Current models overview, FAQ
Spec pages: prices, options, photos, colors..
Outback: 2008; all years;
Impreza 2008 WRX, STI; 2.5i, Outback; all years
Forester: 2009, 2008; all years; 
Legacy: 2008; all years;
Tribeca: 2008, 2007; all years
Rebates & lnterest Rates
Forum Subaru & Bricklin, US, Canada; RHDs

other sites
crash tests: summary by model, 
nhtsa.gov, hwysafety.org, iihs.org; 
more car and safety links below

Factory Parts www.AllSubaru.com
Aftermarket performance parts, upgrades
www.worldoneperformance.com
Aftermarket Subaru repair
Smart Service in Shoreline and Mukilteo, Wa

Site best viewed with small font  ...  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. And no advertising. 
Suggestions, tips welcomed. Send to Joe Spitz (internet sales in Seattle) who is solely responsible for content. All info subject to change, correction.

Rebates, Rates for May. Updated 5/7 Lease dealer incentive on Outback 2.5i manual transmision now $1270 + rebate. Outback automatic now $1500, lower rates on Tribecas. 09 Forester rates 4.5%. 0%x24mos continues on 08s, $2000 on Forester X.
Diesel in Europe now, here in the U.S. in 2009?
Forum for Subarus and Bricklins, plus right hand drive postal cars ...

Hands free cell phones required for drivers starting July 1, 2008 in Washington State and California. This is in additon to existing laws in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Wa, DC., and cities Santa Fe, Brooklyn (Ohio), and Chicago. Some states have laws regarding 'distracted' driving which would include cell phone use.

Canadians-  Yes I sell used Subarus to Canadian residents. If you are interested in buying a pre-owned Subaru Outback, Tribeca, Forester or Impreza in the Seattle area, please call me at 206 769-7821. More info, how it works click here

5/16 Forester review 'If Subaru didn't invent the crossover sport utility vehicle, it was right there at the category's dawn... Even as the SUV craze took over, Subaru stuck to its guns. In 1997, it became the first brand in the U.S. to make all-wheel drive standard on all models. Subaru jacked up its Legacy and Impreza models and called them Outbacks. In 1997, it brought out the Forester, still a crossover but one that looked more like a boxy SUV... designers took pains to make the new vehicle even more user-friendly.. There are seven new Forester models, starting with the 2.5X at $20,660. That includes all-wheel drive with a five-speed manual gearbox and a high level of standard equipment: stability and traction control, antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, side air bags and side-curtain air bags, active head restraints, air conditioning, remote locking, power windows and cruise control...'  the article

5/14  Nice reputation.  SoA is #2 adoption-friendly workplace, a very nice award. Subaru of America was ranked #2 on the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America list released today by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The list was made up of large, medium and small businesses with Subaru named #2 in the medium sized company category. 'This is a great honor for us to be recognized as one of the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America,” said Tom Doll, exec VP/ CFO “We are proud of our reputation as a family-focused organization.” Rita Soronen, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s executive director, said the list debuted in 2007 and includes the top 100 organizations that provide exceptional support to employees who adopt. “More than 50 organizations nationwide established or enhanced their adoption benefits for 2008. As a result, employers who made the list offered more robust adoption benefits packages this year to make it. Rankings for the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America list are based on the amount of financial assistance and paid leave provided. The foundation compiled the results from survey data collected from 919 U.S. employers. Several survey partners helped extend the survey’s scope even further by asking their subscribers/members to participate: Employee Benefit News, a SourceMedia publication that is the leading source of information for benefits decision makers; the National Restaurant Association; and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. In addition to ranking the top 100, the foundation also recognized the top 10 by size, the leaders of each industry, and companies who support the cause of adoption and adoptive families in other ways. Go to AdoptionFriendlyWorkplaces.org to view each of the lists.

5/12 Love makes a Subaru? Subaru owners appreciate the car for the practical things it does, on slick or dusty or back roads, or just hauling the family and dog around. Especially now with gas prices. Here's an advertising review  'Considering the Japanese automaker has changed taglines and agencies numerous times in the last decade, you might be wondering what "makes a Subaru a Subaru." Turns out it's a four-letter word: love....  The best of the bunch, we see two cars following each other on an empty road at dusk until they get to what looks like an automotive cemetery "Two days of driving. Larry following me all the way in the new one. We round a corner and there it is: Subaru Heaven. You don't let some wrecker haul your 300,000-mile Forester off to who knows where. You give that car a chance to live on, one part at a time." .. It turns out that Subaru owners do this in real life, and there's no doubt that the series humanizes the car..'   read more

5/11 Happy Mother's Day

5/10 Lease dealer incentive on Outback 2.5i manual transmision increased to $1270 + rebate, starting 5/7. see rebates

5/8 Advertising change Subaru has combined all advertising with Carmichael Lynch, including internet and web, in addition to brand, retail, and media. Carmichael Lynch also does digital work with Harley-Davidson. "Within the automotive category, Subaru's customers are among the most Web savvy..  we're excited to weave digital strategy and execution into Subaru's overall brand campaign."  The account had been with R/GA, and both are part of the Interpublic Group. the article

5/7 Outback Sport review Consumer Reports tests and compares the new 08 Impreza Outback Sport, Mini Cooper Clubman. Scion xD, Toyota Matrix, Saturn Astra, VW Rabbit. June 08 issue and online consumerreports.org 

5/6 Snow tires. Yes it's summer but never to early to talk about snow and a new tire design with hidden studs that you extend when needed. 'QTires has developed this patented all-weather tire technology'. The studs extend from the surface of the tire in snow and ice, they're anti-corrosive safety studs that deploy when you need them providing optimal control on icy roads, then retract when driving conditions are safer..' This could be just the thing for those of us in winter states who like traction and safety but not the constant, droning, miserable, road-eating, butt-rumbling, ball bearing feeling of studded tires. More to come...

5/4 Forester review: 'Subaru has taken its trusty pooch that was traditionally wrapped in box-like styling and added some French Poodle. It is almost as if the Forester was on an off-road adventure, kissed a frog, and is now ready to be displayed in Vanity Fair.
The '09 (that's right model year '09!), Forester could not be any different from those that Fuji Heavy (the parent company) has cranked out since 1997. It's good they didn't use the parent name in this country, for fear it would be confused with a pro wrestler.
We'd recommend the well-made and priced-right Forester to any consumer who is joining the trend toward cross over vehicles. From its "hawk eye headlights" to its sweeping but simple lines, the new Forester is now the design equal of its competition, the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV. But it's still a very utilitarian little crossover utility vehicle (perish the thought that we should call it a wagon!) with the horizontally opposed 2.5-liter engine, all wheel drive in two forms, and Subaru's continuing promise of quality and durability..  Ask the people in Maine and Vermont. These little rascals last forever.'  read the article

5/3 Tips to improve fuel economy
Tires. Properly inflated tires improves mileage. Subaru is generally 33-35psi, but check your tire sidewall or the manufacturer sticker on the door jam. Higher tire pressure, gives a slightly firmer ride and better economy. 
Avoid quick, jackrabbit, green light starts. Zoom-zoom may be fun but it's bad for economy.
Avoid fast-slow, speed-up and slow-down freeway driving. Steady is better.
Cold engine. Don't push a cold engine, it won't accelerate as well, as quickly or smoothly, as a warm one.
Take out extra weight and junk from the trunk.
Use the recommended motor oil. Subaru is generally 5-30w.
Roof racks. Remove things from the rack that cause air drag.
Air conditioning, turn off when not needed. Note that A/C dries out the air and is needed to defrost the car and windshield, and most cars don't give you a choice but if they do, use the a/c for safety. Also the Mythbuster guys (on TV) did a test and found that a/c uses less gas than driving with windows down. And a/c should at least be used monthly to maintain the system.
Avoid excessive idling, but it's good to let any cold engine run for 15-20 seconds or so before putting it in gear.
Try not run out of gas and suck in debris and gunk from the bottom of the tank that clogs the fuel system. Also water and condensation can happen in an empty tank
Clean air filter. It's easy and makes a difference. 
with help from msnbc.com

5/2 10 top gas guzzlers based on driving 15,000 miles per year, from Forbes. 'The gas-greedy SRT 8 (Jeep Grand Cherokee) is equipped with a 6.1-liter V8 engine, gets 11 miles to the gallon in the city and 14 on the highway. Owners can expect to shell out $4,186 a year at the pump. More popular Cherokee versions, like those equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI engine, have an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,132, which is comparable to similarly equipped Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and Chevrolet Aspen SUVs.. The Lamborghini Murcielago and the Bugatti Veyron are the worst gas guzzlers among two-seaters, and across all vehicle classes. Drivers of both can expect to pay $5,025 a year in fuel costs. Both are estimated to get eight miles to the gallon in city driving but the Lamborghini gets 13 miles to the gallon on the highway and the Bugatti 14. The Bentley Azure, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,568, topped the compact car category; among midsize cars, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, ($4,377 in annual fuel costs) won; and the midsize Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG station wagon topped its class with $3,438 in annual fuel costs.' read the article. Fuel economy chart: what do you spend per year?

5/1 April sales: US total 16,771, up 22% over April 2007, and the best April ever. Outback 4,137 (ytd 15,736 ), Legacy 1,890 (ytd 7,015), Forester 5,339, Tribeca 1,395, Impreza 4,101 (sedan April 1,186, ytd 6854, wagon April 2,124, ytd 8,335). 
Canada sales total 1,970, up 35.3% over last April 07. Impreza is the top selling Subaru in Canada.

4/28 Subaru releases a clearly worded turbo maintenance schedule and driving tips: The following information updates factory recommendations for the care and maintenance of new Subaru turbocharged vehicles.
The turbocharger, commonly called a “turbo,” is operated by the energy contained in the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas spins a turbine inside the turbocharger at an extremely high speed (more than 100,000 rpm). That compresses the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders, which creates higher power output. Because of the turbine’s rotation speed and the high temperature of the exhaust gas driving the turbo, proper cooling is needed to maintain its durability. Engine oil plays a major role in lubricating and cooling the turbo, so following recommended oil change guidelines is important...   oil and oil filter change interval for turbo vehicles is every 3,750 miles or four months,' the full article

4/26 more on the turbo engine stop sale  'supplies of magnetic oil pan drain plugs used in the oil screening are somewhat limited.  Therefore, we are asking dealers to limit their orders..'

4/25 new ad campaign Subaru marketed as an alternative to the mainstream?  A new ad "Love. It’s What Makes a Subaru a Subaru" is to be shown to dealers at their national meeting this week.  'SoA announced a new ad based on the strong emotional bond Subaru owners have with their vehicles. While most consumers have heard of Subaru and believe it to be a good product, 60% have no strong emotional opinion or attachment to the brand. Subaru owners are known for their outspoken passion and love for the brand...
The campaign squarely places the car and the consumer at the center of the advertising. John Colasanti, CEO of Carmichael Lynch (hired last October to replace DDB) said, “Subaru owners are ‘experience seekers’ - they want to live bigger, more engaged lives. They choose Subaru as a conscious alternative to the mainstream. To them, the car is the enabler of that bigger life.”
By focusing on the love they have for their car, Subaru is challenging non-owners: do you love your car?
“Love is the most powerful emotion and “I love my Subaru”is the most used phraseI hear about our brand,” says Tim Mahoney of SoA. “We wanted to show the bond between Subaru owners and their cars through this work.”  Mahoney and Carmichael Lynch worked together when Mahoney was at Porsche. Estimated ad budget $200m.

4/24 Boxer Diesel review (the diesel is now for sale in Europe, nothing about when it might come here). 'Now that the air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle and its siblings rest in peace, only Porsche and Subaru stand by the boxer-engine principle. In a worldwide first, the Japanese have now taught the horizontally opposed piston engine to feed on diesel fuel. The layout? A 2.0-liter, aluminum-block, four-cam four-cylinder.
We tried the promising fuel miser in the Legacy sedan and the Outback wagon, and we came away impressed. Like all horizontally opposed engines, Subaru's new diesel eliminates second-order shaking forces. The end result is a smoothness - and a lack of noise - not usually associated with an oil burner. The 148-hp four-cylinder revs to a 4400-rpm redline, and although it's not ridiculously quick (60 mph arrives in 8.5 seconds, according to Subaru), prompt accelerator-pedal response and a wide, middle-of-the-tach sweet spot go a long way. Fuel economy is expected to average about 40 mpg in Legacy-based applications, and top speed will likely approach 130 mph.
Subarus' diesel hits Europe this month, but happily, its stateside arrival isn't far off - American Subaru dealers are due to see it in 2010. Subaru of America has not yet decided which vehicles it will offer with the diesel, but the Legacy, the Outback, and the Forester seem like obvious candidates. As one would expect, the usual modern diesel equipment will be present, including common-rail, high-pressure fuel injection; four valves per cylinder; a particulate filter; and a variable-vane turbocharger.
If 148 hp doesn't seem like much, fear not: an output bump is reportedly in the works, along with a six-cylinder variant sporting up to 300 hp for certain markets. Incidentally, Subaru is also working on combustion tweaks and a more sophisticated catalyst that will allow its diesels to meet emissions regulations without using urea injection. The mood in-house is nothing if not ambitious. "We think we're on the right track," states a senior Subaru engineer. "In a few years, 30 percent of all Subarus will be diesel-powered." That's a hefty goal, especially since it remains to be seen if diesel cars will really catch on in America. For now, however, Subaru has made a commendable first step.' the article

4/23 Canadian Forester prices: X starts at $25,795 ($1,200 less than an 08). Touring starts $27,995, Limited starts $32,395- (whopping $3,700 less than the previous model). The turbocharged 2.5 XT Limited priced $34,895.  Standard features include heated seats, air conditioning, telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. 

4/21 Turbo engine stop sale announcement 'We took this action as a “Customer First” preventive action as we had confirmed, in other markets, that there was a small possibility of an “Engine Knocking Noise” caused by a contamination in the area of the connecting rod big end journal at very low mileage/time in service.
The action was successful in preventing the potential of failures for our customers. Subaru has defined a (an oil) screening process that you must perform to all of the affected vehicles in your inventory before delivery to a customer or putting in demonstrator service. The screening process consists of several steps to inspect the condition of the engine oil to determine if the engine is not affected by the contamination, is already damaged, or has a potential for damage...' read more

4/18 Guaranteed Trade-in Program (GTP), runs 4/21 - 6/30/08. Applies to any 2003-2006 traded in against a new 2008 or 2009.  May include $500 coupon good toward the future purchase of Subaru accessories, parts, service, Subaru Added Security Plan or another New Subaru Vehicle (allow 6-8 weeks for coupon delivery). Your Subaru dealer will have details on the GTP value. Trade must meet mile and condition requirements.

4/17/08 Crash Test: 09 Forester is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and gets good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard DVC electronic stability control. Front crash test, side crash test.

4/17. Turbo engine stop sale (pls refer to 4/5/08 below). It's my understanding Subaru will be replacing a small number of turbo engines built after early January due to a manufacturing problem that left metal shavings in the engine that could cause early bearing failure. 

4/12  Legacy 3.0R review:  'Sports-car-like paddle shifters, a six-cylinder engine and seats trimmed with perforated leather aren't typically expected in Subaru sedans. But they are standard equipment for the newest version of the Subaru Legacy 3.0R...  luxury and sportiness can combine comfortably in a Subaru car with an unassuming exterior... Like European models, the Legacy 3.0 R Limited tester -- built in Lafayette, Ind. -- stuck to the roads tenaciously. Even on rainy surfaces, the car didn't lose traction...' the full article

4/11 Tribeca gets new lower interest rates and lease specials on Tribecas. Check Rebates, Rates.

4/11  STI review: 'While some people bemoan the fact that Subaru made the STI a hatchback, you can at least take comfort in knowing that the decision was for performance reasons. That extra rigidity from the rear roof section goes a long way, a Subaru engineer admitted to us last fall.
This STI is a vast improvement over the outgoing car in many ways. The former was a monster in a straight line but only so-so when it came to chucking it around a turn. The new car keeps the rocket-ship acceleration but adds nice cornering ability to its bag of tricks. Thank the stiffer chassis, the new rear double-wishbone suspension and the adjustable center differential to help dial out the understeer. We would, however, like to see a better brake package to bleed off speed as quickly as the engine generates it. 
The suspension is noticeably cushier, and there is an unexpected amount of body roll for a flagship performance vehicle, but it's a tradeoff for better on-road mannerisms. It's all part of the plan to appeal to a wider audience that doesn't like being jolted by every rut and pothole in the road. This also explains the quieter and more comfortable cabin.
It is fun to play with the adjustability offered with SI-Drive, the center differential and dynamic controls that can be set to maintain power during an intentional drift. The amount of technology is certainly worthy of a flagship vehicle..'  the full article

4/10 Toyoya buys more of Subaru and there will be a new sports car for both companies!
Tokyo, Japan, Apr 10, 2008 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) announced today that they have agreed to expand their cooperative ties with new arrangements related to research and development and product supply. Specifically, the three companies - aiming to strengthen their competitiveness by achieving mutual synergies through the apt application of each company's technological know-how - decided that:
1) TMC and FHI are to jointly develop a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that will be marketed by both TMC and FHI. 
2) TMC is to provide FHI with a compact car on an original-equipment-manufacturing (OEM) basis. 
3) Daihatsu is to supply FHI with minivehicles and an FHI version of the Daihatsu "Coo" compact car on an OEM basis. 
The compact rear-wheel sports car to be jointly developed by TMC and FHI is envisioned to offer a new "fun to drive" experience based on an all-new vehicle platform powered by an FHI core-technology horizontally-opposed engine. Market introduction is targeted for the end of 2011. Production is to take place at a new plant to be built at FHI's Gunma Manufacturing Division in Japan's Gunma Prefecture. The compact car that TMC is to provide FHI on an OEM basis is aimed at letting FHI supplement its product lineup.... see the full article
More from edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=125558

4/9 New Certified Pre-Owned used car program (CPO) webpage with information, interest rates etc.

4/8 Fake Warranty letters  Did you get a letter trying to sell you an aftermarket warranty ?They're not from Subaru.  Read more here. 

4/7 End of the L.L.Bean name on Outbacks and Foresters. Subaru and LL Bean will not be renewing their partnership when the agreement ends June 30, 2008. That means no more new LL Bean named models, of course the cars will continue with new names. Just the name is changing!
2009 Forester LL Bean production ends the first week of April. Foresters produced after that will be the 2.5X Limited.
2008 Outback L.L.Bean models will complete the model year run, produced ending April, 2008.
2009 Outback LL Beans will be either the 2.5i Limited or 3.0R Limited, and the 09 2.5i Limited becomes the 2.5i Premium.

4/6 Subaru sponsors the Elephant Rock bike festival, May 30 to June 1 in Castle Rock, Colorado. Participants also get Subaru VIP prices. 'Where can you find an 8-mile family course, 32, 50, 65, 100-mile road rides, a 25-mile off-road course and a 24-hour ride during a weekend? The annual pilgrimage to Castle Rock, Colo, marks the first major cycling festival of the season for participants from near and far.  Subaru Elephant Rock participants are encouraged to register early this year before the 7,000-rider limit is met' more from Velonews.com

4/5  Turbo engine stop sale update 4/17. It's my understanding Subaru will be replacing a small number of turbo engines built after early January with a manufacturing defect that could potentially cause early bearing failure.

(updated 4/7/8) Subaru announced a stop sale on all of the 2008/2009 Subaru Impreza, Forester, Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Turbo Engine produced with the beginning chassis number and later as shown below "due to several reports of "Engine Knocking Noise” from other markets on vehicles produced after the production dates listed. Initial investigation confirms an internal wear issue on the failed units. In the interest of preventing any possibility of failures for our customers, we have chosen to isolate any potentially affected vehicles by ceasing sales of the potentially affected units until the root cause and correction can be identified. All the other displacement engines and the 2.5L Natural Aspirated Engine are excluded from this action". 
Forester VIN 701045 or later, date 2008/01/08 or later; 
Impreza sedan VIN 523363 or later, date 2008/01/08 or later; Impreza wagon VIN 825183 or later, date 2008/01/08 or later; 
Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd VIN 222825 or later, date 2008/02/04 or later;  2.5GT specB VIN 222958 or later, date 2008/02/04 or later; 
Outback 2.5XT Limited VIN 353835 or later, date 2008/02/01 or later 

4/3 Toyota buys another small piece of Subaru There are reports this week that Toyota may expand its holdings in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. -- the parent company of Subaru. Toyota owns an 8.7 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, and both companies separately denied a report in The Nikkei business daily they were considering raising Toyota's stake in Fuji to 17 percent. The Nikkei indicated Toyota planned to spend 30 billion yen, or $295 million, to increase the partnership. Through an investment valued at $230 million, employees at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette began producing Toyota Camry vehicles in April 2007. The deal added 1,100 jobs at SIA. more

4/1 April US sales total 16,685:  Outback 4,378, Legacy 2,205, Impreza 4,446, Forester 4,615, Tribeca 1,041.
Canada sales total: 1,639.

4/1 Impreza performance parts. Subaru releases the 2008 Impreza SPT (Subaru Performance Tuning) Cat-Back Exhaust Systems. 'The new stainless steel exhaust system replaces the stock WRX center pipe and rear muffler assembly with a smooth flowing, low restriction, better-sounding exhaust note, plus a 10 horsepower increase! The 2008 Impreza SPT Cat-Back Exhaust Systems are covered by the 3-Year, 36,000 mile Subaru Accessory Parts Warranty, and may be installed by the dealer.' more 08 WRX info

Lowest Discount Subaru prices on Outback, Forester, Legacy, Tribeca. Serving Seattle, Kirkland, Everett, Bellevue, Bellingham, Renton, Olympia, Auburn, Puyallup, Tacoma, Marysville, Monroe, Skagit, Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Shoreline, Edmonds, Kingston, Pt. Angles, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Vancouver, Spokane, Pullman, Moscow, Tri-cities, Walla-Walla, Portland, Bend, Eugene, Ashland, Salem, Missoula, Boise, Ketchikan, Anchorage, Juneau, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Napa, Eureka, Shasta, Weed, Lake Tahoe, Grass Valley, Mendocino, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, California. Import a Subaru into Canada, British Columbia BC, Alberta AB, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, Surrey, Jasper, Red Deer, Kelowna, North Vancouver, Sherwood Park, Coquitlam, Richmond, Salmon Arm ....