Gentry Subaru in Ontario, Oregon set a new sales record for the Month of August and the also the most sales since we had the Subaru Franchise. We starting selling Subaru in 1985. We sold 20 units this month. That included Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Tribeca.
We sold Subaru's in Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, McCall, Payette, Ontario, Baker City, La Grande, and even in Portland. We could have sold more but we were running low of Inventory. We would would like to thank everyone that purchased from Gentry Subaru this mouth and we look forward to September.
Monday, August 31, 2009
2010 SUBARU LEGACY AND OUTBACK SAFETY AWARDS
Cherry Hill, N.J., August 27, 2009 – The all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback have
been named 2009 ‘Top Safety Picks’ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the Institute's front,
side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because
the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the
rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Legacy and Outback.
“Building safe vehicles is one of the things our customers have come to know and expect from us,”
said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “To have this endorsement
by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up is a tribute to our
engineers and reinforces to consumers that we focus not only on manufacturing fun-to-drive vehicles,
but also vehicles that are durable and dependable.”
"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall
choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund.
About IIHS
The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash
tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant
compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of
slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a
barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect
injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection
countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact. Injury measures
obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the
driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a similar real-world crash
would sustain serious injury to various parts of the body. The movements and contacts of the
dummies’ heads during the test also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on
measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.
Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are
measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance
behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint
geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test
simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good
or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can’t be positioned to protect many
people.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan.
Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel
Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States.
Subaru boasts the most fuel-efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based
on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are
manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S.
automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife
Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
been named 2009 ‘Top Safety Picks’ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the Institute's front,
side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because
the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the
rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Legacy and Outback.
“Building safe vehicles is one of the things our customers have come to know and expect from us,”
said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “To have this endorsement
by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up is a tribute to our
engineers and reinforces to consumers that we focus not only on manufacturing fun-to-drive vehicles,
but also vehicles that are durable and dependable.”
"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall
choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund.
About IIHS
The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash
tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant
compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of
slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a
barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect
injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection
countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact. Injury measures
obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the
driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a similar real-world crash
would sustain serious injury to various parts of the body. The movements and contacts of the
dummies’ heads during the test also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on
measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.
Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are
measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance
behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint
geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test
simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good
or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can’t be positioned to protect many
people.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan.
Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel
Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States.
Subaru boasts the most fuel-efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based
on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are
manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S.
automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife
Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback
On (and off) the road
For fifteen years, the Outback as all but defined Subaru in the United States. The high-riding wagons have been the perfect vessels for the brand's signature all-wheel-drive system. Through three generations, the Outback formula has effectively remained the same. For the fourth-generation 2010 Outback, Subaru has made the most significant changes so far to its best-known model.
The Sport-Utility Wagon: More of the former, less of the latter.
Subaru had been offering four-wheel-drive station wagons here since the mid 1970s, but it wasn't until 1995 that the company created the Outback as a special model. Essentially an all-wheel-drive Legacy station wagon with extra ground clearance and a rugged, outdoorsy image, the Outback has hewn to the same formula through two successive redesigns, even as it has added more engine options (including a turbocharged four and a six-cylinder) and more luxury features.
For 2010, however, the Outback branches out, using a unique bodyshell instead of borrowing one from the Legacy wagon (which is no longer sold in North America, but is still offered in Subaru's home market). Given free reign to craft an Outback-specific body, Subaru designers evolved the shape away from a pure station wagon and more towards a crossover/SUV--much as they did with the new Forester last year.
As a result, the car is fractionally shorter in length (by 0.8 inch) but substantially taller in height (growing 2.0 inches) and wider (2.3 inches). The larger body provides more passenger room and cargo space. Most significant is the increase in rear-seat legroom, which has been expanded by nearly 4 inches, and is now truly generous even for passengers over six-feet tall. The higher roofline provides lots of headroom as well, and seat comfort--formerly a sore point--has improved. In the cargo hold, a repackaged rear suspension is less intrusive, and maximum volume is up by nearly 6 cubic feet while the height of the load floor remains low.
Still a kin to the Legacy, at least under the skin
Although it no longer uses a Legacy wagon's body, the Outback is still mechanically related to the Legacy sedan, which is also new for 2010. Both cars share four- and six-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engines, along with a range of available manual and automatic transmissions.
This new Outback, however, loses one of its previous three engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four remains, as does the--now larger--six-cylinder, but the turbocharged four has been dropped (although Subaru still offers it in the Legacy GT). Subaru product planners point to poor sales of the turbo in the outgoing model, although a turbocharged engine's inherent advantage at high elevations would seem to make it a good choice for in mountainous areas where the Outback is so popular.
Two boxers left standing
Like all Subaru engines, the two remaining offerings are horizontally opposed, or boxer, engines. The four-cylinder is essentially the same unit that as before. For 2010, however, its two available transmission choices are new. Where the Outback previously did not offer a manual transmission, it now has a six-speed stick shift as standard on the base and mid-level ("Premium") trim levels. Choosing it saves $1000 over the available automatic, but you give some of that back at the gas pump, as the manual's gas mileage, 19/27 mpg (city/highway), falls short of the automatic's 22/29 mpg.
The reason for the automatic's efficiency is that it's a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is great for fuel economy but is a little strange when accelerating as it can hold the engine at the optimal rpm rather than allowing revs to rise with the car's speed. There are also shift paddles that allow the driver to effect manual up- and downshifts through six preset ratios. Overall, the 170-hp four is up to the task of moving the relatively lightweight Outback--which is commendably svelte compared to the typically porky crossover--but one occasionally wishes for more grunt during two-lane passes or when climbing the steepest hills.
The Outback's optional six-cylinder engine is larger than before--3.6 liters, up from 3.0. Its 256 hp is a modest increase over the smaller six's 245 hp, but its 247 lb-ft of torque a represents a more substantial jump over the previous 215 lb-ft. Despite the increased displacement, the six--which is paired exclusively with a five-speed automatic--manages to increase both city and highway fuel economy by 1 mpg, to 18 city/25 highway. And unlike its predecessor, it runs on regular fuel. This engine makes easy work of propelling the Outback. Less expensive to run than the old six, and less expensive to buy (the extra cost is slightly lower than before), the six-cylinder could see a greater take rate than its recent average of 10 percent or so.
On (and off) the road
Both engines are surprisingly quiet--the burbling, boxer-engine patter that has long characterized Subaru four-cylinder engines is suppressed. The Outback is a quiet cruiser overall; Subaru has finally ended its fixation with frameless door glass, and wind noise is notably absent. The front suspension is essentially the same as before with damper struts, but the rear switches from a multi-link setup to A-arms. The ride on the highway is plush, if a bit floaty, with suspension tuning identical for both engines. The steering is slightly quicker in the new car but it's not very linear, with a bit too much gain as one moves off center, resulting in the need for small steering corrections.
Of course, a major component of the Outback image is its ability to venture off-pavement, and that capability is slightly enhanced, as all Outbacks now have 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the front and rear overhangs have been trimmed. For most Outback buyers, "off-road" likely translates to "dirt roads". We bombed down plenty of dirt two-tracks in the mountains of Montana, and the Outback never put a tire wrong. More impressive was the car's body structure, which proved tight and rattle-free despite the pounding.
Other items and innovations
In keeping with its outdoorsy image, the Outback is often shown with bikes, skis, or kayaks on its roof, so it's fitting that a roof rack is standard. An interesting new twist, however, is that the rack's crossbars--which often are sold as an extra-cost accessory or, if they're standard, can't be removed and therefore contribute to wind noise--pivot out from the side rails, where they're stored when not in use. A new Harman/Kardon sound system is available, with a USB port and an iPod input (for those who don't upgrade to the H/K system, and iPod input is available as a dealer accessory). Other new options include navigation, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The parking brake is now electronically activated by a button on the dash, and includes a useful hill-holder feature.
Prices rise and fall.
As before, there are three trim levels, now called base, Premium, and Limited, all three available with either engine. Options are few. Base sticker prices starts at $22,995 plus destination (versus $22,295 for the '09 base car) and top out at $30,005 for the top-spec model (compared to $32,095 previously).
The new Outback looks less like the overachieving wagon that won legions of fans, and more like any other crossover. But its abilities remain and have even been enhanced. Despite looking more like it competition, the Outback is still lighter, more economical, and more off-road capable than most.
2010 Subaru Outback
Base Price range: $23,690-$31,690 (with destination)
Powertrain
Engine: 2.5-liter SOHC H-4
Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Powertrain: 3.6-liter DOHC H-6
Horsepower: 256 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, continuously variable automatic, 5-speed automatic
Drive: 4-wheel
MeasurementsL x W x H: 188.2 x 71.7 x 65.7 in
Legroom: 43.0/37.8 in
Headroom: 40.8/39.3 in
Cargo capacity: 34.3/71.3 cu ft (seats up/down)
Curb weight: 3386-3658 lbs
EPA rating (city/highway): 19/27 mpg (2.5L, 6-speed), 22/29 mpg (2.5L, CVT), 18/25 mpg (3.6L)
Source: Automobile Magazine
2010 Subaru Outback - The Outback Feels Best in the Outback
The small things add up to an even better Outback.
But if it was relatively benign on the road, the Outback came alive off-tarmac, where our path was covered with millions of softball-sized rocks and deep zigzagging ruts. Bombing down such roads, we observed little to no head toss, great wheel control—particularly on rebound—and a very stiff structure that betrayed no creaking or groaning. We also had a ton of fun with lift-throttle oversteer, which threw the Outback into controllable rally-style slides. The steering felt better here, as the sawing back and forth required to avoid larger obstacles mitigated the problem with fine-tuning inputs on pavement. A drive that by all rights should have left us dialing up our chiropractor instead had us heaping praise on the car’s light-on-its-feet feel and ability to soak up impacts without transferring them to the occupants. Credit the suspension tuning, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the tall sidewalls of the 225/60-17 Continental ContiProContact tires.
Lots of Thoughtful Touches
Heaps of little improvements make the 2010 Outback even more livable than before. The cross bars for the standard roof rails, for instance, swing out of the way and lock into the side rails when unneeded in order to decrease wind noise and aero drag. They’re designed to work with any previous Subaru roof accessories, so folks upgrading their old Outbacks will be able to use the cargo carriers and bike racks they already own. Other nice touches include a dedicated storage place under the cargo floor for the retractable tonneau cover, standard automatic headlamps, door pulls that were designed to act as cell-phone bins, a telescoping steering wheel on all models, a new recline function for the rear seats, and standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise-control switches. And we already mentioned the greater interior room. We wish, however, that the hill-holder function for the new electronic parking brake—the switches for both reside to the left of the steering wheel to free up center-console real estate—would default to its position when the car was last turned off. Instead, you have to turn the hill holder on every time you start the car.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: 2.5i, $23,690/3.6R, $28,690
ENGINE TYPES: SOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection/DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 150 cu in, 2457cc/222 cu in, 3630cc
Power (SAE net): 170 bhp @ 5600 rpm/256 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm/247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual, continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.9 in Length: 188.2 in Width: 71.7 in Height: 65.7 in Curb weight (C/D est): 3400–3800 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.2–8.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.5–16.6 sec
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 2.5i, 19–22/27–29 mpg; 3.6R, 18/25 mpg
Alas, there’s one area in which the new Outback isn’t improved: exterior aesthetics. The new proportions don’t help, with the height in particular making the car look a bit as if it were perched on stilts. The previous car was much more svelte-looking, and its styling was more cohesive. We’re also not huge fans of the blocky wheel arches, although they’re more successful here than on the Outback’s sister model, the Legacy. The Outback’s interior design is attractive and makes no glaring missteps in ergonomics, fit, or materials beyond the faux wood trim in Limited models, which looks more like a picture of wood than the actual stuff.
A Features and Options Rundown
The only option on the base $23,690 2.5i model is the CVT. Moving up to the $24,990 2.5i Premium adds a power driver’s seat, 17-inch wheels and tires, and fog lamps, among other smaller items. The options here are an All-Weather package (heated seats, heated mirrors, and wiper de-icer), the CVT, a sunroof, and a 440-watt Harman/Kardon stereo with built-in Bluetooth phone connectivity. The 2.5i Limited has the CVT, the Harman/Kardon stereo, the All-Weather pack, and dual-zone climate control as standard; it costs $28,690. To the Limited you can add the sunroof and a navigation system with an eight-inch display, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth music streaming. All 2.5i’s are available in earth-friendlier Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle spec for an extra $300.
The 3.6R starts at $28,690 and gets larger brakes and much of the 2.5i Premium’s equipment. There are no options. The $29,690 3.6R Premium adds the All-Weather package, a power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The upgrade stereo and the sunroof are the only options. Starting at $31,690, the 3.6R Limited is equipped basically identically to the 2.5i Limited and has the same options. A fully loaded Outback will run $34,685. There are numerous port-installed options and accessories, however—stuff like an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cargo organizers and mats, remote start, wheel-arch moldings, etc.—that can add to the bottom line.
What Was Already Good Has Been Made Better
The Toyota Venza was identified by Subaru as a top competitor for the Outback (the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen’s station wagons, the Saab 9-3X, and the upcoming Honda Crosstour were among other vehicles mentioned), and although we generally like the Venza and consider it far more stylish, the Outback is actually usable off-road and is a more practical vehicle. Pricing of the Subaru falls essentially in line with that of the Toyota when comparably equipped, give or take a few hundred bucks, but for our money, we’ll take the versatility and go-anywhere toughness of the Outback. Subaru took what was already a good car and improved it without diluting or deleting any of its previous capabilities—and we’d bet that was far harder to do than it looked.
Source: Car & Driver
But if it was relatively benign on the road, the Outback came alive off-tarmac, where our path was covered with millions of softball-sized rocks and deep zigzagging ruts. Bombing down such roads, we observed little to no head toss, great wheel control—particularly on rebound—and a very stiff structure that betrayed no creaking or groaning. We also had a ton of fun with lift-throttle oversteer, which threw the Outback into controllable rally-style slides. The steering felt better here, as the sawing back and forth required to avoid larger obstacles mitigated the problem with fine-tuning inputs on pavement. A drive that by all rights should have left us dialing up our chiropractor instead had us heaping praise on the car’s light-on-its-feet feel and ability to soak up impacts without transferring them to the occupants. Credit the suspension tuning, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the tall sidewalls of the 225/60-17 Continental ContiProContact tires.
Lots of Thoughtful Touches
Heaps of little improvements make the 2010 Outback even more livable than before. The cross bars for the standard roof rails, for instance, swing out of the way and lock into the side rails when unneeded in order to decrease wind noise and aero drag. They’re designed to work with any previous Subaru roof accessories, so folks upgrading their old Outbacks will be able to use the cargo carriers and bike racks they already own. Other nice touches include a dedicated storage place under the cargo floor for the retractable tonneau cover, standard automatic headlamps, door pulls that were designed to act as cell-phone bins, a telescoping steering wheel on all models, a new recline function for the rear seats, and standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise-control switches. And we already mentioned the greater interior room. We wish, however, that the hill-holder function for the new electronic parking brake—the switches for both reside to the left of the steering wheel to free up center-console real estate—would default to its position when the car was last turned off. Instead, you have to turn the hill holder on every time you start the car.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: 2.5i, $23,690/3.6R, $28,690
ENGINE TYPES: SOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection/DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 150 cu in, 2457cc/222 cu in, 3630cc
Power (SAE net): 170 bhp @ 5600 rpm/256 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm/247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual, continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.9 in Length: 188.2 in Width: 71.7 in Height: 65.7 in Curb weight (C/D est): 3400–3800 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.2–8.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.5–16.6 sec
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 2.5i, 19–22/27–29 mpg; 3.6R, 18/25 mpg
Alas, there’s one area in which the new Outback isn’t improved: exterior aesthetics. The new proportions don’t help, with the height in particular making the car look a bit as if it were perched on stilts. The previous car was much more svelte-looking, and its styling was more cohesive. We’re also not huge fans of the blocky wheel arches, although they’re more successful here than on the Outback’s sister model, the Legacy. The Outback’s interior design is attractive and makes no glaring missteps in ergonomics, fit, or materials beyond the faux wood trim in Limited models, which looks more like a picture of wood than the actual stuff.
A Features and Options Rundown
The only option on the base $23,690 2.5i model is the CVT. Moving up to the $24,990 2.5i Premium adds a power driver’s seat, 17-inch wheels and tires, and fog lamps, among other smaller items. The options here are an All-Weather package (heated seats, heated mirrors, and wiper de-icer), the CVT, a sunroof, and a 440-watt Harman/Kardon stereo with built-in Bluetooth phone connectivity. The 2.5i Limited has the CVT, the Harman/Kardon stereo, the All-Weather pack, and dual-zone climate control as standard; it costs $28,690. To the Limited you can add the sunroof and a navigation system with an eight-inch display, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth music streaming. All 2.5i’s are available in earth-friendlier Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle spec for an extra $300.
The 3.6R starts at $28,690 and gets larger brakes and much of the 2.5i Premium’s equipment. There are no options. The $29,690 3.6R Premium adds the All-Weather package, a power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The upgrade stereo and the sunroof are the only options. Starting at $31,690, the 3.6R Limited is equipped basically identically to the 2.5i Limited and has the same options. A fully loaded Outback will run $34,685. There are numerous port-installed options and accessories, however—stuff like an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cargo organizers and mats, remote start, wheel-arch moldings, etc.—that can add to the bottom line.
What Was Already Good Has Been Made Better
The Toyota Venza was identified by Subaru as a top competitor for the Outback (the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen’s station wagons, the Saab 9-3X, and the upcoming Honda Crosstour were among other vehicles mentioned), and although we generally like the Venza and consider it far more stylish, the Outback is actually usable off-road and is a more practical vehicle. Pricing of the Subaru falls essentially in line with that of the Toyota when comparably equipped, give or take a few hundred bucks, but for our money, we’ll take the versatility and go-anywhere toughness of the Outback. Subaru took what was already a good car and improved it without diluting or deleting any of its previous capabilities—and we’d bet that was far harder to do than it looked.
Source: Car & Driver
2010 Subaru Outback - First Drive Review
The small things add up to an even better Outback.
BY ERIK JOHNSON
July 2009
On its face, redesigning the Subaru Outback would seem like an easy task since the existing model was very good at what it did. The last-generation Outback was already comfortable, all-weather and off-road capable, and able to haul pretty much whatever you threw at it, whether that meant a kayak, ten days’ worth of camping gear, or a 150-pound Great Dane. If you dug deeper, though, there were a few things that needed work.
Like rear-seat room, for starters. The last car’s tiny doors and pinched legroom put a serious cramp on the comfort of any back-seat occupants; the area was for children and pets only. But the 2010 has a wheelbase increase of 2.8 inches, which allows for longer rear doors and an extra 3.9 inches of leg-stretching room. Although the new Outback is 0.8 inch shorter in overall length, a height gain of 4.1 inches contributes to an increase in interior space of several cubic feet. Most of that is in the rear seat. Cargo space with the rear seats in place is up only 0.8 cubic foot, but when you fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks, nearly six cubes have been gained. The move from a multilink rear suspension to a control-arm setup allows for a more usefully shaped cargo hold. Front legroom decreased by just over an inch, but we didn’t notice it a bit. The new car’s extra 2.0 inches of width mean that front occupants no longer will spend trips bumping elbows.
No Turbo Engine for 2010
The 2010 Outback offers two engines, whereas last year there were three. Sadly, the turbo four has been dropped (it remains an option in the equally redesigned 2010 Legacy sedan). So the engine lineup is now completely naturally aspirated and looks like this: The 2.5i model uses a 2.5-liter flat-four good for 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, and the Outback 3.6R has the 3.6-liter flat-six from the Tribeca that makes 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is, of course, standard, and both engines are available in base, Premium, and Limited trim levels.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: 2.5i, $23,690/3.5R, $28,690
ENGINE TYPES: SOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection/DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 150 cu in, 2457cc/222 cu in, 3630cc
Power (SAE net): 170 bhp @ 5600 rpm/256 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm/247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual, continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.9 in Length: 188.2 in Width: 71.7 in Height: 65.7 in Curb weight (C/D est): 3400–3800 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.2–8.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.5–16.6 sec
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 2.5i, 19–22/27–29 mpg; 3.6R, 18/25 mpg
The four-cylinder engine essentially carries over from the previous model with identical power and torque ratings, although it’s been tweaked to deliver the horsepower and torque peaks 400 rpm lower. It mates to a six-speed manual transmission or an all-new, Subaru-developed CVT. (The CVT is a $1000 option on base and Premium 2.5i models; it’s standard on the 2.5i Limited.) The engine can get a bit noisy and coarse at the highest rpm, but it’s smooth and quiet the rest of the time, and the CVT does a nice job of avoiding the drone typical of that kind of gearbox. Although it seems a bit silly to have paddle-selectable “ratios” in a CVT, the option is useful when you need to keep the engine at peak power or need some driveline braking when descending a grade. The base engine has enough power for almost anyone; it’s not going to spin all four wheels or anything, but it gets the job done well enough. Our only gripe was a lack of upper-range passing grunt.
Stepping up to the silky 3.6-liter six will certainly fix that. We found plenty of thrust on tap all over the tach, and there was even something in reserve at near-triple-digit speeds. It takes the place of the 3.0-liter boxer-six from last year, and power is up 11 hp and 32 lb-ft. This engine is bolted exclusively to a five-speed automatic and, unlike the old flat-six, is rated for regular-grade gas. There are steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters here, too.
Wait Until You Get It Off-Road
On-road, the Outback boasts a supple ride, a quiet cabin, and a more refined demeanor than before. The seats are comfortable, with great thigh support front and rear. This is a very good cruiser, and it swallowed mile after mile of highway with ease. But the steering weights up too quickly and artificially just off-center, sometimes making it difficult to determine the precise amount of input you want to make on corner entry. On asphalt, the car wants to take things easy, and that’s fine. Who’s going to be racing an Outback, anyway?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Gentry Ford Subaru Cash For Clunkers
Gentry Ford Subaru Cash For Clunkers Update (Now Accepting Deposits)Give Us a Call Today to get Pre-Qualified, and check out our New Vehicle Specials. When does the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program begin?The program begins no later than July 24th, 2009. What is the goal of the CARS program?The CARS program provides incentives to owners of older, less fuel-efficient vehicles to trade them in and purchase new, more fuel-efficient ones. The program will benefit American consumers, stimulate showroom traffic and auto sales, and help to reduce fuel use and vehicle emissions. New vehicles are cleaner, more fuel efficient and have many safety technologies not available on older ones. How does the CARS program work? An owner of a passenger car, minivan, SUV, or pick-up truck that gets an EPA combined 18 mpg or less can trade it in for a government electronic voucher good towards the purchase of a new vehicle. The amount of the voucher is either $3,500 or $4,500, depending on the mpg improvement of the new vehicle over the one it replaces. What is the current status of the CARS legislation? The CARS legslation has been signed on June 24th, 2009. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has 30 days to implement the program.
What older vehicles are eligible for the program? The vehicle being traded in must be manufactured less than 25 years (built in 1984-2001) before the date of trade-in. The trade-in vehicle must have a combined (city/hwy.) fuel economy rating of 18 mpg or less. What are some of the restrictions? The trade-in vehicle must be in drivable condition and have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the past year. How can dealers and customers tell if a vehicle is eligible for trade-in under the program? National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched the CARS website www.cars.gov. Currently there is minimal information on it, but eventually, there will be additional information available. In the meantime, consumers can check the combined fuel economy ratings of older vehicles on www.fueleconomy.gov to see if they may qualify. "Click on the Compare Side by Side" and select a model year and vehicle make to find the Combined EPA label figures for the given model. The correct mpg number is the one listed as "Estimated New EPA mpg."
Does the consumer get the trade-in value of the vehicle and in addition to the government voucher? No - The voucher value is in lieu of the trade-in value. Consumers should choose whichever option benefits them the most.
Does the full amount of the voucher need to be used as down payment?No. The applicable voucher amount can be applied as a down-payment or partial payment towards a new vehicle. Is there a price cap on the vehicles eligibility for purchase with the electronic voucher? Yes - the price cap on the vehicle is $45,000 (MSRP). 11. Is the value of the voucher tax-free to the consumer?Yes
Is there an income limit that disqualifies certain owners?No
What are the fuel economy requirements for the new vehicles?For Passenger Cars:
At least 22 mpg (combined)
4-9 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $3,500
At least 10 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $4,500
For SUV's, Minivans and Light Duty Trucks (under 6,000 lbs)
At least 18 mpg (combined)
2-4 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $3,500
At least 5 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $4,500
How long will the program last?The program will be in effect through October 31st, 2009 or until the initial $1 billion in federal funding for the vouchers run out, whichever occurs first.
Will all dealers participate in the program?No. Requirements for dealer registration are still under development by DOT.
Are lease vehicles included in the program?Vehicles may be leased using the voucher, but only if the lease term is 5 years or longer.
Does the dealer need to arrange for the vehicle to be scrapped?Yes, a dealer must transfer the vehicle (including the engine block) to a participating recycler or dismantler for disposal. A list of eligible disposal entities will be included in the regulations issued by the DOT. Dealers will have to certify the transfer of the trade-in vehicle to a participating entity and submit the VINs of the trade-in and new vehicle purchased.
What happens to the vehicle once it's transferred to a dismantler or recycler?The vehicle will be crushed or dismantled and not re-sold as a vehicle to a consumer. All of the vehicle may be recycled with the exception of the engine.
Can a consumer use vouchers in addition to the manufacturers rebates?Yes. Dealers must use the voucher in addition to any other rebate or discount advertised by the dealer or offered by the manufacturer.
Can the dealer keep the amount paid to them by the recycler?Yes, the details are currently unclear, but the dealer is required to disclose to the customer the best scrap value of the vehicle.
Can a consumer trade-in multiple clunkers?No. Only one voucher may be applied toward the purchase of a single vehicle.
Program Details
Passenger Cars
Trucks (category 1)
Minimum Fuel Economy for new vehicle
22 Miles per Gallon combined city & highway
18 Miles per Gallon combined city & highway
$3,500
Mileage improvement of at least 4 m.p.g
Mileage improvement of at least 2 m.p.g
$4,500
Mileage improvement of at least 10 m.p.g
Mileage improvement of at least 5 m.p.g
Contact Us to see what vehicles apply and if you could qualify for the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program.
All updates and additional information can be found on www.cars.gov or www.fueleconomy.gov websites.Bill Vandewater Internet Manager Gentry Ford Lincoln Mercury Subaru 1802 SW 4th Ave Ontario, OR 97914 Phone: (541) 889-9694 Toll Free: (800)767-4510 Website: www.gentrymotors.com bvandewater@gentryflms.motosnap.com
What older vehicles are eligible for the program? The vehicle being traded in must be manufactured less than 25 years (built in 1984-2001) before the date of trade-in. The trade-in vehicle must have a combined (city/hwy.) fuel economy rating of 18 mpg or less. What are some of the restrictions? The trade-in vehicle must be in drivable condition and have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the past year. How can dealers and customers tell if a vehicle is eligible for trade-in under the program? National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched the CARS website www.cars.gov. Currently there is minimal information on it, but eventually, there will be additional information available. In the meantime, consumers can check the combined fuel economy ratings of older vehicles on www.fueleconomy.gov to see if they may qualify. "Click on the Compare Side by Side" and select a model year and vehicle make to find the Combined EPA label figures for the given model. The correct mpg number is the one listed as "Estimated New EPA mpg."
Does the consumer get the trade-in value of the vehicle and in addition to the government voucher? No - The voucher value is in lieu of the trade-in value. Consumers should choose whichever option benefits them the most.
Does the full amount of the voucher need to be used as down payment?No. The applicable voucher amount can be applied as a down-payment or partial payment towards a new vehicle. Is there a price cap on the vehicles eligibility for purchase with the electronic voucher? Yes - the price cap on the vehicle is $45,000 (MSRP). 11. Is the value of the voucher tax-free to the consumer?Yes
Is there an income limit that disqualifies certain owners?No
What are the fuel economy requirements for the new vehicles?For Passenger Cars:
At least 22 mpg (combined)
4-9 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $3,500
At least 10 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $4,500
For SUV's, Minivans and Light Duty Trucks (under 6,000 lbs)
At least 18 mpg (combined)
2-4 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $3,500
At least 5 mpg improvement over trade-in vehicle, $4,500
How long will the program last?The program will be in effect through October 31st, 2009 or until the initial $1 billion in federal funding for the vouchers run out, whichever occurs first.
Will all dealers participate in the program?No. Requirements for dealer registration are still under development by DOT.
Are lease vehicles included in the program?Vehicles may be leased using the voucher, but only if the lease term is 5 years or longer.
Does the dealer need to arrange for the vehicle to be scrapped?Yes, a dealer must transfer the vehicle (including the engine block) to a participating recycler or dismantler for disposal. A list of eligible disposal entities will be included in the regulations issued by the DOT. Dealers will have to certify the transfer of the trade-in vehicle to a participating entity and submit the VINs of the trade-in and new vehicle purchased.
What happens to the vehicle once it's transferred to a dismantler or recycler?The vehicle will be crushed or dismantled and not re-sold as a vehicle to a consumer. All of the vehicle may be recycled with the exception of the engine.
Can a consumer use vouchers in addition to the manufacturers rebates?Yes. Dealers must use the voucher in addition to any other rebate or discount advertised by the dealer or offered by the manufacturer.
Can the dealer keep the amount paid to them by the recycler?Yes, the details are currently unclear, but the dealer is required to disclose to the customer the best scrap value of the vehicle.
Can a consumer trade-in multiple clunkers?No. Only one voucher may be applied toward the purchase of a single vehicle.
Program Details
Passenger Cars
Trucks (category 1)
Minimum Fuel Economy for new vehicle
22 Miles per Gallon combined city & highway
18 Miles per Gallon combined city & highway
$3,500
Mileage improvement of at least 4 m.p.g
Mileage improvement of at least 2 m.p.g
$4,500
Mileage improvement of at least 10 m.p.g
Mileage improvement of at least 5 m.p.g
Contact Us to see what vehicles apply and if you could qualify for the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program.
All updates and additional information can be found on www.cars.gov or www.fueleconomy.gov websites.Bill Vandewater Internet Manager Gentry Ford Lincoln Mercury Subaru 1802 SW 4th Ave Ontario, OR 97914 Phone: (541) 889-9694 Toll Free: (800)767-4510 Website: www.gentrymotors.com bvandewater@gentryflms.motosnap.com
2010 Subaru Forester
This is our first 2010 Subaru Forester that we recieved From Subaru. It a very sharp looking car with a Sunroof and alot of extra equipment.
We are located at 1802 SW 4Th Ave in Ontario, Or. 97914
Give us a call for a test drive or would like to purchase a New or used
Subaru.
541-889-9694
800-767-4510
Legacy Sedan Sales
LEGACY SEDAN SALES:
Around the nation, May sales for the Legacy broke yet another record for the year and were up 53% over last year’s performance. There is a strong market for fuel-efficient, four-cylinder passenger cars and Northwest Subaru dealers have a large opportunity with this car. The sedan segment represents a tremendous growth category for Subaru of America. Legacy is well-positioned as a family sedan with a low total cost of ownership. It’s an overall great value for the dollar, not to mention Symmetrical AWD. As we launch the all-new 2010, we ask you to stock and aggressively promote Legacy.
Around the nation, May sales for the Legacy broke yet another record for the year and were up 53% over last year’s performance. There is a strong market for fuel-efficient, four-cylinder passenger cars and Northwest Subaru dealers have a large opportunity with this car. The sedan segment represents a tremendous growth category for Subaru of America. Legacy is well-positioned as a family sedan with a low total cost of ownership. It’s an overall great value for the dollar, not to mention Symmetrical AWD. As we launch the all-new 2010, we ask you to stock and aggressively promote Legacy.
2010 Subaru Forester
2010 FORESTERS NOW ARRIVING:
The Forester continues to be proof positive that even in a challenging economy, when you offer superior value and a product that fits the way real people live their lives, consumers respond. And so do the experts. Not only have sales of the Forester continued to be outstanding, but it was named the 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the year. With excellent capability and handling, exceptional safety, and a spacious and versatile interior, the Forester represents the perfect blend of confidence and convenience. It’s a balance that has inspired consumers and critics alike.
The Forester continues to be proof positive that even in a challenging economy, when you offer superior value and a product that fits the way real people live their lives, consumers respond. And so do the experts. Not only have sales of the Forester continued to be outstanding, but it was named the 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the year. With excellent capability and handling, exceptional safety, and a spacious and versatile interior, the Forester represents the perfect blend of confidence and convenience. It’s a balance that has inspired consumers and critics alike.
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