Subaru Enthusiasts :: Cool Things & News

Subaru Legacy earns top crash test rating for the newer models!

The 2000 Subaru Legacy recently earned the highest rating among inexpensive midsize four-door cars subjected to 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into a deformable barrier. The tests were conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Edging first over the Toyota Camry, the Legacy received the highest possible rating – “good” overall evaluation for crashworthiness as well as a “best pick” designation from the Institute.

“Good structural design is the key to good performance in the offset test,” says Institute president Brian O’Neil. “The occupant compartment, or safety cage, of the Legacy held together extremely well, and most injury measures recorded on the crash test dummy were low.” He added, “Lower intrusion measurements indicate a vehicle’s safety cage and crumple zones are doing their jobs.”

"Safety, performance, confidence and control are characteristics associated with every Subaru we build including Outback, which is based on the Legacy platform,” says Subaru of America, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer George T. Muller. “The offset test is an important factor in the development of all Subaru vehicles, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test results reinforce our commitment to providing occupants with a great level of protection in the event of a collision.”

The 2000 Subaru Legacy earned the highest rating among other cars tested including the Pontiac Grand Am/Oldsmobile Alero, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626, Saturn LS, Chevrolet Malibu and Daewoo Leganza. Full results of the tests are available on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website at: www.highwaysafety.org.

Subaru gets in Gear with Specialized Bicycles

Subaru of America, Inc. has enhanced its relationship with Specialized® Bicycles – a premier manufacturer of performance bicycles – by establishing the Subaru/Specialized Mountain Bike Racing Team.

The partnership combines the confidence and control of Subaru All-Wheel Drive technology with the athleticism of the Subaru/Specialized racing team, headed by reigning world champion Marga Fullana. Quality Subaru All-Wheel Drive vehicles will ensure the team arrives in comfort and style to all the races on the 2000 tour.

“Subaru and Specialized are two brands with a legendary reputation for providing outdoor enthusiasts with exciting ways to get to off-the-beaten-path destinations and enjoy the outdoors,” said Bill Cyphers, Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “This partnership truly extends our commitment to active lifestyle men and women who personify the central themes of the Subaru brand – fun, freedom, adventure, confidence and control. We look forward to a long and successful relationship.”

The 2000 Subaru/Specialized team is comprised of cross-country specialists Marga Fullana, Bart Brentjens, Filip Meirhaeghe and Elsbeth Vink. Rounding out the roster are downhill racers Tara Llanes, Oscar Saiz and Kirt Voreis. The team will race a full schedule of select international events in 2000, including World Cup and NORBA races.

Plans For Subaru Owner's Website Underway

Imagine logging on to your personal Subaru website. Once there, you have secured access to a site that is designed to aid you in managing your Subaru vehicle records and ongoing care throughout the ownership of your Subaru.

Thanks to an innovative pilot program, Subaru of America, Inc. is bringing this image to life! Currently in the testing phase, Owners@Subaru provides you with the ability to log on regularly to view, record and maintain information about your vehicle.

Subaru will provide confirmation of warranty repairs, automated maintenance reminders, notice of recalls and service campaigns for your particular vehicle, as well as the latest Subaru news. As an owner you can personally record services performed on your vehicle in your own Service History log. It’s a great feature to keep track of all your vehicle records in one place. And have no worries, Owners@Subaru is password protected to keep owner information confidential.

With the click of a mouse you can also link directly to your preferred Subaru dealer to request a service appointment or parts and accessory information. You can even connect to popular sites such as Kelley Blue Book and access an online Owner’s Manual.

Look for more details about the Owners@Subaru site on the Subaru website.