Our VDC is on the way -- I convinced my wife she needed it because of all the active safety features (she'sensitive -- she totaled a 3-mo. old Outback four or five years ago). And she convinced herself because of the power and the smooth/quiet engine. (She's suddenly noticing how loud her current 4-cyl Outback is.) Test-drove it on icy sidestreets -- VDC really does work! As for the MacIntosh system -- so-so. We ordered from factory , tho dealer had one in stock -- saved us $1K because, according to the dealer, a factory order does not affect his quota. Expect arrival in 8-12 weeks.
Congrats! The more they sell the better it will be for people down the line. Don't let them be like the XT6 with it's weird systems that never caught on and are expensive to repair.
Alan, Push back on your dealer. The quote that I've been getting on orders has fairly consistently been 6-8 weeks and that sold orders get priority over dealer stock orders. Therefore, you should get it earlier. Not only that, but most of the value (bad weather driving) for this season will be gone by the time you get it!
Re: Quietness of VDC We found the VDC very quiet at 80mph on a gusty day. I noticed on the VDC mini site on subaru.com that they say they've added a bunch of sound dampening to the VDC. Probably the quietest Subaru ever made.
Theo -- regarding delivery time, now that I think about it, my dealer may have said 6-8 weeks and not the longer period I mentioned. As for getting it after the bad weather passes, you're right about the snow being gone (hope, hope) but we get godawful rains here in the spring too. And we're planning to make this car a 100K-mile keeper. It also will have the assignment of being our vehicle of choice for cross-country and Alaska driving vacations after which retire -- which just happens to be tomorrow.
What characteristic of the Macintosh system leads you to describe it as "so-so"? Are you comparing it to other high end systems and it is coming up short? How does it compare to the audio system (I/ amp/sub woofer) in the L.. Bean?
I drove the VDC for almost an entire weekend, and the Mcintosh stereo is good for a car out of the lot, but my opinion is that it simply does not compare to even a sub $1000 stereo upgrade from a third party. That's based on the upgrade I did to my own base Outback 5 speed (added: tweeters, minidisc deck, second amp, passive sub, and 6x9s) which even the Subaru dealer conceded sounded better than the Mcintosh. Sound has more to do with the fidelity of the chosen parts than the name that goes on the deck.
The new date for the Impreza unveiling is exciting, but where? Will it immediately become available at dealers? I was surprised that the release date wasn't listed on the Subaru site under the "news" section. Any additional information would be appreciated.
Detroit Auto show. Wont be availible til March. Subaru has been hush hush, so much so its still hard to verify EXACTLY what the stats are on the cars people have seen driving around (Yes, alot of people have been seeing "test" model WRX's running around)
Since I got back from my Florida vacation a day earlier than originally expected, I was able to catch the last day of the show. Comments to follow:
Subaru Nothing new on display that we already don't know about.
I did meet an interesting gentleman from Subaru of Japan, who is spending a year here in the USA (Atlanta region) to get a better understanding of American wants and desires. Needless to say I bent his ear for some time. I spent a lot of time trying to get some info on future products, but being loyal to his parent company, little info was forthcoming. He did say, however, that Subaru has some very interesting projects in the works. He also didn't think the new USA-spec WRX would have "Sport-Shift" capability with the automatic version, but he wasn't absolutely sure. He also indicated that the current 5-speed tranny was too long to fit behind the H-6, and was being redesigned to do so. I asked (begged) for a 5-speed tip-tronic automatic and for the 6-speed manual to make it here stateside.
Ford As expected, the new Explorer and Mountaineer were on display—neither wearing Firestones. I was able to sit in the Mountaineer. I think Ford did an excellent job with these vehicles. I just hope they aren't going to be cursed with recalls like the Escape. I know the new Explorer/Mountaineer have been delayed until spring because of some last minute niggling problems.
GM Saw the new Chevy Trailblazer and Avalanche. Both are impressive. Even though the Trailblazer has more horsepower than the new Explorer, I think Ford put togeter a much better package than did Chevy. I think the Avalanche is great! This is the first pickup that really explored the packaging possibilites of a pickup, especailly the bed area. The vehicle has way too many neat features to mention here, but my hat is off to GM on this vehicle. It's a true homerun!
The rest Virtually all the other new models or concept vehicles introduced this past year at other shows were on display.
I rarely have high expectations for the the DC show. It's usually the last of last year's automotive shows, rather than being the first of the new year's auto shows. This show, however, seemed to be a bit better than the other DC shows I've been to.
Audio is definitely something that varies with taste. Some folks think a Cerwin-Vega is the best speaker to buy, others think Klipsch, while others think Martin-Logan is best. For me, chamber music and acoustic Jazz are the benchmark music styles for an audio system. But you're just as likely to find me listening to rock, pop, or opera.
What you don't find in other Subies (OEM or after market) is the sound dampening material in the VDC, and a parametric equalizer tuned to the listening chamber. These two items combine to give the vehicle a Lexus-like interior ambience cruising down the Interstate at 80+ mph.
When I drove it, I had an acoustic guitar instrumental CD in and turned the volume all of the way up. There was no perceptible distortion ( my wife and son had to cover their ears :-). It remained clear and precise across the entire power spectrum.
FYI - Feb. 2001 issue of Car and Driver has an interesting article on the new Impreza. Also, did any of you folks come up with some suggestions for FAQ's on our micro-site. It's in development, so I'd like to get some information to them quickly. I thought you folks would be a great resource for suggestions.
We are working on a micro site off our regular Subaru.com site. I don't anticipate it to be up and running until late January. It will provide a link that is dedicated to the WRX only.
Commission wouldn't be a bad idea. I know I've personally influenced three people to buy a Forester. These people weren't even considering a Subie at the get-go.
Me too . I've "sold" 3 Subes and a strong possiblity of 2 more this year. Hey, and don't forget the people on the internet. Dozens?? We deserve SOMEthing. Oh, I guess SoA did pay me with excellent customer service when I had some problems. Dennis
I had friends over last night and one of them mentioned that my driveway looked like a Subie dealer - and it's all my fault! I've sold 2 new and 1 used, and there's one more new one brewing.
Though I update myself on these posts a few times a week, my own posts are infrequent, and usually pretty long, so I apologize in advance. I have a few issues on which I'm curious what all your thoughts are.
First, exciting but also somewhat sad news. With my incessant craving for a 6 cylinder/5 speed manual "sporty" sedan, I sold my Legacy GT and purchased a Passat GLX (2wd). I put the Legacy in the paper figuring if it sold, I'd obviously buy something and if not, I'd just wait to see what was on the horizon for future Legacy's. Well, what was I thinking? Winter here in Colorado, and the Legacy sold to the first caller for nearly full price. So, between that and buying a "left-over" 2000 Passat, the overall deal was a good one. I'm having a wonderful time driving around the Passat, but I would also not be surprised if my next purchase (several years from now) is another Legacy. I can only imagine what Subaru will be offering 5-7 years from now, given the direction they seem to be taking.
Funny little side note - about a week after the Passat purchase, we got a little snow, but enough to make the side roads icy. I had trouble getting the car to move on a slight incline from a dead stop. I hesitated to tell this to my wife and when I did, I got the response I expected - "Kind of makes you miss the Subaru, huh?"
Anyway, question for all of you that's a little more on-topic - The U.S.-bound WRX is very exciting news and I love that I get to read about a Subaru in virtually every car magazine published right now. But what about the price? I've heard the estimated price will be around $26,000? There's no doubt that it outperforms cars costing several thousands more such as the A4 and 3-series (and based on comments I believe came from Autoweek, certain Porsches costing 3-times as much). So, from that respect, it's a bargain. But similar to some people's concerns over a $30,000 Outback, will the target audience pony up for this WRX, once the initial pent-up demand is satisfied? Just like the "base" Outback is considered an outstanding value, I would think the base Impreza, now with the 2.5 previously exclusive to the RS, will deliver a real pocket-rocket contender, as long as you can deal with the inferiority complex each time you see a WRX on the road : ).
One more question - has anyone looked at the Edmund's coverage of the LA Auto Show and the related pictures/comments on the upcoming Mazda Protege Wagon? Is anyone else as impressed as I am? IMO, that is one good looking "sport" wagon. 130hp isn't anything to get too excited about, but it's enough to have a little fun, when mated with a 5-speed. And based on Edmund's road test of the slightly redesigned 2001 Protege, the wagon should provide pretty good handling too. Neat stuff.
And heres some stuff about the 2001 Protege, which is my runner up right now for "possible car to get" behind the new Impreza line (Especially that Wagon, and Im hoping for a $16k price tag at most):
;~} Yup, you do deserve it, but I'm not sure we could get them. One thing you should check out. . . some dealers actually do give $$$'s for referrals. You might want to check with your favorite Sube dealer.
I just picked up the January '01 issue of CAR magazine from the UK. It has several interesting Subaru related stories, including: a extensive drive of the new WRX-STi, which they hope will be shortly imported to to the UK, along with an extensive drive of the WRX, among others.
There is also an article on one of the key players from Pro Drive, and a host of other articles on UK-specific models, including some really neat Hondas. I find CAR always a good read, and I enjoy their non-American auto journalist pespective.
Or how about a private WRX showing? :-) Do you know anything about the placement at the car shows? I remember a few years ago at the NY auto show the new Legacy's where well out of reach up on the revolving thingy. The 2.5RX (built by SCC?) was on the floor, but was locked with the hood closed. :-( It's a bummer but I can understand though. Keeps people from trashing the cars. Dennis
The Borrego name is odd. Sounds like a toy car maker. Burrago or something?
I doubt we'll see a 2.5 turbo. They already have 2.0 turbos and the cost of certifying those were what took SoA so long to offer us one.
Bruce: I don't think the 2.5l Imprezas will feel inferior, especially given they'll outpower almost all direct competitors, and since the WRX is seen as exclusive (and pricier). The big engine also makes good low-end torque if you want to haul or tow, which the turbo would not do well.
The Protoge is an attractive car. 130hp for a wagon wouldn't cut it, though. Especially if it had AWD. They'd have to make it light and gear it short, but then it'd be buzzy on the highway.
There was a CNBC from the auto show segment and there was a Subaru guy (and a Daimler Chrysler guy). The Daimler-Chrysler guy was talking about cutting production, but what the Subaru guy (Hood or something) was saying was interesting. He said the slowdown in sales is a big three slowdown, that Subaru can sell all the units it can get. He also thought that Subaru had changed it's image and now is no longer thought as a inexpensive car. He also was talking about the Subaru demographics, which he said showed that Subaru owners are more sophisticated, and earn much more than the typical big three buyers. The CNBC guys were also talking about the change in lease costs, that the leasing companies were taking a bath on the residuals (the value of the vehicles coming in off lease) most notably the SUV's. So that they were forced to raise their lease costs that might impact sales.
According to The New York Times, Ford is announcing today that the Explorer's electrical system will go to 42 volts by 2004. First definitive announcement I've seen of a specific model going to 42v. This is just a relatively small part of the story, which is about Ford's attempt to revamp the Explorer's rather blemished image:
I think $23K-$24K is probably a pretty doable pricetag (not that I'd spend that much, myself). A Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, for example, is about $21K for a less practical size (though I'm unsure how hard folks would use size to rationalize buying a WRX: "But, honey, really, it's not just a sports car; it has 4 doors and a trunk!") car that lacks the advantages of AWD. But, yeah, I'd think a $26K pricetag would've definitely limited its appeal to a pretty modest circle of Impreza enthusiasts.
Since my inlaws just bought an Eclipse GT, let me weigh in a little on the price.
MSRP is considerably higher than $21,000 if you want ABS. The only way to get it is the GT Premium package, aka The Whole Shebang. ;-) In dash 4 disc changer, leather, moonroof, etc. etc. It MSRPs for more like $25,500. (they paid $22,950 plus got the incredible 1.9% 60mo financing.)
Anyway, I would agree that for $23,995 MSRP the car is well-positioned. Don't care for the standard side airbags in the 50lb (each) seats though.
Good Morning! We should have a schedule for the Impreza car show experiences soon. I know it will be at most of the major shows, but it is a bit dependent on logistics. You should be able to look under the hood and the interior without much difficulty. We have a team at car shows that can guide you through it.
"The Game" is hard, and it's fun. My son is doing better than me. Oh, these feeble fingers!!
Try to make sure you participate in the chat tonight. Mike is a great guy and knows Sube's better than a lot of people in the company.
Oh baby baby baby $23,495 for my dream car!! No, wait, that is barely cheap enough for me to consider trding off the Outback!! AAARGH!! Curses! I always assumed it woud be $26K and WAY outside my limit!! Help!
We can finally say WRX and North America in the same sentence. I love all of the old posts on the i-club that went like "my cousin's neighbor's brother works for SoA and the price will definately be US$28,000." Dennis
Comments
-mike
Push back on your dealer. The quote that I've been getting on orders has fairly consistently been 6-8 weeks and that sold orders get priority over dealer stock orders. Therefore, you should get it earlier. Not only that, but most of the value (bad weather driving) for this season will be gone by the time you get it!
Re: Quietness of VDC
We found the VDC very quiet at 80mph on a gusty day. I noticed on the VDC mini site on subaru.com that they say they've added a bunch of sound dampening to the VDC. Probably the quietest Subaru ever made.
Theo
What characteristic of the Macintosh system leads you to describe it as "so-so"? Are you comparing it to other high end systems and it is coming up short? How does it compare to the audio system (I/ amp/sub woofer) in the L.. Bean?
Bill
Alan, congrats on your retirement! AWD in Alaska.. sounds like fun!
..Mike
..Mike
Thanks!
Wont be availible til March.
Subaru has been hush hush, so much so its still hard to verify EXACTLY what the stats are on the cars people have seen driving around (Yes, alot of people have been seeing "test" model WRX's running around)
http://www2.gol.com/users/polarbr/sportscar/sub_legrsk99.htm
Subaru
Nothing new on display that we already don't know about.
I did meet an interesting gentleman from Subaru of Japan, who is spending a year here in the USA (Atlanta region) to get a better understanding of American wants and desires. Needless to say I bent his ear for some time. I spent a lot of time trying to get some info on future products, but being loyal to his parent company, little info was forthcoming. He did say, however, that Subaru has some very interesting projects in the works. He also didn't think the new USA-spec WRX would have "Sport-Shift" capability with the automatic version, but he wasn't absolutely sure. He also indicated that the current 5-speed tranny was too long to fit behind the H-6, and was being redesigned to do so. I asked (begged) for a 5-speed tip-tronic automatic and for the 6-speed manual to make it here stateside.
Ford
As expected, the new Explorer and Mountaineer were on display—neither wearing Firestones. I was able to sit in the Mountaineer. I think Ford did an excellent job with these vehicles. I just hope they aren't going to be cursed with recalls like the Escape. I know the new Explorer/Mountaineer have been delayed until spring because of some last minute niggling problems.
GM
Saw the new Chevy Trailblazer and Avalanche. Both are impressive. Even though the Trailblazer has more horsepower than the new Explorer, I think Ford put togeter a much better package than did Chevy. I think the Avalanche is great! This is the first pickup that really explored the packaging possibilites of a pickup, especailly the bed area. The vehicle has way too many neat features to mention here, but my hat is off to GM on this vehicle. It's a true homerun!
The rest
Virtually all the other new models or concept vehicles introduced this past year at other shows were on display.
I rarely have high expectations for the the DC show. It's usually the last of last year's automotive shows, rather than being the first of the new year's auto shows. This show, however, seemed to be a bit better than the other DC shows I've been to.
Bob
What you don't find in other Subies (OEM or after market) is the sound dampening material in the VDC, and a parametric equalizer tuned to the listening chamber. These two items combine to give the vehicle a Lexus-like interior ambience cruising down the Interstate at 80+ mph.
When I drove it, I had an acoustic guitar instrumental CD in and turned the volume all of the way up. There was no perceptible distortion ( my wife and son had to cover their ears :-). It remained clear and precise across the entire power spectrum.
Theo
Thanks!
Ken
Patti must be busy as a bee these days. I found
out from the i-club that it's SoA's WRX site at
http://www.imprezawrx.com/
Dennis
Once it is rolling, I'll let you all know.
Patti
-Colin
Hey subaru_team, since we're like dedicated Subaru fanatics, you should give us some kinda coupon for a discount WRX.
Hee hee
-mike
Ken
My step-mom's best friend bought a '99 Forester after I took her for a drive in the snow/ice. She was ready to buy a CR-V, too.
My cousin bought a '99 Outback, even though they were leaning towards a Cherokee.
I took my dad to buy his 2001 Outback.
I figure SoA owes me, let's see, carry the 1, ... a WRX wagon. Please. ;-)
Thanks for the report on the DC show, Bob. Too bad I missed it. Let's hit the Baltimore and/or Philly shows?
As for audio, Tati likes Sesame Street tunes, so to me the best stereo is the one with the biggest MUTE button!
-juice
We deserve SOMEthing. Oh, I guess SoA did pay me with excellent customer service when I had some problems.
Dennis
So pay me :-) A WRX coupon would be PERFECT.
Cheers,
-wdb
Bob
2 Isuzus
(not including my own)
-mike
PS: Excellent customer service should be given to every customer not just us!
First, exciting but also somewhat sad news. With my incessant craving for a 6 cylinder/5 speed manual "sporty" sedan, I sold my Legacy GT and purchased a Passat GLX (2wd). I put the Legacy in the paper figuring if it sold, I'd obviously buy something and if not, I'd just wait to see what was on the horizon for future Legacy's. Well, what was I thinking? Winter here in Colorado, and the Legacy sold to the first caller for nearly full price. So, between that and buying a "left-over" 2000 Passat, the overall deal was a good one. I'm having a wonderful time driving around the Passat, but I would also not be surprised if my next purchase (several years from now) is another Legacy. I can only imagine what Subaru will be offering 5-7 years from now, given the direction they seem to be taking.
Funny little side note - about a week after the Passat purchase, we got a little snow, but enough to make the side roads icy. I had trouble getting the car to move on a slight incline from a dead stop. I hesitated to tell this to my wife and when I did, I got the response I expected - "Kind of makes you miss the Subaru, huh?"
Anyway, question for all of you that's a little more on-topic - The U.S.-bound WRX is very exciting news and I love that I get to read about a Subaru in virtually every car magazine published right now. But what about the price? I've heard the estimated price will be around $26,000? There's no doubt that it outperforms cars costing several thousands more such as the A4 and 3-series (and based on comments I believe came from Autoweek, certain Porsches costing 3-times as much). So, from that respect, it's a bargain. But similar to some people's concerns over a $30,000 Outback, will the target audience pony up for this WRX, once the initial pent-up demand is satisfied? Just like the "base" Outback is considered an outstanding value, I would think the base Impreza, now with the 2.5 previously exclusive to the RS, will deliver a real pocket-rocket contender, as long as you can deal with the inferiority complex each time you see a WRX on the road : ).
One more question - has anyone looked at the Edmund's coverage of the LA Auto Show and the related pictures/comments on the upcoming Mazda Protege Wagon? Is anyone else as impressed as I am? IMO, that is one good looking "sport" wagon. 130hp isn't anything to get too excited about, but it's enough to have a little fun, when mated with a 5-speed. And based on Edmund's road test of the slightly redesigned 2001 Protege, the wagon should provide pretty good handling too. Neat stuff.
Bruce
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=3146&sid=157&n=157
And heres some stuff about the 2001 Protege, which is my runner up right now for "possible car to get" behind the new Impreza line (Especially that Wagon, and Im hoping for a $16k price tag at most):
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=3115&sid=157&n=157
There is also an article on one of the key players from Pro Drive, and a host of other articles on UK-specific models, including some really neat Hondas. I find CAR always a good read, and I enjoy their non-American auto journalist pespective.
Bob
Do you know anything about the placement at the car shows? I remember a few years ago at the NY auto show the new Legacy's where well out of reach up on the revolving thingy. The 2.5RX (built by SCC?) was on the floor, but was locked with the hood closed. :-(
It's a bummer but I can understand though. Keeps people from trashing the cars.
Dennis
I doubt we'll see a 2.5 turbo. They already have 2.0 turbos and the cost of certifying those were what took SoA so long to offer us one.
Bruce: I don't think the 2.5l Imprezas will feel inferior, especially given they'll outpower almost all direct competitors, and since the WRX is seen as exclusive (and pricier). The big engine also makes good low-end torque if you want to haul or tow, which the turbo would not do well.
The Protoge is an attractive car. 130hp for a wagon wouldn't cut it, though. Especially if it had AWD. They'd have to make it light and gear it short, but then it'd be buzzy on the highway.
-juice
He said the slowdown in sales is a big three slowdown, that Subaru can sell all the units it can get. He also thought that Subaru had changed it's image and now is no longer thought as a inexpensive car. He also was talking about the Subaru demographics, which he said showed that Subaru owners are more sophisticated, and earn much more than the typical big three buyers.
The CNBC guys were also talking about the change in lease costs, that the leasing companies were taking a bath on the residuals (the value of the vehicles coming in off lease) most notably the SUV's. So that they were forced to raise their lease costs that might impact sales.
http://www.imprezawrx.com/wrx.htm
I'm drooling!
Ken
Subtract $500 for the wagon.
Ken
This is just a relatively small part of the story, which is about Ford's attempt to revamp the Explorer's rather blemished image:
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/09/business/09AUTO.html
But, yeah, I'd think a $26K pricetag would've definitely limited its appeal to a pretty modest circle of Impreza enthusiasts.
MSRP is considerably higher than $21,000 if you want ABS. The only way to get it is the GT Premium package, aka The Whole Shebang. ;-) In dash 4 disc changer, leather, moonroof, etc. etc. It MSRPs for more like $25,500. (they paid $22,950 plus got the incredible 1.9% 60mo financing.)
Anyway, I would agree that for $23,995 MSRP the car is well-positioned. Don't care for the standard side airbags in the 50lb (each) seats though.
-Colin
"The Game" is hard, and it's fun. My son is doing better than me. Oh, these feeble fingers!!
Try to make sure you participate in the chat tonight. Mike is a great guy and knows Sube's better than a lot of people in the company.
http://www.impreza-rs.com/NonCGI/Forum1/HTML/016339.html
holy frijoles....
Whoa, time to rethink our budget!
I was expecting $26k or so, and I thought the wagon would cost MORE, not less!
-juice
Dennis
What's up with that?
-juice