Overall sounds like a good review. It seems they liked the Legacy a bit more over the OB, but again, it might be personal opinion. Only time will tell.
this review, and much other marketing info, makes it sound like the base engine does not even exist! "If you're considering the base models, you're too poor for us to bother writing for you."
I figure that the reviews will be concentrating on the new engine configurations, as that is what a lot of peeople are waiting for. You have to figure that there will be info on the base models as well, jsut buried in the middle of the review.
Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site and for your interest in Subaru products. We still do not have complete information on features and options for the 2005 models. However, we do know that a navigation system and HID lights will not be available on the 2005 models. Additional information should be available when the vehicles begin arriving at Subaru dealers in June. Please feel free to contact us again for any new information.
Thanks for the opportunity to be of assistance. If you need any future assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Best Wishes,
Natalie Cox Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Dealer Services E-Contact Group
----------------------------------------------------------- YOUR ORIGINAL MAIL:
The highlight of this year's DVD is the demo vehicle section. This section provides a cool look at Clarion's 2004 Subaru WRX and the company's 1972 customized Chevy Crew Cab. Both of these vehicles made their debut at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show.
It's nice to see the initial reviews are confirming our expectations for the 05s. May be that will quiet some of the nay-sayers. On second thought, I doubt it. Just because a car gets favorably compared to the Acura TSX, Audi A4 and Mazda 6 doesn't mean that it can compete with the Accord :(O)
Dual-zone automatic climate control is available this year, but Subaru has no plans to offer a high-power audio system on par with the competition in this price range. The top-line Outback gets a seven-speaker system with a subwoofer and MP3 compatibility, but other Outbacks and Legacys make do with a mundane six-speaker setup. We were told, however, that a navigation system will be available starting in the 2006 model year.
Is there a wagon? LOL But seriously, there's an Sti Forester, and wasn't there an STi Wagon at some show?? I've never traded in a car after 1 year, but for an STi wagon on this continent...
Then again, I'm just bitter right now. After only 7 weeks of struting around with the coolest(debatable)and fastest (no question) car in the neighbourhood, my neighbour just ordered the STi. In large part because of how gushy I was about my WRX when he talked to me about it. Still, I have first dibs on a ride at 1001 miles. Nicholas
I saw a red '05 Impreza RS wagon yesterday. This replaces the bottom-feeder TL wagon.
For only $100 more than last year's TL you get all the RS goodies: 16" alloy wheels, sport seats, RS grille, RS suspension and interior upgrades. In addition, as with all '05 models, you now get a lit ignition key ring, new (and improved) cruise control stalk, new dash center stack and center console, and whatever other detail improvements the '05 models get.
I was really quite impressed (Imprezaed?). So now all Subarus, except the Forester X, come standard with alloys; a subtle but definite move towards being considered "premium."
For those who were a bit put off by the 2-tone Outback Sport, and didn't like the TL image, or don't want/can't afford a WRX wagon this is a very good solution.
The NA-2.5 engine is preferred by some over the 2.0-turbo in the WRX for all-around driveability. I think the RS is hard to beat for a small sedan, glad you can get a wagon now.
Now that I've seen it in daytime that color is okay -- but just okay... It's not different enough from the silver IMO. It should be darker, like gun metal. Actually, if they offered a color like that found on the new WRX wheels that would be great. It's gray with a hint of bronze in it, and the color looks sharp. BTW, the wheels do look better in person than in the photos. They're better than last years wheels. Still wish those wheels were 17" though. 16" wheels just don't look right on that car as Craig pointed out a while ago...
Bob: I hear ya on the alloys, but what about rear disc brakes? Time to phase those out, also. Isn't the Forester X the only Subie with those, now?
Fitz in Gaithersburg has 2005s, but White Flint didn't when I went there this weekend.
This was interesting - they said the White Flint location was only getting one single Legacy GT in the first allocation, a GT Wagon automatic. And it would go on the show room floor, so no test drives! :-(
I think that's just silly. Escorted test drives - sure no problem with that. OR why don't they use the technology that's out there and flash the ECU to valet mode as well so drivers can't really misbehave. Do they really expect people to plunk down that amount of $$ for a car on their lot without a test drive? It's fine if these things fly out the doors, but the sales on the STi have NOT been impressive. There are ways to filter out "serious" or "qualified" buyers if they are concerned about joy-riders.
I swung by Fitz White Flint. They just got a whole slew of '05 models in: Outbacks, a Legacy sedan a Baja turbo and some Imprezas including a WRX. The only thing different I noticed on the Baja was a new monochromatic Garnet Red color. There were no turbo Legacys/Outbacks or H-6s, however.
True Frank, but just keep in mind that's being offset by 6 price increases per year. It's gotten ridiculous, they just overprice them and offer rebates from day one.
Chevy should price the Aveo at $110,000 and then scream about $100,000 rebates! ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS! Sheesh.
Subaru should be careful, so far they've only had to put rebates on older models, or towards the end of the year. Forester didn't carry any at all until 2002, IIRC.
Predictions: 22/28 for the Legacy 2.5i 5 speed. 23/28 for the 2.5i automatic. 17/24 for the Legacy XT 5 speed. 18/25 for the Legacy XT auto. 20/27 for the Outback H6 auto.
Actual: 23/30 for the Legacy 2.5i MT5, wow! 22/30 for the auto. Should have great range. 19/25 for the XT, better than expected. 19/25 for the XT auto, not bad. ? for the H6 (Patti?)
So I was close. But I thought the Outback would have the same EPA ratings, and they don't for the 2.5i models. Those get 23/28 (MT5) and 22/28 (auto), so they lose 2mpg on the EPA highway cycle compared to the Legacy.
For anyone on a budget, the Legacy is cheaper to buy plus gets better mileage and range. You can add those models to my choices for The Fence. But the XT models also, which are more efficient than I thought they'd be.
I saw a new baja over the weekend painted crystal grey over silver cladding -- it was a very nice combo! I've never really been a fan of the Baja's cladding, and the monocromatic schemes seem to work best, but this 2 tone silver/grey was really quite sharp. Still haven't seen a WRX in this color, but I'm waiting!
No, I doubt a diesel would make it here for a while, anyway.
They did say Fiat-GM. I wonder if that means it could be an Isuzu unit, since GM retained portions of Isuzu. Remember, they pioneered things like Direct Injection.
But this may be where the boxer-only layout is forced to make an exception. We'll see.
In late April Fuji Heavy applied, in the US and Australia (and probably other countries that I haven't bothered to check), for a trademark on the word Halifax when associated with automobiles. This indicates that FHI has finally decided on a name for its upcoming 7-seater and that it will be sold world-wide, not just in North America like the Baja.
Comments
the Saabaru gets headlight height adjusters, like the STi.
Bob
Bob
Mark
Mark
Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site and for your interest in Subaru products. We still do
not have complete information on features and options for the 2005 models. However, we do know that
a navigation system and HID lights will not be available on the 2005 models. Additional
information should be available when the vehicles begin arriving at Subaru dealers in June. Please feel free
to contact us again for any new information.
Thanks for the opportunity to be of assistance. If you need any future assistance, please feel
free to contact us.
Best Wishes,
Natalie Cox
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Dealer Services
E-Contact Group
-----------------------------------------------------------
YOUR ORIGINAL MAIL:
have the options & specs been finalized now ?
Will NAV & HID lights be offered as options ?
The highlight of this year's DVD is the demo vehicle section. This section provides a cool look at Clarion's 2004 Subaru WRX and the company's 1972 customized Chevy Crew Cab. Both of these vehicles made their debut at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show.
That really wets my appetite, the 17th can't come soon enough!
-juice
Bob
Bob
-Frank P
I thought that write-up was very good. Makes me want my new Legacy/Outback even more, and NOW!
CUSAFR
The Accord is a fine car, my bro had a 92 for 11 years, but I like the TL way better.
In college I put 3 speakers in my hatch back, one 10" sub and two JBLs, those 3 would humiliate most OE sound systems even in luxury cars.
-juice
~c
Ken
The driver's side has it, but not passenger. At least as far as I understand.
But seriously, there's an Sti Forester, and wasn't there an STi Wagon at some show?? I've never traded in a car after 1 year, but for an STi wagon on this continent...
Then again, I'm just bitter right now. After only 7 weeks of struting around with the coolest(debatable)and fastest (no question) car in the neighbourhood, my neighbour just ordered the STi. In large part because of how gushy I was about my WRX when he talked to me about it. Still, I have first dibs on a ride at 1001 miles.
Nicholas
For only $100 more than last year's TL you get all the RS goodies: 16" alloy wheels, sport seats, RS grille, RS suspension and interior upgrades. In addition, as with all '05 models, you now get a lit ignition key ring, new (and improved) cruise control stalk, new dash center stack and center console, and whatever other detail improvements the '05 models get.
I was really quite impressed (Imprezaed?). So now all Subarus, except the Forester X, come standard with alloys; a subtle but definite move towards being considered "premium."
For those who were a bit put off by the 2-tone Outback Sport, and didn't like the TL image, or don't want/can't afford a WRX wagon this is a very good solution.
Bob
CRaig
Bob
Now that I've seen it in daytime that color is okay -- but just okay... It's not different enough from the silver IMO. It should be darker, like gun metal. Actually, if they offered a color like that found on the new WRX wheels that would be great. It's gray with a hint of bronze in it, and the color looks sharp. BTW, the wheels do look better in person than in the photos. They're better than last years wheels. Still wish those wheels were 17" though. 16" wheels just don't look right on that car as Craig pointed out a while ago...
Bob
has a 2.5 turbo. Not sure it had a 2.5 or 2.0 before? In any case, it's the first application of a 2.5 turbo outside of North America for any Subie.
Bob
Fitz in Gaithersburg has 2005s, but White Flint didn't when I went there this weekend.
This was interesting - they said the White Flint location was only getting one single Legacy GT in the first allocation, a GT Wagon automatic. And it would go on the show room floor, so no test drives! :-(
They don't allow STi test drives, either, FWIW.
-juice
I think that's just silly. Escorted test drives - sure no problem with that. OR why don't they use the technology that's out there and flash the ECU to valet mode as well so drivers can't really misbehave. Do they really expect people to plunk down that amount of $$ for a car on their lot without a test drive? It's fine if these things fly out the doors, but the sales on the STi have NOT been impressive. There are ways to filter out "serious" or "qualified" buyers if they are concerned about joy-riders.
Nicholas
-juice
2005 Legacy 2.5i: $21,331
2005 Outback 2.5: $24,273
2005 Outback 2.5 Ltd: $26,942
The 2004s are a bargain, though. You can get a 2004 LL Bean less for that limited, by more than a grand, and get the H6 free.
Also, compare a 2004 and 2005 base Outback directly, and the new ones right now cost $5,842 more!
I'll guess that demand for the turbos will be stronger, so they'll have bigger margins on those when they arrive.
-juice
Bob
fitzmall,
2.5l are already 1.5k below MSRP
2.5l LTD are 2k below MSRP
-Frank P
Chevy should price the Aveo at $110,000 and then scream about $100,000 rebates! ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS! Sheesh.
Subaru should be careful, so far they've only had to put rebates on older models, or towards the end of the year. Forester didn't carry any at all until 2002, IIRC.
-juice
22/28 for the Legacy 2.5i 5 speed.
23/28 for the 2.5i automatic.
17/24 for the Legacy XT 5 speed.
18/25 for the Legacy XT auto.
20/27 for the Outback H6 auto.
Actual:
23/30 for the Legacy 2.5i MT5, wow!
22/30 for the auto. Should have great range.
19/25 for the XT, better than expected.
19/25 for the XT auto, not bad.
? for the H6 (Patti?)
So I was close. But I thought the Outback would have the same EPA ratings, and they don't for the 2.5i models. Those get 23/28 (MT5) and 22/28 (auto), so they lose 2mpg on the EPA highway cycle compared to the Legacy.
For anyone on a budget, the Legacy is cheaper to buy plus gets better mileage and range. You can add those models to my choices for The Fence. But the XT models also, which are more efficient than I thought they'd be.
-juice
B
My guess is only for Europe.
-juice
They did say Fiat-GM. I wonder if that means it could be an Isuzu unit, since GM retained portions of Isuzu. Remember, they pioneered things like Direct Injection.
But this may be where the boxer-only layout is forced to make an exception. We'll see.
-juice
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/impreza/impreza2005photos.html
The RS Pro seats look great, check out those side bolsters!
Love the 3 spoke steering wheel, single biggest improvement.
-juice