Subaru is taking a step in the right direction...

[IveBeenBad]

Ive noticed all of there ads as of late have advertised how they can not only do thing some SUVs cant, but they can also run with porsche, audi, bmw, and even ferrari in certain instances.

I love subaru, and I think they have nowhere left to go except up.

[Mr1der]

can't argue with you.

I hope some other companies start taking a step in the right direction...

Like Ford. God knows they've got the fire power for it in their engines....

[IveBeenBad]

can't argue with you.

I hope some other companies start taking a step in the right direction...

Like Ford. God knows they've got the fire power for it in their engines....

Fords problem is they dug themselves in a hole when the Focus had all of those recalls. I do admire there efforts to put themselves in the spotlight again though. The new Mustang and the new F-150 are both going to push them up in my opinion.

[Mr1der]

so long as they start building their cars right...

The crazy thing about recalls is that there's a lot of problems on cars that go unanswered too...Ford was open about stuff.

[jdmfreak]

I guess that DOES say something about them. Regard less I wanna WRX or STI. The new Forester is promising as well.

[BadMojo]

so long as they start building their cars right...

The crazy thing about recalls is that there's a lot of problems on cars that go unanswered too...Ford was open about stuff.

The Ford GT is going to be a hell of a halo car for them. Hopefully, they can capitalize on it. The Mustang is certainly a step in the right direction. I still can't fathom the rational behind killing off the SVT Focus.

OK...you want to move SVT to more of an "upscale" brand. Fine. But, IMO, to kill off a car that's going to bring younger buyers in to the dealership for a car they can actually afford. I think there are a lot of kids out there that would rather have something of the "hot hatch" variety than a base Mustang.

I can't remember the pricing I heard about on the new 'Stang, but I'd imagine that the base Mustang (without taking in to account the guaranteed outrageous mark-ups for the first year or two) would come in close to the MSRP for an SVT Focus.

Still, I can't help thinking that Ford is missing out on selling a higher performance version of the hatchback Focus. Hell, play up the car's WRC heritage like Subaru does. IIRC, Ford is 2nd in the WRC manufacturers championship and they're already using a picture of (it's Markko Martin, I think) taking a huge jump in his WRC Focus.

The new Focus ST is, from what I've read, a far cry from the old SVT Focus. I can't imagine many of the kids that are in to the "tuner" seen getting excited about that car. Give 'em something with aggressive fender flares and some other WRC-style touches.

[Mr1der]

SVT took a hiatus for '05...

Look for the '06 stuff to come storming in and drink all your beer and run off with your girl too.

if they wanna drop the WRC card, they should bring back the Escort. Sure the name kinda sucks, but it's a little hellcat in the rally world. AWD turbo goodness sure as hell helped it.

GM can go **** themselves. 'cept the Vette<3

[BadMojo]

I've read in numerous sources that the SVT Focus is dead, dead and dead. They want to move the SVT brand "upscale" so a buffed up economy car would apparently cheapen the whole line.

SVT will be back...the SVT Focus will not. The Escort was definitely cool, but the newest WRC Focus is pretty badass. It looks like it would kick you in the balls and take your wallet in a second.

[Mr1der]

perhaps we'll get a Focus RS then....that'd only make sense....

They'd be stupid not too, it's not like it'll cost them a lot, other then running through the DOT hoops for it...

we'll see how they run the ball I guess...

[BadMojo]

perhaps we'll get a Focus RS then....that'd only make sense....

They'd be stupid not too, it's not like it'll cost them a lot, other then running through the DOT hoops for it...

we'll see how they run the ball I guess...

The argument I've heard against the Focus RS is that it'd be comparable in price to a Subaru STI. Ford, from what I've heard, mistakenly thinks nobody would pay $30,000 for a Focus. In Europe, the Focus is, all things considered, a more expensive vehicle to buy and is viewed as more of a premium product.

Personally, I think Ford is off track with that. Gee...who would pay $26,000 for an Impreza or a Lancer? Oh, wait...lots of people!

I'd be shocked and very happy if we got the Focus RS...just don't think it's gonna happen.

[StrangeLove]

Bah, I hate the focus, but I do like the Sti alot

[Sopdadope]

I love Subaru's. Loved them so much I got rid of my Q and 240sx in favor of a Legacy and so far, I'm convinced I'll never ever buy another make....ever.

Pro's:- AWD means awesome handling and ensures the car runs beautifully in the worst conditions Mother Nature could throw at you. I remember plowing right through knee-high water when other cars electrical systems failed. (Alternators located at the very top of the engine)- Extremely reliable and easy to work on. I've got 320k on the original motor and this thing stills works like a charm. All accessories are located at the top, so no need to crawl around on the ground. - SUPER CHEAP factory mods. Basically all the parts are interchangeable between the vehicles ie putting STI struts on an older Impreza or Legacy.

[jdmfreak]

What year? My cousin hes STI parts in his 2001 Outback wagon.

[MainEvent212]

heh i wanna see a 2005-style legacy STi

[jdmfreak]

Now that'll be sick. The regular Legacy is enough for me though.

[prigo]

Subaru owns you.

[Mr1der]

I agree.

Think I'm gonna go buy a Brat....mwhahahaha

[BadMojo]

I agree.

Think I'm gonna go buy a Brat....mwhahahaha

No way man... Subaru Baja with a turbo-charged 2.5L engine. It's in the top of its class of weird hybrid car/truck things. I'm waiting for the next interpretation of the El Camino. El Camino vs. turbo Baja...fight!

I really like Subaru, but who buys those hideous looking Bajas? It was ugly 20 years ago and it's still ugly, IMO.

Anyway, if I were to pick an old school Subaru to drive it'd be a Subaru XT Turbo. I love that super wedge...don't ask why, I just do.

[Mr1der]

does it have the seats in the bed though?

I don't think it does...

oh, we already have an El Camino, it's called the SS-R

[BadMojo]

How could I forget the other wierd truck/car thingy?

Actually, I kind of dig the SSR now that they gave it a pair. A nice 6 speed gearbox + a 390hp LS2 V8. It's finally as fast as it looks!

Edit: No seats in the back of the Baja, sadly. You can, however, get an optional Kayak Carrier. You heard me...Kayak Carrier! Take that SSR!

[driverdriver]

I read in a number of marketing magazines that Subaru is in the midst of re-establishing itself as a "premium" nameplate. In the coming year they are completely re-doing their dealerships, show rooms and service facilities as well as upgrading their customer service to the type of after sales support you would get at "premium" nameplates like Audi, BMW and Infiniti.

[w1ngzer0]

ugh every subaru dealer i went to were horrible. They wouldn't even let me look inside one of there cars --;