Autoblog

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Heading to shop for recall inspection

John Neff — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Recalls, Subaru, Long-Term Garage

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Truth be told, our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT has been running like a top from day one with not a single issue arising that has required a trip to the dealer for repair. We did get her oil changed around 5,000 miles, though we had to skip the dealer experience since we were pressed for time and they couldn't squeeze us in on short notice. But there are some recalls in effect for the 2010 Legacy, three to be exact, so we made our first appointment at Ganley Westside Subaru in North Olmsted, OH to have our 2.5GT inspected.

Kudos to Ganley for making the experience as painless as possible, as well as accommodating a very late cancellation and rescheduling. Upon arrival, they took the keys and put our 2.5GT in the air on one of six lifts in their service area.

Of the three recalls in effect for the Subaru Legacy, only one affects our particular car. It's for a bundle of wires in the steering column that could crack and cause certain functions to stop working. If that happened, the problem could manifest itself as the horn not working or something more severe like the driver's front airbag failing to deploy in an accident.

Our car was inspected and deemed roadworthy with no repair needed. The dealership also let us know that Subaru Service Program WVP26 affects our car. Apparently some units were shipped with cracked covers for their anti-lock braking ECU modules, so the action has dealers inspect and replace the affected part if needed. Again, ours was looked at and showed no such issues.

We were in and out in less than an hour and the total cost was $0, so our trip to the dealer went off without a hitch and our long-term Legacy carries on trouble-free. Stay tuned for a report on what we did during our summer vacation with the long-term Legacy, which included logging over 2,000 miles traveling through a beautiful part of the country that's absolutely obsessed with crab.

- 7,906 miles

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: First trip to the dealer

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Heading to shop for recall inspection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru

2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once again, Subaru's mainstay models, the Outback and Legacy, appear to be girding for a recall. Both models have already faced callbacks for leaky CVT hoses and wiring issues, but according to Inside Line, a new issue affecting a number of manual transmission-equipped 2010 and 2011 models will not only precipitate another recall, but also a stop-sale on all potentially-affected vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the oil lubrication hole in the six-speed manual transmission has not been drilled on the affected vehicles, which can cause gears to break. NHTSA issued a statement, saying:

"If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop, alerting the driver to a problem. If this sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash."

Vehicles will be repaired, free of charge, at any Subaru dealer in America. Most will simply have an oil lubrication hole drilled, though the automaker has informed its dealer network that vehicles with 6,250 miles or more will require the replacement of the third through sixth gearsets, as well as the main shaft.

A total of 809 Outback and Legacy models are affected by this recall, which is expected to officially go into effect on August 6. In the meantime, owners are urged to contact their local dealers as soon as possible to have this problem corrected.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback

Photos by Jonathon Ramsey / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Subaru to dump "quirky" image

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Subaru

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And while many of us look at a Subaru and describe the brand's styling as "awkward" or "quirky," owners of the competent, all-wheel drive conveyances tend to show unconditional love. More recent, Subaru designs like the Legacy or Impreza are less "outside the box" than past efforts, but some hardcore Subaru fanatics look at the change in styling as an aesthetic neutering. Still, sales have improved immensely over the past few years, as Subaru has not only survived the Great Recession, but thrived. So what's in store for the future of Subaru styling?

In a recent interview with AutoWeek, Subaru's new design boss Osamu Namba claims that the Japanese automaker is looking to ditch its odd designs once and for all, with cleaner lines that appeal to a wider audience. Namba joined Subaru back in 2008 after spending a decade heading his own design firm, and he's said to be working on the next-generation Impreza; his first production Subaru. But to see where Subaru's design direction could go, look no further than the Hybrid Tourer Concept from the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The Namba-designed concept is a totally new look for Subaru, with clean, modern lines and an aesthetic that's far less challenging than past models.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Subaru design staff is to improve styling without alienating its loyal audience. While some critics may mention that the Hybrid Tourer Concept would rub Subaru owners the wrong way, the Japanese automaker is hoping that those loyal fans will continue to love their products because of their all-wheel drive, boxer engine and entertaining driving characteristics. Head over to AW to read over the interesting article about Namba and the future of Subaru design, and make sure to weigh in on the poll below.

View Poll

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Subaru to dump "quirky" image originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru recalling nearly 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models over wiring issue

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Subaru

2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res gallery

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Subaru is recalling 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models built between February 16, 2009 and April 12, 2010. It seems that a bundle of wires located behind the steering wheel can develop stress cracks and eventually break. If this happens, some vehicle functions with controls on the steering wheel - such as the horn, cruise and radio controls, paddle shifters and even the driver's airbag - could fail.

Owners of affected vehicles are urged to contact their local dealerships to see if their cars are equipped with a possibly defective steering roll connector. If so, the dealership will replace the component free of charge. Earlier this year, Subaru recalled roughly 30,000 Outback and Legacy models for a leaky CVT transmission hose.

Full details on this latest recall can be found after the break.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Outback

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Subaru recalling nearly 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models over wiring issue

Subaru recalling nearly 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models over wiring issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Learning to drive stick

John Neff — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru, Long-Term Garage

That's my wife, and despite the two thumbs up and big smile on her face, she just stalled our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT for the sixth time in a row. Turns out that the Legacy is not an ideal practice car in which to learn the fine art of cog swapping. It's too bad, too, as tomorrow the Mrs. and I are heading off on a 2,000+ mile road trip vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine in the Legacy. While I love a long road trip behind the wheel and prefer the driver's seat to the passivity of riding shotgun, it's going to be a long trip and I wouldn't have minded a copilot to take over when my eyelids get heavy.

The problem with learning stick in the Legacy is its clutch. The take-up point comes on quickly, after only an inch or so of pedal travel, so you have to be very nuanced in the application of your left foot within that span of space. Experienced manual drivers can get the hang of it, though it still takes concentration not to make your passengers buck back and forth when shifting gears. As for my wife, she just couldn't get the hang of the Legacy's manual tranny. Her left leg just didn't have the degrees of control necessary to pull away from a stop without letting the engine bog down and die. She actually did it the first time she tried, but couldn't duplicate her success on the second or eleventh try.

Now, I shouldn't fault the Legacy alone, as my lesson in shifting began with highly technical expositions of how the accelerator and clutch pedal were affecting the car's mechanicals and ended with me shouting "Give it more gas. More GAS. MORE GAS!" Our next lesson will be in a friend's 2002 Ford Focus, which we're assured has a suitably mushy clutch that's perfect for beginners. If you've got any tips on how best to teach someone manual driving, let us know in the comments.

PS: Thanks for the response from readers on my update about the Legacy's backwards E-brake. Since then I've tried to consider the E-Brake as more analogous to ye olde foot brakes and am having success. I've also discovered that if you're in gear and have your seatbelt on, the E-brake will disengage as soon as you apply some gas. Yes, electronics can be your friend.

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Learning to drive stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Rise of the MPGs

John Neff — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage

Since I took the keys for our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT from fellow editor Chris Paukert, I've managed to squeeze in a number of long drives. This has given me a perfect chance to observe the Legacy 2.5GT's fuel economy in ideal conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency rates our Legacy model and its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder at 18 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway and 21 mpg combined. As you can see above, our experience over the last three full fill-ups beat the estimates with room to spare.

Mind you, I've spent most of my time with the Legacy cruising comfortably on the highway, and Paukert, who lives in a decidedly more urban setting, assures me that the MPGs fall fast in the city. Also, remember that the Legacy 2.5GT requires premium fuel, and I spent between $44 and $46 to fill up its 18.5-gallon fuel tank with 93 Octane that cost about $2.80/gallon.

Still, my last fill-up showed the car achieved an honest-to-goodness 27 mpg over 426 miles, which is 6 mpg better than the EPA's combined estimate and 2 mpg better than its highway estimate. And the engine appears to be gaining efficiency as we continue to break it in.

The wife and I are gearing up for a road trip with the Legacy that will add well over 2,000 miles to its odo. We'll keep track of the fuel economy we see and report back to see if Autoblog's first long-term car can keep this surprisingly good performance up.

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Rise of the MPGs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STI-tuned Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS released in Japan

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Japan, Subaru

Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've grown quite fond of our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT over the past few months, but we can't help but be somewhat jealous of the STI-tuned Legacy that's just been released in Japan. Subaru's in-house tuning department has laid hands on the new-for-2010 Legacy sedan (and the not-for-U.S. wagon!) to create the B4 2.5GT tS, which features a host of cosmetic and dynamic enhancements, even though the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer remains unchanged.

Visually, the tS (which stands for "Tuned by STI") gets a new front lip spoiler, as well as a subtle deckled spoiler out back (fixed to the roof on wagon models). New 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/45-series rubber sit at the corners and appropriate badging is applied all around. Inside, there's a revised instrument cluster, sport seats, carbon trim, a leather-wrapped STI steering wheel and, of course, STI branding on the shifter and floor mats.

Where the tS gets good, however, is in its performance upgrades, which include a sport exhaust system, a more robust Bilstein suspension, and new strut tower bars. Because the turbocharged flat-four keeps its stock output - 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque - this hotted-up Legacy won't be any quicker on the street. The other tweaks should make it even more poised during sporty driving, though.

While this may seem like just another juicy piece of Forbidden Fruit, we're sure that STI has upgrades for the U.S.-spec Legacy in the pipeline. (Please!) Scroll through the gallery below to see the Legacy tS's upgrades in detail.

Gallery: Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS

[Source: Subaru via Carscoop]

STI-tuned Subaru Legacy B4 2.5GT tS released in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Backwards E-brake

John Neff — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru, Long-Term Garage

Long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Executive Editor Paukert has already complained about one button located on the panel to the left of the steering wheel in our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT. But now that the keys have traded hands and I've got a beef to share about a different button.

The electronic parking brake is the biggest "button" in the cluster, but it's not so much a button as a push/pull-type switch. Fitted with a manual transmission, we tend to set the parking brake every time we exit the car, so the switch gets a lot of use.

However, Subaru has set up the switch in the exact opposite orientation you'd expect. Every time I go to set the parking brake, I pull it. Every time I go to turn it off, I push it. Unfortunately, it works the other way around. I think what's going on is that my muscle memory is trying to replicate what I would do with a more traditional parking brake lever, i.e. pull to set, push to release. I suppose someone could argue the exact opposite, that pushing to engage and pulling to release makes total sense (because that's how the door on a microwave works?), but we've heard from other late-model Subaru owners that this switch is a source of frustration for them as well, and many other vehicles that we've driven with similar e-brake levers work in the opposite fashion.

For now, we must remember that in this digital age of ours, new technology doesn't necessarily mimic its analog counterpart, which means I'm stuck pulling when I should pushing until my brain decides to relent.

CLICK HERE to check out all of the updates on our long-term 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT.

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Backwards E-brake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: May 2010

Chris Paukert — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT long-termer has over 4,000 miles on it now, and it's broken in nicely. The six-speed cable shifter has freed up nominally (it's still a bit notchy), and the turbocharged flat-four is singing as sweetly as ever.

As we mentioned earlier, we're pleased to note that Subaru has already begun making some nominal tweaks to the 2.5GT to make it a bit more special, particularly in the area of cabin furnishings. We find the interior to be a pretty comfortable - and hugely roomy - place to be, but for the range's dedicated performance model, the 2010 iteration just isn't adequately differentiated from other models in the series. Thanks to a slew of minor changes, the 2011 model's interior promises visuals that are more in keeping with the 2.5GT's sporting temperament.

Oh - another word about those front seats. We've taken a few longer drives over the past month, and while they're still very comfortable, the lower seat cushions are quite short and we can't help but wonder if this would become a problem for taller folks. We're going to try to cajole some of our lankier friends into taking a few long drives with us and see how they come down. Either way, we do wish that the GT would rank model-specific seats with significantly more lateral bolstering for the twisties. No such issues with the rear seats - knee, leg and toe room is epic, as is headroom.

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: May 2010

Simple switchgear a welcome trait

There's a lot to be said for simplicity over unnecessary complication.

Less wood, more sport

Subaru has recognized the opportunity to substitute faux carbon fiber trim for 2011.

Click here for all updates.

One other thing we've noticed is that not only are the Legacy's seats comfortable, the ride is extremely forgiving, even on 18-inch Bridgestone summer rubber. The 2.5GT has a surprisingly pliant sort of long-travel feel to it, which has proven to be an asset on the broken roads here in the Midwest. There might be a bit more lean in hard cornering as a consequence, but the tuning seems to mesh nicely with the idea of Subaru's rally heritage - we can see getting our Scandy-flick on and catching air on modest jumps with few issues in this thing. We plan to have the Legacy live out in California for a few months later this year, where our man Lavrinc will tell us if this somewhat softish feeling is a liability on the state's well-groomed curvy roads. For now, however, it's a pleasure, making short work of Detroit's broken surfaces.

In the meantime, our Subie continues to win friends on the streets and with family members, some of whom haven't encountered a modern product from Fuji Heavy. We've had a surprising number of unsolicited compliments curbside and at gas stations, and we're growing used to the design ourselves - those big fenders (purportedly to emphasize the car's all-wheel drive nature) now almost look like they're part of a sporty body kit to us - in a good way - and the deep maroon paint hides the car's size, while the finish appears to be of uniformly high quality.

CLICK HERE to check out all updates for our long-term 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT.

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: May 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Simplicity of switchgear a welcome trait

Chris Paukert — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Subaru, Long-Term Garage

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

After spending a week circumnavigating the country in a pair of BMW sedans on One Lap of America a couple of weeks back, you might think that the drive home to Detroit from South Bend would've been a bit of a disappointment. On the contrary, we were glad to see our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, and have been so every day since then. Not that we didn't enjoy the 550i (2010 model) or remember why we absolutely love the 335d, but there's a lot to be said for simplicity over unnecessary complication.

For one, the cruise control switchgear on the steering wheel spoke in the Subie is infinitely easier to use than the hidden stalk on the Bimmers. The Legacy's arrangement is a model of ergonomic excellence, whereas the BMW necessitated that we give step-by-step how-to directions to our co-drivers from the back seat. Repeatedly.

And don't even get us started on the differences in navigation systems. While the 2.5GT's is far from perfect, its touchscreen is still much easier to negotiate than either of the two generations of iDrive we experienced in the BMWs - much improved though they are. We do wish that higher functions (address entry, etc.) could be accessed on the move - at least when there is more than one person in the car. Why can't automakers learn that this safety 'feature' should have an automatic override tied to the passenger seat weight sensor that's already there to govern airbag deployment?

Did we mention how much we like the utterly intuitive dual-zone HVAC controls? Crisp display, a couple of rockers and a handful of buttons - it's simplicity itself.

One area where our Subaru is arguably oversimplified is with its sunroof controls: It has two single-function switches - one for tilt, and one for slide open/close. Unless it's a small cost win, we can't see why there isn't a unified dual function switch as on most other cars. At least they are differentiated in look and feel for less fumbling about.

Autoblog Long-Term Introduction: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Long-Term Update: Touring our Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's birthplace

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Hill holder a great feature, but why an idiot lamp?

More Long-Term Updates:

Visit the our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT page

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT: Simplicity of switchgear a welcome trait originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru announces pricing and tweaks to 2011 Outback, Legacy models

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 May 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - click above for high-res gallery

Subaru has priced the 2011 versions of two vehicles leading its continuing sales charge, the Legacy and Outback. All of the Legacy models bar the Limited trim version have stood pat on MSRP, from the base 2.5i at $19,995 to the 3.6R at $24,995. The Limited models go up by $300 to cover folding exterior mirrors, harman/kardon audio, and XM satellite radio.

The 2011 Legacy 2.5GT will only be offered in Limited guise, and its price goes up by $405 to $31,395. Replacing its woodgrain with faux carbon-fiber dashboard trim and adding brightwork in the form of aluminum pedals and contrasting seat stitching addresses two of the few gripes we've had with our 2.5GT long term test car.

The Outback gets the smallest hike, just $200, going to $23,195 for the 2.5i, $24,495 for the 2.5i Premium, and $28,495 for the 2.5i Limited with CVT. Opt for the Power Moonroof Package for an additional $450, and you'll get a new rear-view camera with a 3.3-inch display in the auto-dimming mirror with Homelink thrown on Premium and Limited models. Follow the jump for the rest of the details on the 2011 Legacy and Outback - with this kind of pricing restraint, we expect them to keep selling well.

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru announces pricing and tweaks to 2011 Outback, Legacy models

Subaru announces pricing and tweaks to 2011 Outback, Legacy models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru recalling nearly 30,000 Outback, Legacy models over CVT cooling hose

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:31:00 EST

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

2010 Subaru Legacy - Click above for high-res image gallery

Owners of a 2010 Subaru Outback or Legacy equipped with a CVT transmission may need to make an unscheduled visit to their Subaru dealer due to a new recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall of 29,443 Legacy and Outback models for a crack that can occur in the CVT cooler hose that could result in a fluid leak. The only vehicles affected by the recall are the ones built between July 31 and December 1, 2009.

The NHTSA website states that Subaru didn't provide any safety consequences for this recall, but we're thinking a CVT fluid leak could lead to a damaged transmission, which is a lot more expensive than a new hose and a far bigger hassle for owners. Affected vehicles can be brought to the nearest Subaru dealer to have the hose replaced free of charge. If you're not sure if your vehicle falls under the recall, call Subaru at 1-856-488-8500. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA release.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Subaru recalling nearly 30,000 Outback, Legacy models over CVT cooling hose

Subaru recalling nearly 30,000 Outback, Legacy models over CVT cooling hose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parents magazine names 'Best Family Cars of 2010'

Zach Bowman — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Parents has worked up a lengthy list of its favorite family haulers for 2010, though you won't see too many minivans or SUVs on the roundup. Instead, the site broke down its selections into categories like sedans, hybrids and large vehicles and arranged its picks in no particular order. We certainly can't argue with cars like the 2010 Subaru Legacy or the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, though a few of those that made the cut had us scratching our heads.

Both the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight found favor among the Parents editors. Sure, we can respect trying to save some cash at the pump, but those hybrid hatches don't exactly have the space for the Boy Scouts level of preparedness that accompanies traveling with a toddler.

Other shockers include the loveable but quirky Kia Soul and the omission of the ubiquitous Toyota Camry in favor of the sportier Honda Accord. You can hop over to the Parents site to see the full list of 15 cars and CUVs for yourself.

[Source: Parents]

Parents magazine names 'Best Family Cars of 2010' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Subaru to boost Indiana output by 40%

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru is still seeing record sales for its newly redesigned Legacy and Outback, and as such, the company is looking to bump up production at the birthplace of our long-term Legacy 2.5GT by a hefty 40 percent. Automotive News reports that Fuji Heavy Industries wants to see a total of 140,000 vehicles roll out of the doors at its Indiana plant by the end of 2010 - a figure that could prove to be problematic considering that 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.

Gallery: Subaru Automotive Indiana

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: Subaru to boost Indiana output by 40% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Long-Term Garage Introduction: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Chris Paukert — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like others in our field, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our readers a surprisingly comprehensive assessment of a vehicle after only driving it for a few hours (as at an automaker's first-drive event) or living with it for several days (as with a normal media vehicle loan). But even though we've got our testing methodology down, there's simply no way to learn what it's like to live with an automobile without... well... living with the automobile.

Simply put, a year's worth of the day-in, day-out grind is likely to reveal more foibles and hidden charms than any number of test-drives could ever hope to expose. How does your backside feel after an 800-mile road trip? Does the clutch pedal feel like stirring molasses in subzero temperatures? How will the seat leather and interior plastics hold up over thousands of miles? Will the gearshift feel like a trusted old friend mile-after-mile? These are questions that can only be answered with a long-term driving experience.

To that end, we're pleased to introduce the first-ever entry into the Autoblog Long-Term Garage: The 2010 Subaru 2.5GT. We fell in love with this, the most sporting of Legacy models during its Vancouver launch over the summer, but the popularity of the model and its production-line companion, the Outback, has been so great that it's been impossible to secure a 2.5GT up until now. Subaru's Indiana plant has been so busy building the necessary volumes of the brand's bread-and-butter models that production of the 2.5GT - an enthusiast's sedan, when compared to its counterparts - has only recently started to come on-stream.

We suspect our loaded-up Ruby Red Pearl Limited model has been worth the wait, but we're prepared to take a year to come to grips with our final judgment. How will we feel about this rally-bred all-wheel-drive sport sedan after 365 days of everything from daily commuting to opposite-lock dancing on abandoned fire trails? Will its assertive flat-four thrum and newfound size win over converts - or leave us wishing we had picked a more obvious, safe-as-houses alternative?

More importantly - what do you want to know about life with the 2.5GT? We'll be regularly updating you on our new Subie's progress, passing its keys between our editors stationed around the country, putting its 265 horsepower through the paces in different climates and over various types of roads in order to see if it's worth the asking price. While you're pondering what questions to ask us in the Comments, feel free to check out our high-res gallery below as well as the spec panel after the jump laying out what makes the 2.5GT tick.

How to follow our Long-Term updates:

Twitter: Follow therealautoblog and look for tweets tagged #ablongterm.
Visit the Long-Term Garage category on Autoblog | Subscribe to RSS.
We'll be launching a new Long-Term model page for the 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT in the next couple of weeks that will contain all of the information, insights and updates we publish. Stay tuned!

Gallery: Long Term: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

Autoblog Long-Term Garage Introduction: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You'll never guess which midsize sedan wins MT's latest comparo...

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota

2010 Toyota Camry - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah yes, the good ol' midsize sedan. Bastion of the American family car set and holder of most automaker's sales crowns, as well as that of the best-selling automobile in the United States. As pointed out by Motor Trend, only three car nameplates have held the top sales spot in America in the last 20 years: the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Of course, the current midsize sedan sales leader is none other than the aforementioned Camry. Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few months, you're certainly aware that Toyota has found itself in the hot seat with numerous claims of unintended acceleration and two separate recalls that are meant to deal with such safety defects.

Besides its recent safety woes, Toyota has had to deal with constant pressure from every other automaker seeking to dethrone the Camry as the midsize sales leader. So, the natural question is whether or not the segment stalwart can maintain its edge in the face of such stiff competition and a newly sullied reputation. MT sought the answer in its latest comparo.

These days, Ford's numero-uno midsize sedan is the Fusion, which was significantly redesigned this year, and that car won the coveted Motor Trend Car of the Year Award for 2010. Also new-for-2010 (as a 2011 model) are the Hyundai Sonata, which features swoopy new duds and a high-tech four-cylinder powertrain, and the Subaru Legacy, which is the only model in the segment to come standard with all-wheel drive.

Though not all-new for '10, the Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima are certainly perennial power players in the midsize sedan segment, and as such were included in MT's comparison test. With introductions out of the way, who do you think could have grabbed the top spot in Motor Trend's comparison test of these seven leading midsize sedans? Hint: See the photo above. Suffice it to say... we were a bit surprised. Click here to see for yourself.

In related news, the boys from Inside Line have gone a slightly different route with a much smaller midsize sedan comparison, pitting the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2010 Mazda6 and 2010 Honda Accord together in a winner-takes-all fight. Click here for the results.

Do you agree with either MT or IL, or would you rank them totally differently? Have your say in 'Comments.'

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Camry

[Sources: Motor Trend, Inside Line]

You'll never guess which midsize sedan wins MT's latest comparo... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Subaru bringing tuned STI, Legacy and 1969 360 van

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Subaru, Luxury

1969 Subaru 360 SPT Delivery Van -- Click above image for high-res gallery

SEMA is just around the corner and aside from the inevitable Camaro riot that will be taking place in the convention center's parking lot, many auto folks are showing up with tuned rides. Like, for instance, Subaru. SPT is Subaru's in house tuning division and they're cooking up three nifty cars to put on display, each one better than the next.

First up is the WRX STI by SPT designed to demonstrate, "what a WRX STI owner can build at home using just the SPT catalog as a source for bolt-on parts." It's got ten more ponies (315, up from the stock STI's 305 hp), big old gold wheels, and special springs, sway bars and a lower chassis brace. Surely nice, but nothing new.

In Tokyo, it's all about "bippu," which is JDM for VIP. As such, Subaru has gone ahead and built a Legacy 2.5GT VIP for big ballers everywhere. What sets it apart? Well, for one thing, bippu means going low. To facilitate this, the top mounted Subaru intercooler is removed and replaced with a Mishimoto front-mounted intercooler to make room for the custom engine bay cover. But you got to go lower than that -- so the Legacy VIP gets air suspension to really kiss the ground. There's a whole bunch more, too, including Shinjuku Black Plum paint and the pleated leather interior.

But, the car we're really excited about is the van. Yeah man, a 1969 Subaru 360 delivery van to be precise. An honest to goodness microcar! Ten feet long. Four feet wide. Two-cylinder, two-stroke 25-hp engine. Suicide front doors -- and it's being fully restored as an SPT parts delivery van. But here's the cool part for those of you not making it out to SEMA -- the SPT parts van will tour the country going from dealership to dealership. Have you ever seen anything so close to perfection in your life? Didn't think so. Big old press release, after the jump.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Subaru Preview

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Subaru bringing tuned STI, Legacy and 1969 360 van

SEMA Preview: Subaru bringing tuned STI, Legacy and 1969 360 van originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 is pure JDM awesomeness

Drew Phillips — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our jaws literally dropped when we spotted this car in the Subaru booth here at the Tokyo Motor Show. The concoction of carbon fiber spoilers, wings and widened fenders seen here is the Legacy B4 GT300 racecar that is set to compete in Japan's Super GT series next year. The car actually made its racing debut at Fuji Speedway last month, and even though previous driveline problems prevented this racer from making an even earlier debut, the B4 GT300 managed 300 trouble-free kilometers to finish a respectable 18th place.

As for specs, the Legacy B4 GT300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four that pumps out more than 300 horsepower. With all-wheel drive, a six-speed sequential transmission, and a curb weight of just over 2800 pounds, we imagine it's an absolute blast to pilot around the track. You can see the car in detail in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 is pure JDM awesomeness originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru a historic two-timer as Outback wins Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Subaru

2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru is a historic two-timer. For the second year in a row, the Japanese company has claimed Motor Trend magazine's coveted Golden Calipers for its SUV of the Year award - the first time any automaker has managed to do so. The company's new-for-2010 Outback has evidently picked up where last year's Forester left off, and we understand why - it's a dynamite all-around package.

The lifted Legacy did face some stiff competition, including vehicles we've enjoyed driving recently - players like the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Lincoln MKT, and Mercedes-Benz GLK. But from where we sit, the Subie's most formidable opposition for the award were all premium priced offerings, and the Outback is a more affordable jack-of-all-trades with few compromises - especially now that Subaru's engineers have seen fit to let out the back seat a bit. In any case, you can check out the official press release after the jump or read our review of the Outback by clicking here.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Subaru a historic two-timer as Outback wins Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

Subaru a historic two-timer as Outback wins Motor Trend SUV of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Subaru

Four 2010 model year vehicles have just been awarded Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Subaru's Outback and Legacy, the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring. Top Safety Picks are given to those vehicles that come equipped with electronic stability control and receive front, side, and rear crash test ratings of 'Good' in IIHS testing.

The Legacy has boasted a 'Good' rating for a few years now, while the all-new Outback takes the cake on its first try. The Sebring and Avenger continue their runs of 'Good' form in their current generations.

[Source: IIHS]

Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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