WRX Owners Speak Out
What attracted you to your WRX?
I have a 1 1/2 hour commute to work each way, and I discovered that that my drive is much more tolerable (enjoyable, even) if I had a car that was a real "driver's" car. Something that had personality. And was quick! So I looked for something fast and affordable. I also needed decent gas mileage. As a car enthusiast, I already knew about the WRX and right away that appealed to me. Plus, I've always liked wagons for their versatility. So a WRX wagon seemed perfect! My co-worker listens to me talk about cars a lot, so he suggested that I trade in my Versa (which was a nice car, but as much fun to drive as a dishwasher) and find a WRX.
- Impreza WRX Owner
Why did you get the STI?
I chose the STI because of the styling. It just seemed to be more my kind of car. Ever since the WRX came on to the market, I was intrigued. And then the STI came...and I was like, "Seriously. For real?" In my opinion, it's still the MOST sports car you can buy for the money.
- Impreza WRX Owner
What do you haul?
I didn't buy my STI to fill it up with anything other than gasoline, so the only thing I haul is butt. Luckily, this is exactly why I bought my STI. I am gentle with my car, but I do appreciate the feeling of acceleration. The one feature I could not live without is the turbocharger! Oh, I just remembered - last year I filled the trunk with bags of mushroom compost from the garden store and put a couple of flats of flowers on the front seat.
- Impreza WRX Owner
Outback Owners Speak Out
What was it that attracted you to the Outback?
When we started searching for a new car we had a few things that I wanted. Safe, reliable, decent gas mileage (it will eventually become the commuter car), and would be a good transition vehicle from two kids to 2+ kids. We ended up selecting the Subaru over a Pontiac Torrent. Part of it was the better gas mileage, but overall it was reliability. The Torrent was in its second model year and its sister car, the Equinox, didn't have the best reliability.
- Outback Owner
What can your Outback do your old car couldn't?
Last year we had 2-3 feet of snow falling regularly, and my other vehicle just could not make it to work, forcing me to use my vacation time! Most days I just could not get out of the driveway, much less get to the highway. I had heard about what great cars Subaru cars were, went online to check them out, and I am now a proud owner. My vacation time is being used for fun now, not for snow! The first time I drove a Subaru, I was hooked. I had previously owned front-wheel drive cars and my husband is the 4WD type (works well to pull our trailer). I had heard how well they handled in the snow, and it does! My husband feels better about me commuting, knowing that I am in a safe and dependable vehicle (actually, so do I)! We both think they are the finest car ever made and worth every penny.
- Outback Owner
Safety's important to me. I know a Subaru is safe, but how safe?
I've driven convertibles for 14 years and didn't think I would ever drive anything else. My friend and her 7-year-old son survived a multiple rollover crash in an Outback with only minor bruises. The crash was so severe that the roof of the car had to be cut off so she could get out. She sat in the car eating lunch while waiting for the firemen to decide the best way to turn her Outback into a convertible! Wish I had pictures to show you. Anyway, she begged me to get rid of the convertible before I was killed in it. I test-drove a 2007 Forester just to make her happy. Loved it! Walked into the dealership and saw the dark blue Forester XT Limited. Walked over, put my arms around it and told the salesman "I want this one." Never looked back. Still have the convertible for warm, sunny days but definitely prefer to drive the Forester. Doubt the convertible will be around much longer.
- Outback Owner
What do you put in your Outback?
When we had our Outback we hauled bags of potting soil and compost and lumber. We used to camp out in it We also used it to bring home 4 big dining room chairs and a china cabinet base.
- Outback Owner
What do you put in your Outback?
If you want a wagon, get an Outback for hauling equipment. We actually went camping in ours (two people) and it was a blast. If you want sporty style, get a Legacy Limited or Legacy GT. It's an awesome, sporty sedan. If you want to raise some heck, get a WRX STI. You'll get all the turbo, power and handling you'd need. The AWD cars hug the road so much better than any other car, and comparable to a Porsche or a BMW. Remember, in action, the AWD feels strange in slippery conditions. It's just getting a grip, not to worry as long as you know when you're driving on ice and drive accordingly. And, you can have all the above with better gas mileage than an SUV and still have fun!
- Outback Owner
How reliable is the Outback?
I have owned three Subaru Outback wagons over the last seven years. They have all been wonderfully reliable, and always performed flawlessly. I live in upstate New York, where the weather is a tad unpredictable. The Outback takes everything in stride. The build is solid and dependable. A great measure of this is the satisfying clunk of the doors. I have owned a good deal of different vehicles in my time, but the Outback has the best overall build quality I have experienced.
- Outback Owner
What's your favorite feature on your Outback?
I bought a Forester in '97 and now own a 2007 Outback. What I love about both:
The AWD is awesome! I love the feel of the grip on the wicked snowy or wet roads in Minnesota. Perfect size. I don't feel like I'm driving a road hog, and still have room for a 95-lb. yellow Lab and all of the cabin stuff every weekend. Add the golf clubs and pull cart and I'm still not feeling squeezed. Great price. Subaru is a great value for the price and reliability. Change the oil like clockwork and it won't let you down.
- Outback Owner
Impreza Owners Speak Out
What was the main reason you bought an Impreza?
The biggest factor is really the dollar for dollar value. There is no other car on the market that offers as much as a Subaru does for its price. If you just look at a baseline Subaru Impreza that starts at $17K, there is nothing for that price that gives you AWD, reliability, quality fit-n-finish, practicality and then also manages to make the car fun. You really cannot find a better car for that price.
- Impreza Owner
What do you put in your Impreza?
Every August, my daughters and I try to go to the Land's End warehouse sale in Dodgeville, WI. One year my youngest daughter and I had my Impreza packed to the ceiling with pillows, bedding and other miscellaneous treasures, with barely enough room for us. We've hauled a lot of good stuff from the Land's End sale in my Subaru!
- Impreza Owner
What do you put in your Impreza?
I once moved my entire apartment (including all furniture) in my Impreza wagon, with the exception of my double bed, which would not fit. Including my dresser, computer desk, etc., it took multiple trips, but it got the job done.
- Impreza Owner
What was the main reason you bought an Impreza?
The first of my three things would be safety. I commute almost 30 miles every day in Wisconsin weather, and I feel very confident about my Impreza's handling of winter roads. The next thing that impressed me from the start when I test-drove Subaru, was the solid construction. I had test-driven several similar-sized vehicles, and the Subaru just seemed head-and-shoulders above the rest. When you closed the door it didn't sound as if it was tin. The third thing I appreciate about my Subaru is the versatility. My Impreza is big enough to haul anything I might want to haul, including shrubs and garden supplies. But at the same time, I don't feel as if I'm driving a truck, and as I said, it handles well on the road and gives me confidence.
- Impreza Owner
Forester Owners Speak Out
What was the main reason you bought a Forester?
We ended up falling in love with our 2007 Forester because of the safety and reliability, and also because of its great utility.
- Forester Owner
What was the main reason you bought a Forester?
Safety: I've never felt as safe in any other car as I do in my Forester. Although I've been fortunate enough never to have been in an accident in it, I feel that based on all of the research that it not only will help me avoid some accidents, but also that if I do get in to one, I'll be well protected. Handling/Performance: The AWD on my Forester kicks the butt of the 4WD on my Wrangler... at least for everyday driving in all of the rain and snow I have in my area! Also, I live at a very high altitude (10,200 feet), and it seems to have little effect on the power of my 2008 Forester Turbo (automatic). I love it! Culture: Much like the Wrangler owners, Subaru owners have their own little culture. I can't tell you how many times I've run in to fellow Subaru owners and they just go on and on about how many Subaru vehicles they've owned in the past and how much they've loved them. I've had a number of people come up to me at gas stations, etc., and want to check out the car and talk to me about it.
- Forester Owner
How much room is there in a Forester?
The new Forester has improved rear leg room by just over 4 inches. I'm 5'10" and fit comfortably back there. They have also redesigned the rear suspension to allow for more cargo space in the back. Because of the new suspension they were able to reduce the size of the wheel wells within the vehicle. Getting four 30" suitcases shouldn't be a problem. I know I could fit that in my Outback now, and it has less cargo room.
- Forester Owner
What can you pack in your Forester?
Dogs are the main thing (besides people, of course) that end up in our Forester. I've already had to do some interior repairs to the ceiling liner - thankfully, not because of the dogs, but the man who fixed them seemed to think that Subaru is just one of those brands for dog people... I can't disagree, we have four and they love to stick their heads out of the sunroof!
- Forester Owner
What can you pack in your Forester?
We haul lots of stuff: three big dogs, camping gear, fishing gear, horse tack/items, musical instruments, mountain bike, snow shoes, hiking gear.
- Forester Owner
What was the main reason you bought a Forester?
The biggest reason for my first Subaru purchase was Northern New York winters. Near Lake Ontario we can get 3"-30" of snow in a matter of hours, winter driving can be dangerous and the weather can change in a heartbeat. I can honestly say that I feel safe and secure when driving my Subaru, whatever season it is.
- Forester Owner
How much room is there in a Forester?
I am only 5'5", and my husband is maybe 5'9", so there is plenty of room for us. My brother-in-law (6'1") was here last week and spent the whole time riding around in the back seat. He seemed fine, no complaining, and we did a few road trips.
- Forester Owner
How much room is there in a Forester?
A critical factor for me was the front leg room, since I am 6' 5" tall and have had back surgery. I found the Forester to be very comfortable. I cannot speak to the rear leg room since I only plan on putting my dog in the back. As far as cargo room goes, I think the Forester has ample space. I ride a bicycle a lot and like to carry it in the vehicle. The Forester more than handles my bike and all related equipment.
- Forester Owner
Legacy Owners Speak Out
What was the main reason you bought a Legacy?
Several years ago some friends were coming to Bend, OR from Portland to visit us and go skiing. It was a particularly icy night. We got a call that they couldn't get up the hill to our house. So I met them at the local super market, at the bottom of the hill, to show them the safest route to our home. Well, their Lexus could not make it up the hill. So back to the supermarket, where I loaded them all in my old 97 Subaru Legacy and brought them safely home.
- Legacy Owner
What do you haul in your Legacy?
I use my Legacy (sedan) for everything. When I get lazy and don't use my roof bike rack, I take off my two wheels and seat and can put my mountain bike into my trunk. When I go snowboarding, I can fit 4 snowboards on the roof rack, 4 people, and gear for 4 people in my trunk. Its quite snug but it works!
- Legacy Owner
What was the main reason you bought a Legacy?
Safety: I'm pretty sure all models have a 5-star crash rating, all models are AWD, all models have ABS and airbags. None of the safety features are options, they just come with them.
Reliability: The physics of a boxer engine naturally lend themselves to longevity because the oil tends to pool in the areas where the most wear would occur.
Utility/functionality: I have a car with 4 doors that seats 4 or 5 adults plus a good size cargo area, dual sunroofs, a/c, cruise control, automatic, AWD, ABS, airbags and 5-star crash rating, reliable, not a land yacht, runs flawlessly, pretty cheap and easy to fix when something does break, ability to haul anything I need in any conditions Mother Nature throws at me, power mirrors/windows/locks, keyless entry/alarm, am/fm/cd, decent mileage, and the car is still fun and feels great to drive.
That is absolutely unbeatable and that's how Subaru has won me over as a customer for life or the foreseeable future.
- Legacy Owner
What was the main reason you bought a Legacy?
We have previously owned Hondas or Toyotas but I, not my husband, wanted a wagon this time so we could contain the dog in the back (we have the doggie gate). We had rented a Subaru Outback wagon a year previous for a trip to Vegas and loved the way it handled, especially since we live in Colorado and had to drive over the Rockies to get to Vegas in March (which can be iffy weather wise). So, we were pretty much sold from the rental but we liked the lower profile of the Legacy wagon. Love the car!!!
- Legacy Owner
What was the main reason you bought a Legacy?
We had a Legacy wagon at the ski area I used to manage and it was a good work horse - managed the conditions well. As a business car, we did get the extended plan which came in handy, but would have otherwise been manageable had we not gotten it.
- Legacy Owner
What can you pack into your Legacy?
A few years ago, my family went on a camping trip in our 2000 Legacy wagon. We were camping in a tent when a heavy rainstorm hit. The ground under our tent became a big puddle. All four of us spent the night sleeping in the back of the wagon. It was very cozy but we were dry and safe.
- Legacy Owner
