Autoblog

2014 Subaru Forester gets big nod of approval from Consumer Reports

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Subaru

While more and more buyers seem to be opting for the functionality of car-based crossover vehicles every day, it's rare that your read much in the way of passionate praise for one. And, while Consumer Reports doesn't exactly lavish written paeans on the Subaru Forester in its latest review - that's just not its style - it did give the CUV a remarkably high overall score.

Praising its excellent fuel economy, visibility, roomy interior and a whole lot more, the testing publication bestowed an overall score of 88 out of 100 on the Forester. That's a really excellent number for just about any vehicle, but it's also a top-of-the-class mark for the Forester's small CUV division. Just about the only major gripe was that of ride quality.

Most of the direct competitors to the Forester have earned CR marks in the mid-70s. The Honda CR-V is some 11 points behind, for instance, while the Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5 earn scores of 75 and 74, respectively.

2014 Subaru Forester gets big nod of approval from Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Videos, Crossover, Subaru

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its new small overlap frontal crash test last year, and while a number of cars have passed the test with an "Acceptable" rating, the 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace the test with a "Good" rating. A total of 13 small crossovers and SUVs were subjected to the more rigorous testing procedure, and only the Forester and the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport drove off with the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Two of the worst-performing vehicles that were called out in this group were the Nissan Rogue and Jeep Wrangler, which were the only two not to receive a Top Safety Pick Rating. The Jeep Patriot did earn that distinction despite not performing well in the small overlap test. To be named a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn top ratings in front, side, rear and roof-strength tests, while a Top Safety Pick+ requires four out of five to be "Good" ratings with the fifth no worse than "Acceptable;" the Forester received "Good" ratings in all five tests. Scroll down for a video showing how the Forester and some of its competitors performed in the small overlap test, along with a press release.

Continue reading Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video]

Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Subaru Forester XT

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru, New Car Reviews

Power Doesn't Come Cheap

When Subaru first offered a turbocharged Forester XT model to US customers for the 2004 model year, the shoe-shaped second-gen model fell into a ready-made competitive set of small, V6-powered crossovers and SUVs. The XT might have been more of a raucous shopping-trip companion than, say, a Ford Escape V6, but the basics of the cars offered a clear differentiation from the naturally aspirated, four-cylinder models found just a bit downmarket. Here in 2013, the V6 breed of crossover in this size class is all but extinct, and turbocharged four-cylinders with the power to compete with the XT are not thick on the ground.

In many ways, the comparative analysis gets most interesting when you start looking around for CUVs to match up with the all-boxes-ticked Forester XT Touring that we had as a tester for a recent week. The top of the line Touring trim means that the Forester comes with features like 10-way power seats, leather, navigation, a Harmon Kardon sound system with HD radio, Bluetooth and more. In fact, our Forester also had the only option package available on the XT Touring; one that included keyless access, HID headlights and Subaru's EyeSight system (adaptive cruise, lane departure warning and pre-collision braking).

And, of course, because of the XT trim, we knew that we were getting one of the most powerful crossovers in this segment, too. Subaru's turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder lay under the hood, ready to pump out some 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque at the flex of an ankle. Combined with a light-for-the class curb weight of around 3,600 pounds and Subaru's grippy all-wheel-drive system, the XT feels pretty quick in town and on the freeway.

Add all of that up, and you've got a strong-performing, content-laden crossover, all for the sum of just $36,220 as tested...

Continue reading 2014 Subaru Forester XT

2014 Subaru Forester XT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru recalls new Forester over pedal entrapment fears

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru

Pedal entrapment and unintended acceleration are hot-button topics these days, so automakers are always staying alert for potential problems. For Subaru and its newly introduced 2014 Forester, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall due to improperly manufactured floor mats that could become an obstruction for the gas, brake or clutch pedals. The good news, of course, is that even if drivers experience this problem, the 2014 Forester comes standard with brake override.

At issue with the floor mats on 10,137 Forester models built between January and March of this year is that the resin material used on the underside of the mats can curl when exposed to heat. If the leading edge of the driver's mat curls enough, it can come in contact with the pedals making acceleration, braking and shifting more difficult - possibly resulting in a crash. To fix the problem, Subaru is replacing the entire set of floor mats in all of the affected units. The official NHTSA recall notice is posted below.

Continue reading Subaru recalls new Forester over pedal entrapment fears

Subaru recalls new Forester over pedal entrapment fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Forester, Impreza and Saab 9-2X recalled over control arm corrosion

Eric Loveday — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Saab, Subaru

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a safety recall covering
295,123 vehicles, a pair of Subaru models and a close relative from Saab. The recall concerns front control arms that may fail if corroded, making the vehicle difficult to control. The action covers select 2003-2008 Forester crossovers, 2002-2007 Impreza models and some 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x hatchbacks, the latter heavily based on Subaru mechanicals.

In April, NHTSA launched an investigation after receiving seven complaints from owners of affected vehicles. In two instances, owners reported losing control of their vehicle due to control arm failure. The agency's investigation revealed the front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if exposed to salt or humid environments.

This is a geographic recall, meaning that Subaru will inspect the degree of corrosion and either replace or rustproof the control arms on vehicles registered for use in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and West Virginia.

Saab dealers will be responsible to inspect and repair affected 9-2x models as necessary, including the possible rustproofing or replacement of control arms. Owners who think that their vehicle may be covered under the recall are urged to contact their dealer.

Continue reading Subaru Forester, Impreza and Saab 9-2X recalled over control arm corrosion

Subaru Forester, Impreza and Saab 9-2X recalled over control arm corrosion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru's new 2.0-liter boxer: It's better, but does it matter?

James Tate — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Subaru

Subaru FB20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru recently invited us to Budapest to get to know the 2011 European-spec Forester, which was... well, exactly what you'd expect (it was fine), but that's not the point here. What is important is the all-new "FB" engine under the hood - Subaru's third-generation boxer design - the same unit that we'll be seeing in the upcoming Impreza. Essentially, it's a sized-down version of our Forester's 2.5-liter mill, as opposed to the second-gen EJ25 engine in the current Impreza. Got it? Good. Let's get our hands dirty...

Continued...

Gallery: Subaru FB20

Continue reading Subaru's new 2.0-liter boxer: It's better, but does it matter?

Subaru's new 2.0-liter boxer: It's better, but does it matter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Subaru Forester gets web debut

Zach Bowman — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru

2011 Subaru Forester - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has released official details on what we will be seeing in the 2011 Forester. The company had previously announced that the new 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine will find its way under the CUV's hood, as will the same turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in the current XT. Speaking of the XT, Subaru will now offer the range-topping Forester in XT Premium and XT Touring guises, with Touring trim replacing Limited as the top of the line. That brings along goodies like self-adjusting HID headlights, dual-zone climate control and a backup camera.

Meanwhile, Subaru has packed in a few more goodies on nearly every trim level. Bluetooth hands-free calling and a one-touch up/down driver's window comes standard on every Forester with the exception of the very base model. In addition, it looks like both the 2.5X Premium and 2.5XT Premium will boast a new audio system complete with six speakers, USB and AUX inputs, as well as iPod and Satellite radio capability. Hit the jump for the full list of changes.

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Forester

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading 2011 Subaru Forester gets web debut

2011 Subaru Forester gets web debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #200

Dan Roth — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Etc., Porsche, Subaru, Toyota

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

Episode #200 of the Autoblog Podcast goes down tonight, and we've got some things to talk about. Drop us your own feedback and questions below if you think there's anything we've missed, or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this momentous evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #200

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Forester S-Edition concept points towards sporty new model for 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru, Misc. Auto Shows

Subaru Forester S-Edition concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Sydney Motor Show doesn't grab the full attention of the global media like Paris or Geneva, though this latest bit of news from Subaru certainly piques our interest. We had heard rumblings of a more potent Subaru crossover before, and now this, the Forester S-Edition concept, previews what the automaker says is "an exciting development in our Forester range" set to debut early next year.

Subaru has boosted the Forester XT's turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four up to 259 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque, gains of 32 and 20, respectively over the normal Australian model. That power runs through a five-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters (a proper stick-shift would be preferred, Subaru), and a new variable torque distributing all-wheel-drive system keeps things in check on the road. Other enhancements include a revised sport suspension, 17-inch STI wheels, Alcantara seat trim and S-Edition badging throughout.

Forester STI redux? Certainly sounds like it. Our only hope is that Subaru doesn't make this hot new Forester a JDM-only affair. (Fingers crossed!) Hit the jump to read the full details in Subaru's press release.

Gallery: Subaru Forester S-Edition Concept

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru Forester S-Edition concept points towards sporty new model for 2011

Subaru Forester S-Edition concept points towards sporty new model for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend getting ready to announce its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year Award...on Facebook

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV

Motor Trend has been around since 1949, and during that time it has handed out a fair share of awards to various automakers and vehicle models. More recently, the print publication has gone online by way of its web site, Youtube page and various social media networks. One network in particular has stuck a chord with the buff book and it's choosing to leverage the power of Facebook to announce the winner of its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year award.

M/T has been steadily rolling out its top 15 contenders, with the announcement of the winner to be made on October 19th, 2010 at 12:01 a.m EST. Why Facebook?

"We want to foster a two-way dialogue with our audience," said Angus MacKenzie, Editor In-Chief of Motor Trend, "and Facebook was the next logical step to engage our community even further."

The currently revealed contenders are:

Past winners of this title include the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-9. Hop the jump to read M/T's press release.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend getting ready to announce its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year Award...on Facebook

Motor Trend getting ready to announce its 2011 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year Award...on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru prices 2011 Forester with new 2.5-liter boxer

Zach Bowman — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru

Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite packing an all-new, third-generation boxer engine, Subaru is keeping the price of the 2011 Forester within a stone's throw of last year's model. Starting next year, the middle child of the Subaru family will carry a price tag of $20,495 for the 2.5X - around $200 more than the 2010 high-rider. More importantly, the 2.5X will pack the company's all-new 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine, complete with chain-driven dual overhead cams, 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Curiously, those numbers are nearly identical to what the old mill churned out, and the new powertrain's 21/27 mile per gallon city/highway fuel economy estimates are only one mpg better than the 2010 model equipped with an automatic gearbox. Harumph.

Meanwhile, the company is throwing in an additional trim level. Buyers who opt for the Touring versions of the Forester will be met with niceties like an automatic transmission, HID headlights and dual-zone climate controls, among other goodies. Prices start at $27,995 for the 2.5X Touring, though the package can be fitted to the turbocharged XT for a bit more change.

Speaking of the XT, Subaru says that the forced-induction Forester will continue to get its grunt from the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder as last year, so don't look to see any more power come from that mill. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

Photos by Dan Roth / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru prices 2011 Forester with new 2.5-liter boxer

Subaru prices 2011 Forester with new 2.5-liter boxer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru debuts third-generation boxer four-cylinder engine

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Subaru

Subaru's Third-Generation Boxer Engine - Click above for high-res image

Boxer lovers, the next chapter in your love affair has just begun. Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru, has introduced the latest, third-generation boxer engine that will relieve the second-gen after 21 years of service. This is a brand new lump, not a rework, and FHI has built a factory just to produce it.

The bore and stroke have been increased, and it will be available with four cylinders in 2.0- and 2.5-liter displacements. The intake ports have been redesigned, lighter pistons and connecting rods offer reduced internal friction, and separate cooling circuitry for the block and the head are some of the changes that have resulted in a lower emissions and a ten percent increase in fuel efficiency. No power figures are being quoted yet, so we'll have to see how it measures up when it finds its way into production engine bays.

This new boxer will be Subaru's primary engine, and will first be seen in the Forester. Follow the jump for the press release, and you can have a closer look at it the high-res image below.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru debuts third-generation boxer four-cylinder engine

Subaru debuts third-generation boxer four-cylinder engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #195 - Econoline, Panamera, hot-rod Foresters, Pik-Ups and Mount Washington

Dan Roth — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, GMC, Honda, Lexus, Lincoln, Porsche, Subaru

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Episode #195 of the Autoblog Podcast, and Chris, Alex, Sam and Dan talk about the half century of Ford Econolines, Porsche's impressive Panamera sales, the death of the Mahindra deal with Global Vehicles USA, a possible hot-rod Forester, and Travis Pastrana's obliteration of editor Neff's Mount Washington hillclimb time (oh, and he destroyed the record by 20 seconds, too.) Two questions cap it at just over an hour this week. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #195 - Econoline, Panamera, hot-rod Foresters, Pik-Ups and Mount Washington

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Honda Odyssey
GMC Sierra 3500 HD
2011 Ford Edge

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

Runtime: 69:34

Gallery: Old Ford Econolines

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Autoblog Podcast #195 - Econoline, Panamera, hot-rod Foresters, Pik-Ups and Mount Washington originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hotter Subaru Forester in the works?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Subaru, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia

Scooby fans down under might get the first look at an STI version of the Subaru Forester meant for global markets. It's only speculation at this point, but Subaru has said it will bring a "sporty SUV," and the Sydney Morning Herald figures an additionally boosted Forester makes the most sense.

Regardless of whether such a beast would wear an STI badge - if it exists at all - the theory goes that it would get an STI-like jump in power above the turbocharged Forester currently on sale in Australia. The JDM version of the Forester STI, on sale for five years, puts down 322 horsepower - that's 26 more ponies than are available in the Aussie WRX STI.

The Forester is already the top-selling compact SUV in Australia. Right now the most powerful version is the 227-hp XT model, so a boost in gumption would place it incontestably above the 268-hp Toyota RAV4 and 235-hp Mazda CX-7. Subaru won't confirm anything else about what will be revealed, except that it could go worldwide.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]

Hotter Subaru Forester in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next-gen boxer engine coming from Subaru this year

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Crossover, Subaru

According to Automotive News, Subaru is set to release a new, more fuel-efficient version of its boxer four-cylinder engine. The powerplant should be available in both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter configurations and will be able to offer up a 10-percent boost in fuel economy over its predecessors. The report doesn't detail exactly how the engine goes about gaining its new found efficiency, but it does say the changes are the first significant revision of the company's boxer architecture in two decades.

A Fuji Heavy Industries spokesperson confirmed that the new powerplant is coming, but wouldn't go so far as to say which models would benefit from the new tech. Automotive News reports that other sources claim that the thrifty four-pot will first show up in the Forester both in the U.S. and Japan, paired with a CVT gearbox. The new engine will then begin to crop up in models like the Legacy and Impreza here in the States and the Exiga minivan on Subaru's home turf.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Next-gen boxer engine coming from Subaru this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Honda Element, one of AAA's best dog-friendly vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dog owners looking for a new set of wheels can take heart; the American Automobile Association has taken the time to pick a handful of vehicles best suited to moving your furry friend from one place to another. With around 45 million households across the country boasting at least one dog in the family, it should be no surprise that the ability to conveniently and safely move a pet plays a big role in which vehicle consumers choose to buy. A total of 11 SUVs, crossovers and wagons have made the AAA list, each divided into categories like luxury, active lifestyle and efficient and fun.

While we weren't surprised to see cars like the Subaru Forester and Honda Element make the cut, others, like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the ever fun-to-fling Mazda3 five-door were vehicles we wouldn't have necessarily thought of as doggie rides. Thrifty buys like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube found particular favor on the AAA list, thanks in part to their ability to serve up plenty of space with their rear seats folded down. We still say a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon would do just fine - at least for a low-profile dog like a dachshund or beagle. Hit the jump for the press release after checking out our complete gallery of canine-correct-carriers below.

Gallery: AAA Dog-Friendly Vehicles

[Source: American Automobile Association]

Continue reading Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Humor

KBB reader-submitted auto reviews - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

We've seen a lot of consumer-grade video in our day (we've made a few, too), and the quality can be less than astounding. So when we got wind of the fact that Kelley Blue Book was hosting a contest awarding $10,000 to the best consumer car review video, we were skeptical of the quality of product we were expecting to see. Good news. We were wrong, and the top videos are pretty darn good.

The top prize has been awarded to Clark Olson for a very funny critique of the 2000 Corolla with actual production-quality video work. In second place was Joel Moss Levinson, who managed to crack us up with a very clever rap featuring a somewhat problematic 2001 Volkswagen Passat. Seriously, it's pretty hilarious and is jam-packed with actual insight. In third place was an also entertaining take on the 2004 Subaru Forester by Patrick Latimer. Latimer sounded like a full-on auto enthusiast with 0-60 times and a very valid mention of the value of rowing one's own gears.

The winner was rewarded with $10,000 in cold, hard cash and a trip to sunny California for a video shoot with the KBB video crew. Second prize netted $5,000 and the third place winner received $1,000. Nicely done fellas. Hit the jump to watch the videos for yourself, and chime in via the post-jump poll to tell us if KBB correctly numbered the top three.

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Continue reading Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll]

Videos: KBB awards $10,000 to winning reader car reviews [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy

Chris Shunk — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Subaru Forester started life with a Motor Trend SUV of the Year award, followed by strong sales that helped Subaru succeed in a down auto market. The story gets a bit better for the 2011 model year with a new 2.5-liter boxer engine and a host of added features.

The new engine retains the same displacement as the outgoing mill and achieves the same 170-horsepower, but it's now packing a chain driven double overhead cam versus the belt driven single overhead cam before. The result is maximum horsepower available at a lower RPM and an additional four pound-feet of torque (to 174 lb-ft). The new 2.5-liter helps the Forester post 21 miles-per-gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway whether you're sporting the manual or automatic transmission. That's up one mpg versus the outgoing model.

Other changes include a new model; the Subaru 2.5XT Touring, which slots above the Limited model. Among the standard features on the Touring model are HID headlamps, backup camera and dual-zone climate control. Subaru is also adding a 2.5XT Premium model (old model was 2.5X Premium), which includes a 10-way power driver's seat, an upgraded stereo with six speakers, Bluetooth and a USB port for your iPod. Also available is a removable 4.3-inch TomTom Navigation System for directions on the cheap. Hit the jump to read over the Subaru presser if you're interested in all the details.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy

Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Consumer Reports Top Pick Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Each year, the automotive editors of Consumer Reports select their Top Pick Cars, representing vehicles that are the best in their individual segments. These cars are deemed to have "average or better" predicted reliability and have scored high marks in government safety testing. In past years, automakers like Honda and Toyota have dominated this list, but since more and more manufacturers are ramping up their quality within each competitive segment, the 2010 list proves to be the most diverse CR Top Picks group in over a decade.

So, which cars garner the most praise from CR? The Nissan Altima has officially dethroned the Honda Accord from the top family sedan spot, the Volkswagen GTI takes honors as the best sporty car, the trusty Subaru Forester takes the cake in the small SUV category, the quirky Mazda5 wins for best family hauler, and both the Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado stand tall as the best family SUV and pickup truck. These six newcomers join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L to round out the entire list of Top Pick Cars.

Unlike most automotive media outlets (Autoblog included), Consumer Reports actually buys its own test cars before putting them through rigirous evaluations of handling, braking, comfort, safety and more, and each test car is roughly 6,000 miles older by the time all of the tests have been completed. Follow the jump to read the official press release from CR, and scroll through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of all the 2010 Top Pick Cars.

Gallery: 2010 Consumer Reports Top Picks

[Source: Consumer Reports - sub. req.]

Continue reading Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity

Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases new Forester X Columbia in Australia

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:13:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Subaru, Australia

Subaru has collaborated with outdoor gear company Columbia for some time in other markets, and the latest result is the limited edition 2010 Forester X Columbia. This version swaps out the standard steel wheels for 16-inch alloys and adds fog lights, a roof rack, cargo tray, rear step panel, and a $500 voucher for actual Columbia gear. Not bad, but it's arguably a step down from the 2007 Forester X Columbia, which also got a sunroof and heated seats.

There will be 1,050 examples on offer and they go on sale in Australia beginning Monday, January 4. The "driveaway" price has been announced as $33,990 AUD for the manual ($30,486 USD - note: that's a straight conversion and does not correspond to the car's U.S. price), which is $600 less than the Forester X price on Subaru's Aussie site. Unless we're missing something, that can't be all bad for the country's best-selling crossover. Just for our Aussie readers, we've placed the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru releases new Forester X Columbia in Australia

Subaru releases new Forester X Columbia in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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