2013 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a small rear-wheel-drive sports car which was jointly developed between Toyota and Subaru. Variants are sold as the Scion FR-S in the US and the Toyota GT86 in other markets. The BRZ is a small coupe with seating for four passengers. Power is provided by a 2.0l horizontally opposed or boxer engine. All models are rear-wheel-drive for performance reasons, which makes the BRZ the only car without standard all-wheel-drive in Subaru's lineup. The closest competitive vehicle is the Nissan 370Z which is similar in size, but has a more powerful V6 engine and a significantly higher price tag.
2012 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact all-wheel-drive crossover SUV with seating for five. Similar in size to the Honda CR-V the Forester has more than enough passenger room and cargo volume to suit a small family. Standard all-wheel-drive adds an extra measure of security in bad weather. The standard four-cylinder boxer engine produces 170-bhp and is mated to a somewhat antiquated four-speed automatic transmission. A higher-performance turbocharged version of the 2.5l four cylinder is included in the Forester XT models. The Forester is well equipped from the Premium trim level and above, but there are more fuel-efficient alternatives on the market.
2012 Subaru Impreza 5d
The Impreza is Subaru's compact line of cars. Available as either a sedan or 5-door wagon, the Impreza stands apart from other models in the segment with standard all-wheel-drive. Subaru is also unique in their use of horizontally-opposed engines. The 2.0l four-cylinder engine in the Impreza produces 148-bhp. When equipped with the CVT transmission, the Impreza is rated at an impressive 27 / 36 (city/highway) which exceeds the two-wheel-drive mileage of some competitive offerings. Compared to other compact cars like the Ford Focus, the Impreza offers more passenger and cargo room. With well-equipped models starting at around $20,000, the Impreza is an exceptional value.
2012 Subaru Impreza sedan
The Impreza is Subaru's compact line of cars. Available as either a sedan or 5-door wagon, the Impreza stands apart from other models in the segment with standard all-wheel-drive. Subaru is also unique in their use of horizontally-opposed engines. The 2.0l four-cylinder engine in the Impreza produces 148-bhp. When equipped with the CVT transmission, the Impreza is rated at an impressive 27 / 36 (city/highway) which exceeds the two-wheel-drive mileage of some competitive offerings. Compared to other compact cars like the Ford Focus, the Impreza offers more passenger and cargo room. With well-equipped models starting at around $20,000, the Impreza is an exceptional value.
2012 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door
As an all-around performance value, it's hard to beat the AWD Impreza WRX. The WRX is powered by a 265-bhp turbo flat-4 coupled to a 5-speed manual. The sophisticated AWD powertrain allows the WRX to provide all weather performance and handling. The 2012 model is a generation behind the normal Impreza. A new model is due for 2013.
2012 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan
As an all-around performance value, it's hard to beat the AWD Impreza WRX. The WRX is powered by a 265-bhp turbo flat-4 coupled to a 5-speed manual. The sophisticated AWD powertrain allows the WRX to provide all weather performance and handling. The 2012 model is a generation behind the normal Impreza. A new model is due for 2013.
2012 Subaru Legacy Sedan
The Legacy is an attractive midsize sedan with standard AWD. A 2010 redesign addressed one of the Legacy's historical shortcomings by adding some four inches of additional rear seat room. The standard 170-bhp flat-4 "boxer" (Legacy 2.5i) is coupled to either a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission. Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the CVT turn in a respectable EPA rating 23 / 31 (city/hwy). The Legacy 3.6R models upgrade the engine to a 3.6l boxer 6-cylinder and include a five-speed automatic in place of the CVT. Enthusiasts will prefer the sporty 2.5GT with its 265-bhp turbo, and 6-speed manual. With well-equipped models priced from $22,000, the Legacy is an exceptional value for a roomy, all-wheel-drive sedan.
2012 Subaru Outback
The iconic AWD Outback Wagon provides all the room and traction that many people need from an SUV without the bulk and poor fuel economy. The increased ground clearance and strengthened suspension improve off-pavement capabilities, but the Outback really excels at traversing deep snowdrifts and muddy roads. The Outback range includes 2.5i models with a four-cylinder boxer engine and 3.6R models with a more powerful 6-cylinder boxer engine. A number of trim levels range from basic to well-equipped. Competitive vehicles include the Dodge Journey, Toyota Venza, and Honda Crosstour. None of these vehicles can match the legroom, cargo volume, fuel-economy and affordable all-wheel-drive capabilities of the Outback.
2012 Subaru Tribeca
Introduced in 2006, the Tribeca was Subaru's entry in to the burgeoning SUV market. With three rows of seating for 7 passengers, the Tribeca is smaller than most models that fill the segment today. This places the Tribeca at a disadvantage for three-row legroom and cargo volume. Power is provided by a 256-bhp, 3.6L 6-cylinder boxer engine and a 5-speed automatic is the only offered transmission. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is standard. A leather-equipped Tribeca lists for around $33,000, but at that price there are larger and more fuel efficient alternatives. The Tribeca is built in Lafayette, Indiana.
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