Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
To be honest, the car that the Subaru reminds me of most is the car I owned prior to the Cooper, which was a Lexus GS400. That car was also very quiet, had a strong (300hp) engine, and handled pretty well. However, the Subaru is quieter, handles better, and feels even quicker - not to mention being 20k+ less expensive. The interior on the Lexus was nicer, and had features that the Subaru may never have (auto down and up on all four windows was pretty nice) but they are at least headed in the right direction.
As I got further north, and the traffic thinned out, I filled up with gas in Cloverdale and reset the computer. The rest of the drive home was almost all highway driving, mostly rolling hills with a few miles here and there of 2-lane twisties, then a trip up to the airport and back to pick up my car. Filled up with gas the next day (yesterday, actually) and the computer indicated 25.8mpg - with an actual calculated figure of 24.4. Not bad at all, considering the engine is brand new. Now, its back to the Cooper for me, and stern warnings to my wife to not exceed 4000rpm (which I did at least twice on each day I drove it - my bad). At this rate, though, it won't take any time at all to get past break-in. I can't wait to really wind it out.
Phil
Come on Subaru, make it available!
I would put silver as my first choice except that my wife's car is silver. It's really one of the best colors for not showing dirt or scratches, and is cool in the summer. For a little variety in the driveway, I will shoot for Atlantic Blue if it's available (plus it looks gorgeous to me with the black interior).
Craig
Also, will anyone who (like lotsabones, above) gets near 25mpg or over with the turbo (Legacy or Outback) please post your experiences. I'm printing out the info and placing it on the wife's pillow. Those getting less than 20 need not apply--this is a domestic sticking point.
Craig: Below is a photo of the subwoofer. It's TINY! It's smaller than the unit in my Forester. I'd say it's roughly the width and height of a VCR tape. It does extend further into the seat than the photo shows, however.
Hope that helps.
Ken
Craig
Phil- congrats on the new wagon. I'm glad you got the MT, i was starting to feel lonely. How do you like the short shifter? I'm thinking about installing it, and there isn't one at any of the dealers near me to try.
I'm getting a little over 21 mpg in mostly city driving. I drive up and down a lot of hills so my mileage has been on the low side of every car I've owned. I suspect if you live where it's more level you're mileage would be better. If you drive gently I think you can do even better.
tom
thanks,
Craig
Frank
And Seth mentioned something in the chat last night - he doesn't like power seats. I find they can be annoyingly slow at times, and that's another thing I wouldn't want to pay for.
Congrats, Phil, wow, it replaces a GS400? I'm telling you, we are seeing the Legacy replace cars priced much higher.
Both wagons have a 900 lbs payload, sedans 850.
-juice
To be the devil's advocate, I think Subaru priced the base 2.5i too low. In my opinion, there is not enough added value to justify the GT ($5K more) or the 2.5i Ltd ($3.5K.) The 2.5i has so much trickle-down goodness, I should hurry and get one before they notice :-)
Bob
-juice
Outback Sedan/GT Sedan: 850
Impreza Wagons: 900
Impreza Sedans: 850
Forester Wagon: 900
Bottomline:
All Subaru Wagons (regardless of size) ->900lbs
All Subaru Sedans (regardless of size) ->850lbs
Bob
-juice
Also, does anybody have any idea how much the wheels weigh? I'm thinking about getting a set of wheels for winter tires, and I'd like to get a set of comparable wheels.
Ken
So is it up to the driver when to reset the trip computer and thus restart the rolling average?
Craig
Also, I opted for the taupe (really beige) cloth seats. Leather seats in AZ in the summer months (which are March through October :-) will burn your legs if you wear shorts a lot. The darker charcoal cloth and leather choices are really more like black, and even hotter. My parents have to carry towels in their Park Avenue so they can cover their beige leather seats when getting in and out....kind of defeats the purpose.
The tranny is very smooth, the car is quiet and rides like a dream. And the new looks are turning heads everywhere I go. I have had several double-takes, and a bunch of folks have stopped me and asked questions about the car. Funniest thing was when two macho-looking guys came out of my local Home Depot and did the double-triple stare as they walked by myself, mom and 94-year-old grandma climbing in. Even grandma got a kick out of that!
I still say this model is a bargain. A previous post alluded to this fact, as well. See post #2982, as bblancha's wrote: " The 2.5i has so much trickle-down goodness, I should hurry and get one before they notice :-) "
Oh, and one more little thing that's been bugging me...why is everyone dissing the stereo? I am a professional musician and teacher by trade, and the stereo is one of the best standard systems I have heard in any car recently.
-KarenM-
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html
PS: I reserve the right to think of something else trival to add later :-)
I wanted to down size and improve handling over my Honda Pilot. The Pilot was great on the big open roads of California but on the back roads of Vermont and Pennsylvania, my two driving zones, the Pilot left a lot to be desired. I was also looking to improve the "creature comforts" in my car. I took a bit of a "hit" in this area for Honda reliability, which has not been much better than my previous Explorer products.
Other cars I was considering... BMW X3, Lexus RX330, Passat Wagon, Audi A6 Wagon, Volvo XC, Ford Escape (hybrid). Despite the Subaru costing less than all of these, it was by far my favorite in performance and comfort! The only thing missing from the Outback is XM Satellite Radio... when will auto-makers figure out that this is an important feature that loses significant performance when added after market.
In this company, I don't think the base Legacy 2.5i models compare well because of less power, but they are good cars in their own right. Once you test drive a TSX, do yourself a favor and drive a Legacy GT sedan. It will give you a good contrast between a great sports sedan (TSX) and an exhilirating one (GT).
BTW, we paid $24800 for my wife's TSX (auto without Nav). Sticker was $27035.
Craig
1. The rain gutter issue...what is the concensus? Is it problematic to every '05 Legacy? I have sat in one a couple times, during nice weather..so I have no reference point except from posters. Solutions? Someone said to wait a couple seconds before exiting the vehicle to avoid a 1/2 cup of water spill. I'd like to know if this is where we are at on this.
2. The arm rest extension...anybody here have the extension? Is it a permanent fixture or is it interchangeable? I read that you push a button and it moves up and out. That sounds electronic..news to me. Anyone have the real scoop on this and if the extension takes away from the aesthetics or is overly bulky. Pictures??
3. Anybody have an email contact for Subaru America where we (collectively) can voice a little outrage over the important issues that have been raised that many feel can be 'deal killers'. Example, no rain gutter, no foot room in rear due to low front seats, poor/limited choice of interior/exterior color scheme. Example: No taupe/wood with silver exterior. Perhaps the reversal of window switch so down goes down instead of up, etc.
I'm sure we all agree Subaru cares about feedback. They probably peruse these threads as well. We all agree that auto manufacturers make changes during the process to appease public opinion or other problems. Why don't we take the important issues (subjective to some extent) and try to get the point to Subaru 'early' and see if we can get a response.
I, personally, don't need to buy this car for many months (unlike many who are making there purchases already). Matters such as getting drenched when it rains and other non-subjectively crucial items are potential deal killers to me. Someone said it in a post long ago: Why, with all the great upscale aesthetic and performance changes did Subaru forget about 'Customer comfort'? They asked: "Subaru, are you listening?".
That sums it up quite nicely. Let's be pro-active here, and take the very few important oversights to the folks that can make it right. If they get the information (complaints) en masse and timely..they can then take steps to fix this during the current manufacturing process. Simply, let's not just complain amongst ourselves but put it to productive use and forward it to the folks that need...and probably 'want' to know... Subaru.
Some of the severe criticisms (deal killers) can be addressed in a serious fashion by Subaru...and I believe this forum, if it wants to, can bring about change...for the '05 cars. Obviously, the emphasis needs to be on critical comfort features...not simple personal taste. But I've said enough to see if the interest is here to make an impact...
We can start by compiling a list of the features, or omitted features, that are deterring a purchase.
2. VDC available for all trims (including manual transmission)
3. HID option
Krzys
PS I do not like black interior, what about grey ?
Another item I forgot to mention a couple posts ago would be the non-leather seat options. Both my GF and I immediately found the cloth seats to be unlike anything we've seen recently - and I mean this in a bad way. We couldn't find the right word to describe them, although 'canvas' came up.
The (perforated) leather is quite nice. Great. But what are your options if you don't want leather? Instead of offering nicely textured non-leather or faux leather, suede...whatever...they only offer you these, IMO, terribly textured cloth seats. I think those cloth seats are a terrible mismatch to the wonderfully upscale interior. Simply, it appears that the options in seating are extreme - luxurious or sub-par. My opinion only, but appreciate input from others.
I admit I haven't seen the non-perforated leather, but,in the GT's I believe it's leather or textured tent material only. Anyhoo, has anyone been in the latest Jeep Wrangler ...even their cloth seats are cozy.
Finally, if anyone has the Taupe Leather (which is the only way to get that appealing faux wood trim) I'd like to know how you are making out with it showing dirt, fingerprints, etc., and how keeping it clean is coming along. Local dealer had one on the lot that had rather thick blAck smudges above the driver door and elsewhere. I inquired and was told it was from an uncareful trucker (from Subaru). I asked if it cleaned easy; of course the answer was 'yes'. But I had to wonder why the car was put on the lot with a smudge like that in place. Either it was unremovable or the dealership doesn't have it's act together (more likely).
How SOA rationalized this boggles the mind! Snowbird
I can't answer the rain gutter question. I think only owners will be able to address that. As to the armrest extension option, it's mechanical and not electrical. I've seen and experienced it on new Legacys and Outbacks at auto shows, but have yet to see it on any cars on dealer lots. BTW, I think this feature should be standard on every new Legacy and Outback.
Here on Edmunds in the Subaru forums, we are very fortunate to have a member of Subaru of America (SOA) as a regular participant. Her name is Patti, and her screen name is "Subaru Team." She is great with customer issues (that's her specialty at SOA) and she also regularly passes on suggestions that we have for future models on to SOA's Product Planning department.
As for ideas and suggestion for future Subies, there is a thread here called "Subaru Crew: Suggestions for Subaru" that Patti—and perhaps others (?) from SOA, monitor. I would direct all your suggestions to that thread as it makes Patti's job easier. If you post suggestions elsewhere, she may not see them.
Bob
-KarenM-
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html
-KarenM-
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html
Granted they will be a bit harder to keep clean, but I have already Scotchguarded them (is "Scotchguard" really a verb???).
To each his/her own....
-KarenM-
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html
I dodged a few football-sized rocks and managed to hit what few muddy spots there were from the monsoon rains the night before. Overall I was ecstatic as to how well the car rides over the bumps (a lot nicer ride than my '99 Forester had). I wished later that I had let the tires down a bit, especially when I found myself tracking through a sandy wash several times.
I did find the higher ground clearance gives a false sense of security, especially when coming over a hill when you can't see what's in front of you over the longer slope of the hood (as compared again to the Forester). Gotta pay attention to the road and quit gawking at the scenery!
BTW, the sport shift on the AT is a blast on the steep hills and curves! And really a blessing, too. I generally tried to watch the RPMs and the indicator arrows on the dash to know which gear was available. The AT does continue to adjust (shift) after a few seconds, if need be. I certainly didn't need a turbo with MT for this kind of adventure :-)
-KarenM-
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html
Krzys
PS Do not click "refresh" after posting a message. It reposts it.
"It is possible to cancel the warning operation that follows the 6-second warning after turning ON the ignition switch by unfastening and refastening the driver's seatbelt. When the ignition switch is turned ON next time, however, the complete sequence of warning operations resumes. For further details about canceling the warning operation, please contact your Subaru dealer"
I've found that this method to 'trick' the warning chime system works only when the car is stationary. Once you begin moving above about 10 mph, however, the very annoying chiming returns -- again and again.
This is a real annoyance as there are many circumstances where you may reasonably want to drive without the seatbelt fastened in situations where there is no danger. For example, driving down our long access lane at 10 mph after getting out of the car to pick up the mail from our mailbox located along the main road. Or driving slowly from one store to another while in a shopping mall parking lot.
The only hope seems to be that last sentence, which hints that the warning chime can be disable by a Subaru dealer. I'm hoping this is true, but have not yet checked.
WTC
I have a question or two for the experts out there.
I recently bought a 5sp Legacy GT wagon and it is, without question, the best car I have ever owned. However, there are two things about the car making me crazy.
1) The A/c seems to "cycle." That is, while running it on max cool, the air gets cool, then warms up some, and then gets cool again, over and over. It is as though the compressor is going on and off. Is mine the only one doing this?
2) Does anyone know how to disable the daytime running lights?
Many thanks!!!
Marc in Columbus
If it really bothers you you could get some ventshades which would probably help. Or just get a gore tex jacket like everyone else here in Seattle!
I'm not sure what you mean abou the window switches, when you push down the windows go down, when you pull up the windows go up. Pretty standard. I do wish they were auto up too though, as they were in my Toyota and Passat.
Oh well. Life is full of compromise. If I really wanted all of these other things badly I could have bought an Audi S4, but it would have cost me another 15-20K!
I'm very happy with my GT lim. It's comfortable, quiet and composed when driven normally, but is a blast when you want to drive It's a great car. Not perfect (but what car is?), but great nonetheless, especially for how little you pay for it.
tom
It's certainly not worth $1000 to have blue headlights, IMHO.
But I suppose in the quest upmarket the HIDs will come.
I have the black (charcoal) interior- and I agree with you, it wasn't my first choice. It looks nice, very European and serious, but I am thankful I don't live in the southwest where you can literally become one with your car on a hot day!
I have not missed the fold down seats, but then again, I don't need my car to carry large things. I guess VDC would be nice, but my last Toyota suv I found that I had to something really stupid or on purpose to activate the stability control, or it would kick in at very inopportune moments. Once again, nice to have, but it's hard to lose control of this car. Possible? I guess, but you'd probably have to do something very wrong ;-).
I wish it had a telescoping wheel or adjustable pedals, and perhaps just a little bigger trunk.
tom
1. Reliability
2. Ground clearance
3. Body protection (covered bumpers and rocker molding)
4. VDC System
5. Cost for equivalent trim level
Hope this helps.
Mine does the same thing. It goes from cold to slighter warmer. You can really feel it change when it is blowing on your hand while holding the steering wheel.
Also, when I hit the front windshield defroster button, it seems that the air that comes out is much warmer than the setting. For example: I have it set on manual mode, AC on, both dials to 65 degrees and say vent or floor... the air coming out is cold. Then I hit the front windshield defroster, and the air blows at a much warmer temp. Anyone experiencing this also?
-Eugene