Recent Comments:
GM postpones redesign of trucks, SUVs {Autoblog}
Jun 20th 2008 3:18AM GM is better of killing GMC and Pontiac. There is no point in rebadging chevy trucks as GMCs nor does it make any sense to sell mediocre cars badged as Pontiacs.
Sell Saab too, GM doesn't need it , it already has Saturn and money saved in the long run on Saab could be used for the Saturn division.
My suggestion would be to keep Buick and expand its line up sharing components from Cadillac and Chevy and make it GMs Lexus.(Smooth, quiet and high quality, unlike Cadillac which should remain sporty and fun to drive.)
What really makes a Subaru a Subaru? Love? {Autoblog}
Apr 26th 2008 12:57PM I think in order to appeal to larger audience Subaru has diluted the Impreza/WRX. It is neither raw nor fully civilized.
The base 2.5 Impreza feels really underpowered even the manual tranny. Interior materials are much better than before but still not comparable to the competition. Noise remains an issue more so on the WRX. Obviously Insurace will kill you on the WRX/STI. The biggest folly is of course the awfully bland exterior. The previous generation WRX was distinctive even though some found it ugly. The new gen Impreza WRX rides much better but is the Imprezas audience someone who is looking for a fast living room on wheels? Most probably no.
The impreza could have been improved without diluting it this way.
Subaru would be much better off to make the Legacy sedan appeal to more people, it is a good car but as others have said in their comments it is indeed treated as a step child.
The base Legacy sedan is underpowered (same 170 hp as the Impreza) doesn't have enough comfort and convenience features as compared to Camcordimabu 4 cylinder variants, although it is much sportier than them. Subaru can play this sportier card while adding features for a wider range of consumers.
Another issue is lack of proper marketing of the sedan, unavailability of traction/stability control on most models and unavailablity of the car itself, especially of the Legacy GT . It is very hard to find at dealers. Interestingly it competes with the WRX with Premium package but the Legacy sedans appeals to a more mature(older) consumer.
Subaru needs a lot of work on both these cars if it wants to get more people to buy its car.
Chrysler planning stand-alone service centers {Autoblog}
Apr 18th 2008 10:49AM Standalone service centers are quite common in some Asian countries, they are also known as "Authorized service centers" to differentiate them from some shade tree mechanics posing as service center for a particular automaker. Seems like a good idea to emulate in the US as they tend to be often cheaper than a dealership.
In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe {Autoblog}
Mar 31st 2008 10:36PM I don't think that u'll be able to find the 4 cyl with tech package and leather, if you do the price would be around 28K for which you can get a Altima 3.5 SE with a lot of bells and whistles, u cant get a 3.5 SL for around 2.5 K more.
2007 Holiday Sweepstakes Day 2: The Bourne Ultimatum DVD {Autoblog}
Dec 11th 2007 1:15PM Great Movie ! Great Giveaway!
Hyundai i10 revealed in India {Autoblog}
Nov 1st 2007 10:11PM The safety features like ABS and airbags are perhaps standard equipment in Europe but not in India where it is made. This safety equipment is optional in India, that too on the top end variant only. Airconditioning however is standard equipment in India across all trims of the i10.
It is sad that Indian Motor vehicle laws do not mandate crash testing yet, with the result most car companies skimp on saftey features.
SEMA 2007 Preview: Jeep Wrangler JT {Autoblog}
Oct 26th 2007 10:14AM What does JT stand for ? Jeep truck or Justin Timberlake ? Excuse me for my ignorance!
Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall {Autoblog}
Jul 24th 2007 12:01PM At around 30 K it would be pretty expensive considering that it is FWD and makes less than 200hp. However I am sure that Honda would have no problem selling them. There are discounts on the Si sedan to the tune of $2K by some dealers in MI , at this discounted price Si makes a lot of sense. Anything north of 20K and one would think of Mazdaspeed3/WRX/STi/EVO instead of the Civic Si.
Honda treading in foreign territory: Incentive spending up {Autoblog}
Jul 17th 2007 8:59PM Some Honda dealers in MI are offering $2000 off MSRP on the Civic Si.
JDM Subaru Impreza goes on sale with 250HP 2.0L turbo {Autoblog}
Jun 5th 2007 4:43PM The reason for Japan may be taxes but I'm sure that for the US a bigger motor makes sense. A 2.5 L making 225 hp would be a lot less stressed than a 2.0L making 250hp. Since people in the US drive an average of 15000 miles an year it is in the interest of longevity as well as more torque at the low end. I think that Subaru is not planning to offer a six speed manaul for the WRX. Anybody got any info regarding this ?
Also I have heard that Impreza will now drink regular unleaded instead of premium ? Is that true ?
