Subaru October sales - not for the faint of heart

[rao]

http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/bee3a7e4037e46a0a0e487702d244431/Subaru_October_%202005_Sales%20final_webversion.do c

:eek:

Here are September's results for comparison

http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/a23152f69d2e41d99082ad0408ce2b7c/Subaru_September_%202005_Sales%20for%20Web.doc

[rfd425]

Am I missing something here? It seems like pretty routine data to me. What's the :eek: all about?

Also, shouldn't some mod move this to "Subaru News and Rumors?";)

[iuksob03]

I kinda wondered that myself. Down to the prior month, but still up compared to a year ago. Beats down 23% for the quarter :)

[rao]

Moved my own thread :lol:

You folks must work in professional sports where you can have a "rebuilding year" :lol:

[rfd425]

Moved my own thread :lol:

Yessssssss! I pwn3d a mod!!!!111!!:laugh:

[petmor]

As you know, everything is relative. Here in Sweden the sales of the Legacy were 259 cars. Jan-Oct sales are 1391 cars. The car has 0,62% market share. The total amount of cars here are less than 1/3 of the sales of new cars per year in the US. I'll do my share to hike the november figures when I collect my car in 2 weeks(can't wait)

Peter

[Jon [in CT]]

You folks must work in professional sports where you can have a "rebuilding year" :lol:And you must not have a clue about the US auto market. Subaru's 4% increase in sales over last month looks pretty damned good to me. Looking at the industry as a whole, sales of new cars and trucks fell 14.1% relative to October, 2004, the steepest decline in 13 years. It was blamed on hurricanes and the end of employee pricing incentives. Only four manufacturers managed to increase sales last month relative to October, 2004:
Subaru +1.5%
Toyota +1.4%
Mitsubishi +1.4%
Honda +0.4%

Subaru led the industry last month on a percentage increase basis. How can anyone construe that as bad news?

[melayout]

+1, look at the total number of vehicles sold year to year, at least 8000+.

The year-to-year comparison is too narrow and doesn't show the whole picture.

They probably sold much more earlier months and just lower in this month, but the total number of vehicles sold month-to-month and total is beating previous numbers.

[rao]

']And you must not have a clue about the US auto market. Subaru's 4% increase in sales over last month looks pretty damned good to me. Looking at the industry as a whole, sales of new cars and trucks fell 14.1% relative to October, 2004, the steepest decline in 13 years. It was blamed on hurricanes and the end of employee pricing incentives. Only four manufacturers managed to increase sales last month relative to October, 2004:
Subaru +1.5%
Toyota +1.4%
Mitsubishi +1.4%
Honda +0.4%

Subaru led the industry last month on a percentage increase basis. How can anyone construe that as bad news?


You must be right, I don't have a clue about this or anyting else :lol:

Take a look at the year to date numbers; they are slipping. Subaru's all new Legacy is already topped out with a 1% increase in sales over its introduction year, the all new Tribeca will barely hit 20,000 units. The Impreza is droping and the Baja is in a continued free-fall. That is alot of investment for a whole lot of nothing. I doubt you will see a lot of prss releases about Subaru of Americas record profits after the end of the year.

But yes, the numbers are great rah! rah!

[fzanetti]

+1, look at the total number of vehicles sold year to year, at least 8000+.

The year-to-year comparison is too narrow and doesn't show the whole picture.

They probably sold much more earlier months and just lower in this month, but the total number of vehicles sold month-to-month and total is beating previous numbers.

Exactly man!!!!

Well written... Most of the manufacturers are selling less nowadays, and the downhill started a couple of year ago when the economy slowed down a little bit, and even though SOA still has been selling and increasing the market share on most of its car markets - now with the B9...

Flavio Zanetti
Boston, MA

[subydoobiedo]

I HAVE WORKED IN THE US AUTOMARKET FOR 25 YEARS NOW.. FOR SUBARU TO HAVE ANY INCREASE AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME IS CLEARLY ENCOURAGING! SO GO AND BE HAPPY..

SORRY FOR ALL CAPS....MY MAINFRAME SESSION REQUIRES IT

[fzanetti]

I HAVE WORKED IN THE US AUTOMARKET FOR 25 YEARS NOW.. FOR SUBARU TO HAVE ANY INCREASE AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME IS CLEARLY ENCOURAGING! SO GO AND BE HAPPY..

SORRY FOR ALL CAPS....MY MAINFRAME SESSION REQUIRES IT

Exactly!!!!!!

Flavio Zanetti
Boston, MA

[SUBE555]

I'm no accountant, but that sounds pretty good to me. :)

[melayout]

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/BUSINESS/11/08/japan.fujiheavy.reut/

Hopefully it's just a phase. :sad:

[rao]

See, what do I know :rolleyes:

The niche maker of all-wheel-drive cars has been struggling to get back on a recovery track due to sluggish sales in its all-important North American market, which accounts for a third of its total vehicle turnover.

Fuji Heavy had been counting on the B9 Tribeca premium sport utility vehicle to raise profit margins in the United States, but demand for the model has fallen far short of targets.

[Jon [in CT]]

See, what do I know :rolleyes:Yeah, I'm still trying to figure that out. The way in which FHI reports its results (1st half year) mutes what actually happened in the most recent quarter (July 1 through Sept 30). If one takes the time to subtract out FHI's 1st quarter numbers from its 1st half numbers, a clearer picture of how FHI is trending emerges. Luckily, a Bloomberg reporter has done all the heavy lifting and here's his report, from http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000101&sid=aPul9a3GyFFA: Fuji Heavy 2nd-Quarter Profit Rises 19% on Cost Cuts

Nov. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the Toyota Motor Corp. affiliate which makes Subaru-brand cars, had a 19 percent rise in second-quarter net income, helped by cost cuts and a strengthening dollar.

Net income rose to 9.1 billion yen ($77 million) compared with 7.7 billion yen in the year-ago period. Sales fell 4.2 percent to 367 billion yen. Bloomberg derived the figures from first-half results released today.

Fuji Heavy, which gets about 40 percent of its sales from North America, has benefited from the dollar's 14.5 percent increase against the yen this year. The Tokyo-based carmaker plans to cut 700 jobs through voluntary retirement by the end of January to shave 7 billion yen in annual costs.

"Fuji Heavy is cutting costs and was also aided by the yen,'' said Koji Endo, an analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston Securities (Japan) Ltd. after the results were announced. "The automaker is cutting costs in capital expenditure and research and development.'' He rates the company "outperform.''

The company will take an 8 billion yen charge this year to pay for the job cuts. In the first-half of the year it took an 8.4 billion yen charge, which included 5.61 billion yen from canceling the development of a crossover vehicle with GM's Saab unit.

The company reiterated its full-year forecast. It expects net income to fall 34 percent to 12 billion yen on sales of 1.48 trillion yen.

Working With Toyota

Fuji Heavy, which hasn't had a new design in Japan since the R1 minicar in January, is in talks to develop and produce vehicles with Toyota, counting on the country's largest carmaker to help it improve sales. Toyota last month paid General Motors Corp. $315 million cash for 8.7 percent of Fuji Heavy.

The company is still studying joint projects with Toyota, Fuji Heavy's President Kyoji Takenaka said at a press conference in Tokyo. "It will take a year or two to see gains from joint projects with Toyota,'' he said.

Fuji Heavy is counting on its new B9 Tribeca sport-utility vehicle, which went on sale in the U.S. in May, to compensate for declining demand for older designs. The Tribeca is a so- called crossover that combines the size of a van with the all- wheel drive and the power of a sport-utility vehicle. Fuji Heavy said it expects to sell 20,000 Tribecas in the six months ending March 31.

The company expects sales in North America to rise 1.1 percent to 213,000 vehicles this business year. Domestic sales in Japan may fall 6.7 percent to 237,000 units, while global sales may fall 1.4 percent to 573,000 units.

Currency, Cost Cuts

The weaker yen added 200 million yen to the company's first-half operating profit. Cost cuts added 5.9 billion yen to the company's operating profit. The company based its first-half results on a rate of 109 yen to the dollar and expects a rate of 108 yen to the dollar for the full year.

For the first half, net income fell to 7.96 billion yen, the Tokyo-based automaker said in a release today. Sales declined 3.4 percent to 667.1 billion yen.

First-half operating profit, or sales minus expenses and the cost of goods sold, rose 12.3 percent to 17.4 billion yen. Current profit, or pretax profit from operations, fell 10 percent to 13.5 billion yen in the six-month period.

About 18 percent of the company's operating profit came from its non-auto business, including building aircraft parts for Boeing Co.

Shares of Fuji Heavy fell 0.5 percent to 597 yen at the 3 p.m. close in Tokyo. The company released its earnings after the market ended trading.

Last Updated: November 8, 2005 03:41 ESTIn the two days of stock trading after FHI released its results, FHI's stock jumped from ¥597 to as high as ¥614.

[rao]

Sales are falling, profits are falling. Without the cost cuts they would be in the red. In any event the sales picture in the US is not favorable.

[johnny_m]

Fuji Heavy had been counting on the B9 Tribeca premium sport utility vehicle to raise profit margins in the United States, but demand for the model has fallen far short of targets.
And then from Bloomberg:
The Tribeca is a so- called crossover that combines the size of a van with the all- wheel drive and the power of a sport-utility vehicle. Fuji Heavy said it expects to sell 20,000 Tribecas in the six months ending March 31.
I know the current sales if the Tribeca is around 2000 units. This explains why SOA/SOJ feels the Tribeca has fallen short of its targets (expecting 3300 units/month) eventhough it is selling somewhat well for a brand new vehicle.

[fzanetti]

Interesting: "The automaker is cutting costs in capital expenditure and research and development.'' Exactly why Toyota bought its stake into JHI for a coperative new product research and development.... Hmmm something is funny there... Flavio Zanetti Boston, MA Flavio Zanetti Boston, MA

[mach_six]

Cost cut is why we have shitty paint.

[Drakuun]

wow..

Wagons out-sold sedans...

Wagons ftw!!

[SC GT]

Regardless of the numbers:

The Baja is a bust.
The Tribeca appears to be a bust.
The facelift does not appear to be inspiring many on nasioc to trade-in their prior models.
They will further shat themselves if they make the Legacy look like the Tribeca. If they had any brains, they would instead make the Tribeca look more like the Legacy.

As cool as the Alfa Romeo brand may sound, Fuji had better soon realize that part of the reason Alfa Romeo was a bust in the US is because its cars (other than its "Graduate"-type convertibles) are butt ugly.

I see nothing but pain for Fuji in the US if they continue to poison their line by converting to the Alfa design.

[The B4]

Regardless of the numbers:

The Baja is a bust.
The Tribeca appears to be a bust.
The facelift does not appear to be inspiring many on nasioc to trade-in their prior models.
They will further shat themselves if they make the Legacy look like the Tribeca. If they had any brains, they would instead make the Tribeca look more like the Legacy.

As cool as the Alfa Romeo brand may sound, Fuji had better soon realize that part of the reason Alfa Romeo was a bust in the US is because its cars (other than its "Graduate"-type convertibles) are butt ugly.

I see nothing but pain for Fuji in the US if they continue to poison their line by converting to the Alfa design.

1. I bet the baja in its limited numbers in more profitable than the legacy
2. Becky isn't a bust she's just out at a time when "SUV" is a dirty word plus SOA had really unrealistic goals for it. My rep says it is selling well for what it is but FHI forced SOA into lofty goals. Yes i think the front end is ugly but the overall vehicle is nice.
3. The new front end on the Impreza is hot! sales are barely down for the impreza...looks like it is weathering the storm to me.
4. I hope that they integrate the new legacy face as well as the impreza...With the USDM bumpers and all our cars are a tad on the boring side. I would invite the impreza face on the Legacy all day long
5. Alfa Romeo's reliability shot them in the foot.

[EddieWan]

I agree with the thought that at this time any increase in sells is a good thing for any automaker.

[skibum]

Regardless of the numbers:

...They will further shat themselves if they make the Legacy look like the Tribeca. If they had any brains, they would instead make the Tribeca look more like the Legacy.

As cool as the Alfa Romeo brand may sound, Fuji had better soon realize that part of the reason Alfa Romeo was a bust in the US is because its cars (other than its "Graduate"-type convertibles) are butt ugly.

I see nothing but pain for Fuji in the US if they continue to poison their line by converting to the Alfa design.

Indeed. But we only saw a small portion of Alfa's model lineup, as is the case with many "foreign" makes. And like other European makers sadly no longer selling here like Peugeot, Renault, etc., Fiat never really made a strong commitment to our market. Perhaps the "style" of the old 164 wasn't widely accepted, I think the bigger problem was America's perceived lack of quality based on Fiats from many years before along with lack of model choice.

Looks aside, I think a bigger problem for Subaru is the non-customer oriented focus of Subaru of America. There must be 500+ members on this board alone who have complained about SoA's decision to not offer a manual tranny in the '06 Legacy GT Wagon... And how many lurkers have crossed the Legacy off their list for this very reason? It's called "lack of choice". It may work for selling toothpicks or table salt, but for something as expensive and personal as an automobile, it's not exactly part of a recipe for success.

Yet if I wanted to pay a 30% premium (I don't) I could drive to Ontario and order one. The outrageous Canadian pricing structure aside, at least Subaru of Canada isn't spitting in the faces of the shift-for-yourself crowd.

Subaru sells one vehicle at a time, and as a niche player, cannot afford to alienate their traditional buyer base, but to a certain degree, that's exactly what SoA is doing.

[Mach V Dan]

As mentioned above, I think you have to take these numbers in context. The car market is very tough right now. Ford and GM are swimming in red ink -- Ford's debt was just declared "junk" status. Daimler-Chrysler is struggling to make any money. Overall there is huge overcapacity in the industry. Fuel prices are high, interest rates are up. No manufacturer is doing that well. (Okay, maybe Porsche.) But all in all, it's a very tough market. The Subaru picture doesn't look terrible to me. Sales are solid, and the company has good product, good press, and solid R&D.

Now, you want to read some BAD numbers? Look at Mitsubishi.

--Dan
Mach V
FastWRX.com (www.fastwrx.com)

[melayout]

Yearly numbers. New all-time annual record.

http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/9436cb7287614981802837389c9fc5c8/Subaru_YearEnd_%202005_Sales4Web.doc

Good stuff

2004 for comparison http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/DotNet/Newsroom/Query.aspx?SiteName=Subaru&Entity=PRAsset&SF_PRAsset_PRAssetID_EQ=95874&XSL=PressRelease&Title=Releases&Cache=True

[rao]

Yearly numbers. New all-time annual record.

http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Temp/Sites/1571/9436cb7287614981802837389c9fc5c8/Subaru_YearEnd_%202005_Sales4Web.doc

Good stuff

2004 for comparison http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/DotNet/Newsroom/Query.aspx?SiteName=Subaru&Entity=PRAsset&SF_PRAsset_PRAssetID_EQ=95874&XSL=PressRelease&Title=Releases&Cache=True


They can say wahtever they want, but I doubt that they are truly happy with those results.

[melayout]

The year-2-year Legacy and Forester numbers are down.

I remember reading something about how they were shooting for a ~210,000 goal.

I think the whole auto industry is down, but Subaru's news isn't that bad.

[IwannaSportSedan]

I think that is gonna be the theme for automakers this year, and for the near future.

Either they are doing HORRIBLY, or they are just mildly dissappointed. I don't think that anybody in the auto-biz are making money hand over fist...

[tintinet]

http://www.newratings.com/analyst_news/article_1171607.html

[mach_six]

Maybe rising gas prices shyed people away from AWD cars.

[AWDFan]

Another thing to note that is that SOA can't sell cars that aren't at the dealerships. I don't what's going on, but Impreza inventory at my local area dealers is really low compared all the other models (excepting maybe the Bajas).

A quick check on fitzmall.com shows 15 Impreza models (many of which are leftover '05s), compared to 33 Tribecas, 78 Foresters, and 92 Legacy's (including Outbacks). I checked a few other local dealers and the story is similar. I think the reason Impreza sales are so low right now compared to the other Subarus is that they just aren't available for purchase.

So that raises the question, where are the Imprezas?

[mach_six]

I have them, you want one?

[AWDFan]

Ideally, I would get a 2006 LGT Ltd wagon. There are three units just like what I want at local dealers. :(

But what I really need is more of a commuter car, so I am now leaning toward getting a used WRX wagon. Preferably a low-mileage 2002-2003 model. I like the bugeye look better than the 2004+, and I wouldn't buy the 2006 since they went to the 2.5L motor (fuel economy will be so bad I might as well buy the nicer Legacy instead).

[Jedi Pimp]

Actually the 2006 wrx only gets 1mpg worse that the 2005 because of revised gearing and final drive ratio.

[AWDFan]

That's interesting, I haven't read up on the transmission and gearing changes for '06. But that is using the standard EPA estimates, right? I'm not sure how much I trust them.

What matters to me is what the fuel consumption would look like cruising at 60-65 mph, since that's where my car spends most of its life. I would think the 2.0 might still be better at those speeds even with the gearing changes (though the 2.5 might have the nod at somewhat higher cruising speeds). I'm assuming a speed of 60-65 mph, that you're in 5th gear and sufficiently low rpm to be off boost, and then it's just a matter of the engine capacity in liters and engine rpm that dominate the fuel consumption. Does that sound reasonable, or am I missing something? I thought I read that some folks were getting in the upper 20's (maybe pushing 30) mpg on the highway in the WRX. My current car is rated something like 25/36, but I routinely get in the 34-36 mpg range (with 32-40 being the historical range).

I found the gear ratios for the 2005 and 2006 models on cars101.com, but the 5MT gear ratios look the same (although the final drive dropped from 3.9 to 3.7). Does anyone have a link to table showing rpm vs. gear vs. speed? That would be more useful.

I dunno. I think if I got a 2006 WRX, I'd want the Limited version. And if I'm paying that much, I might as well spend a little more and get the Legacy. The funny thing is, my wife might be on board with that because when I point out an Impreza wagon on the road she says they look too small.

[melayout]

You can regularly get 26+MPG on the LGT(cruise+highway).

[AWDFan]

Still, 26 mpg isn't so hot when you're used to 34+. Especially considering going from buying regular to premium gas. But I guess I could overlook that if everything else about the car is nice.

I found another thread showing the speed vs. rpm tables for most of the popular Subaru engine/tranny combinations, and the LGT with 5EAT can cruise at 60 mph in 5th gear at only 2250 rpm. That's not too bad.

[problemcat13]

Business aside (sales aren't bad compared to the industry averages), my opinion on the looks:


The front end of the B9 is ugly. Ugly. Very ugly. :icon_surp

I was horrified to see the style of the B9 move to the Impreza. "Oh no, what have they done?" :eek:

If they put that front-end on the legacy (which I'm planning to buy in the next year), I will go to an Acura or Nissan instead. As much as I love subaru, I can't stomach that front end. :icon_sad:


Of course, (if that happened) I could always wait and see if anyone on here perfects a nose swap to put on an 05-06 legacy front end and then just plan on that!!! :lol:

[tintinet]

Just buy a used 95 or 96.

[IwannaSportSedan]

Still, 26 mpg isn't so hot when you're used to 34+. Especially considering going from buying regular to premium gas. But I guess I could overlook that if everything else about the car is nice.

Yeah, that is a step down... but what is the performance difference?

I have a 4wd truck that gets 14-18mpg, and takes 20 gallons of the cheap stuff, so is still fairly expensive.

When I go to the LGT later this year, it will cost me about the same for 16-17 gallons of premium, but 26MPG is roughly 10 better than I am getting... I am going to be gaining significant performance, but losing some measure of utility...

It is all perspective, and what you're looking for, and it takes fuel to move forward... it's just a matter of how much for how fast.

[AWDFan]

IwannaSportSedan, those are all good points.

Obviously the performance will be far better in a LGT than my current Saturn SL2. Actually, I really don't need that kind of performance, I'd be happy with a 200hp 2.0T or even the 180hp V6 in my wife's car. Heck, there are some days when I can trick myself into thinking that my SL2 isn't half bad (despite the unresponsive slushbox auto).

But I think all the other car options are underpowered, too expensive, or too unreliable. And now I need room for a child seat (rear-facing for the next few months), so that cuts out "fun cars" like the Mini. At least the Subie has a high WAF (wife acceptance factor).

[tintinet]

Yeah, unless you get a loud exhaust system (speaking from experience). My kids and I loved it, but.....

[AWDFan]

Yeah, I wasn't planning any exhaust mods. However, the AccessPort sounds awfully attractive. My problem is that the car may have a high WAF, but the add-ons and accessories don't. After all the money for the car, there's not much money left for the toys to go with it. :(

[IwannaSportSedan]

AWDFan,

Do you already have your legacy? It sounds like you are describing a naturally aspirated subaru... a 2.5i Limited, SE, or a 3.0-powered outback. Better mileage, just as reliable, AWD, and the same amount of room for the child seat.

The 2.5i models are updated for this year, with more than 170hp, IIRC, and the 3.0 Outbacks have 250hp flat 6 engines, with less torque, but slightly better mileage.

However, if performance is really on your list, the Turbo will be the natural choice. And with AWD costing power, the mileage difference won't be as significant as you describe your Saturn getting 34mpg... So the turbo isn't THAT big of a fuel useage detractor, comparing to other Subarus.

It sounds like you would be a prime candidate for a Legacy 3.0R, if it were offered. I figure you'd be looking at Outbacks, and had mentioned it, if you wanted one. the "serious" version isn't for everybody. (not for me either, although I would buy one before looking at a lot of the SUVs out there...)

I get the Wife thing... I mention things like summer vs winter wheels, and an exhaust system... she goes foggy-eyed, and groans about the extra money on top of a new car payment... I think I still need to work on her, to convince her that this is my hobby, when I can afford it... she can spend her money on hobbys, too, but my hobby money lives in the garage.

[AWDFan]

Those are all good points.

The 2.5i would definitely be on my list to test drive I suppose, even if I were already leaning toward the GT. My concerns about the 2.5i aren't really the power so much as all the little things that are better on the GT, like better brakes and suspension, no rear LSD (if I'm not mistaken), and (for auto drivers) the 5EAT instead of the 4EAT. Maybe I'm just jaded by my current car but I don't think I'll like the 4EAT even with SportShift (4 gears just isn't enough for a good range IMHO). Right now I don't know for sure which transmission I'd go with, the AT is most likely right now (between my commute and my wife's aversion to driving stick). Mind you, I haven't test driven the 2.5i yet, so my opinion could change. The GT just looks so much better on paper.

I wasn't particularly looking at Outbacks since I don't need the extra features over a Legacy and they cost more. But I'd still consider an Outback. The local dealership (fitzmall) is offering some '05 Outback XT LTDs in 5MT for a tempting price.

As for the H6, my wife would actually like to get an H6 Outback (LLBean in particular). She prefers having a 6cyl over a turbo 4cyl, and I can't really argue against that, they're both good.

In an ideal world I get a LGT for myself and LLBean Outback for my wife. In reality, she needs the better car more than I do, so we might get the Outback for her and I'll stick with my current car or get another little commuter car (maybe an N/A Impreza wagon).

[agctr]

Anyone know the US Sales figures for Q4 2005?
Ada///M.

[IwannaSportSedan]

AWDFan,

I can see why your wife would like an outback... higher driving position, 6-cyl, options and branding...

I'd get her what she wants, on condition that you get something fun, too. Like a 2.5RS coupe or something, and enough lee-way to turbocharge it, and have some real fun.

[melayout]

Anyone know the US Sales figures for Q4 2005?
Ada///M.

Check out media.subaru.com and you can find all the monthly sales reports to compile the Q4 results.

[Subietonic]

Looks like they combine JDM and USDM numbers to gauge % of total change in sales. Legacy (and in particular wagons) really took a hit in October. As someone mentioned previously, probably due to the non-availability of the 5MT in the USDM.

SBT

[AWDFan]

I can see why your wife would like an outback... higher driving position, 6-cyl, options and branding...

I'd get her what she wants, on condition that you get something fun, too. Like a 2.5RS coupe or something, and enough lee-way to turbocharge it, and have some real fun.
I suspect I'd be perfectly happy with the 2.5i Impreza wagon if it had some better options. A "Limited" version would be nice. I can always get leather after-market, but I'm leary of non-factory moonroofs. The Impreza line really gets shafted as far as options go.

The funny thing about the Outback is that we test-drove an '05 a year ago and there was one thing she really didn't like about it: the pedals. The way the pedal action works, when you press down on the pedal it goes back and then up under the dash (instead of just toward the floorboard). I drove it next and also thought it felt a little strange. My guess is that's a design feature as part of the injury-reducing breakaway pedals. On the plus side, the huge moonroof is awesome!

[GT_Boxer]

The front ends on the B9 and the new Impreza are both ugly (on the B9 we're talking BUTT UGLY, on the Impreza just ugly). What were they thinking? That said, the overall lines on the B9 Tribeca from the side and the rear are nice but that front end just ruins it.