Herwaldt Subaru

Cherry Hill, N.J., November 18, 2009 - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it has been recognized as the only manufacturer with all vehicles named a TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

 

"We are extremely pleased to be the only manufacturer with all vehicles named a TOP SAFETY PICK. This is an outstanding success and a tribute to the engineering that goes into Subaru products," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "To have this recognition by the IIHS reinforces to our customers that we maintain the highest standards when producing vehicles that are safe, durable, reliable as well as fun-to-drive."

 

"Subaru is the only manufacturer with a TOP SAFETY PICK winner in every vehicle class in which it competes," said IIHS president Adrian Lund. "The vehicles that earn this designation are the cream of the crop for protecting people in the most common kinds of crashes, and they have electronic stability control for helping drivers stay out of many crashes altogether."

 

The TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on 'good' ratings, which denotes 'good' as the top rankin

The TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on 'good' ratings, which denotes 'good' as the top ranking status possible in Institute tests. Winners also must have electronic stability control.

 

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 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a 5th percentile woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

 

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. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable 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.

 

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.

For the first time since any of us can recall, an automaker has claimed the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title two years in a row. Last fall, deftly balancing efficiency and size, the all-new Some vehicles arrive at our annual "Of the Year" competitions (car, sport/utility, truck) staking early claims to a win via bulging engine muscle, beguiling gizmos, fashion-runway sheetmetal. The Outback isn't one of those. In fact, it slipped nearly unnoticed through our early walkarounds; the pre-drives chatter seemed to focus elsewhere -- the ZDX's spaceship lines, the Q5's comparison test-winning moves, the Lincoln's mighty yet efficient

In the U.S., the Legacy Outback wagon is now gone (it'll still be sold in Japan and elsewhere), replaced by this bigger, sleeker rig that drops the Legacy name altogether. The 2010 Outback platform is new, 2.8 inches longer in wheelbase, shoulders broader by two inches, front and rear overhangs nipped by two inches each to enhance off-road attacks. Though the overall package is shorter than its predecessor, interior room is up seven percent (thanks in part to a raised roof) -- and rear-seat legroom climbs by a conspicuous four inches. "Roomy back seat -- lots of legroom and headroom," writes senior editor Ron Kiino. "Huge cargo hold too. At 34.3/71.3 cubic feet (back seat up/down), it's got more cargo room than the Terrain and Equinox twins." Maximum cargo capacity, in fact, tops both a "classic SUV" like the

 

Which brings up some of that Subie magic. For instance, when not needed the roof-rack crossbars fold away into the side rails, vastly reducing wind noise -- pure genius. And while most wagons and SUVs offer a roll-up tonneau cover for sheltering gear in back, in the  

More magic: With a newfound 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the 2010 Outback actually betters the SUV Detroit editor Todd Lassa. "You feel it's 'car-ness' behind the wheel, with its long, level hood out front -- yet it's nearly 66 inches tall."

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While thirsty V-8s have long been the darlings of the traditional-SUV market, the Outback, weighing just 3655 pounds, manages adroitly with four- and six-cylinder offerings. The boxer four is an updated version of last year's 2.5-liter naturally aspirated mill, and now pairs with either a CVT or a new six-speed manual -- a welcome addition for enthusiasts. With the CVT, the Outback wrings out 22/29 city/highway EPA mpg -- a

Despite its wagon profile, Outback delivers SUV-like ground clearance (8.7 inches) and the moxie to perform demanding (though not hard-core) off-roading maneuvers. Rides better than most true SUVs too.

Subaru ships the Outback in three distinct all-wheel-drive flavors. Base, manual-transmission models get a viscous-coupling locking center diff with 50/50 normal torque split and the ability to shift torque away from the slipping axle. Four-cylinder

 

With the exceptional ground clearance, the solid AWD systems afford a level of all-weather and off-road competence that's unusually high for a machine with such a carlike character. "Dynamically, it's one of the best SUVs out here," writes Lassa. Agrees technical editor Kim Reynolds: "Feels like it could trundle around the off-road loop all month without complaint, yet very pleasant on-road, too. Lovely steering feel upon turn-in. Good ride." Says senior editor Ed Loh: "Exceedingly comfortable for day-to-day driving. Lots of smooth travel in the suspension." No, the Outback doesn't flaunt the extreme approach or departure angles that enable a rig like the Grand Cherokee to scale boulders, but it's far better equipped than most so-called crossovers. You could drive it through all but the toughest trails in Moab. It'll also shrug off all but the deepest snow (no wonder Subaru appears to be the unofficial state car of Vermont).

So, yes, the Outback shines with bona-fide SUV prowess and versatility. Yet it does so without typical SUV penalties. Fuel economy with the six-cylinder, for instance, is 18/25 EPA mpg-compared with 15/20 for the V-6 Grand Cherokee 4WD. And while the purposeful 4Runner took dings for "slobbery" on-road handling, the Outback drew applause. "Fun to drive, really like a car," says Loh. Writes Kiino: "The ride is amazing-supple, quiet, and controlled, yet the handling doesn't suffer. Some roll and understeer, but overall the feeling is confidence-inspiring. Structure is very solid too."

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Loh offers a neat summary: "I'm particularly impressed by how Subaru's engineers got the big and the little things right. From the ground up, they've baked in features like high ground clearance, low curb weight, and a fuel-sipping CVT -- plus details like the hideaway roof rack and tonneau cover. Subaru did its homework."

"Balance," in other words. That's the key to the Subaru Outback's victory. And maybe a little magic, too.

For the 2010 Outback, Subaru has made significant upgrades to its tried-and-true 2.5-liter flat-4. Peak horsepower and torque are now realized 400 rpm sooner than before, and People Who Like This Also Like

Our $28,690 2.5i Limited tester (a base 2.5i with six-speed manual starts at $23,690) displayed smooth acceleration and, in true CVT fashion, a knack for instantly finding the engine's sweet spot. Plus, it features standard paddle shifters for rowing through six preset ratios. Compared with the 3.6, which hits 60 in 7.1 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.5 at 90.5 mph, the 2.5 CVT is leisurely, delivering 9.7 and 17.4 at 82.0, respectively. More important, though, the 170-horse Outback is competitive within its class. A Honda CR-V EX-L AWD needs 9.5 ticks to reach 60 and 17.2 at 79.0 to nab the quarter. Thus, the 2.5 CVT is more about A-to-B impeccability than stoplight-to-stoplight bragging rights, and is perfectly happy leaving the pink-slip battles to the 3.6R. - Ron Kiino

CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 18 -- Subaru of America today announced the EPA fuel economy results for 2010MY Legacy. The 2010 All-Wheel Drive Legacy achieves up to 26 mpg combined and 31 mpg highway, despite having grown in size in almost every dimension.

Specifically, the Legacy 2.5i CVT now exhibits better fuel economy (EPA combined) than such Front-Wheel competitors such as Honda Accord, Mazda 6i, VW Passat and Hyundai Sonata. Furthermore, the new Legacy is now the highest rated midsize AWD sedan (EPA combined) in the U.S. market for 2010MY.

Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO of Subaru of America said, "We are thrilled that the all-new 2010 Legacy not only offers more space and a more rewarding drive than the competition, but it also delivers better fuel economy at a very competitive price."

The Subaru Legacy comes with Subaru's legendary Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, quick-ratio steering and a new double-wishbone suspension system. The 2010 Legacy has an entry-level price of $19,995 (excl. delivery) and will provide an alternative for customers looking for more from the mid-sized sedan segment.

Cherry Hill NJ, April 2, 2009 -- The 2009 Subaru Impreza, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, and Subaru Forester have each been named a "Best Bet" by Cars.com, the leading destination for online car shoppers. According to Cars.com, the two Subaru Imprezas are each a "Best Bet for Sports Cars," and the Subaru Forester has been recognized as a "Best Bet for SUVs and Crossovers." To qualify as a Cars.com Best Bet, models must meet three quantified criteria: a "Good" rating in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests; average or higher reliability ratings; and average or higher gas mileage within their class..

"We are proud to accept these awards from Cars.com," said Tom Doll, COO and executive vice president of Subaru of America, Inc. "The editors who have named the Subaru Impreza and Forester 'Best Bets' evaluate scores of vehicles, so this recognition comes from true automotive experts. The Forester and Impreza models offer safety, reliability and performance - and are fun to drive.".

"Our Best Bets help narrow down the options for buyers by vehicle class," said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief, Patrick Olsen. "These are vehicles that any of our editors would drive."

This latest recognition by Cars.com adds to a growing list of accolades for the Subaru Impreza and Forester, both of which were also named 2009 "Top Safety Picks" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Kiplinger's Personal Finance 2009 Car Buyer's Guide recognized the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X as "Best New Crossover" in the category of "Small Crossovers," and the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i as "Best in Class" in the "Wagons and Minivans" category. Other awards received by the 2009 Subaru Forester include: Motor Trend's 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year; a "good" rating (the highest available rating, indicating a vehicle's roof is more than twice as strong as minimum federal safety standards require) in the new IIHS roof strength test; the MotorWeek Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility; and the R.L. Polk award for consumer loyalty in the Compact SUV category.

Cherry Hill, NJ, March 13, 2009 Kiplinger's Personal Finance has recognized two 2009 Subaru models in the magazine's 2009 Car Buyer's Guide. The all-new 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X has been designated "Best New Crossover" in the category of "Small Crossovers," and the 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i has been named "Best in Class" in the "Wagons and Minivans" category. "Best in Class" and "Best New" winners are chosen on a basis of performance, value, safety, power, fuel efficiency, exterior design, interior room and cargo space.

"We are very happy to accept these awards from Kiplinger's Personal Finance," said Tom Doll, executive vice president of Subaru of America, Inc. "They're especially meaningful coming from a magazine so keenly focused on advising their readers on smart purchasing decisions and wise financial choices. The Forester and Impreza both offer versatility, performance and value qualities that have long resonated with Subaru owners and are even more important in this economy."

Praising attributes that made the Subaru vehicles stand out, the buyer's guide cited the Subaru Impreza's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and safety features, as well as strong resale value and "impressive" cargo room. The 2009 Forester was lauded for its affordability and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, as well as increases in size and ground clearance over its popular predecessor. Alluding to the new model's go-anywhere nature, the guide pointed out that "it performs even better on snowy roads and muddy driveways."

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the third consecutive year, Honda has earned class leader status for building the best all-around vehicles for American drivers, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue. At the opposite end of the annual ranking is Chrysler, which fared even worse than last year. The company's poor performing products and sinking reliability results have kept all Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep badged vehicles off CR's Recommended list.

With an overall score of 78 out of 100 points, Honda was followed closely by Subaru (75), and Toyota (74) in the overall score. Subaru is also the only automaker with 100% of its tested vehicles Recommended, although it has a relatively small model lineup. Mazda (73), came in 4th, followed by Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, and BMW, all tied at 72.

While the top four overall scores belong to Japanese automakers, a Japanese nameplate is no guarantee that every car in a model range will be a reliable and good performer. For example, the Honda Element and Toyota Yaris scored too low in Consumer Reports' tests to be recommended. Conversely, despite overall scores of 63 and 57 respectively, that placed Ford and GM toward the bottom of the results, new models like the Ford Flex, F-150, Chevrolet Malibu, and Cadillac CTS have done well in CR's tests and rank near the top of their classes in its ratings.

Full details and rankings are available in the article "Who makes the best cars?" in the magazine on sale March 3 to May 4 and at www.ConsumerReports.org.

The overall score for each automaker is based on the average of its vehicles' overall scores in Consumer Reports' road tests and their average predicted-reliability ratings from Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Survey. Manufacturers received a report card only if five or more of its vehicles were tested.

Of the three class leaders, Toyota regained lost ground after last year's disappointment of having three of its vehicles fall below average in reliability. All three -- the Toyota Camry V6, the Toyota Tundra V8 4WD variant, and the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS -- improved to average reliability this year. Of the Asian automakers, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, and Hyundai improved their overall scores. Nissan and Hyundai also improved their reliability rating. Of the four, Hyundai showed the most improvement, increasing its overall score from 66 to 70. The Hyundai Genesis also topped Consumer Reports' upscale-sedan ratings, contributing to the automakers continued progress.

European automakers, traditionally great performers overall, have lagged in reliability but there have been notable improvements with several models from Audi, BMW, Saab, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz showed the most significant improvement, moving up in the overall ranking (72) to tie with BMW and Volkswagen. Reliability was greatly improved across most of the Mercedes-Benz model line, with 67% of tested vehicles now recommended compared to none in the prior year.

All three Detroit automakers continued to be at the back of the class, although General Motors and Ford improved their overall scores. Chrysler disappointed the most -- it had the lowest overall test score and none of its vehicles are Recommended.

There was some positive news for the struggling domestic automakers. The latest models from General Motors now rank among the best in testing, and models like the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette, and Chevrolet Malibu all scored well. Some Ford models now rival their competition from Honda and Toyota in reliability, perhaps a promising sign for new models now coming out of the product pipeline. For Chrysler, the sole glimmer of hope in the model-year is the new Dodge Ram, which is now very competitive with the other full size trucks.

Less than a quarter of Consumer Reports' recommended vehicles are from U.S. companies, a result of inconsistent reliability and performance. About half are Japanese.

"While Japanese automakers continue to set the standard for the industry in terms of real-world performance and reliability, many domestic, European, and Korean manufacturers are narrowing the gap by building better and more reliable cars," said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing, Consumer Reports. "While some automakers are still dragged down by old product investments, we expect the race for the front of the class to become even more competitive which may lead to some excellent values for consumers in the near future."

In the end, the companies that make the best vehicles are those that excel in performance, interior craftsmanship, safety, comfort, and reliability. The best continue to set a higher and higher standard, a competition in which consumers are the ultimate winners.