Consumer Report - From the logbook: Subaru Forester

I think it’s fair to say that the Forester is a model many of us recommend to friends and family. For years, it has consistently ranked among the best small SUVs and, as my colleague Tom Mutchler pointed out, is one of the most searched vehicles on our website. The non-turbo versions also have years of better-than-average reliability, making them one of the better used car choices.

Our $25,720 2.5X Premium version--the most popular trim-line--has a few thousand miles under its belt and is in steady demand as the winter months creep in.

Since there seems to be a lot of interest in this model, to be charitable in this holiday season, we thought it would be decent of us to give up a little more of what we know about the Forester.

Here’s a look inside the logbook:

“Bit too much body roll to be sporty, but rides very nicely.”

“Engine feels like it has more reserve than our family’s 2002 model.”

“Automatic transmission is not smooth and can be considered primitive by today’s standards.”

“Comfortable and smooth ride, but a bit noisy.”

“Quick seat heaters are especially nice on cold, 35-degree morning.”

“Seat fits me really well…230-mile trip in one go with no body aches and stiffness.”

“Fit and finish might not be fabulous, but what $25K small SUV is?”

“Maybe the worst stock sound system I’ve heard in 20 years. Radio reception is awful and the speakers sound flat, lifeless and muddy.

“Super practical and easy to live with.”

“Simple and easy to drive.”

“Handy size with a big, well-shaped cargo area.”

“I usually love the Forester, but it feels rather cheap these days.”

“I think I’d take a RAV4. The Forester is nice, but the four-speed automatic transmission belongs in a museum.”

So while it’s clear that the Forester still has its fans, the small SUV is showing its age. Even with the new base engine for 2011, we’re not sure the car has improved all that much. But it still has lots to offer and does many things well. Stay tuned for more--including a full road test--on this popular vehicle.

Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/12/from-the-logbook-subaru-forester.html

Subaru Dealers

Subaru Rally Team USA Test Session: Car Acclimatization Program for New Driver David Higgins

Watch as David Higgins, new teammate to Dave Mirra at Subaru Rally Team USA for 2011, gets acquainted with his Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car for the very first time. The test session was conducted at the team's proving grounds in upstate NY during the week of November 29, 2010. Road conditions were less than ideal due to a severe storm system having passed through the previous day.

Subaru Dealers

Subaru offers TomTom navigation on 2011 Forester, Impreza

Portable navigation companies are fast becoming original equipment suppliers, providing software and/or hardware to car companies looking to offer contemporary route guidance at an attainable price. Subaru is now offering integrated TomTom navigation devices on the Forester and Impreza. This strategy hands navigation development to an industry expert, leaving Subaru to design in a cradle, power supply, and audio system connections. In the end, the customer benefits from a modern navigator at a price well below those of typical, in-dash systems.

Given the long, multi-year development cycles that cars have, an automaker would be challenged to keep up with the pace of the GPS market, where a new generation product is introduced about every six months. In fact, even though it went on sale this fall, the TomTom Go 720 that is the basis for this system could be considered two generations old, with a newer Go 730 taking its place and the impressive Go 2405 taking over as the latest flagship portable navigator. Both devices retail for $299. (See our GPS ratings and buying advice.)


The integrated, 4.3-inch TomTom unit routes audio through the car speakers, and it mutes the stereo system when issuing navigation guidance. Plus, it adds Bluetooth connectivity and audio input. It remains a portable, removable unit,  and with an available mount and power cord, the TomTom device could be used in another car. However, it cannot be readily replaced in the vehicle with a newer TomTom device down the road. Due to the design, a replacement would likely include the double-DIN cradle, as well.

Subaru is not the first to explore this strategy. Toyota offered a 4Runner with similar integration, and Suzuki offers a flip-up Garmin in the SX4. We wouldn't be surprised to see this trend continue, and our talks with major navigations providers suggest it will.

Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/11/subaru-offers-tomtom-navigation-on-2011-forester-impreza.html


Subaru Illinois

Subaru and the environment - NBC's "Green Week"

Here's a quick clip from our sponsorship of NBC's "Green Week"...Doesn't it make you feel good to support our green initiatives! Subaru is a major sponsor of NBC's "Green week", showcasing our environmentally friendly practices. What are some of the ways you are environmentally friendly?

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Subaru Dealers

Subaru Impreza Concept – Auto Shows

It doesn't take much squinting to see the next-gen Impreza in this concept.

Subaru calls this L.A show car a concept, but it's clear that—minus a bit of the flash—this is basically the next-generation Impreza.
The mug and fender flares on this concept Impreza definitely remind us of the current Legacy, which means that when the production car launches, it could be the first time in more than a decade that Subaru's cars actually show some heavy family resemblance. The Legacy's amoeba-shaped headlights are among the styling details not carried over to this concept, replaced instead with racier units that look like the Acura TL’s. Below those sit gaping air intakes, horizontally bisected by wing-shaped LED fog lights—an upscale design touch, and one we hope survives the concept-to-production transition. Ikuo Mori, the CEO of Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, recently said that the company is happy with the size of its products as they are now, so don't expect the next-gen Impreza to grow much from the current car's dimensions.

The Impreza concept features stereo cameras integrated into the A-pillars as part of Subaru's EyeSight system, a safety feature that determines the distance of cars and obstacles ahead and applies the brakes if you’re going to ram into them. EyeSight already is available on Japanese-market Legacys and is a part of the firm's dynamic cruise-control system, but we read the inclusion on the Impreza concept as an indication that EyeSight may be coming to American Subarus.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/10q4/subaru_impreza_concept-auto_shows

Subaru Dealers

Subaru Forester: Reunion

Subaru Commercial Reunion: Open on a man with his wife, meeting up with old friends at a high school reunion. The man looks across the gym floor and spots an attractive woman entering with her husband. Recognition registers in the faces of the man and woman: they were high school sweethearts.
We cut to several flashbacks of the man and woman in their younger years. Then back to present day in the school gym, where the man carries on with his wife and his buddies.

The man and his wife, in their new Forester®, drive past the old Forester in their driveway as they pull into their garage. The wife walks past the old car on her way to the house. The man lags a little bit, looks over at the old Forester and smiles.

It's true, you never forget your first Subaru.

Background Music ("Powerful Stuff," Sean Hayes)

Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5UwvFbi5PE&feature=youtube_gdata

Subaru Dealers

Subaru Legacy: Puddles

Subaru Commercial Puddles: We watch a Subaru Legacy® driving in a downtown area after a rainstorm. As it winds through town, the driver goes out of his way to hit every puddle, creating beautiful splashes of various sizes. We see the driver smile: he's enjoying himself. We see a child looking out from a glass doorway: he notices both the car and the splash that it's making. Cut inside to the driver who noticed the reaction. He smiles to himself as he continues to drive.
I used to see the puddles, but now I see the splash.

Background Music ("Tighten Up," Black Keys)

Read More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk_7uTJEiDc&feature=youtube_gdata

Subaru Dealers


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Subaru of America Supports Fall Car Care Month

-- Free Vehicle Diagnostic Inspections Offered to Subaru Drivers in October --

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ --  Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that the company is endorsing the Car Care Council's Fall Car Care Month, a nationwide October program highlighting the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.  To help Subaru owners heed the council's advice to "Be Car Care Aware," most Subaru dealers are offering free vehicle diagnostic inspections in preparation for the demands of winter driving.

The Car Care Council notes that regularly maintaining your vehicle – including checking the oil, filters and fluids; belts and hoses; brakes and tires; and the air conditioning system – can preserve your automotive investment by helping your vehicle last longer.

"No matter where you live or what you drive, Fall is always a good time to prepare your vehicle for winter's cooler weather – and regular maintenance will also help improve your mileage, lower emissions, and improve the future resale value of your vehicle," notes Gary Palanjian, vice president of parts and service, Subaru of America, Inc.  "We want every Subaru driver to enjoy the highest possible safety, performance and fuel economy, which is why we support Fall Car Care Month and offer the free service inspections."

During Fall Car Care Month, Subaru dealers will be performing a thorough no-obligation multi-point diagnostic checkup of all major operating systems, and owners will receive a written report of the vehicle's condition.  Consumers can visit www.subaru.com to find a participating dealer.

Read More: http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=43&item=196

Subaru Illinois

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan - Short Take Road Test

In the years since its 2002 U.S. introduction, the rally-inspired Subaru Impreza WRX evolved aesthetically like Barry Bonds, morphing from the scrawny-looking yet scrappy original to this version, the beefed-up and muscular 2011 model. Yes, there were a few stylistic missteps along the way, 2006’s funky nose and the softer look of the 2008 chief among them, but we’ve never loved the WRX for its looks. This vehicle has always been a blast to drive, and it got even better for 2009 when Subaru poured on 41 more hp, for a total of 265, and stirred in a raft of chassis revisions. The result was a 0-to-60-mph run of 4.7 seconds and more poise than ever; the only remaining issues were a tendency to understeer and styling too much like a regular Impreza’s. You may now consider these concerns rectified.

Updated Inside, Out, and Underneath

This year, the WRX sedan and hatchback receive the aggressive, wide-body design of the more powerful STI, including its quad-tipped exhaust. Track increases of 1.3 inches in front and 1.5 inches in the rear—coming in part from the lighter, wider 17-inch wheels (eight inches wide versus seven)—ensure that the newly flared fenders are filled. As expected given the wheel widening, the Dunlop SP Sport 01 skins increase in width from 225 millimeters to 235. The chassis changes are rounded out by stiffer rear subframe bushings.

Inside, new carbon-colored trim accents the top of the dash. We like the color, but among the dash, center stack, and console, there are three different silver/gray hues, which together look a bit chintzy. A revised audio system includes Bluetooth and iPod connectivity as standard; it’s the only other major interior change for 2011.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q3/2011_subaru_impreza_wrx_sedan-short_take_road_test

Chicago Used Subaru

Subaru of America, Inc. Announces Pricing on 2011 Forester

- Award-winning Subaru Forester price increase held to $200

- 2011 Forester features an all-new 2.5L DOHC Subaru Boxer Engine

- New 2.5X Forester Touring model

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced 2011 pricing for its award-winning Forester model starting at $20,495 equipped with manual transmission, a modest $200 increase from 2010. The automatic transmission version starts at $21,695. The 2011 Forester's all-new 2.5L DOHC SUBARU BOXER® Engine improves on the Forester's already impressive fuel efficiency. All Forester models now come with a new grill design as well as an updated instrument panel with a softer, textured material for enhanced interior appearance.

Forester 2.5X 

Standard features for the 2.5X Forester include AM/FM stereo with single disc CD player and 4 speakers with input auxiliary jack, (3) 12 volt power outlets, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), daytime running lights, engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats, multi-functional center console box and sliding arm rest, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, rear window wiper and washer and remote keyless entry. The 2.5X also continues to offer the popular Alloy Wheel Value Package. This package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails for only $400 – the same as the 2010 model year.

Forester 2.5X Premium

The 2011 Forester 2.5X Premium, equipped with manual transmission starts at $23,195, a $400 increase over last year. The automatic transmission version starts at $24,195. Standard equipment includes all 2.5X model features (where applicable) plus a standard 10-way power driver's seat, privacy glass, panoramic power moonroof, roof rails, steering wheel mounted audio switches, reclining rear seatback function and rear seat retractable rear tray as well as the following newly upgraded features:

• Driver's side power window with Auto-Down and Auto-Up with Anti-Pinch Protection
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• New 17" Alloy Wheels
• Standard Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Connectivity with steering wheel control switches
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming Connectivity
• iPod connectivity
• USB port
• Sirius Satellite Radio capability  

In addition to those features, the 2011MY Forester 2.5X Premium also features an all-new TomTom® Navigation option package.  Available with the $500 All Weather Package, the TomTom® Navigation option has a special value price of only $595, for a total package price of only $1,095.  This TomTom® unit is a removable navigation device with a 4.3" LCD touch screen and includes the following features:

• Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Connectivity
• iPod connectivity
• Removable Portable Navigation Device
• USB port  

A back-up camera is an additional available accessory and traffic information on the camera is available with a subscription.

Forester 2.5X Limited

The 2011MY Forester 2.5X Limited, equipped with automatic transmission, has a starting price of $26,495, a $500 increase. Standard equipment includes all 2.5X Premium model features (where applicable) plus leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, stainless exhaust tips, automatic climate control system, fog lights, cargo area tray and All-Weather Package along with the following additional improvements to the audio system:

• Bluetooth Audio Streaming Connectivity
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Connectivity
• HD radio  
• iPod connectivity
• 4.3" LCD display screen
• 6 upgraded speakers (instead of 4)
• Back-up camera accessory option  

The 2.5X Limited continues to offer a Touch-Screen GPS Navigation System for $1,800 which includes a 7" LCD screen, auxiliary input jack and now includes a backup camera.

Forester 2.5X Touring

Also new for the 2011MY is the introduction of the 2.5X Touring model. This model builds on the 2.5X Limited model and comes equipped with automatic transmission starting at $27,995.  This model adds several unique features:  High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, silver finish roof rails, one-touch folding rear seatbacks, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sirius satellite radio and electroluminescent instrumentation.  

Forester 2.5XT Premium

The 2.5XT Premium starts at $26,995, is equipped with automatic transmission and features the impressive 224-horsepower 2.5L DOHC intercooled, turbocharged Boxer Engine.  Standard equipment includes a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine with Active Valve Control System, decorative engine cover, stainless exhaust tips, fog lights, rear spoiler, telescopic steering column, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, hood scoop, and aluminum-alloy accelerator and brake pedal covers and now includes a 10-way power driver's seat.

Forester 2.5XT Touring

The 2011MY Forester 2.5XT also adds a Touring model, equipped with automatic transmission and starting at $29,995. This new model includes HID headlights, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, backup camera, silver finish roof rails, one-touch folding rear seatback and electroluminescent instrumentation. In addition to those features, it has an upgraded audio system with a 4.3" LCD display screen, dual-zone automatic climate control and perforated leather-trimmed upholstery. The Touch-Screen GPS Navigation System is also available (with the standard backup camera already included in the vehicle) as an option on all Touring models for only $1,600.

The destination and delivery charge is $725 for all 2011MY Forester models in the contiguous 48 states. The MSRP of PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) models remains $300 more than the federal specification model. 

Read More: http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=43&item=191

Subaru Dealers Chicago

Subaru Recognized as Most Adoption-Friendly Company in U.S. Auto Industry

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc., known for its reputation of building family-friendly vehicles, is continuing to build a reputation for generous adoption assistance benefits for its employees. Subaru, for the second year in a row, was ranked #1 in the automotive industry category on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's "Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America" list.

This special achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that Subaru has been honored by the foundation. The list, categorized by industry and size of business, names Subaru of America, Inc.:

• #1 in the auto industry category
• #2 in the medium-sized company category
• #7 out of all companies in the United States

"Subaru remains extremely proud to support its employees and our adoption assistance program allows them to make a special difference in the lives of children," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc.  "As a family-focused organization, we are thrilled to provide employees with the financial assistance necessary to welcome children into their homes."
The primary ranking criterion for the Dave Thomas Foundation is the maximum amount of financial reimbursement per adoption, including any additional support for special needs adoption. The secondary criterion is the maximum amount of fully or partially paid leave for adoption. Companies with a combination of both criteria rank higher than those with just one. Honorees include the top 100 companies, the top ten by size and the top five in each industry. The foundation compiled the results from survey data collected from more than 900 U.S. employers, several survey partners and through subscriber and member participation.

Read More: http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=43&item=193

Subaru Illinois

Subaru near decision on first plant in China, report says

TOKYO -- Subaru, the only major Japanese brand not manufacturing in China, is in talks with partners in that country about a joint venture and will decide by year end whether to build cars there, a newspaper report said.

Ikuo Mori, president of the Subaru brand's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., told Japan's Nikkei business daily that locally produced cars have slimmer profit margins than those imported from Japan. But setting up local production in China is essential to future growth in the world's biggest auto market, he said.

“We are now in talks with several local makers as possible candidates for a joint venture partner,” Mori said. “We are going to decide how to advance there by the end of the year.”

Mori said he doesn't expect the China venture to be profitable in the first two years.

Subaru would be a late-comer to China. Most Japanese automakers have been manufacturing there for years. Subaru began selling full-sized vehicles there in 2004. The brand sold 35,000 vehicles in China last year and is targeting 50,000 this year.

Mori said Subaru's longer-term sales goal is 100,000 annually, but he gave no time frame.

Subaru spokesman Masashi Uemura declined to name the companies that Fuji Heavy Industries was talking with. But a Chinese business Web site reported last month that one negotiating partner was Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100824/GLOBAL03/100829936/1131#ixzz0yC9Agr5W

Subaru Dealers

Subaru Debuts 2011 WRX STI-based Rally Cars for X Games

The Subaru Rally Team is back with three new cars based on the revised 2011 Impreza WRX STI. The cars have been prepared by Vermont SportsCar and will compete in X Games 16 rally events in Los Angeles this weekend. The transformation begins with a 2011 WRX STI just like the ones you can buy in your local Subaru dealership; SRT chose to stick with the five-door hatch rather than using the newly resurrected sedan model.
The gap between a showroom STI and the rally car quickly widens. SRT stripped the car’s interior, welded some of the body seams for extra stiffness, and bolted in a full roll cage and Kevlar fuel cell. Standard components are replaced by Recaro racing seats, a custom dashboard, carbon-fiber door panels, a rallying trip computer, and an automatic fire extinguisher. On the outside, they added a 0.25-inch aluminum skid plate, mud flaps, a carbon-fiber roof scoop, and the requisite rally-car (read: loud) graphics treatment.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/subaru-debuts-2011-wrx-sti-based-rally-cars-for-x-games/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+caranddriver%2Fblog+%28Car+and+Driver+Blog%29&utm_content=Bloglines

Chicago Subaru

International Autos Group

International Autos has been serving Wisconsin areas for numerous years and is now proud to offer service to Illinois as well. We have become a leader in sales, service and customer satisfaction. Our experienced sales staff specializes in New and Pre-driven Mercedes Benz, Audi, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini, Porsche, Subaru and Volvo cars and trucks. We strive to provide the best customer satisfaction and assure you that if you allow us a chance to earn your business you will be satisfied with both the sale and the service we offer. Our business philosophy has always been putting our customers first and our track record of continued repeat business shows that philosophy works. Whether you choose a New or Pre-driven Mercedes Benz, Audi, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini, Porsche, Subaru or Volvo vehicle you will enjoy the hassle free purchasing experience thousands of our customers have already benefited from.

International Autos Group

Subaru Continues Breaking Sales Records, Announces Its Best July in History

-- Subaru Outback Has Best Month Ever Selling 9,030 Units --

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. posted its best July sales in history with 23,983 vehicles sold in July 2010 – a 10-percent increase over July 2009 sales of 21,839 units. Year-to-date sales totaled 149,943 units compared with 115,145 units sold through the same period last year – marking a 30-percent increase.

The Subaru Outback continues to be the stellar performer for the company selling 9,030 units in July 2010 – resulting in an astounding 82-percent increase over July 2009. The Subaru Legacy also continues to increase sales with a 37-percent improvement over July 2009 with 3,208 units sold in July 2010.

"It was great to exceed and build on last year's record results considering that last year's Cash for Clunkers program was very successful for Subaru," said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our products continue to attract both loyal Subaru owners and a larger than ever group of conquest customers."

Subaru Illinois

Subaru Announces Pricing for 2011 Impreza WRX and STI Models

- WRX Now Comes in Wide-Body Design and WRX STI Introduces a 4-Door Model -

- WRX STI 4-door starts at $1,000 less than the starting price of the 2010 5-door Model -

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models. Arriving in dealerships in September, the aggressively redesigned 2011 WRX starts at $25,495 for both the 4-door and 5-door models. The 2011 WRX STI 4-door is $1,000 less than the starting price of the 2010 5-door (non-Special Edition) STI at $33,995.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Beginning at $25,495 – a modest $500 increase for the 4-door and the same starting price for the 5-door – the aggressive body style changes for WRX include new front & rear bumpers, wide front fenders and quarter panels, and a WRX logo side fender badge. The sedan adds a rear chrome satin finish and quad tailpipe outlets. The WRX receives new gunmetal gray alloy wheels paired with wider summer-performance tires. Additionally, all WRX models now have six upgraded speakers and come with steering wheel control switches for audio and Bluetooth functions.

The Subaru Impreza WRX Premium starts at $27,995 (both 4- and 5-door) and adds the All-Weather Package, power moonroof, and fog lights. The sedan also includes a standard rear trunk spoiler. The Subaru Impreza WRX Limited is available from $28,995 (both 4- and 5-door) and features HID headlights and leather-trimmed upholstery. A GPS touch-screen Navigation system is available on Premium and Limited trim levels and includes a 7" touch-screen and standard Sirius satellite radio.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

The Subaru performance leader, the WRX STI, returns as a 4-door sedan – along with the 5-door for the 2011MY. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-door starts at $1,000 less than the 2010 WRX STI 5-Door (non-Special Edition) at $33,995. In addition to its wide-body style, the WRX STI sedan also brings back its signature impressive rear trunk spoiler. All WRX STI models include the All Weather Package.

The WRX STI is powered by a 2.5 liter, turbocharged and intercooled Subaru Boxer® engine pumping out 305 horsepower. To further improve its performance, the 2011MY WRX STI has a retuned suspension that includes improved suspension bushings, larger front/rear stabilizer bars, and stiffer front/rear coil springs that provide tighter handling, less body roll and improved steering feel. All WRX STI models are available with optional GPS Touch-Screen Navigation with a 7" LCD touch-screen for $1,800. Additionally, all WRX and WRX STI models also receive a new mesh-type grill along with an upgraded audio system that includes standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, an auxiliary input jack, USB port, and XM/Sirius capability with a roof mounted antenna.

A new trim level, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited 4-door, is added with a starting price of $37,345 and includes leather-trimmed upholstery, 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, power moonroof and fog lights.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI 5-door starts at $35,995, and includes 18-inch BBS alloy wheels.

The Destination and Delivery charge for these and all 2011 Subaru models is $725 (Alaska D&D is $875). Complete WRX and WRX STI model information and prices can be found at www.media.subaru.com.

Subaru of America continues to enjoy record sales after its best-ever sales year in 2009, with June sales up 35-percent year-to-date.

Chicago Subaru Dealers

Connected adventure: 2011 Subaru Outback offers WiFi

Subaru is adding wireless connectivity to the 2011 Outback as an option, providing mobile Internet via a 3G network. The system by Autonet Mobile will cost $499, plus a $35 activation fee and a one-year agreement at $29 a month. The first three months are free. The WiFi service will enable download speeds from 400 kps to 1.2 mbps, even with the car in motion.

The WiFi service will enable passengers to operate up to 10 connected devices at the same time. A possible use would be to stream Internet music, without using a smartphone. In addition, it has a 150-foot reach, adding appeal for beach parties, camping, and sports arena tailgating.

Of course, the increasingly ubiquitous smartphone may be the best argument against this system. Given the cost, most consumers could upgrade a regular cell phone and service plan for about the same price, then use the smartphone for travel-related functions like GPS navigation, traffic, and weather. Plus, the smartphone could be used away from the car, as well. The reception for both would be limited by cell-tower availability, meaning neither would provide connectivity in a deep "outback" adventure.

There are likely clever applications for this service, but for the average customer, it would be worth thinking through the cost and limitations.

The 2011 Subaru Outback will start at $22,995--the same price as the 2010 model.

Subaru Dealers Chicago

2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i

2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i

VIN: 4S3BMCA60B3213601
Stock Number: B3213601
Selling Price: $21,720
Miles: 3
Doors: 4
Exterior Color: Steel Silver Metallic
Transmission: Variable
Engine Displacement: 2.5L
Engine Cylinders: 4

Subaru Legacy Chicago

2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i

2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i

VIN: JF1GE6A66AH514417
Stock Number: AH514417
Selling Price: $19,190
Miles: 3
Doors: 4
Exterior Color: Satin White Pearl
Transmission: Automatic
Engine Displacement: 2.5L
Engine Cylinders: 4
Highway MPG: 26
City MPG: 20

Subaru Impreza Chicago

2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Special Edition

2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Special Edition

VIN: JF2SH6BC4AH767821
Stock Number: AH767821
Selling Price: $22,590
Miles: 3
Doors: 4
Exterior Color: Newport Blue Pearl
Transmission: Automatic
Engine Displacement: 2.5L
Engine Cylinders: 4
Highway MPG: 26
City MPG: 20

Subaru Chicago

Subaru Announces Pricing for 2011MY Impreza Model - Starting price held for 2011MY -

CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2011MY Subaru Impreza (non-turbo) models. Pricing for the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and Impreza Outback Sport are held to 2010 model year levels.
Subaru of America continues to enjoy record sales after its best-ever sales year in 2009, with sales up 40 percent year-to-date. The Subaru Impreza is also showing a sales increase year-to-date due to its unique blend of fun-to-drive performance, safety and functionality with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology. The Impreza has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for three consecutive years, making it an unmatched value in the compact vehicle segment. The 2011 Subaru Impreza is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in July.
Chicago Subaru