Best awd vehicle?

[Mr Janny]

It's been a few years since I've sat in a Subaru but the only thing I didn't like about the brand was that their interiors were usually sub-par compared to rivals. That may have changed though.

They have some of the best faux-brushed metal that I've seen for the center console. It looks and feels great. But, they follow it up with some of the worst fake wood trim on the inside of the doors. It does look a little out of place. The seats are very comfortable, heated leather on ours. I do know that in recent years, either the 2010 or 2011 model a redesign of the interior was one of the big changes, specifically to address space issues. The 2011 has tons of interior space. I assume the 2012 has similar.

 

[Vicarious]

My husband bought a Legacy last fall and really likes it. It's not as big as an SUV but he can get his golf clubs in the trunk easily. If your looking for roomier though look at the Hyundai Vera Cruz. I've had one for several years and love it. If given a choice, my teenage boys pick the Vera Cruz to drive everytime.

 

[digZ]

They have some of the best faux-brushed metal that I've seen for the center console. It looks and feels great. But, they follow it up with some of the worst fake wood trim on the inside of the doors. It does look a little out of place. The seats are very comfortable, heated leather on ours. I do know that in recent years, either the 2010 or 2011 model a redesign of the interior was one of the big changes, specifically to address space issues. The 2011 has tons of interior space. I assume the 2012 has similar.

Yeah. They've done a lot of interior redesign in the past few years, and based on reviews that's a big plus to put them ahead of comparable cars in their category/price range

 

[Cydkar]

I can get around in snow better with a manual transmission with FWD, than an AWD automatic. Of course, the vast majority of people hate or can't drive a manual.

Spring for an AWD with a manual for best results. Ha

How do you text with a manual transmission?

 

[Cydkar]

I knew a guy who swore by Subaru 25 years ago. He has never owned anything else to this day. They are crazy reliable.

 

[digZ]

How do you text with a manual transmission?

Sit at the top of a certain gear while texting, then when you're done shift up and keep accelerating!:laugh:

 

[dmclone]

I just wish they still made the brat. Having a seat in the bed was so cool.

 

[CyinCo]

It's been a few years since I've sat in a Subaru but the only thing I didn't like about the brand was that their interiors were usually sub-par compared to rivals. That may have changed though.

I have a 2009 WRX sedan. I LOVE the car. But my "liking" of a car is typically all around performance. The Impreza interior materials suck. The seats are decent but the plastics and surfaces are terrible. And when it gets cold, everything creaks, as if the hard plastics got even harder. The stereo is also bad but I didn't spring for the 10 speaker premium audio. Subaru used to parner with Harmon Kardon way back when. Why aren't they doing that anymore?

If you want an upscale feel in an efficient, fun, and inexpensive vehicle, go with a Mazda 3. It isn't AWD (which I think is a shame) but nice car that will handle the conditions fine.

 

[Mr Janny]

I have a 2009 WRX sedan. I LOVE the car. But my "liking" of a car is typically all around performance. The Impreza interior materials suck. The seats are decent but the plastics and surfaces are terrible. And when it gets cold, everything creaks, as if the hard plastics got even harder. The stereo is also bad but I didn't spring for the 10 speaker premium audio. Subaru used to parner with Harmon Kardon way back when. Why aren't they doing that anymore?

If you want an upscale feel in an efficient, fun, and inexpensive vehicle, go with a Mazda 3. It isn't AWD (which I think is a shame) but nice car that will handle the conditions fine.

They do partner with Harmon Kardon. That's what ours has. It's the premium audio, though, so I guess I don't know what the standard is.

 

[CyinCo]

They do partner with Harmon Kardon. That's what ours has. It's the premium audio, though, so I guess I don't know what the standard is.

my 2009 definitely didn't have a Harmon Kardon offering. It just was a "premium" offering, meaning that they added few speakers.

 

[k123]

The Subaru website has a helpful comparison tool for comparisons, especially one for photo comparisons that shows every view (interior and exterior) compared with that of other vehicles you select..for example, the seats/dashboard/arm rest/trunk/etc of the Subaru vs that of the Honda and jeep, etc. This is probably available other places too.

Subaru Compare Models Tool | Subaru Research Tools

Good luck. I enjoy my 03 Subaru Forester. Only complaint is wind noise...imagine newer ones are better.

This is the Subaru AWD proselytizing video:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw]Subaru AWD vs. competitors - YouTube[/ame]

 

[leroycyclone]

My wife and I are looking at getting a new car this year, and here are her requirements:

All wheel drive
4 door
good gas mileage
as inexpensive as possible with the above

Seems like the Suburu Impreza and Legacy fit. Any recommendations or other ideas?

Find a tree to hug and hope that the Birkenstock's in the glove compartment are the correct sizes.

 

[Entropy]

Love my Mazdaspeed6.

 

[dmclone]

Love my Mazdaspeed6.

Nice ride

 

[ISU_phoria]

I can get around in snow better with a manual transmission with FWD, than an AWD automatic. Of course, the vast majority of people hate or can't drive a manual.Spring for an AWD with a manual for best results. Ha

I have a FWD manual and my wife has an AWD automatic.

AWD beats the FWD in snow hands down....not even close.

 

[dmclone]

I have a FWD manual and my wife has an AWD automatic.

AWD beats the FWD in snow hands down....not even close.

I have an AWD

My wife has AWD

Her AWD beats mine in the snow hands down.

My last car was fwd

My wife had the same AWD

My fwd beat her AWD in the snow hands down

My last last car was rwd

My wifes last car was fwd

Her fwd beat mine in the snow hands down


Not all AWD/4wd's are created equal. My wife's SUV runs normally in fwd until slippage and then AWD. My car runs in rwd until it detects spin and then AWD. I have sporty tires. She has all season.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Find a tree to hug and hope that the Birkenstock's in the glove compartment are the correct sizes.

**** trees, I'm looking for a good ride. If it ran on baby trees and looked cool, I'd drive it.

 

[cyking]

I got a Toyota Venza awd, SUV that rides like a car. Gas mileage 26 mpg with the 4 cylinder.

 

[cyclonedave25]

I have a FWD manual and my wife has an AWD automatic.

AWD beats the FWD in snow hands down....not even close.

Like dmclone said, it really depends on the car.
If it was up to me, give me an AWD manual for perfect driving in the snow. I just like being able to control the amount of power to the wheels to help prevent spinning.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Like dmclone said, it really depends on the car.
If it was up to me, give me an AWD manual for perfect driving in the snow. I just like being able to control the amount of power to the wheels to help prevent spinning.

Feel exactly the same way. I have an A4 Quattro and I worry come replacement time since each year that make fewer and fewer manuals. It will be hard to find that nice used one with the six speed.

BTW, never have owned an automatic in 40 years of car ownership. Got three manual transmission Krautmobiles in the garage (two are hiberating through the winter).