Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Very high rating from Consumer Reports. Make recommended by son (for AWD) & friends. see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 265hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Subaru is known for building good quality cars for a good price. Their zero landfill plants make the WRX a more environmentally friendly decision than the Prius (even with only 25 MPG). And of course, their symmetrical AWD, which surprised even me. see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 265hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Supposed to be a good brand, good heritage. see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
I like that they are actively involved in motor sports and support non-factory teams. I also like their reliability and use of flat engines see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD |
Subaru has always had a reputation of being solid and reliable, and also of having the best AWD powertrain on the market. see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
I like how Subaru advertises on television of love for a Subaru. Also Subaru has dealer sponsered events, which is a big plus! I love attending those events and chatting with other subaru owners. see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 293hp 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
Rally proven with the road car looking similar enough to show the connection. see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD |
Rally heritage is even evident in base model, no stick, no turbo, but still decent handling. Subaru has performed flawlessly through 4 winters with minus 40 degrees Celcius weather - very popular in Canada for obvious practical reasons. see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Sporty, reliability, safety, fun to drive see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
subaru community, known for reliability see full Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport review |
Fiat 500 Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 2dr Convertible 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the really sad things about the Fiat 500 is the way FCA is handling the brand here in the US. The Fiat 500 is actually many different cars, some good and some not good at all, but to most American buyers a Fiat 500 is just a Fiat 500. Nobody really knows if you are talking about the 500 hatchback (a true retro economy car), the 500L sedan/wagon (the dual clutch gearbox has not worked any better for Fiat than for Ford in the Focus/Fiestia), the Abarth (a real fun car for drivers only), or the 500X (Built on Jeep running gear With more style than off-road performance). Only the Abarth stands slightly apart since it is devoid of Fiat badges and costs a good deal more than most other "500" models. see full Fiat 500 review |
2012 | 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Fiat used to have a so-so reputation because their cars rusted. This car has a 'not-rust-through' guarantee for something like ten or twelve years and is totally galvanized metal. It is a very stylish car, too. see full Fiat 500 review |