Well, call it what you want (after all, this is Car Chat). But, with a Forester, you can actually see OUT of one, they are quite space-efficient, they have one of the best and most efficient car-based AWD systems on the market, their winter traction is excellent, their accident/safety-ratings are very good, they are reasonably fuel-efficient for an AWD product, and have been reasonably reliable over the years outside of a few documented issues that the factory has addressed. That is a winning formula for a lot of people....as the sales figures prove.

 

probably just so the suckers will buy this one initially then introduce a new turbo version in 2 years so they'll want that one.

don't understand why they didn't just stick the FA20 in the XT and be done with it.

 

My guess is because that engine runs on 91+ octane. With the new 2.4L running on regular, they can achieve the desired performance and likely talk more people into the more expensive version.

 

That is too bad. Because in today's times, there are plenty of alternatives that are functional AND have some decent styling. There's no reason why we can't have the whole cake today. Subaru could sell a million more vehicles if it forwarded the effort.

 

There are a lot of people who happen to like two-box styling. That's one reason (among several) why Foresters and Outbacks sell so well.

 

They're not hurting for sales...they keep increasing year over year...maybe most folks don't want edgy styling....

But I DO agree with you.

 

Always think of the next level. Always think of going higher. Always think of more profits. Always think, how can we improve? Always try to strive for the highest possible position. Leaving out one key ingredient is weak. Subaru has a loyal following. But they do not have contemporary styling to pull in a lot more customers. Have to think outside the normal perimeters and ask oneself what else can we do. This brand is not doing that. They are missing more sales, more profits, and a larger following. It is a shame.

 

 

I don't get how 10-year-old styling still sells and expected to sell the next 5-6 years. It amazes me. I will give it tops on practicality and AWD performance which must be the core values that appeal most to the Subaru buyer. We'll have to see the numbers with this new gen.

If there are current Subaru owners, I am curious to know your opinion. Thanks!

 

I'm not a current Outback owner, but, before my Verano, owned one for six years. I'm sure you remember it...(we've known each other for some time). You hit two of the core values on the head with practicality and AWD traction....and there is also the space efficiency and outward visibility that the large windows and two-box styling provide. Unfortunately, I'd rate my particular one only average in reliability...the rear brakes, even with my conservative driving style, didn't last as long as I expected, and a premature failure of the electric cooling fans led to the engine heating up....I got it to the shop before any major damage was done to the engine block. Incredible in the winter, though.....nothing could stop it. I don't need that kind of traction today, now that I'm retired and don't commute daily.

 

I remember when the Gen 1 Forester came out it was impressive on the points you said - the space efficiency and visibility were second to none (and I believe that is still the case today). One of the first cars I owned was a used 1988 Subaru GL Wagon 4x4 I bought for $600 . It was a tank and had 350 k km if memory serves. However, to your point, nowadays I often hear Subaru owners having experienced some form of mechanical issues. Friend of mine had a cylinder misfire in the 2.5L boxer in his Legacy (or Forester, can't remember) among other electrical issues. He moved away from Subaru, needles to say. Clearly reliability is not its strong point to the current Subaru buyer, as they once were in the 80s and 90s.

 

Sat in the new one in the ny auto show. Im not sure why people buy these things. Felt cheap and cramped.

 

subaru is being super successful doing their own thing, and being conservative in their styling. It works really well for them, they are not missing out on anything.

 

I've got one question, though.........if Subaru is not pulling in more customers, then how do you explain an almost 350% sales-increase in the American market in the last 10 years?


Check this out:

http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/subaru/

 

if anything I would be interested in a current model Forester XT (w/250hp) - it's one of the fastest small SUVs out there, especially for the price. Not a exactly a bargain at $29K, but still a good deal in my eyes, espeically if you can get a discount.