Subaru Information site, all years and models
Buying a Subaru? Research price, cost, specifications, colors, rebates, options, photographs, magazine articles, reviews and more.

other sites
crash tests: summary by model, 
nhtsa.gov, hwysafety.org, iihs.org; 
Carfax, NADA, KellyBlue Book, Edmunds
subject to change, correction, updating.

Factory Parts www.AllSubaru.com
Aftermarket performance parts, pgrades
WorldOnePerformance.com
Independent Subaru Repair Smart Service, in Shoreline and Mukilteo, Wa

This unofficial Subaru Research site is designed to help you learn about Subaru and is not authorized, approved, sponsored or supported by Subaru or any dealership. Suggestions, tips welcomed. Send to Joe Spitz (internet Subaru sales in Seattle) who is solely responsible for content. All info subject to change, correction. Comments and links have been edited. All info subject to change, correction, updating. contact

Rebates, Rates current program runs October 1 - November 3
Certified Pre-Owned (cpo): what is means, years available, warranty, finance interest rates .
Forum for Subarus and Bricklins, plus right hand drive postal cars ...
Buy a Subaru- discount prices on all new cars, also have a selection of lightly used.
Canada- I sell new and used to Canada. New has to be licensed in the US but not pre-owned. More info, how it works here

10/3 new research page:  2009 window stickers

10/2 Subaru sales drop for September.  Almost every brand dropped due to the banking and credit situation.
US Subaru sales total 14,491 for September, -11.8% from 9/07.  Impreza 4098, -2% from 9/07, Legacy 2228, +14% from 9/07, Outback 2620 (-46% from 9/07), Forester 4804 (+28% over 9/07), Tribeca 741 (-57% from 9.07). 
2008 YTD 143,787, still a pretty good year so far at +4% over YTD 07.
Not a pretty month in the car world. Compared to 9/07 Toyota -32%, Ford -34%, Honda -24%. 

10/1  It was 100 Years Ago today that the Model T went on sale.  10/1/1908 and everything changed.  Are we there again at the start of a new car era? The original Model T had 4 cylinders, 20 horsepower, a hand crank starter, top speed was 45mph and it got up to 21mpg. It had a canvas top, no side windows, no heater, no gas guage, and no shock absorbers except for padded seats. In 1908 it cost $850 and dropped to less than $300 by 1923 when production stopped and 15 million had been built. It was finally outsold by the VW Beetle.
Is it 1908 again with everything about to change, is the Insight and Prius today's Model T? Expect the hybrid selection to grow dramatically, fuel cell cars are in trial stages, electric charging and hydrogen fueling stations are being planned... 

9/27 Forester with an Opossum in the back seat  '..Our first stop in the 2009 Subaru Forester was the liquor store. No, we didn't need a pint of gin to whip up a martini. We needed boxes. And through the years we've found that the liquor store is a grand place to find boxes just the right size for moving books, clothes and other small objects.. Enter the all-new Forester. 
One of our favorite small sport utilities now more commonly known as crossovers, for more than a decade, the new Forester has grown slightly in size and sophistication with exterior styling that is handsome and contemporary..  In the case of the new Forester, cargo capacity behind the front seats is nearly 69 cubic feet and the standard four-cylinder boxer engine will take that cargo from point A to point B for the frugal price of 26 miles to the gallon..
Fortunately there wasn't as much drama this time as 10 years ago when we were using the first of three Forester iterations in another move.. Jim had been plagued by an opossum in the garage that apparently enjoyed cat food. What we hadn't counted on was the toothy varmint climbing at some point into the Forester as it was being loaded. We just barely avoided running into a ditch when, after about five miles, we turned to see the critter staring at us, teeth barred, from between the seats.
We arrived at our destination about 10 minutes later, sprang out of the vehicle and started prodding the opossum to exit using a broom stick. Perhaps he thought there was cat food hidden in one of the bins.
The Forester was unique back in those days, one of the early examples of the small station-wagon-like small SUV hatchback. Over the years the Forester has been a favorite of a lot of people because of its relatively good fuel efficiency, easy-to-drive nature, standard all-wheel drive, useable cargo hold and excellent reliability... 
Subaru has made evolutionary changes over the years and the Forester remains true to its original concept.. 
The Forester has always been one of our favorite small SUVs. We like it just as much now with its new styling, larger passenger compartment and excellent drivability. 
And we were happy we didn't drive this one with an opossum grinning at us from between the seats.' more

9/26 Tribeca goes to college  'I recently moved my son, Tonio, 18, to Roanoke College in Virginia in a 2008 Subaru Tribeca.. He was not willing to let go of his two huge guitar amps, but with the third-row seat folded into the floor we found room for them and for almost everything else. I give the Tribeca credit. Not only for its 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row stowed, but for the way it has recovered from its woeful last rendition. Gone is the underpowered 3-liter engine and the automatic transmission that shifted like a 16-year-old new to a clutch.  The new, larger engine, rated at 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque (up from 245 horses and 215 pound-feet), is responsive and permits confident passing on the highway. The transmission could use a sixth gear, but at least it shifts like a grown-up.
Unfortunately, also gone is the pug nose. I know the old Edsel-like grille was often mocked, but it gave the Tribeca a distinctive look. The toned-down design is similar to what Subaru did to the beloved Impreza WRX, which lost its endearing toadlike features as it became more mainstream. I don’t know what makes Subaru so insecure about its appearance, but I wish it would go to the prom as is. Now the Tribeca looks pretty much like every other crossover. Good luck finding it at the mall.
My biggest surprise was how well the Tribeca handled. I don’t feel comfortable pushing crossover utility vehicles, no matter how carlike. They tend to be big, and they feel big. I brake for sharp curves. So when I slowed for a curve on a country road, only to discover that it was an unmarked hairpin that I was still approaching too fast, I had no choice but to hang on and trust the Tribeca to get me through. Thankfully, electronic stability control is standard. It was trust well earned. The Tribeca leaned into the turn and got me to the other side without a slip. For the rest of the trip, I hit the curves a bit harder. The Tribeca, it turns out, was fun — for a big, tall wagon — to drive.
My biggest complaint was with the GPS. It routed me in so many nutty ways that we turned it off..
Some of the Tribeca’s competitors have more legroom and cargo room for about the same price, but with its new powertrain the Tribeca has become a worthy addition to the crossover market. I just wish Subaru had taken a cue from Barbra Streisand and resisted the nose job..' from the NYT

9/24 Love Works!  'As the auto industry sputters through its worst sales year since 1993, Subaru is clipping along, and it's doing so without an ad message touting price, performance or gas mileage. Despite offering the lowest incentives in the industry, the niche brand reported the industry's biggest percentage jump in U.S. new-vehicle sales -- 129,298 units through August, according to Automotive News, some 5.8% better than a year ago. What makes this feat even more impressive is the fact that most of the Subaru's loyal owners typically drive their vehicles up to 150,000 miles, meaning they aren't coming back to the market very often. 
So where are the new sales coming from?  Referrals and word-of-mouth, said Tim Mahoney, senior VP-chief marketing officer at the automaker, who said Subaru owners love their vehicles and that leads to advocacy. Still, the company wasn't spreading the love far beyond that circle, which led the company to try its current advertising approach.
Carmichael Lynch did research last fall to learn why more people did not buy Subaru. He expected all-wheel-drive, which is offered standard on all Subarus, would be the main barrier to purchase, believing drivers in warm-weather states would figure they didn't need that system. But the research found a quarter of consumers simply didn't know much about the brand.
So Subaru started educating consumers with its umbrella ad theme, titled "Love," in the spring for the launch of the redone Forester SUV. Mr. Mahoney said emotions play a big role in the car-buying process and he criticized the many industry players that are hammering away at more rational reasons, such as price, fuel economy and performance in their communications.
He said consumers' favorable opinion of Subaru has jumped by roughly 25 points since last year.. Subaru also isn't gaining much additional volume from fleet sales, as only 5% to 6% of its total comes from rentals..
A lot of the credit can go to Subaru's 2009 Forester, which "has been a smash. They can't build enough of them," said Wes Brown, VP of consultancy Iceology. The model's bigger size and more SUV-like styling are bringing in more male buyers, he said. Mr. Mahoney said the prior Forester model attracted more females and empty-nesters, but now buyers are better balanced between the genders and are a bit younger. The model is also winning over buyers from Honda's Cr-V, Toyota's RAV4 and Ford Escape, he said..
The marque's U.S. market share was the highest ever in August, at 1.5%, even though Subaru had one of the lowest* average incentives in the industry last month, at $752 per vehicle, said Jesse Toprak of Edmunds.com. "That means your product is strong and selling itself." Mr. Toprak said Subaru sales are getting a boost from Americans who are downsizing from big SUVs to smaller, more fuel-efficient models. 
Subaru buyers tend to be sensible and practical, said Mr. Mahoney, "that's the right place to be, especially now."  from adage

9/23 turbo recall on 07/08 turbo oil supply pipe, first announced 9/18,  VINs announced, cars should not be sold prior to checking. details here

9/22 Fall starts end of summer :(

9/18 turbo recall on some 2007, 2008 turbos oil supply pipe.  more here

9/15 Destination increase, all models. Destination on cars arriving at dealers starting late September 2008 will be $695 (up $30, from $665). Alaska $845 (from $815). Cars already at dealers prior to the increase will still have $665 destination.

9/12 2009 Imprezas are arriving, all models. The new Parika Red Pearl looks good, and the WRX.. I can really tell the difference driving the 09. Many new photo page, WRX -  2.5i and Premium - Outback Sport

9/11 2009 Forester review from MotherProof  'Forester Enhances 'Granola' Reputation ...many people refer to the Subaru Forester as a “granola” car, often seen in major granola zones like Boulder, Colo. Many people consider me sort of granola-ish, but I’ve never found the Forester appealing. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found it (2009 model)  to be much more interesting than I had previously judged.
I believe that part of the Forester’s granola reputation comes from its go-anywhere attitude, which can be attributed to its standard all-wheel drive. I imagine a super-crunchy Forester owner could drive her car to a remote location and live quite the granola life, with only a tent, some jugs of water and some seedlings. 
Obviously, most Forester owners are probably more like me, living a granola-light lifestyle that includes making earth-friendly choices, but still appreciating some of the finer things modern life offers.
In the 2009 Forester, Subaru has made an effort to appeal to the granola-light consumer who wants to have as much convenience and style as possible in a car that delivers good gas mileage, value pricing and the ability to get out of the ’burbs at a moment’s notice... 
One thing any self-respecting granola will tell you is that being flashy is a turn-off. Practicality and function win over style and luxury any day...
My favorite interior feature is the Forester’s massive moonroof, which extends over the rear seat. This is no easy feat, as the rear seat features a lot of legroom for even the lankiest passengers. My kids loved being able to see the sky, and it made the car seem more roomy. Another very practical, albeit odd, feature was the rear passengers’ cupholders, which fold out of the center seat-bottom cushion. Obviously, it would be difficult to use if you had a third passenger in the backseat, but so would an armrest-type cupholder...
I didn’t install a child-safety seat in the Forester, but I found that the Latch connectors were easy to access. The connectors are covered with a fabric tab when they’re not in use. Getting my kids buckled into their booster seats was a little more challenging because the Forester’s seat belt receptors were under where the booster naturally rests...
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the 2009 Subaru Forester a Top Safety Pick for 2008. That’s something everyone on the granola spectrum and beyond can appreciate...' the article

9/10 WRX vs Evo video. Jason Plato and Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear.. they attack the cones in a slalom course, zipping between them, pulling the e-brake for a quick turn-around, and then punching through the cones on the way back. In the second segment, the two cars go for a speedy spin around the track.  Check it out

9/8 Subaru electric car. The test of the R1e electric car with the NYC Port Authority scheduled for late summer 2008 has been postponed until spring 2009. In the meatime, Subaru has plans to sell 200 Stella electric cars in Japan in 2009. The Stella is an electric city commuter car that charges overnight with a household outlet, seats 4, and goes up to 50 miles on lithium ion batteries. Fuji plans up to 200 units during the car's first year, with no immediate plans for the US. See more

9/7 Outback review 'Enter the Outback. Raised wagon has sedan-like handling. While Subaru was going out on a limb by offering an Outback raised wagon when it was far cooler to have an SUV, they did prove variation can breed profits and the popularity of the SUV through the ’90s made anything remotely resembling something capable of going off-road, very marketable. 
The Subaru Outback set success in motion for what is now the emerging favorite class -- the crossovers. There is a lot to like about the Subaru, most notably the all-wheel drive and tried-and-true 2.5-liter flat-4 engine. For great traction and an outstanding center of gravity, the flat-4 spreads out the weight of the block over a wider area to create a feeling of tremendous tire on pavement control..
Part of the reason for the crazy-loyal customers is Subaru's ability to keep you safe and sound. You'll find antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front head restraints as standard issue on all 2008 Subaru Outbacks. The Outback earned a perfect five-star rating in NHTSA crash tests. 
Base priced at the low end, the Subaru Outback is just over $21,500; but higher-level models such as the XT Limited will push the price over $30,000... Overall, the Subaru is great for those who want sure-footed all-weather traction and some extra ride height clearance. Smallish interior will disappoint some taller consumers, but the turbo 2.5-liter engine will create fun for those that comfortably fit into the cabin...'  the full article

9/5 Diesel in Europe Fuji (SoA parent) will show Forester and Impreza 2.0L diesels at the October Paris Motor Show. The Forester 2.0D and Impreza 2.0D models will be for sale in Europe later. Legacy and Outback diesels are already available.

diesel review  ' ..Europeans have been driving it (the diesel) in the Legacy and Outback since January, and in about a month, after the Paris Auto Show, they'll have it in the new third-gen Forester, too. Americans...well, we'll have to wait, but we could get the boxer-diesel Forester sometime in 2010. If, that is, Subaru gets the message (wink wink) that American buyers are seriously interested... 
The twin-cam, four-cylinder mill displaces 2.0L, feeds off a common-rail fuel-delivery system, and breathes via 16 valves and a variable-nozzle turbo. Output is 145 hp at 3600 rpm but the engine makes a manly 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1800 rpm (compared with 226 lb-ft for the Forester's 2.0L turbo gas engine).
Mated to the new engine is a new six-speed manual transmission designed especially for the boxer diesel. Subaru currently has no automatic capable of handling the diesel's lofty torque output, and given the relatively low volumes anticipated for the diesel the company isn't inclined to spend big bucks on creating a new one. Expect the manual to be the one and only transmission offering when (if?) the Forester diesel eventually makes its stateside debut..
Official (US) EPA fuel economy figures of course aren't yet available, but in Europe the Forester 2.0D is rated at an amazing 37 mpg city/highway combined. If you're a driver who likes to pour on the miles, here's your rig: With its 16.9-gallon fuel tank, the 2.0D has a range of more than 600 miles. Got a boat or a trailer? No problem. With the tank-like boxer diesel, the Forester 2.0D can tow up to 4400. The engine lights off with a pushbutton starter and settles into a subdued clatter. You know right away it's a diesel, but the sound from beneath the hood isn't intrusive. Pull away from a stop and in a blink the turbo spools up and you're surging ahead. This isn't a quick car by any means: Subaru claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 10.4 seconds. Instead, think "stout." On an incline, the diesel powers up without fuss or undue shifting. On the autobahn, it hovered along at 90 mph with a refined thrum... Compared with the gas Forester, the diesel will sticker for roughly 2000 euros ($2800) more in Europe. Given its superior fuel economy and enhanced "greenness" (not to mention that formidable towing prowess), the 2.0D should prove popular indeed across the Atlantic. Even with the premium Americans currently pay for diesel fuel, the Forester 2.0D makes sense on many levels. The question is, How bad do you want it? Send your applause Subaru's way. A few whoops and cheers wouldn't hurt, either..'  more from motortrend.com

9/3 August sales. A good month for the Forester, a bad one for the Tribeca.
US sales 18,932 cars, which is +14% over August 2007. 2008 YTD total is 129,298 which is +6% over August 07 YTD 122,165. Impreza 5,071 (+15%), Outback 3,834 (-15%), Forester 6,763 (+73%), Legacy 2,402 (+24%), Tribeca 862 (-53%)
Canada sales. For some reason SCI doesn't release full numbers. Total 1,861, +26.3% over August 2007, and the best August ever. The previous August record was 1,542 set in 2002. Impreza 913 (+14.3% over August 08), Forester 549 +125.9% !

9/2  Subaru of America is good employer. Back in May, 2009, SoA was ranked #2 on the Best Adoption Friendly Workplaces in America list released tby the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. 
Today, September 2, SoA announced that it has also earned the top rating of 100% for their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees and consumers in the 2009 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Subaru joins the ranks of 259 other major U.S. businesses which get top marks for their treatment of LGBT employees and consumers. 
"We are very proud to accept this recognition. Due to the diverse insights, talents and perspectives our employees contribute, we have built a culture that is cohesive in operation, strong at heart and a company where our employees work with pride," said Tomohiko Ikeda, chairman, president and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. "Together we hope to create a reputation of distinction, service and respect." 
The CEI rated 583 businesses evaluating non-discrimination policies, health and domestic partner benefits. Subaru's efforts in ensuring LGBT equality in each of the survey's main criterion earned it the prestigious 100% ranking. 

9/1 Labor Day

8/30 Review and compare the 08 WRX, STI, Evo, BMW 135i, VW R32, Sentra SE-R, Chevy Cobalt SS, and Dodge Caliber SRT4 in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.  In stores or online online subscription req

8/28 Subaru cleans up their painting process.  SIA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive) has converted from a solvent borne to a water borne paint process for Subaru production in its Lafayette facility. The company completed the switch in less than a month, during the plant's annual summer shutdown in July. The company says the new paint process reduces hazardous materials handling, improves future capacity and creates long-term cost savings. SIA chose to switch to a water-borne paint process include the positive environmental impact and reduced hazardous materials handling.

8/26 09 Impreza prices announced The 09 WRX is $645 more than the 08, 2.5GT is $455 lower. No changes announced yet for the 09 STI.  Check here WRX, STI, GT I 2.5i, Premium, Outback Sport. (contact me if you want to order an 09, takes app 6-8weeks)

8/25 09 WRX comments
from Jalopink '.. Go home!" Something about the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX makes you want to speed. And here in Canada, where they take the law literally, blatantly flouting limits really stands out. Of course, something about the WRX will always sit uncomfortably with the surrounding world, no matter the pace. While it's been modified for 2009, just one year after its launch with 41 more horsepower, stiffened suspension and STI-esque bodykit, it remains one of the ugliest cars on sale...' more
from Autoweeek: 'Automakers aren't big on admitting mistakes. Although Subaru folks won't go so far as to say they screwed up the all-new 2008 Impreza WRX introduced last year, they've already developed an improved 2009 model. You don't need Judge Judy to tell you that's an admission that they missed the target on the first attempt.  WRX devotees and the enthusiast press blasted Subaru for making the new car too soft. The people spoke, and Subaru listened. "The '08 car was a big leap forward, and it brought in a lot of new customers," said Martyn Harding, Impreza product-planning manager. "But it was just not exciting..." more
from Motortrend 'You might forgive the styling if the 2008 WRX handled anything like its less-ungainly predecessor. Subaru understands that, and has resharpened the WRX's chassis just one year into the new model cycle, while adding 41 horses and 18 lb-ft, making it a better match for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's 237 hp and 253 lb-ft... ' more

8/21 Impreza review  'I recently had the good fortune to spend several days in San Diego on vacation with my family. My trusty ride was a Lightning Red 2008 Subaru Impreza, and it was the perfect car for the job. It’s easy to overlook the Impreza next to its more famous competitors — cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. But Imprezas, like all Subarus, come with standard all-wheel drive. Subarus are famous for their ruggedness. Early on, they became favorites of skiers and campers for their ability to get to where the action is in comfort and with economical and reliable service. 
Our test vehicle, despite its compact proportions, swallowed up our luggage with ease.. The new car has borrowed from the BMW stylebook, a common industry practice... If you are seeking reliable, even amusing, transportation with the safety of four-wheel drive, why settle for an ordinary car?'  the article

8/20 Forester, incomplete window stickers Some 09 Foresters with a lot of options may have more options than fit on the window sticker. As a result, the MSRP price on the sticker may not make sense because it includes options -not- shown on the sticker. Click here for photos of the sticker

8/17 Forester review 'When Subaru redesigned its Forester wagon for 2009, it transformed the fearless, spunky hauler from purely practical to assertively stylish. That's a big change for a model that once looked as if appearance was the last value its creators considered. As if, after so carefully crafting the vehicle's go-anywhere, all-wheel-drive power system, and its plucky, through-the-muck platform, engineers covered the workings with any old body that fit. The redesigned, 2009 model is still an upright, high-clearance wagon with a wide cargo bay and a long-running roof that's indispensable for hauling mountain bikes and kayaks and such. But like other recently styled crossovers, Forester's sleeker, more streamlined body now motors more comfortably to venues outside of outdoor recreation sites. As a result, (east coast Subaru dealer) Aaron Singer sees newcomers trading in a variety of different models to get the new Subaru. They're giving up SUVs and pickups, of course, but just about everyone is getting out of those. Singer also has new customers exchanging popular Toyota Camry sedans for Foresters. Last week he took a Nissan Altima as a trade-in...' the article

8/15 How many cars did the average new car dealer sell July, 08? The average Subaru dealer sold 27 cars in July 2008. What's important is really the number of dealers a manufacturer has. For example, there are only 82 Mini dealers in the US so those dealers dowe well.  For comparison, there are almost 600 Subaru dealers and Toyota has almost 1,450 dealers. Here's the top half of the 'sales per dealership' list for July: Toyota 143, Honda 123, Lexus 100, Nissan 81, BMW 71, Mini 62, Mercedes 60, Infiniti 51, Acura 48, Kia 43, Saturn 41, Ford 37, Chevy 34, VW 34, Mazda 33, Subaru 27, Audi 25, Dodge 19... all the way to Rolls Royce at 1 car per dealer in July.