Consumer Reports Subaru

[phuzaxeman]

If you check out the latest Consumer Reports at your local newstand, every subaru (including the baja and B9) is "CR Recommended." :) Pretty neat considering the competition. Not one car from VW was recommended.

[jc51373]

I read that recently too, made me feel really good about my car.

[starlabs]

Nice... now only if they can get more sales! They need to inject some excitement into their marketing...

[f1anatic]

compare it with the german brand.s...he he he

[Waxiboy]

german cars are over-rated.

[franklin]

Nice... now only if they can get more sales! They need to inject some excitement into their marketing...

I know what your saying. Subaru has some nice drivers cars but they dont seem to market them as such. Buyers that dont dig around would never know.
I think if the Leg.Gt was marketed as a performance car and compared to other so called drivers cars sales would improve. Most of their ads are dull.

[PGT]

they got rid of the ad company that had Lance Armstrong as their main US spokesman. We haven't seen anything else memorable since, except for the awful Tribeca commercials with 'Dust in the Wind' playing

[PGT]

moved to 'Subaru News'

[VXCL]

i liked the commercial with all the cars on two wheels. that was funny although not sure how good it was for sales. entertaining though

[rfd425]

There is certainly nothing about their ads that says "A4 eater" or "3-Series killer". That, IMO, is what they are missing.

[sebberry]

2 words: Zoom Zoom

[starlabs]

There is certainly nothing about their ads that says "A4 eater" or "3-Series killer". That, IMO, is what they are missing.

+zillions


It seems like they're going after that market, but afraid to tell the world. Sure, they're not quite there yet, but there's also an average $5k-$10k difference in price.

[franklin]

+zillions


It seems like they're going after that market, but afraid to tell the world. Sure, they're not quite there yet, but there's also an average $5k-$10k difference in price.
I hear you and very much agree. They dont exploit this at all. I dont know why.:icon_frow

[JohnnyBoyShoots]

So glad I traded in my Passat for a Subie... even if I couldn't afford the GT!

[EddieWan]

Subuar has always been more of a word of mouth type of company as far as selling it's vehicles. If they want to be a seller of large numbers of cars then they would have to do a better job of advertising and more types of vehicles. Personally that's one of the things I like about subaru's, they like the underdog.

[rfd425]

Subuar has always been more of a word of mouth type of company as far as selling it's vehicles. If they want to be a seller of large numbers of cars then they would have to do a better job of advertising and more types of vehicles. Personally that's one of the things I like about subaru's, they like the underdog.
In a way I agree, but if they were more successful selling cars to the general public, they could afford to offer more options to enthusiasts like us.

[emorphien]

german cars are over-rated.
quotes for great truth

[kevjam79]

I have a feeling that Toyota is going to shake things up and start a move in a different direction.

[2hondas]

I have a feeling that Toyota is going to shake things up and start a move in a different direction.

I am hoping Good. So i can convince my dad to purchase a Subaru :icon_bigg

[tsyGT]

I have a feeling that Toyota is going to shake things up and start a move in a different direction.

I hope not in the same appearance direction. My car already looks too much like a Camry from behind! :icon_bigg

I think the Tribeca is a great SUV. It just doesn't look like one. :icon_frow
Why do people buy cars? Sure there's reliability, performance, but when it comes down to it most Americans buy a car because it looks good. Subaru needs to make good looking cars- not distinctive ones (and certainly not ones that look like Edsels!)

Just my 2 cents.

tom

[sebberry]

I have a feeling that Toyota is going to shake things up and start a move in a different direction.

I have a feeling Toyota wants to use their AWD technology.

I wonder if this means the end to the Saab 92x?

Seeing how Toyota and GM worked together on the Matrix/Vibe, I would hate to see the Forester turned into a re-badged Rav4. There's something about Subaru being somewhat of a rare brand that attracted me to them in the first place.

[emorphien]

I wonder if this means the end to the Saab 92x?
It's already dead.

Seeing how Toyota and GM worked together on the Matrix/Vibe, I would hate to see the Forester turned into a re-badged Rav4. There's something about Subaru being somewhat of a rare brand that attracted me to them in the first place.
I highly doubt the Forester will be replaced by a rebadged Rav-4, it's a great vehicle and everyone knows it. Probably the best in its class.

[tsyGT]

I have a feeling Toyota wants to use their AWD technology.


Nah, Toyota already has AWD technology. They probably want more production capacity. Of course, they may want AWD production capacity. Maybe the next Corolla will be AWD again.

tom

[kevjam79]

I believe Toyota is just working to become an even larger corporation. My reference to Toyota changing Subaru is in reference to advertising and dealership mentality/service. I very highly doubt Toyota will take to many traits from Subaru. A move to take away brand image and water down Subaru would convolute the relationship and would possibly lose Subaru's new found market share.

I feel Toyota will only work to build Subaru's weaknesses into strengths.

[PGT]

Toyota has the strongest dealer plan in the business. They require alot of their dealers, but who can argue? They sell a ton of cars and they don't have to give them away. Heck, Toyota even talked about raising prices as a way to help GM and Ford so as to protect the industry as a whole.

[miken]

I find Subaru's marketing strategy a lot like Alfa Romeo's from the seventies (probably the fifties) to the nineties (when they left the US market). Alfa was also a driver's car. They never advertised; they were pretty much word-of-mouth. The only time I remember an Alfa ad on TV was when they introduced their automatic transmission model (yes, they did not have automatic until the early eighties, for the jaded Americans). That ad was so bizzare that if there hadn't been a car in the picture, you wouldn't know WHAT they were selling. I keep waiting for Subaru to capitalize on getting the Gold Safety award from the Insurance Institute. VW and Ford have had newspaper and TV ads since the beginning of December. To be honest, I love the cars, but they seem an awful lot like Alfa (BTW, I bought my first Subaru in 98 because it was the only car I test drove that FELT like my Alfa; I have to say, the reliability is MUCH BETTER, though)!
I remember reading that Subaru hired the director of Alfa Romeo Design; I hope they didn't also hire the director of Alfa Romeo (US) Marketing!

[sebberry]

"Subaru: The next Alpha"

As much as I like Subaru, it it pisses me off that they continue to fall behind the competition in features and "nice to haves"

Granted, we trade some of those bells and whistles that we all complain about not having for the performance and AWD that the other cars with the bells and whistles do not have, but as far as comfort and convenience amenities, Subaru is starting to seriously fall behind.

When the Acura RL is rated better by Edmunds than the 5 series for handling, features and price, you know the times are changing. Subaru might not have a lot of excess money for R&D, but I am begining to think that they are simply lazy and out of touch with their audience.

It doesn't take much to offer voice activated controls and bluetooth phone integration into the system - they tell Panasonic or whoever they contract to build their audio system about the features they want, and Panasonic builds it. Simple as that. There is not a lot of upfront cost to Subaru to give us those features.

I know that I have preached in the past that I am glad that Subaru is a little skimpy on the features otherwise I would not be able to afford such a great car, but overall they are still falling behind.

Japan is where most, if not all of these innovations come from, however Subaru is the last to at least offer it in some of their cars.

Also, I just found out that the base Tribeca, which is cheaper than my XT comes standard with MP3 playback support :(

[Bicster]

Subaru got Matsushita to develop that MP3 head unit ... and their cost on it has got to be nearly identical to the non-MP3 version ... it should have simply replaced the non-MP3 version in all vehicles it fits in, IMHO. It probably costs them more to make the two different versions.

[sIlvErsUbAru22]

i liked the fact the legacy got "recommended" but their test drive was ludicrous...7.2 to 60? do they have 3year olds test driving the car?

[suba_rus]

I know that for many these will sound like blasphemy but as long as Subaru builds all wheel drive vehicles ONLY they will remain a company for few geeks and enthusiasts. Remember that that all mass-market car companies produce mostly 2wheel drive cars. By it's nature US market does not have significant demand for all wheel drives.
Flame away. I am out.

[tsyGT]

i liked the fact the legacy got "recommended" but their test drive was ludicrous...7.2 to 60? do they have 3year olds test driving the car?

I think you mean 73 year olds. :lol:

[tsyGT]

Flame away. I am out.

Coward!:icon_lol:

I think you're right though. I never see many Subarus in So California. About a million acuras though! When we were looking at MBs there the dealer was giving bigger discounts on their 4matics. The general public just haven't seen the necessity of AWD yet. But they're getting there.

[tintinet]

I'm spoiled. I don't even think about buying anything but AWD vehicles. But that's Maine fer ya. I loved the 325i when I lived in San Diego.

So I speculate global warming is bad for Subaru, but a new Ice Age would help 'em. Maybe if they made all hybrid, high MPG, AWD vehicles they'd be more popular.

[unobtainium]

miken, that is just weird. My '93 kept reminding me of my Alfetta but I thought it was all the mood management I did in college. The LGT feels like a Montreal, which is not a comparison I'd make at an Alfa track day. Thanks for the reality check.

[suba_rus]

Coward!

I think you're right though. I never see many Subarus in So California. About a million acuras though! When we were looking at MBs there the dealer was giving bigger discounts on their 4matics. The general public just haven't seen the necessity of AWD yet. But they're getting there.

No they are not :( . General public would rather have better gas mileage, better reliability, lower cost and better resale value (hence better lease) of two wheel drive cars and this is not going to change EVER. That's why Accord will ALWAYS outsell Legacy by a HUGE margin.
By limiting it's self to all wheel drive Subaru effectively removes it's self from competing with larger more flexible car manufacturers.
Sorry, didn't mean to burst your bubble :(

[tsyGT]

No they are not :( . General public would rather have better gas mileage, better reliability, lower cost and better resale value (hence better lease) of two wheel drive cars and this is not going to change EVER. That's why Accord will ALWAYS outsell Legacy by a HUGE margin.
By limiting it's self to all wheel drive Subaru effectively removes it's self from competing with larger more flexible car manufacturers.
Sorry, didn't mean to burst your bubble :(

I agree with you for the most part. But over the past few years we are seeing other manufacturers offer AWD cars that didn't in the past. MB, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac, VW (Phaeton, Passat), Volvo, Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, and now the Ford 500 (car of the masses, no?) AWD is trickling down to everyday cars. Will they ever outnumber 2WD cars? Probably not. But clearly there is more demand for AWD now than there was 10 years ago.

Of course Subaru will never compete with the likes of Honda or Toyota, regardless of their drivetrain. Subaru is a much smaller manufacturer.

But who knows, maybe you'll see an AWD Accord or Camry someday? :icon_bigg

[IwannaSportSedan]

I know that for many these will sound like blasphemy but as long as Subaru builds all wheel drive vehicles ONLY they will remain a company for few geeks and enthusiasts. Remember that that all mass-market car companies produce mostly 2wheel drive cars. By it's nature US market does not have significant demand for all wheel drives.
Flame away. I am out.

Yah. Sure.

That is why how many cars are coming out with AWD? It used to be Subaru, Audi and AMC Eagle.

Now... Let's see. Besides not being able to sell an SUV (even the puny car based ones) without AWD...

Volvo has it optional on pretty much their entire line. Porsche 911s have come with AWD models for a while now.

Acura RL. Honda is probably going to bring SH-AWD out with future sedans, as well, as the Sport 4 concept shows.

Infiniti. G35x, Does M series (I think so) or future Q get it? wouldn't suprise me.

Cadillac STS. BMW 5 and 3 series sedans and wagons have it optional.

Lexus IS is putting it's toe in the water, and GS has it. Mercedes Benz has 4-Matic. VW has 4-Motion. Chrysler LX (300, Magnum) is rumored to be getting, or already has AWD.

Ford Five-hundred, Mercury Montego, and rumors for future versions of the Fusion, Milan, and Zephyr. Mazdaspeed 6.

Hell, Lamborghini is all AWD, as are the Bentleys, and the Bugatti.

AWD was expensive to build and agricultural in nature. Now, with newer technology, it is getting much more road worthy, easier to package, and inexpensive enough to include as an option.

As more and more people are exposed to the confidence and sure-footedness of AWD (even if it is from their SUVs...) they are less willing to tackle inclement weather without it, when it is no longer a big deal to have it on a car.

I think, actually, Subaru runs the risk of diminishing their brand value, as AWD is becoming less and less of a differentiation from the competition, and it EMPHASIZES that Subaru needs to keep and excel in other ways.

Personally, I think that if subaru relinquishes their All-AWD, All-the-time policy, I think they will drown in a sea of camrys and accords. They need to offer more, not less. Subaru ditching standard AWD would be cutting off their nose to spite their face.

Competeing in unit sales with Honda, Toyota, GM, or Ford is a mistake. Subaru should increase their marketshare, definitely, but mark my words, they will get TOO diluted if they try to go for those sorts of sales numbers with more diluted and boring products.

How many MORE boring cars do you think the market will bear? I have never subscribed to the theory that boring cars like camry or accord sell more interesting cars like Supra or NSX. Quite the contrary. Niche and aspirational cars sell more pedestrian vehicles. Companies should be catering to enthusiasts, not sidelining us. If you can convince me that your car is good, you can convince anyone else.

[Subie018]

Nice... now only if they can get more sales! They need to inject some excitement into their marketing...

Can't agree more. Put simply, Subaru advertising it really bad IMO. They need to advertise thier cars and features more, and not the lease plans and whatever. I saw a legacy ad a few months ago, but it only advertised the AWD.

[Bicster]

Can't agree more. Put simply, Subaru advertising it really bad IMO. They need to advertise thier cars and features more, and not the lease plans and whatever. I saw a legacy ad a few months ago, but it only advertised the AWD.

They have run some decent magazine ads. The only reason I am even aware of the new Legacy is that they ran a 2-pager in Wired a few years ago when the 05's were coming out. I requested a brochure and admired it from my throne room for a while before tossing it out. Fast forwared to last October ... I had to work really hard to convince my wife to test drive one. She was really skeptical. But we did, and we loved it, and jumped on this forum to look for reasons not to buy. We were pleased that we didn't find any big red flags.

They have a lot of work to do though. My father in law still says "What's Subaru?" ... he didn't even know it was a Japanese brand, much less what kind of cars they sell. Subaru was doing a lot better in that regard when Paul Hogan was pitching Outbacks on TV.

Here in South Texas, Subaru has a tiny market share compared to colder climates. If Subaru has 1% of the market nationwide, here it's probably closer to 0.25% or less. What a shame. AWD is not just for snow.

I have to admit, though, that I'm really looking forward to debadging our car so that nobody will have a clue what it is. I see so many Passats and Accords on the road (we have both), but I only see a Legacy about once a week.

[rvaca]

I totally agree. Their print marketing is far better that their TV ads. But they still have a lot of work to do.

When I was living in California, I didn't see a lot of Subarus but I did see a lot of Volvo XC70's. Same logic but more expensive to impress the neighbors. But here in Denver, everyone has Subarus.

[Subie018]

Lately, I haven't seen any Legacy or Outback ads in any car magizines, aside maybe from a Tribeca once and a while. TV ads will have a bigger effect here in IL, where Subarus aren't too common, even though we have our fair share of snow. I have a feeling that they are advertising in markets that don't need anymore advertising because they are so popular.(Rockies)

Even better, our local Subaru dealer is in a shared space with Buick. The buick sign is a lot bigger than the subaru sign.

I don't recall Subaru advertising the 2005 Legacy before it came out. Chevy got that nailed w/ the new Tahoe.

[Spec B #127]

I have known about Subaru's ever since I began driving 16 years ago. Maybe it's because I have always lived up near the snow (Sierra Nevadas).

I did not realize the performance and rally heritage that Subaru had until I played the original Gran Turismo game on the Sony Playstation back in the mid 1990's. Once I saw that and started doing some research, I began asking the question, "Why don't they sell these (WRX's, B4's, etc.) in the US?"

I was extremely excited to see the WRX come here in 2002, and even more excited to see a turbo Legacy come for 2005. It is nice to have a safe car that feeds my need for speed, and can haul the family around.

Just my 2 cents....

[tintinet]

Absolutely. My 02 WRX with Cobb Stage II was the best car I ever owned before my new 05 MT LGT Wagon (only 800 miles, but will go AP stage I on Wednesday, Ion springs to follow, etc.) This includes Miata, BMW 325i. Wagon is so amazing- lux (Ltd) mostly for wife's benefit, room for kids, ski stuff, dependable, reliable, relatively inexpensive, safe, handles all kinds of weather with grace, and moves like crazy, even stock.

[lilycat]

I took it to girls' night out last night. My friend asked about our new car (hadn't seen it). I told her what it was. She gave the tell-tale puzzled look and asked if that is that wagon thing. I said we bought the sedan. (She was thinking Outback ala Paul Hogan.)

When she walked me to my car, she was impressed. She said she's putting it on her list and then had to ask me what it was again.

Dear Subaru...it shouldn't take this much explanation! She should just know from the name that it is an incredibly fun and good looking car.

****
As Bicster said, he had to convince me to test drive.

After test driving, I was hooked. I didn't really care to look at the Infiniti, the Lexus, BMW...I wanted one of these cars. Not too bling, nice styling, and fun to drive.

Wish they'd listen to us. We're their best advertisers.

[john_knoxville]

why all the hate on subaru marketing? being small doesn't mean they're not successful -- SOA has been increasing its sales figures for the last several years

ford sold 2.9 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, and finished billions in debt

besides, if what you WANT is to drive a car that's a dime-a-dozen and is in every neighbor's driveway, go buy an accord/tl/g35 and blend in with the rest of the herd

[rfd425]

why all the hate on subaru marketing? being small doesn't mean they're not successful -- SOA has been increasing its sales figures for the last several years
Shortly after I got my LGT, I took it to the independent Audi specialist service/performance shop where I used to take my A4 for service and performance mods. The guys there are mechanics and tuners who are active members of the Audi Club, and are really into AWD sport sedans.

They had never even heard of the LGT, and this was after the car had been out for a year. They knew about the WRX, but they had no idea Subaru made a more upscale turbo sport sedan. They said "250 hp? No kidding? Wow, this is nice. The WRX looks kinda cheap, but this is really nice!"

I really think a lot of Audi Club members would be all over the LGT if they knew it existed. Let's see: lighter, more powerful, better balanced, less expensive, more reliable, at least as mod-friendly if not more so...hmmm.....

[john_knoxville]

The guys there are mechanics and tuners who are active members of the Audi Club, and are really into AWD sport sedans. They had never even heard of the LGT, and this was after the car had been out for a year.
being that they are mechanics and tuners, do they never peruse a car magazine? that's where i first stumbled upon it, before it was even offered for sale here....and i'm not a tuner nor really into AWD sports sedans. one of the major car magazine's even has been running a promotional drawing for a souped up LGT for nearly a year now.

the point is, if you know how to google and can read english and are into awd sport sedans, you should already know about this car. SOA shouldn't have to cram it down your throat. how many audi commercials do you expect to see during the super bowl?

[rfd425]

the point is, if you know how to google and can read english and are into awd sport sedans, you should already know about this car. SOA shouldn't have to cram it down your throat. That's brilliant logic. "It's not Subaru's fault people don't know about the car, it's the public's fault for not reading the right magazines and doing the right Google searches. If Subaru isn't selling as many cars as they could, it's not a marketing problem, it's just that the public just isn't doing their homework.":rolleyes:
how many audi commercials do you expect to see during the super bowl?Maybe not the Super Bowl, but there are plenty of effective Audi ads in mainstream media. Such an ad was what originally got me to look at the A4, which I ended up buying.

I myself am an AWD sport sedan enthusiast, and when I started seriously thinking about replacing the A4 in mid-2004, I figured my options were another Audi, an AWD Passat, a BMW 3**xi, or a Jaguar X-Type. I wasn't interested in the WRX, although I had been intrigued when it first came out, and I knew only of the previous N/A Legacy GT's, which were decent cars but didn't really inspire me. After a disappointing test-drive in a Passat W8 6MT, I went to the Subaru.com website on a whim, and looked around enough to figure out that there was now a 250hp turbo Legacy, that weighed only 3,300 lbs. (compared with 3,800+ for the Passat W8, and 3,600+ for a V6 A4). Suddenly, the LGT moved to the top of my short list.

The trouble is, from a marketing standpoint, I had to find the LGT, whereas the A4 found me.

[tsyGT]

The trouble is, from a marketing standpoint, I had to find the LGT, whereas the A4 found me.

Are Subarus not popular in Minnesota? Here in the NW it's hard not to see one. They are quite popular. When I lived in the NE same thing- quite popular. It would seem Subaru just needs to improve their marketing in certain regions, rather than nationwide.

Sorry, I guess this is OT.

[john_knoxville]

If Subaru isn't selling as many cars as they could, it's not a marketing problem, it's just that the public just isn't doing their homework.
.....but there are plenty of effective Audi ads in mainstream media. Such an ad was what originally got me to look at the A4, which I ended up buying.
then explain why audi sold approx. 40,000 A4's in the U.S. this past year, but SOA sold only about 88,000 legacy/outbacks.

That's brilliant logic.

[rfd425]

Are Subarus not popular in Minnesota?
Sure, Outbacks and Foresters are everywhere you look. However, LGT's are grossly underrepresented, compared with A4's, 3**xi's, 4-motion Passats, and even X-Types.

[rfd425]

then explain why audi sold approx. 40,000 A4's in the U.S. this past year, but SOA sold only about 28,000 legacy's.
Fixed.

This despite the fact that A4's are considerably more expensive than Legacy's.

[sebberry]

Personally I would like to see Subaru continue to grow primarily in the existing Subaru community by listening more to customer requests and suggestions and keeping a closer eye on the competition.

I am sure that they have the advertising dollars for prime time tv commercials, but maybe they figure they are running close to production capacity?

Maybe Subaru needs to build more awareness, but remember that they also have one of the highest rates of repeat buyers around.

[jerami1981]

i am fine with their sales where they are, i dont want them going into the expenisve market like everyone else, i'm not gonna pay 40,000 for this car, i will look elsewhere when they start charging that much, plus i LOVE going everywhere and virtually NEVER seeing a duplicate of my car. i'd hate to own a camry and pull up to a stop light and see the same car sitting next to me and 3 cars back as well, just isnt cool. noone knows what i drive for the most part and thats how i like it. I just want them to sell enough to keep selling them so when i need a new car they are still around.

[john_knoxville]

Fixed.
outback xt 5mt 0-60: 5.9

audi a4 0-60: 8.1

you would exclude outback sales to fit your argument. based upon the above, i respectfully think it should be included.

do you have a link which lists an exact breakdown of subie sales (i.e. LGT vs. 2.5i vs. OBXT vs. OB2.5i)? i have been unable to find one.

btw, is that the singer from the sex pistols?

[rfd425]

outback xt 5mt 0-60: 5.9

audi a4 0-60: 8.1

you would exclude outback sales to fit your argument. based upon the above, i respectfully think it should be included.

do you have a link which lists an exact breakdown of subie sales (i.e. LGT vs. 2.5i vs. OBXT vs. OB2.5i)? i have been unable to find one.

btw, is that the singer from the sex pistols?
I don't think 0-60 times have anything to do with whether the Outback should be included. The Outback is a different type of vehicle. Additionally, the Audis are considerably more expensive. Thirdly, how many of those Outbacks are Rent-a-cars? I don't know the answer, but my local Suby dealer had fifteen year-old Hertz rentals for sale when we bought my wife's car in October.

Note also that 66,000 of the 88,000 Legacy/Outbacks are wagons. I think we know what the majority of those cars are, and they are not competitors for the A4.

My point to begin with was in relationship to the LGT. If that wasn't off-topic enough, we've now gotten off-off-topic.

No I don't have a list that breaks it down. I'm probably looking at the same one you are.



It's the bass player, Sid Vicious.
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[IwannaSportSedan]

Subaru has 1% marketshare, and financial issues. (not as bad as most others, but not largely comfortable, either.)

They have been increasing sales, but not as much as they had hoped, if I remember reading a recent press release correctly.

The legacy is not going to be the next camry. It just isn't going to happen. But a few more units sold would perhaps get a few more dollars spend on options and equipment to make the Legacy a better car.

We'll see what happens if Legacy gets hybrid drive, like NYTimes suggested... that might cater enough to the greenies that they'll take notice...

[problemcat13]

I agree that Subaru doesn't need to be a mass marketed car, and doesn't want to be. We don't want it to be. But they do need more advertising! I'm a Subaru enthusiast and I had no idea there was a turbo-charged legacy out there until a few months ago!!! I couldn't believe it!!! :icon_surp

As for regional markets: that seems to be the truth, that Subaru is widely known in snow areas but little known in non-snow areas (to varying degrees). We lived in the NC mountains and when it begins snowing up there, Subarus come out of the woodwork! Tons of rusty Loyales, Legacys, etc. that look like they shouldn't be on the road go putting around everywhere! Everyone there loves Subaru.

A year ago we moved 2 hours away to flat land and Subarus are much rarer. When I was selling one of ours, some people would call up and say "what's a Subaru?" They're not very common down here at all.

Which leads me to a funny observation. Down here the only people I see in Subarus are old people and dikes. I'm getting a complex 'cause there ain't any cool people driving around in Subarus! :lol:

I really don't care though. Subarus are like the best kept secret!!! I'm looking forward to sitting at a light in a nice LGT sleeper. :icon_twis Like everyone else, I just want Subaru to market their cars well enough that they don't go bust!

In summary, Subaru continues to get good ratings and rankings, which is awesome, but they need to do a better job telling people about their cars.

[cptaebphd]

Subarus are like the best kept secret!!! I'm looking forward to sitting at a light in a nice LGT sleeper. :icon_twis Like everyone else, I just want Subaru to market their cars well enough that they don't go bust!

In summary, Subaru continues to get good ratings and rankings, which is awesome, but they need to do a better job telling people about their cars.
Part of the problem I think is the mainstream magazines. They tend to completely ignore the LGT when comparing similar cars (unintended bias?). Perhaps I have a selective memory, but I don't recall seeing many (if any) references to the LGT in most sport sedan reviews.

I starting looking at cars to purchase, and the first time I saw/heard of the LGT was when I saw one on the lot. Did my research and was thoroughly impressed with what I found (except the price). Within 3 weeks of "discovering" the LGT, a brand new one was parked in my driveway.

Subaru REALLY needs to get the word out on this car! I pretty much define the market for this car and I didn't know it existed until I found it. The folks who I've shown the car to are VERY impressed, and it has a huge "guy" factor with 250 HP, AWD, and 5MT. It's one helluva sleeper and I LOVE that! The upside of the poor marketing (for me) is that I have yet to see another LGT on the road and that really adds to the exclusivity factor.

[STIJibz]

they got rid of the ad company that had Lance Armstrong as their main US spokesman. We haven't seen anything else memorable since, except for the awful Tribeca commercials with 'Dust in the Wind' playing

that tribeca ad drove me freaking nuts