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 |
Kia Optima Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Kia doesn't have the best reputation, though I get the sense that it's slowly improving. Speaking personally, I would have laughed at the idea of buying/leasing anything from Kia even three years ago. However, in that time, I've had two: a 2011 Kia Sportage EX and, now, a 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited. The mediocre brand image is a unfortunate, because if you slapped another make's emblem on this car, people would probably be absolutely gushing over it. As I said, I don't think their image is improving, though. see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
poor trade in value but intend to keep long time due to great warranty; Kia discounting cars in USA to gain brand penetration; much better priced here than in Europe for the same car. see full Kia Optima review |