Subaru. Which years? Which models?

[mr3wan]

+1 For Subaru Outback

I'm currently a very happy over of a '08 Subaru Outback 2.5XT. This is the model with the Turbo. The only negative I have encountered is the need for premium fuel but so far my avg mileage over the past 9000 miles has been ~ 22MPG with being used for daily driving and trips.

I very much like the style of the 2005-2009 outback; much more then the current model. I have already been on 2 major road trips and it has performed very well.

1) Trip from Austin Texas to Taos in New Mexico. This trip was with road tires but I managed to cover everything from dry, wind, rain and snow. We actually camped in the car for 2 nights. I also tested the vehicle on a nice high clerence road near in new mexico, Mill's Canyon, and if performed wonderfully. I don't have a write-up but I do have some images:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr3wan/sets/72157625671634005/

2) Just completed a trip to Big Bend National Park and spent my time camping out on the backcountry Primative Roads. I am still working on the trip report which can be found here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59337

The car is fairly new to me. I moved up from a 2006 Mazda 3. I got the Subaru in Sept '10 and I have been loving it. Just the right car for comfort, space, handeling, and off-road capability.

Here are some photos of the car in action:







This last picture shows some of our sleeping arrangements by using the back of the car to sleep in.

 

[beavernation]

I had both an Impeza wagon (05 Saab 92x, built by Subaru) and an 08 Legacy GT sedan. I wont bore you with the details of the GT as it was only a road car, a really freakin fast road car though!...The Saab 92x was a tractor in the snow with the Nokian WR's! It was a five speed car (2.5 NA)with a short throw shifter which really made it fun to drive. Plenty of power for rollin the highway but the impreza platform of that vintage is a bit small inside for serious consideration. I gotta mirror what many have said before 05-09 Outback Wagon with a 5 speed and no turbo is gonna be an ideal platform. They are a nice looking, agrressive appearing car!!.....Good luck.....

 

[Navman]

I'm a little late to the party but I bought my Subaru for the same reasons. With the D1 I dreaded the thought of long road trips. Once I got the '05 Outback I used it for everything. The LR3 changed that to a degree but it still sucks down the gas so I still prefer the Outback unless I need a lot of gear or hitting the more serious trails (sorry for the run-on there.).

I too do not really like the newest Outback. Too big and bulky(plasticy) and don't like the roof rack. I would lean toward the Forester, but for me I need the interior length of the Outback. I can just fit my 9'6" surfboard inside for the odd days that I take the longboard out before work. The long roofline also is nice for putting toys on top.

 

[milowag]

I'm REALLY late to this party, but I want people not to underestimate the Forester. The new one('09+) is larger inside, especially rear seat leg room.

For off road capability, go to YouTube and search Subaru Forester Off Road.

For tons of information, including off road, go to subaruforester.org.

Like MaddMatt, I've driven a lot of snow in 42 years, and my 2009 Forester astounds me with its abilities.

 

[EMrider]

We have two outbacks in the family. An 09 and a 2010, both autos with the 2.5l motor.

Both are excellent cars and have made me quite loyal to the brand. These are the only two cars I've ever owned that have never been back to the dealer for a problem. Nothing. All I do is keep up with regular maintenance and they go.

The 09 has about 20k miles and the 2010 now has 10k. I prefer driving the 2010. With the CVT tranny, it gets noticeably better MPG than the 09 with the 4 speed auto. My combined average is about 26mpg with the 2010 and about 22mpg with the 2009. Highway driving the 2010 really beats the 09 with an average of above 30mpg. The CVT really keeps the RPMs down versus the 4 speed auto.

I also find the 2010 more comfortable and like the technology better.

I hope the new 2.0l motor they are rolling out in 2012 proves to be a winner. The specs on that motor look very good.

R

 

[Ozarker]

Interesting thread, just wondering what you guys think of an 04 non-turbo Forester?

 

[Martinjmpr]

Interesting thread, just wondering what you guys think of an 04 non-turbo Forester?

If I was shopping for a Subaru that would be near the top of my list.

04 - second year of that body style, the "Hex-Hatch" which is my favorite. 2nd year is better than the 1st because they've had a year to work out any "issues."

Non-turbo because (a) I don't need a turbo and (b) I don't want to have to buy premium gas. Turbos may be fun (in fact, I'm sure they are) but IMO it adds a level of complexity that doesn't need to be there.