Subaru

,

Subaru tops all manufacturers in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2010 ratings

The other car manufacturers to do well in 2010 include: Ford and its subsidiary, Volvo, Volkswagen and Audi with five top picks, and Chrysler with four cars in the top categories. “With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” said Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.” Toyota and its Lexus and Scion subsidiaries had a strong showing in 2009 with 11 winners but were shut out for 2010. Four other manufacturers whose vehicles have earned Top Safety Pick in the past didn’t have a qualifying vehicle for

Read more

Popular Mechanics picks diverse group, Chevy Camaro to Kia Soul, Toyota Prius to Ford F150 for Automotive Excellence Awards

Performance: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Design: Chevrolet Camaro Value: Kia Soul Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Prius Versatility: Subaru Outback Fun to Drive: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Off-Road Ability: Ford F-150 Raptor Technical Innovation: Lexus Remote Touch Luxury: BMW 335d Workhorse: Ford Transit Connect Each year, to determine the winners of the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards, PM’s editors drive more than 100 of the newest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles, amassing more than 100,000 miles in the process. Through their experiences on extended test drives around the world, instrumented comparison tests and longer-term evaluations, the auto team nominates a list of vehicles in each category. Those selections are put to a vote and the top vote-getters in each category win an Automotive

Read more

Subaru Forester, 2009: Roman Mica's Rambling Review

When the elements cooled and the steam drifted away, the Forester stood tallish and proud in the vanguard of the new crossover craze. Others would follow in its tracks, but it was the Forester that showed them the way. It will come as no surprise that for 2009 the Forester has gotten bigger, taller, and even fatter than the very first model that rolled out of the Subaru‘s primordial soup. Is it a giant station wagon, or a small SUV, and does it really matter to most new car buyers? I suspect what matters to Subaru is that the Forester is now in the same price range and size category as to compete with such heavy weight crossover sellers as

Read more

Subaru Legacy, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

When discussing the Subaru lineup the first thing often mentioned is the all-wheel drive capability, because a foul-weather vehicle is always desirable in many regions of the country. Every Subaru is equipped with a traction-grabbing advantage that makes many drivers like me anxious to take a journey into the high country. However, this review of the Subaru Legacy Limited will be restricted to uninspired trips around South Placer County in Northern California. Sound dull? Some weeks are like that, especially the days following Christmas this year when the weather was damp, dreary and staying indoors seemed like a pretty enticing thing at the time. Despite the lack of driving challenge, I did learn more than a few things about the

Read more
,

Subaru Debuts Redesigned 2009 Forester At Detroit Auto Show

Subaru of America, Inc., has introduced the redesigned, third-generation 2009 Forester, a crossover built on the manufacturer’s strong reputation for safety, dependability and versatility. The 2009 Subaru Forester expands that reputation. It features a bolder, more SUV-like design, and advancements in safety technology, comfort, and driving dynamics. The unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show occurred about three months before the Forester will arrive at dealerships nationwide. As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new 2009 Forester again blends positive SUV attributes, including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency. The 2009 Forester is built on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer

Read more
,

Subaru Legacy, 2007: The Weekly Driver Car Review

What that means is that handling and steering throughout the Subaru line is superior. Subarus confidentially entertain any driving situation, and that’s why the brand is particularly popular in mountain areas where obstacles can be presented without warning. Despite its reputation, however, the Legacy —the oldest name in the Subaru lineup — is far from the first choice for midsize sedan buyers. But with the 2007 models, the manufacturer has made a concerted effort to join the category’s top echelon. Of particularly note is the new GT turbocharged model. First available in a limited release in late 2006, it’s now in full production, and it’s quite a change. The 2007 GT legacy has a six-speed manual transmission, upgraded from the

Read more
,

Subaru Legacy GT, 2006: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The Subaru Legacy, like all of the manufacturer’s offerings, is a sure-bet for one outstanding characteristic. It has all-wheel-drive as a standard feature, and it’s quite a feature. Subarus corner and maneuver under any circumstance like no other vehicle. The ride is secure and steady, and drivers will have few worries in inclement weather, during sharp cornering or on rough roads With the  2006 Legacy,  particularly the 2.5-liter GT that was my recent weekly drive, the brand’s smooth rider was nicely complemented. The vehicle has impressive acceleration, above-average ride quality and a refined quietness often reserved for higher-priced sedans. Remodeled in 2005, this year’s Legacy is available in five configurations. With its newly lifted valve system, the horsepower and torque

Read more
Previous