Subaru Named Top Carmaker by Consumer Reports

[jey]

Good job Subaru!

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-28/subaru-named-top-carmaker-by-consumer-reports-as-honda-falls.html

[Wiscon_Mark]

'bout time. Subaru was the only carmaker last year with 100% of models recommended, but still got outscored. It helps when you have a lot fewer models out there, though. I'm guessing Subaru got a big bump with their fuel economy improving. That's all CR has complained about in any large terms with them recently.

[jey]

Rented an Impreza for two weeks and the CVT really gets the job done. It's way better than the old slushbox though I'm glad the old 5MT is still an option.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I really like the Prius CVT, the Impreza one is probably pretty similar. Big improvement over 4EATs.

[jey]

The Subaru CVT kicks ass. Cruise at any speed, 30, 40, 50, and it sits below 2000 rpm sipping gas. Mash the pedal and you get jerked into a high rpm (like a good downshift should be) and it slowly climbs from 5000 rpm to 6000+ redline like a jet taking off.

Come with flappy paddles on the steering wheel too, which is great for maneuvering in traffic. If you're about to engage in passing, slap it 3 times and it goes into a simulatated "3rd gear" and it's sitting at high rpms, ready for you punch it, much like what you'd do with a manual transmission. Works well for anticipating turns too - flap it down to "2nd gear" before your turn and you'll be at high rpms going into, and at the apex, so you can punch it exiting the turn.

Also of note is that the Impreza was the Top Pick by Consumer Reports for the Small Car segment. It beat out the usual CR favorites, like Honda Fit, Civic, Corolla, etc. And the Impreza definitely deserves it.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Good to know, I may be looking at a new one in a year or two.