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It's been a loong time since I owned a Subaru. I loved 'em when I had 'em. I didn't have the need for 4WD or AWD. Now I do.
I looked at the web site, and I'm still confused about the different models. I'm interested in a wagon type.
Can anyone give me 'girl type' info about the Forester, Legacy (maybe that isn't made in a wagon type anymore), and the Outback?
Thanks!
Hi Rockky
For a wagon type, you will be looking at either a Forester, or an Outback. We bought a Subaru Outback last October...a 2007 model. Both models have AWD (ALL Subarus have AWD). We looked at both models on the dealers lot, and here is my take on this:
The Forester is shorter, but built a little higher...thus more headroom, but has less storage in the back. It looks sort of like a "mini-Jeep Comanche". It is more "boxy and utilitarian" looking, but costs less than the Outback....good bang for the buck. Some say there is not much leg-room in the back seats. A mini-SUV.
The Outback is more streamlined and sleek looking...looks more like a mini-wagon, than a mini-SUV. It costs more, because there are more "bells and whistles" and luxury stuff...than the Forester. It is longer, creating more room in the back for groceries, etc. Because it is a little lower to the ground, there is a bit less headroom. I have to duck my head a little getting into our Outback, but it's really no big deal.
Both models are available with the standard 2.5 four-cylinder engine, and automatic transmission, which in my experience provides entirely adequate power. The Outback can be ordered with either the turbo-charged 4-cyl, or the 6-cyl engine for more power...but mpg will suffer if you go that route, and I think the 6-cyl requires premium fuel, whereas the 4-cyl takes regular fuel. I would recommend staying with the standard 4-cyl with automatic transmission...it works just fine.
I don't know about the Forester, but the Outback has excellent handling characteristics on icey or snowy roads. Ours has never been stuck, even in snow up to a foot deep...the AWD works well. I think it would also work well in sandy, or muddy, ground.
The EPA mpg estimate appears to be accurate. (20city/26highway) If I go real easy on the throttle, ours will do 28.6mpg highway, with regular gas (no ethanol), and not exceeding 55-60 mph. (Mileage will drop to EPA estimates if you do much 65-70 mph freeway driving) (but that will happen with ANY vehicle). If you have a choice, avoid using ethanol, or ethanol blend, fuels...because they will not deliver the mpg of straight regular gas.
Hope this helps.
Wow, Bud!! Yes, your post has helped me a lot!!!! Thank you!!
We bought a new Subaru Wagon in the early-mid 1980s. It had on demand 4WD, and I liked it. I assume it uses less gas when you are not in AWD full time. I guess there is no such animal any more. I also had an XT (I think that's what they were) several years ago. That was fun!!
Head room isn't an issue for me....shorty.
Your post gives me a starting place when I go out lookin' IRL.
Subaru wagons are not limited to the Forester and Outback. Both the Legacy and Impreza also come in wagon form (though I guess the Impreza is more of hatchback shape starting with the 08 model year) without the Outback treatment if you want a wagon that looks like a normal passenger car instead of a wagon that's been dolled up to look like an SUV.
When we were shopping, I had really set my heart on the Forester. Being a guy, I liked the SUV look, and the greater headroom. And...it just kinda looked like it was all rare'n to go to the woods and hills...to all the favorite camping spots...a sportsman's dream car. And I can get by just fine without all the fancy frills of the other models. While I was salivating and drooling over the Forester, my wife came over and informed me that she was "canceling" my pick. That instead, we were going to get one of the Outbacks she had been looking at on the other side of the lot. My protests and arguements went nowhere, and at the end of the day we drove home in "her" Outback. I guess compromises are sometimes neccessary to preserve marital bliss...
Oh well....the Outback is a nice outdoorsy car too. (But, if we ever win the lottery, I'm going back to get that Forester)...
We didn't see any Legacy or Impreza wagons, but since Drover pointed out that they do make them, you might want to have a look at those too...
I wish Subaru would make a compact AWD pickup truck...
The only car I have ever owned that even comes close to my '96 Outback wagon in the snow and/or dirt roads was a VW bug with oversize tires and very stiff springs and shocks. That bug would just bounce over everything. Too bad it died of rust.
OK...showing my age here. Do you remember the Subaru Brats? They had those weird seats in the bed with grips that looked like the you were on a delivery table having a baby.
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