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Article Comments - 2010 Subaru Outback First Drive

52 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 10:27 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Wagon

2010 Subaru Outback First Drive - First Impressions: Larger in all the dimensions that enhance rear passenger comfort and cargo capacity, but no more turbo kills the fun.(more)

Messages Page 4 of 6

#23 of 52 Infiniti EX Resemblance by mrparet

Aug 01, 2009 (6:24 pm)

There is a striking resemblance between the headlights of this Subaru and the Infiniti EX. Such formidably similarities can not happen on accident.

#24 of 52 Re: comment on article [dcm61] by surrfurtom

Aug 02, 2009 (7:37 am)

Replying to: dcm61 (Aug 01, 2009 6:49 am)
Didn't they go from 2 to 1 with the current (05-09) generation?
 
You are probably correct. We weren't seriously interested in that generation of Subies. We're now more interested in upgrading our 02 OB.
 
Imho these car companies make a big mistake cutting back on nickle-dime convenience features especially those that they previously had, because it makes repeat buyers wonder what else they cut back on just to save a dime. It is the repeat buyer that notices these things as they've used the features they had. We don't like to lose them no matter how insignificant some bean counter might believe them to be.
 
It took Detroit many years to offer reclining front seats that the imports had for years and that probably were quite inexpensive, yet for many buyers it was a feature that they demanded for comfort. As an other example of cost cutting the new G8 Pontiac doesn't have the ceiling handles that almost every now car has and that users have become accustomed to relax their arms, etc. When the bean counters look at cutting small convenience features like cupholders, handles, elect outlets, WB radios, folding mirrors, etc. they risk losing some discriminating customers.

#25 of 52 Re: Edmunds drives the new 2010 Outback [saedave] by tee_el_cee

Aug 02, 2009 (9:01 am)

Replying to: saedave (Jul 31, 2009 8:21 am)
The new Outback is not likely to get any converts from VW/Audi. My test drives suggest to me that it is time to take another look at Audi...in spite of its proclivity for visiting the service bay. If I delete the requirement for all wheel drive, it also opens the possibilities for a VW GTI 4-door with Direct Shift Transmission.
 
I guess you had no requirements for headroom, rear seat room or cargo room either. Why would you even consider something this large if you don't need it and prefer sportier driving?
 
I'd love another nice VW. We have an '03 V6 GLI. But they're not currently making anything I even fit into (headroom), never mind the combination of headroom, rear seat room & cargo room.

#26 of 52 Back-to-back drives: Forester, 3.6 and CVT OB by saedave

Aug 02, 2009 (6:05 pm)

I guess you had no requirements for headroom, rear seat room or cargo room either. Why would you even consider something this large if you don't need it and prefer sportier driving?
 
I drove the new Forester at the same dealer and it comes close to meeting the sporting requirement, but it really is not as nice as my 2005 3.0R VDC. The four cylinder exhaust manifold rap...trademark Subaru sound...luckily is not present in the 3.0 six cylinder. I'll be keeping the 3.0R VDC; it has only 18,000 miles. The engine/transmission performance of the new Outback 3.6 was superb, but that is not enough.

#27 of 52 Re: huh? [monkeyboy4] by adctvmonkey

Aug 02, 2009 (10:50 pm)

Replying to: monkeyboy4 (Aug 01, 2009 7:06 am)
I totally agree. All of the other reviews I've read actually talk about this new Outback as being completely car like, and it has, as you mentioned, very decent, if not great, fuel economy for a vehicle of this type.
 
Definitely doesn't sound like an SUV. IL seems to have focused on some unimportant aspects with this review.

#28 of 52 possible drive line lash in '10's by kurtamaxxxguy

Aug 02, 2009 (10:59 pm)

When testing the '09 Outback last year, I noted driveline lash in virtually all the new samples I drove. My hunch is additional center differential added more play to the driveline.
 
However, for '10, Subaru is using that system only in the H6 Outbacks. The '10 H4's are using systems similar to '09 Forester.
 
FYI, my '09 Forester now has noticeable driveline lash (it had very little when new). Not really bad, but urban driving brings it out.

#29 of 52 Trip Computer by ateixeira

Aug 03, 2009 (11:24 am)

My guess is they say the MPG meter is "silly" because a full-blown trip computer would be much more useful and take up less space.
 
Drivers wanting more of a track car feel have the Legacy, WRX and STI to choose.
 
True, but none of those are true wagons, even the Imprezas are 5 door hatches now.
 
thinking of taking the 6 CD player/tape deck/AM-FM-WB from my '03 Forester with me!
 
Should fit the 09 Forester (double-DIN), but not the Leg/OB. Don't those have HVAC controls integrated with the radios?
 
striking resemblance between the headlights of this Subaru and the Infiniti EX
 
The EX just came out last fall, didn't it? I'm sure by the time Subaru designers saw it the design of the OB was already done. But I'm sure they took a peek at the handsome Infiniti G series.
 
TLC: good point about VW sizes, the Tiguan is simply diminuitive. Forester is one, perhaps two sizes bigger. Same for the Q5.
 
Funny thing is historically Subarus were on the small side, now both the Forester and Outback offer better-than-average room for their classes.
 
For the Forester, at least, it has worked. Despite the old 4EAT and complaints about the quality of materials, sales are way up.

#30 of 52 Nope by famof3kids

Aug 07, 2009 (9:26 am)

Don't really like it.
And, it wasn't the 80's the Subaru started to compete with Honda/Toyota, it was the early 90's with the introduction of the Legacy.
In regards to the CVT, it should be good, Subaru has been in the CVT business since the 80's starting with the Justy here in the US.

#31 of 52 Thoughts after driving both Subie redesigns... by 1hhead

Aug 09, 2009 (3:56 am)

Never owned a Subaru before (previous Honda and Ford guy), but am shopping the Forester and 2010 Outback seriously and hope the following helps...
 
The Forester runs like a watch. Very nice, almost sporty handling and there are very few complaints for a family of 4 about the vehicle. The auto tranny shifted well, but for my tastes, seemed to be causing the engine to rev higher than I'd like. The 5 speed manual is PERFECT though! The clutch feel and the gearing are like buttah! Pricing is very competitive and I consider the Forester FAR superior in interior layout and feature set to the CRV and RAV4 for a taller driver. My knees had plenty of room around the pedals and the kids (including teenagers) will have PLENTY of room in the back especially with those reclining rear seats in the Premium and Limited trim levels. The interior in Limited trim is VERY well done with good details on the perforated leather seating. The interior color schemes in the lower Premium trim are also well executed, but both the "Dark Grey" (aka black) and Gray (aka, well, gray) seemed to be trying to be too unique for some reason (with subtle blue accents in the cloth or somewhat "cold" feeling in the cabin) when most folks will want relatively neutral warm colors for long term driving (ie, tan or black). There are a few brushed metal trim pieces to offset this which help to polish things up inside at least. I hope this makes sense... Anyway, I wanted to fall in love and buy the Forester, but another lady stole my attention...
 
Enter, the Outback. I'd driven several 09's and just have one bit of advice... DON'T! The 09 is a nice machine (especially in luxurious Limited level interior trim), but the '10 changes the game in terms of size and smoothness. The 2010 Outback shows it's American manufactured influence in the color schemes and dimensions (aka, it fit my 6'4" frame and the seats were wide enough for my middle-aged posterior with lumbar support that's excellent). I haven't found a 6MT for the Outback to drive yet, but the CVT tranny is wonderful and the paddle shifters make perfect sense believe it or not. I drive a V8 Ford truck (for how much longer?) and thought I'd be worried about power with the 2.5L 4 cyl. engine. I didn't need to worry... to pass someone, like the article says, just "double-click" on the left paddle shifter and the Outback says "BONZAI!" and you're 100 yards ahead of whatever annoyed you. THe CVT tranny also "down adjusts" smoothly for more typical acceleration changes around town (kind of hard to explain the difference between constantly adjusting CVT vs. downshifting gears), The base stereo is above average (so do you really need another $1,000 for Harmon Kardon speakers to listen to the radio on the commute in the morning?). If you're used to Honda's (LX, EX, etc) trim levels, the Outback Premium trim level includes many of the goodies on the EX level plus more. The downside is the confusing myriad of Premium equipment that various cars on the lot will have so shop carefully to avoid spending $500 on heated seats with cloth uphostery in Georgia for example. The Limited interior is also very well done and the leather is smoother and more "buttery" feeling than the Santa Fe's (drove as well). The handling is not nearly as tight as the Forester though so there's one trade-off. The article is right on about things being a bit "vague" for Outback handling, but the turning radius is tight and the ride on ALL road surfaces is smooth and whisper quiet without feeling like you're wandering all over the road. The handling is MUCH better than the Santa Fe's IMHO as the lower center of gravity and steering ration allows you to whip around corners confidently while I held my breath as the body leaned hard in similar situations with almost all other SUVs we've driven including the new 2010 Equinox.
 
Haven't bought the Outback yet, but am definitely thinking about a long term commitment!

#32 of 52 Re: Thoughts after driving both Subie redesigns... [1hhead] by ateixeira

Aug 09, 2009 (6:13 am)

Replying to: 1hhead (Aug 09, 2009 3:56 am)
What is your V8 truck worth? Can you take advantage of cash for clunkers?

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