vehicles, Mr. Mayer likes to keep a more holistic focus on Subaru's marketing. "Most of what we do is really at the brand level. Forester happens to be the lead vehicle in these [dog] spots, but it's really about the brand and connecting with the consumer to let me know we care about their passion points...
Subaru, Hershey and Mars are all preparing big ad buys for Super Bowl weekend -- but you won't find them on CBS.
The marketers are the leading sponsors of this year's sixth annual "Puppy Bowl," airing Sunday at 3 p.m. EST on Animal Planet." ... read more on adage.com

1/27 Advertising - Subaru Free Love Event chocolate heart embossed with the Subaru logo now arriving at dealers that ordered them, just in time and nicely packaged for a Subaru Valentine's Day. Makes you smile. Pictures here
1/25 Advertising- Subaru 'True Love Event'.  1/25-2/14-ish, another  'how do I love thee'  ad campaign, starts late January through mid February (Valentine's Day-ish).  Includes dealer signs and banners etc but best of all, dealers can purchase and give away little boxes of chocolates with a flip-open lid where salespeople can put a business card.  No other car company has a box of chocolates for you for Valentine's Day. Don't you just love Subaru, don't you want to buy one?
Subaru True Love Event. Deal give-away box of chocolate

1/24 Subaru videos- fun old Subaru videos from youtube

1/13 Forget the Super Bowl, watch the Puppy Bowl VI Feb 7th, 3-5pm...
8 million people watched Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl IV in 2008 and Subaru people do love their animals, so this is a good match. Not to miss any cat lovers watching, there will be a Kitty Half Time Show.
'Subaru of America hasn't advertised in the Super Bowl since 1993 and won't again in 2010. Instead, the automaker is the car sponsor of the Puppy Bowl, which airs on cable TV's Animal Planet opposite the Super Bowl on February 7.  Subaru will have at least seven new “low cost” TV commercials arriving during the Puppy Bowl, Tim Mahoney, the automaker's chief marketing officer, told Automotive News today at the Detroit auto show. The work, from Carmichael Lynch in Minneapolis, features dogs as drivers and passengers in funny, humanlike situations. The ads are part of a new blitz themed “Dog Tested” and reflect Subaru's nearly year-old sponsorship of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.'  read the article
1/9/10 Subaru continues to sponsor Antique Roadshow on PBS. The 2010 season will visit and appraise antiques and other goodies in San Diego June 12, Billings MT June 26, Miami Beach July 10,  Biloxi MS July 24, Des Moines IA  August 7, and Wa DC August 21. Want to attend?  Applicants selected at random, online application ends Monday, April 19. Apply for ticketsroadshow website

1/4/2010 advertising- what's love got to do with it?
'It is just one of a spate of campaigns focused on love, a sentiment enthralling Madison Avenue in spite of - or perhaps as an antidote to - a downturn and two wars. Love is selling cars (“Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru), LensCrafters eyeglasses (“See what you love, love what you see.”) and Payless shoes (“I [heart] shoes.”), not to mention long-running campaigns for McDonald’s (“I’m lovin’ it.”) and Olay (“Love the skin you’re in.”).
How the word for the most profound of human emotions came to be so popular for peddling consumer goods has less to do with linguistics than psychology.
“There are left-brain and right-brain approaches to advertising,” said Linda Kaplan Thaler, chief executive of the Kaplan Thaler Group, part of the Publicis Groupe. “For a long time, there was a left-brain approach” that highlighted “rational reasons and good selling points, but in the last several years studies have shown that emotional attachments really are a crucial factor in purchasing decisions.”...
'... In an ad for Subaru — by Carmichael Lynch in Minneapolis, part of the Interpublic Group — a man drives his Forrester for two days to “Subaru Heaven,” a junkyard where Subarus are left for parts.
“You don’t just let some wrecker haul off your 300,000-mile Forrester to who knows where,” says the driver. “You give that car a chance to live on — one part at a time.”
The commercial is based on a letter sent by a customer, said Kevin Mayer, director of marketing communication at Subaru, which introduced the “It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru” campaign in 2007.
“We think of our customers as experience seekers, and the response they fed back to us over and over is the love they had for the brand and how the product enables their lifestyles,” Mr. Mayer said, adding that many Subaru owners are skiers or kayakers traveling unpredictable roads, and they choose four-wheel-drive vehicles...' the full article




 
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Salespeople, Dealers, Dealer news
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1/10 Subaru grows from 2.1% in 2009 to 2.3% of the 2010 US car market and the #9 on the top 10 list, outselling direct competitors VW and Mazda (and also BMW, MB, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Mini, Land Rover, Porsche, Suzuki, Jaguar, Saab, Ferrari, Maserati,  Bentley, Rolls Royce...)
The top 10 car companies for 2010, with % market share
#1 GM- 2,211,091 cars sold,  19.1% of the US market;
#2 Ford 1,931,534,  16,7%;
#3 Toyota 1,763,595; 15.2%
#4 Honda 1,230,480; 10.6%
#5 Chrysler 1,085,211; 9.4%
#6 Nissan 908,570; 7.8%
#7 Hyundai 538,228; 4.6%
#8 Kia 356,268; 3.1%
#9 Subaru 263,820; 2.3% of the 2010 US car market; 
#10 VW 256,830, 2.2%; 
Mazda 229,566, 2.0%; Mercedes 224,944,  1.9%; BMW 220,113, 1.9%; Audi 101,629,  0.9%; Mitsubishi 55,683,  0.5%; Volvo 53,848, 0.5%; Mini 45,644, 0.4%; Land Rover 31,864,  0.3%; Porsche 25,320,  0.2%; Suzuki 23,994,  0.2%; Jaguar 13,340,  0.1%; Saab 5,445; Ferrari 1,547; Maserati 1,897; Bentley 1,430; Rolls Royce 512; subject to change,  stats from the WSJ

1/9 The top Subaru dealers in the US for 2010. Of over 600 Subarus dealers in the US, these are the top 50 dealers. All Subaru dealers pay the same for the same car so visit your local dealer.  an unofficial list.
#1 Heuberger Subaru, Colorado Springs, Co, with 2892 cars for 2010
#2 Van Bortel Subaru, Victor, NY, 1684 cars in 2010
#3 Shortline Subaru, Aurora, Co, 1496 cars
#4 Manchester Subaru,  Manchester NH, 1353 cars
#5 Groove Subaru, Englewood, Colorado, 1346 cars
#6 Colonial Subaru, Danbur, Ct,  1321
#7 Bill Kolb jr Subaru, Orangeburg, NY, 1297
#8  Stohlman Subaru, Herdon, Va, 1271
#9 Carr Subaru, Beaverton, Or, 1253
#10 Patrick's Subaru, Shrewsbury, Ma, 1252
#11 Carter Subaru Shoreline, Shoreline, Wa 1226
#12 Go Subaru Arapahoe, Englewood Co, 1219 
#13 Wentworth Subaru, Portland, Or 1215
#14 Stevens Creek Subaru, San Mateo, Ca, 1180
#15 Cityside Subaru,  Belmont, MA, 1172
#16 Continental Subaru, Anchorage, Ak 1109
#17- tie Irvine Subaru, Lake Forest, Ca, 1073
#17- tie Liberty Subaru, Oradell, NJ, 1073
#19 Chaplins Subaru, Bellevue, Wa, 1065
#20 #1 Cocharan Subaru, Monroeville, PA, 1053
#21 Lithia Reno Subaru, Reno, Nv, 1044, cars
#22 Georgetown Subaru, Norwalk, CT,  1028, cars
#23 Capitol Subaru, San Jose, Ca, 1024 cars
#24 Baierl Subaru, Pittsburg, Pa 1014 cars
#25 Goldstein Subaru, Colonie, NY 1012 cars
#26 Becker Subaru, Allentown, Pa, 1002 cars
#27 AutoWest Subaru, Roseville, Ca, 964 cars
#28 Burlington Subaru, Burlington, Vt- 941 cars
#29 Brunswick Subaru, Brunswick, OH, 940 cars
#30 John Howard Subaru, MorganTown, WV, 932
#31 Sommer's Subaru,  Mequon, WI,  926
#32 Northtown Subaru, Amherst, NY 915
#33-tie Bill Rapp Subaru, Syracuse, NY 912
#33-tie Flatiron's Subaru, Boulder, Co 912
#35 Walkers Subaru, Renton, Wa, 908
#36 Rafferty Subaru, Newtown Square, PA. 899
#37 Evanston Subaru, Evanston, IL,  898
#38-tie Bruce Titus Eastside Subaru, Kirkland, Wa 891
#38-tie Metro West Subaru, Natick, MA, 891
#40 Patriot Subaru, Saco, ME, 887
#41 Hannah Subaru, Vancouver, Wa, 883
#42 Nate Wade Subaru, Salt Lake City, UT, 873
#43 West Herr Subaru, Orchard Park, NY, 863
#44 Mike Shaw Subaru,  Thornton, Co, 861
#45 Mid-Hudson Subaru, Wappingers Falls, NY,  848
#46 Subaru Stamford, Stamford, Ct, 845
#47 Subaru of Plano, Plano, Tx, 834
#48 Ramsey Subaru, Urbandale, IA, 833
#49 Mike Scarff Subaru of Auburn, Auburn, Wa, 825
#50 Minooka Subaru, Moosic, PA. 820

1/7/11  The top salespeople for 2010 calendar year and where they work.
There are lot of hardworking people at a car dealership - from parts, service, admin/office, to the people who clean the cars - and it all starts with getting a Subaru from a salesperson. These are the first people you talk to when considering a new Subaru, they know the cars, they're job is to help you get the right one. There are 1000s of Subaru salespeople in the US, here's a list of the top 50. Its a hard job and these folks have earned the trust of a lot of buyers but so have the other salespeople not listed here and recognition is due to all of them because they're the ones that make a Subaru, a Subaru. And Subaru expects over 90% of a salesperson's customers to respond with top 'very happy' scores on their new car satisfaction survey. 
This is an unofficial list subject to updates, and doesn't include new car sales to Canada.
#1  Desiree Farey- #1 salesperson in the US is once again Desiree Farey with 589 cars. She's at Irvine Subaru, Lake Forest, Ca; Last year she was #1 with 500.
#2  Ferris Reid- #2 salesperson in the US is once again Ferris Reid with 572 cars. He's at Georgetown Subaru, Norwalk, CT; Last year he was #2 with 462
#3 Craig Parsons, with 398, is new to the list. He's at Groove Subaru, Englewood, Co.
#4 Jeff Miletta, with 389 cars. He's at Liberty Subaru, Oradell, NJ; Last year he was #3 with 323
#5 Vincent Rizzo with 359 cars. He's at Metric Subaru, Huntington, NY; Last year he was #6 with 302 cars
#6 Theresa Ali, 323 cars. Van Bortel Subaru, Victor, NY. Last year she was #7 with 287 cars
#7 Margaret Walsh, 303 cars. New to the list. Van Bortel Subaru, Victor, NY.
#8 Lawrence Fung, 290 cars. New to the top 25 list.  Carlsen Subaru, Redwood City, Ca
#9 Charles Gianakis, 289 cars, Cherry Hill Subaru, Cherry Hill, NJ. Last year he was #3 with 332
#10 Jack Berkowitz, 2823cars. Manchester Subaru, Manchester NH. Last year he was #12 with 247
#11 Andre Tocci, 279 cars. Rafferty Subaru, Newtown Square, PA. Last year whe was tied at #21with 215 cars
#12 Mir Masood, 273 cars. Stevens Creek Subaru, Stevens Creek Ca. Last year he was tied at #14 with 240 cars.
#13 Stephen Appelbe,  267 cars. Manchester Subaru, Manchester, NH; Last year he was #11 with 253 cars.
#14 Vincent Bovenzi, 261 cars. New to the list. Van Bortel Subaru, Victor NY
#15 John Hughes, 253 cars. New to the list. Sheehy Subaru, Springfield, Va
#16 Karl Lindemuth, 247 cars. Van Bortel Subaru, Victor, NY. Last year he was #5 with 311
#17 Guillermo Wong,  245 cars. Bird Road Subaru, Miami, FL. Last year he was #9 with 257 cars.
#18 Clayton Earle, 244 cars. New to the list. Liberty Subaru, Oradell, NJ
#19-tie Mark Lidano, 237 cars. Cityside Subaru, Belmont, MA.  Last year he was #17 with 221 cars.
#19-tie Julie Schulte, 237 cars. Subaru of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD. Last year she was #16 with 223 cars
#21 Jonathan Dimeglio, 235 cars. New to the list. Subaru Stamford. Stamford, CT
#22 Ronald Kula, 231 cars. New to the list. Brunswick Subaru, Brunswick, OH
#23-tie Abe Baraka, 230 cars. New to the list. Bruce Titus Eastside Subaru. Kirkland, Wa
#23-tie Aleksey Petrushkin, 230 cars.  Ramsey Subaru Ramsey, NJ. Last year he was tied at #19 with 216 cars.
#25 Joe Khattar, 229 cars. Goldstein Subaru of Albany, Colonie, NY
#26 Harold Gosnell, 228 cars, #1 Cochran Subaru, Monroeville, PA.. #27 Michael reed, 226 cars, Wagner Subaru, Fairborn, OH. 
#28 Ronald Hall, 222 cars, Shortline Subaru, Aurora Co. #29  George Villafane, 221 cars. Loman Subaru, Parsippany, NJ. 
#30 Bob Bruggeman, 218 cars. Kerven Subaru, Butler, PA.. 
#31-tie Ahmad Rahimzadah, 217 cars. Livermore Subaru, Livermore, Ca. #31-tie Jordan Raport, 217 cars. Stohlman Subaru, Herndon, VA. 
 #33 Bradley Davis, 218 cars. Mark Miller Subaru South Towne, Sandy UT.  #34 Jamie Cassady, 214 cars. Capitol Subaru, San Jose, CA. 
#35 Ken Eby, 211 cars. Carr Subaru, Portland, Or.  #36 James Triplett, 209 cars. John Howard Subaru, Morgantown, WV.
#37- tie Joan Vaccoro, 208 cars. Loman Subaru, Parippany, NJ.  #37-tie Stuart Lesser, 208 cars. Bill Kolb Jr Subaru, Orangeburg, NY. #37-tie Alicia Piper, 208 cars. AutoWest Subaru, Roseville, CA.
#40-tie Garrett Spangler, 207 cars. Spangler Subaru, Johnstown, PA.  #40-tie Michael Nelson, 207 cars. Cityside Subaru, Belmont, MA. #40-tie Dave Denu, 207 cars. Flatirons Subaru, Boulder, Co. 
#43-tie Donald Jowdy, 206 cars. Colonial Subaru, Danbury CT.  #43-tie Glen Dalton. 206 cars, Cityside Subaru, Belmont. MA. 
#45 Jacquilyn Cobey, 205 cars. Wilde Subaru, Waukesha, WI. 
#46-tie Vincent Hendri, 204 cars. Glanzmann Subaru, Jenkintown, PA. #46-tie Jason Ryan, 204 cars. Brunswick Subaru, Brunswick, OH.
#48 Brian Johnson, 203 cars. Brunswick Subaru, Brunswick, PA. 
#49-tie Derek Bogdan, 201 cars. Cityside Subaru, Belmont, MA. #49-tie Kevin Suchora, 201 cars. Boardman Subaru, Boardman, OH.
 

12/29 Snow on the ground? Connecticut dealers encourage test drives
'State (CT)  officials may have urged motorists to stay off the roads Monday, but for some would-be auto buyers - particularly those in the market for an all-wheel-drive car or or four-wheel-drive truck - it was the perfect day for a test drive.
What better conditions to check for fishtailing, skidding or sliding than ice, snow, slush and sand? "Schedule your test drive today! There's no better weather to try out a new or pre-owned all wheel drive vehicle!!!" Schaller Auto World posted on Twitter and Facebook Monday as transportation crews around the state scraped, plowed and cleared the worst of the blizzard from off the roads.
The New Britain auto dealership wanted to remind folks it was open and let them know that there's no better time to test drive an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle than after a snow storm, said Nicholas Cercone, Schaller's general manager.
The test track was a "select route" of streets near the dealership that had been plowed and sanded, and one "slushy road," Cercone said.
"We've had plenty of takers. Lots of folks are on vacation or have time off this week.," Cercone said Monday afternoon.
Customers could test drive an assortment of AWDs, including Subaru Outbacks, Mitsubishi Outlanders and Honda Pilots accompanied by a salesperson. However the dealership kept its sports cars on ice. No test-driving any Honda S2000s or Mitsubishi Eclipses "We're not letting any of those out," Cercone said. "Safety before anything."  read the article

12/28 New Subaru dealer opens Frank Subaru, in National City- San Diego, Ca

12/11 Subaru manager recognized for a job well done.
'The Society for Information Management (SIM), the premier network for information technology leaders, recently presented Brian Simmermon, Chief Information Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. with its fifth annual SIM Leadership award.
Simmermon, who resides in Blue Anchor, N.J., joined Subaru of America, in 2005 as Chief Information Officer. Simmermon then performed a company-wide technology assessment and determined that the business ran a large collection of applications, many of which duplicated functionality. Establishing the mantra, "Simplicity, Flexibility, and Cost Effectiveness", he reduced the total number of applications, moved to a small core set of systems – including Oracle and Siebel - and brought the range of hardware into a substantially smaller footprint.
Tom Doll, COO for Subaru of America said, "We are very pleased Brian has been recognized. He has consistently shown vision and leadership and under his leadership, our technology group's innovations have helped our sales to grow to record levels, regardless of the economic circumstances."
Simmermon's technology group's  aggressive business deliverables have helped Subaru to become one of the most successful brands in the US with the brand reaching record sales in both 2009 and 2010. rior to Subaru, Simmermon spent two years with direct-to-consumer giant QVC, Inc where he headed up their Applications Development group. With international responsibility, Brian managed all design, development and integration of applications for over 4000 users in this $5.5B company. His main system was SAP though he also introduced Service Oriented Architecture, J2EE and other then modern technologies. Prior to QVC, Simmermon was with the Franklin Mint for 15 years moving from manager Chief Operating Officer, European Operations and Chief Information Officer. Brian ultimately managed a staff of 200 people and lived both in the US and the UK during that period.
Simmermon has presented at numerous conferences and is very active in the technology community. He sits on the Oracle Customer Advisory Council and has been a keynote speaker at several Oracle events and is also active as the Chairman of the CIO Roundtable of the Greater Philadelphia Senior Executive Group (GPSEG) and has judged for several SIM Leadership awards. He has also presented at the SIM CIO Forum and Executive IT Summit. Earlier in his career, Simmermon was also a founding member of The Cavanaugh Group.
Simmermon graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.' read the entire press release

11/24 new Subaru dealer opens- Redding Subaru in Redding, California

10/20 New Subaru dealer- Elk Grove Subaru opens in Elk Grove near Sacramento, Ca.

10/2  Really, a wind turbine? Green gets serious at Byers Subaru Dublin in Columbus Ohio right near Dayton.
'Columbus' first commercial wind turbine is under construction and you might be surprised to learn it's at a car dealership.
Byers Mazda Subaru in Dublin had the environment in mind when they came up the idea.
"The first reaction I get is most people don't believe me. They think I'm joking about it, but once they realize how serious we are about it most people thought it was pretty cool," said George Kauffman, Vice President of Byers Automotive.  Byers is a 5th-generation family-owned business, whose now also in the wind generation business. "I really hope it's going to help drastically cut down on our energy bills from the day it starts and into the future and it might also lead to other ways we can be a little more green," said Kauffman.
The 150-foot wind generator will produce 150,000 kWh a year, enough to power approximately six homes. Manufactured by Northern Power Systems, the Northwind 100 is optimized for performance at low wind speeds and begins to generate electricity at wind speeds as low as seven mph. "For a dealership like this, a 100 kilowatt machine makes a lot of sense on the amount of power it can produce in a years time for them based on our average wind speeds," said Mike Mackay, Project Executive for Renier Construction, general contractor for Byer's wind turbines...'  the article

9/5  Labor Day is 9/6. 
There are many people at 600+ Subaru dealers working hard to help you and keep you happy. Subarus are great cars but they don't make themselves, sell themselves or fix themselves. This is an unofficial count of the top 25 dealers through August but it's not the name on the building thats important, its the people inside.
#1 Heuberger, Co; #2 Van Bortel Subaru, NY; #3 Shortline, Co;  #4 Manchester Subaru, NH; #5 Bill Kolb Subaru, NY;  Groove Subaru, Co; Colonial Subaru, Ct; Patricks Subaru, Ma; Stohlman Subaru, Va; Go Subaru Arapahoe, Co; Stevens Creek Subaru, Ca; Wentworth Subaru, Or; Carter Subaru Shoreline, Wa;  ContinentalSubaru , Ak; Cityside Subaru, Ma; Carr Subaru, Or; Irvine Subaru, Ca; Liberty Subaru, NJ; #1 Cochran Subaru, Pa; Bairel Subaru, Pa; Lithia Reno Subaru, Nv; Chaplins Subaru, Wa; Georgetown Subaru, Ct; Becker Subaru, Pa; Goldstein Subaru, NY; Capitol Subaru, Or;

7/5 Tip of the hat to the top Subaru salespeople through June 2010
(note this is unofficial, subject to correction, and there are lots and lots of hardworking people at dealers that don't generate the volume to be a top producer).
#1 is Desiree Farey at Irvine Subaru in Irvine, Ca; #2 Reid Ferris, Georgetown Subaru, Ct; #3 Jeff Miletta, Liberty Subaru, NJ; #4 Vince Rizzo, Metric Subaru, NY; #5 Margaret Walsh, Van Bortel Subaru, NY; #6 Craig Parsons Groove Subaru, Co; #7 Charles Gianakis, Subaru of Cherry Hill, NJ; #8 Guillermo Wong, Bird Road Subaru, Fl; #9 Theresa Ali, Van Bortel Subaru, Ca; #10 Jack Berkowitz, Manchester Subaru, NH; #11 Steve Applebe, Manchester Subaru, NH; #12 Andre Tocci, Rafferty Subaru, Pa; tied at #13 Mir Massod, Stevens Creek Subaru, Ca, and John Hughes, Sheehy Subaru, Va; #15 Lawrence Fung, Carlsen Subaru, Ca; #16 Dan Fisher, Van Bortel Subaru, NY; #17 Jordan Raport, Stohlman Subaru, Va ; #18 Karl Lindemuth, Van Bortel Subaru, Ca; #19 Bob Bruggeman, Kerven Subaru, Pa; #20 Jason Ryan, Brunswick Subaru Oh; tied at #21 Clayton Earle, Liberty Subaru, NJ, and Stuart Lesser, Bill Kolb Subaru, NY; #23 Abe Baraka,  Bruce Titus Eastside Subaru, Wa; #24 James Triplett, John Howard Subaru, WV;  #25 Larry Boro, Ganley Subaru Bedford, Oh.

5/14/10  The top 25 Subaru dealers in the US January-April 2010 with their state and total new car sales.
#1 Heuberger, Co, 782, #2 Van Bortel, NY, 465; #3 Bill Kolb, NY, 428; Manchester, NH, 408; Shortline, Co, 404; Stevens Creek, Ca, 392; Colonial, Ct,  383; Wentworth, Or,  373; Groove, Co,  382; Stohlman, Va, 373; Carter Shoreline, Wa, 367; Patricks, Ma, 366; Go Arapaho, Co, 355; Carr, Or, 342; Irvine, Ca, 339; Continental, Ak,  337; Cityside, Ma, 327; Lithiua Reno, Nv, 312; Cochran, Pa, 308; Georgetown, Ct, 305;  Northtown, NY, 303; Baierl, Pa, 301; Chaplins, Wa, 299; Burlington, Vt, 295; West Herr, NY, 288; (an unofficial count, subject to change, correction)

1/11/10  The top 25 Subaru salespeople for 2009. Updated with where they work
#1 salesperson in the US is Desiree Farey with 500 cars, she's at Irvine Subaru, Lake Forest, Ca;
#2 is right behind her. Ferris Reid sold 462 cars at Georgetown Subaru, Norwalk, CT;
#3 Charles Gianakis 332 cars, Cherry Hill Subaru, Cherry Hill, NJ (I should hope so- Cherry Hill  is SoA's hometown, since 1986) ;
#4 Jeff Miletta 323 cars, Liberty Subaru, Oradell, NJ;
#5 Karl Lindemuth 311 cars, Van Bortel Subaru, Victor, NY;
#6 Vincent Rizzo 302 cars, Metric Subaru, Huntington, NY; #7  Theresa All 287 cars, Van Bortel Subaru, Victor, NY; #8 Brian Johnson 260 cars, Brunswick Subaru, Brunswick Oh; #9 Guillermo Wong 257 cars, Bird Road Subaru, Miami, FL; #10  Joe Dandrea 256 cars, Grand Subaru, Bensenville, IL; #11 Stephen Appelbe 253 cars, Manchester Subaru, Manchester New Hampshire;   #12 Jack Berkowitz 247 cars, Manchester Subaru, Manchester New Hampshire; #13 Joseph Dicks 241 cars, Gary Lang Subaru, McHenry, IL; #14 (tie) Dave Denu,  Flatirons Subaru, Boulder Co, and Mir Masood at Stevens Creek Subaru, Stevens Creek Ca with 240 cars each; #16 Julie Schulte 233 cars, Subaru of Souix Falls, SD; #17 Mark Lidano 221 cars, Cityside Subaru, Belmont, MA; #18 Donald Jowdy 219 cars, Colonial Subaru, Kingston NY; #19 (tie) Ronald Hall, Shortline Subaru Aurora Co, and Alesky Petrushin, Ramsey Subaru Ramsey, NJ, with 216 cars each; #21 (tie) Anton Pankrushin, Star Subaru Bayside NY, and Andre Tocci, Rafferty Subaru, Newtown Square, PA with 215 cars each;  #23 Glen Dalton 212 cars, Cityside Subaru Belmont, MA; #24 Colin Johnston 211 cars, Liberty Subaru, Oradell, NJ; #25 Joseph Corbett 209 cars, Minooka Subaru, Moosic, PA

Dealer news
8/15 New dealer in Montana- Kendall Subaru of Missoula takes over from 4 Seasons. The full list of dealers
8/11 New Subaru dealer opens in Montgomery Alabama, phone 334-260-2064
2/23 New Subaru dealer in California, Subaru of Ontario (check the full list of California dealers).




Subaru SALES in 2010
top, edited for length, content

2010 calendar year totals: 263,820 a new record!  up 47,168 cars (+ 22%) over the previous record of 216,652 set just last year 2009. Subaru now has 2.3% of the US market. 
Totals By Model in 2010 (compared to 2009):  Outback 93,148 (+68%) , Forester 85,080 (+9%), Impreza 44,395  (-5%),  Legacy 38,725 +25%, Tribeca 2472 (-58%)

1/4 December 2010 Sales 26,694 total, up 16% over December 2009.
model sales for the month: Outback 10,256 +22% over 2009; Legacy 3884 +7% over 2009; Impreza 4259 +17% over 2009; Forester 8068  +12% over 2009; Tribeca 227 +9% over 2009

2010 Canada sales
Subaru Canada In. (SCI)  had record sales for 2010 of 27,805 vcars, a 20.7% gain over the 23,034 vehicles sold in 2009. It was also a record December for SCI with Canadians purchasing 2,348 vehicles. This annual sales increase helped SCI close out 2010 as the fastest growing Japanese manufacturer for the third year in a row. Sales of the Outback led to its best December ever and a new annual sales record of 6,401 units sold, beating the previous record, set in 2001, by 48.4% 
 

12/1 November sales total 20,792, a 22%  increase over 16,988 in October 2009. 
By model, November 2010 Forester 6,260 +27%, Impreza 3,405 +33%, Legacy 3,133 12%,  Outback 7,814 20%, Tribeca 180 +2%, 
YTD total 237,126 +23% over 193,578  though October 2009. The total for all of 2009 was 216,652 and Subaru passed that on November 3rd.  Outback is the big seller so far in 2010,  up 76% to 82,892. Impreza is down 6% and Tribeca down 60%.  Forester 77,012 +9%, Impreza 40,136 -6%, Legacy 34,841 +27%, Outback 82,892 +76%, Tribeca 2,245 -60%

Other companies: Nissan +27% 71,366,  VW up 24%. Subaru is now outselling VW,  with October YTD 237,126 vs.VW  232,963. Audi is also having a record year with YTD total 91,083. The record for US Audi is 93,506 in 2007. 

11/18 How do they do it?
  'Subaru, which makes a habit of beating expectations, has done it again. For October, Subaru saw its sales jump 25% in a month where auto sales as a whole rose only 13%. In the year to date, its sales are up 23% vs. the industry's 11%. With two months still to go, Subaru has already beaten its own yearly sales record.

Subaru doesn't grow by selling the deal instead of the car. According to Edmunds.com, its incentives in October were the second lowest in the industry at $474 per car, representing 1.8% of the sticker price.
After more than two years of outperformance, Subaru is no longer autodom's best-kept secret. Indeed, a to-be released study of word-of-mouth referrals by nearly 100,000 people, conducted by New Jersey-based Keller Fay Group, showed that Subaru got the highest percentage of favorable mentions of any auto brand and the fewest negatives - besting BMW.
How does Subaru do it? It presents no surprises. It is steady, consistent and predictable. It sells the steak, not the sizzle.
More than most American subsidiaries of Japanese automakers, Subaru is a mirror of its parent, which goes by the distinctly unglamorous name of Fuji Heavy Industries. Fuji Heavy is a no-frills company of engineers. Designers, marketers, and product planners take a back seat. Its corporate mission statement calls for the need to first "create advanced technology on an ongoing basis." Only after that is established does it mention any concern for the customer.
All that technology essentially gets focused on four car lines with two body styles: four-door and five-door/crossover. Note the absence of coupes, convertibles, and minivans. Fuji doesn't let itself get distracted by product niches and it does what it does very well. (There is a fifth vehicle, Tribeca, that was conceived in a spasm of creativity a few years ago, but its sales have tailed off to a few hundred a month and represents less than 1% of sales).
Besides making the same models year after, Subaru has been run by the same people year after. Its top executives understand its customers inside and out, they are on a first-name basis with its 600 or so dealers and they play the long game.
Tom Doll, who is both chief operating officer and chief financial officer, joined Subaru in 1982 from Arthur Young and brings an accountant's sensibility to his job. He is realistic, focused, and detail-oriented. When asked to name the three main appeals of a Subaru, Doll listed "practical" first and "reliable" second. Only then did he add "fun to drive."
Chief marketing officer Tim Mahoney signed on in 1984. After 15 years with the company, he was lured away by the glamour of a job at Porsche, but soon returned to sensible Subaru as Doll's right-hand man. 
It doesn't hurt that the chips have been falling Subaru's way. Crossovers are the fastest-growing segment of the market, so Subaru finds itself in the sweet spot. The strengthening yen makes Subaru's plant in Lafayette, Indiana, where it makes two of its best-selling models, all the more valuable. And customers are beginning to appreciate the benefits of all-wheel drive, which Subaru has made standard since the 1990s. To be sure, playing a pat hand is not a winning strategy for the long term. Subaru will be vulnerable when crossovers are replaced by the next hot thing. As customers seek better fuel economy, it will need to add small cars to its lineup, and it will be challenging to maintain its brand identity when it does. And it needs to add some alternative-fuel vehicles to its lineup to maintain its eco-friendly image.
A turbo-diesel version of its bestselling Outback crossover would be a natural.
Around Subaru headquarters in New Jersey, there's a saying that sums up Subaru's appeal: You may date a Saab (or substitute the sporty, unpractical brand of your choice), but you marry a Subaru. In a difficult and uncertain economic environment, owning a Subaru is the equivalent of comfort food. And Subaru's savvy managers have the recipe down pat.' read the article

11/2  October sales 22,720 total for another record breaking month,  25% better than 18,169 in October 09! 
By model: Outback 8694, Forester 6631, Impreza 3676, Legacy 3543.
Compare 2010 YTD 216,334 to the 2009 total sales for the year of 216,652, and Subaru will smash their previous best year record in early November with almost 2 months still to go.
Other brand totals for October : Toyota  -4.4% to only 145,474 for the month (anounced 11/3), Hyundai +38% 42,656,  Kia +39% to 31,199 vehicles,  BMW +13% to 23,222 vehicles, VW +18% 20,084 autos.

10/1 September sales total 21,432. Another strong showing, +47% from 14,593 last September, 2009 after a huge Clunker fueled August swept away inventory. 
Total YTD 193,614, up 22% over YTD 2009s 158,421, and with 3 months left, closing in fast on last years record 216,652 total. 
This month: Legacy 2,999 +9% 2,762; Impreza 3,678, +55% 2366; Forester 6,449 + 4,839 33%; and the big gainer is the Outback with 8,154, up 91% from 4268 over last September. On the other end there were 152 Tribecas purchased,  -58% from 358 a year ago.

9/2 August sales and the 'clunker effect'. Subaru had a strong August 2010 with 22,239 cars sold. Last August (09) Subaru sold 28,683. But that was Cash For Clunkers and a comparison just isn't fair - its like looking at a person all decked out for a formal ball- don't they look wonderful and beautiful - and then seeing them again on a hot Saturday afternoon, sweaty and cranky in their grubby house painting /gardening outfit. Just not a fair comparison. 
So August 2010 is -22% from 2009. The first down month this year (22,239 vs 28,683). 
The shining star is the Outback, up 37% to 8053 vs 5,857 in 09 when when Clunkers quickly wiped out both remaining 09s and all the 10s that were just starting to arrive. Outback YTD is up a whopping 96% to 58,230 over 29,755 last year. 
On the other end of the scale, Tribeca is the big loser, -77% this month, 186 vs 797 for the month, and YTD -65% to 1,737 compared to 4,941 last year. In the Tribeca's defense, there are almost no 2010s to be bought even if there were more people looking to buy them. The production priority at SIA must be going into Outbacks.
And overall it's a good year. So far Subaru is up 20% to 172,182 over 143,828. That's strong. 
The totals: Outback 8,053, Forester 7,234, Impreza 3,801,  Legacy 2,965, Tribeca 186

8/3 July sales total 23,983, a new July record.  Subaru sales roll onward. Up 10% over July 09, and up 30% YTD with 149,943. 
By model:  Outback 9,030 up 82% for the month (note last July dealers were low on both close-out 09s and new 10s) and up 110% YTD. 
Legacy 3,208 up 37% for the month and up 48% YTD. 
Forester 7,503 down 1% for the months but up 15% YTD. 
Impreza 4,002 down 36% for the month and down 10% YTD, Tribeca 240 down 63% YTD.
Other cars: Toyota 169,224 down 7%, Honda 112,437 down 6%,  Ford up 5% at 166,092, Hyundai up 19% to 54,106, Nissan up 14.6% to 82,337. Volvo is now owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding in China.
7/1 Sales- June totals 21,601, up 16% from 18,620 in June 09. Another stong month.
Volume Winner of the Month is Forester with  7,607 for the month, up 25% from 6,090 in 09. The Low Volume Winner of the Month is Tribeca with 175 sold in June, down 78% from 784 June 09.
June 2010: Legacy sold 3,006, up 1% over 2,984 in 09; Impreza 4,259 down 16% from 5,041 in 09; Outback sold 6,554, up a whopping 76% from 3,721 in 2009 when the last of the 09s were disappearing and the redesigned 10s were in short supply. Forester 7,607, up 25% from 6,090 in 09; Tribeca 175 down 78% from 784 2009
YTD- over all sales total through Jan-June is 125,960, up 35% over 2009. 
YTD by car line model: Outback up 117% to 41,147; Legacy up 50% 18,993; Forester up 19% 42,935; Impreza down 3% to 21,574; Tribeca down 62% to 1,311 for the year.

Canada- Subaru Canada Inc.SCI today reported a new record for June with 2,316 units, up 31.4% over last June. YTD is up 32.4%, the sixth consecutive month of growth.. 

6/2 May sales. total 23,667 car sold, up 35% from 17505 in May 2009.  Outback 7,630, up a whopping 124% from May 2009 but that was the end of the run for the previous body; Legacy 3,586 +19%;  Impreza 4,249 equal to last years 4,241; Forester 7,976 +29%; Tribeca 226 -66% from May 2009
5/3 April sales- Subaru is rocking along! The best April in the company's history. Total 23,198, up 48% over April 2009. All lines are up and selling except for the poor lonely Tribeca.  Outback 7,688, +133%. Legacy 3,851 +50%. Forester 7,627 +28%.  Impreza 3,796 +16%. Tribeca only 236 for the month and down 58% from April 2009. Hopefully the 2011 Tribeca will  have some good changes.The previous best April was 2008 with 16,771 sold. 2010 year to date is up 41%  with 80,692 units sold versus 57,181 units over the same YTD period last year. 
Top 10 cars in the US, April 2010: Ford F-Series 40,946; Honda Accord 31,766 including 2,455 Crosstours; Chevrolet Silverado 29,618;  Toyota Corolla 27,932; Toyota Camry 27,914;  Honda Civic 25,042; Ford Escape 19,146; Ford Fusion 18,971; Hyundai Sonata 18,536; Honda CR-V 16,661. This is the first time the Sonata is a top 10. Audi recorded its 2nd best month ever.

Canada 2,640 units, a new record, and +28.8% over April 09. This beats the previous month record September 2009 by 3.8% percent. April also marks the fourth month of sales growth this year, further strengthening Subaru Canada's position as the fastest growing Japanese manufacturer in 2010. Outback 672.

4/1 March 2010 sales totals: 23,785 which breaks the previous March record set in 2006 of 19,049
Outback and Forester are the leaders, with the Forester slightly ahead. If  Outbacks were more available (like the Forester), it could be reveresed. Tribeca is struggling but look watch for some news regarding the 2011 model (I hope it grows a usable 3rd row).
For 3/10: Outback 7,619 cars +111% from 3609  March 09; Forester 8,467 +24% over 6,802 in 2009; Impreza 3,969 +7% from 3,725 in 2009; Legacy 3487 +124% from 1554 3/09; Tribeca 243, -57% from 559 in 3.09
Total YTD for the first 3 months of 2010: 57,494 total, up a strong +38% over 41,532 YTD 2009. YTD: Outback 19,275, Forester 19,725, Impreza 9,270, Legacy 8,500, Tribeca 674
3/4 February sales 18,098 total sold. Thats +38% over Feb 2009's 13089. for the 2mos YTD Subaru is +33% over 09 with 33,710 vs 25,282.
Much of the gain goes to the redesigned Outback, up a whopping 159% over 2009, the Legacy, and and the continuing success of the Forester.  The Impreza is holding it's own, and the Tribeca is limping toward a hoped for yet unknown 5 year 2011 my redesign
Totals for the month: Forester 6315 (+6% over 5978 in 2/09), Outback 6189  (+159% over 2389 in 2/09), Impreza 2804  (-5% 2940 from in 2/09), Legacy 2615  (+95% over 1341 in 2/09), Tribeca 175  (-60% from 441 in 2/09)
Toyota's woes have not slowed them down much since they still have # 2and 3 spot of the top 6 car sales for the month.  Honda had a great month with the Accord at the #1, top of the list. Accord 22,456; Corolla 16,966; Camry 16,552; Honda Civic 16,471; Ford Fusion 16,459; Nissan Altima 16,198.
2/2 January sales 15,611 total, another record +28% more than Jan 09. The Outback and Legacy continue to gain ground, Forester and Impreza drop slightly, Tribeca dwindles leaving one to wonder what (hopefully major) changes are in store for the 5th anniversary Tribeca due this year? Last year the redesigned 2009 Forester was outselling the 2009 Outback, now its reversed with Outback on top.
For January 2010: Outback 5,467; Legacy 2,448;  Forester  4,943 ; Impreza 2497; Tribeca 256;
Canadian sales for January 2010 1,729, up 45.8% over last January. The previous record was 1202 cars in 2008
1/5/10 Sales-  2010 Ends with a bang. Subaru US sales +15% for the year with a record breaking 216,652 and 2.1% of the US market. The next best year was 2006 with 200,703, and 09 beat it by 15,949 cars (+8%).
2009 year totals: Outback 55,356 +25%, Legacy 30,974 +37%, Forester 77,781 +28%, Impreza 46,611 -11%, Tribeca 5,930 -46%,
December 09 total- 23,074  +33% over 17,287 Dec 08. Legacy catches on and Outback is on fire, both up almost 100% over 12/08.
Totals: Legacy 3620 +98%, Outback  8376 +105%, Forester 7223 +11%, Tribeca 208 -70%, Impreza 3647 -13%
Subaru Canada finishes a strong 2009 with a new record total of 23,034 cars for the year.
 

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