Most-Read Car Reviews of the Week

This week’s most read reviews continue to be Chrysler’s highly anticipated 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Honda CR-Z. Also making the list is the 2010 Honda CR-V and 2010 Chevy Equinox; we say goodbye to the 2011 Buick Regal and 2011 Ford Mustang for now.

1. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
2. 2011 Honda CR-Z 
3. 2011 Ford Fiesta 
4. 2011 Hyundai Sonata 
5. 2010 Subaru Forester 
6. 2010 Subaru Outback 
7. 2010 Honda CR-V 
8. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox 
9. 2011 Kia Sorento 
10. 2010 Hyundai Tucson

Subaru Checks-In: Add a Badge to Your Subie

If you — or some of your social media chums — battle it out for badges on Foursquare, then Subaru’s latest accessory will be right up your alley, presuming you own a Subaru.

The automaker is offering customizable badges for owners to put on their very non-virtual cars. You get to pick a single emblem that shows how many Subarus you’ve owned — up to 10 — and then add up to 12 lifestyle badges after the fact. Those include icons for activities like biking to more conceptual “love” or “environment” badges.

The Badge of Ownership — as Subaru is calling it — is free, and you can order them here, but you must provide a vehicle identification number. You also can return to the site and order more badges as they become available, free of charge.

So far, Subaru says it has received about 7,000 badge requests since the program launched in late May without any press releases or external promotions. There’s also a form for owners ordering badges to request a new lifestyle badge not yet offered. Subaru spokeswoman Heather Ward says the most common request is for a motorsports badge.   

Subaru Stops Sales for 2010 Legacy, Outback

Subaru has issued a stop-sale notice for the 2010 Legacy and Outback because of a recall for the inspection and possible replacement of a high-pressure cooler hose that can crack and potentially leak fluid, which could lead to a fire.

This involves 29,000 vehicles, including both those already sold to customers and on dealer lots. It impacts models built between July 31 and Dec. 1, 2009.

Dealerships will receive replacement parts this week while Subaru begins notifying owners. The fix is free. The automaker says the halt in sales will last only a couple of weeks.

Owners may contact Subaru at 800-782-2783.

Prices for 2011 Outback, Legacy

Subaru will bump the price for the 2011 Outback by just $200 more than the 2010 model, pictured above. This moves the price up to $23,195 for the 2.5i, $24,495 for the 2.5i Premium and $28,495 for the 2.5i Limited with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The 2011 Outback tops out at $31,495 for the 3.6R Limited. A Power Moonroof Package will add a rearview camera, auto-dimming mirror with Homelink and a compass display for $450.

The 2011 Legacy models continue with 2010 pricing with the exception of the Limited trim, which costs $300 more, thanks to the addition of XM Satellite Radio.

The destination fee for the 2011 Outback and Legacy has increased to $725, up from $695.

Both models have seen impressive sales so far this year.

Recall Alert: 2010 Subaru Legacy, Outback

Subaru is recalling 29,443 2010 Outback and Legacy models equipped with continuously variable automatic transmissions due to a faulty hose. A crack can occur in the cooler hose and leak fluid. There was no mention of what a leak like this could lead to in terms of mechanical defects or accidents. The recall affects all models built between July 31 and Dec. 1, 2009. You can see when your car was built by looking at the sticker on the driver-side doorjamb.

Notices have not yet gone out to owners, but Subaru will replace the hose for free. You can contact Subaru at 800-782-2783.

Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Subaru Legacy

“Subaru Newbee” from Denver has been pleased with her Subaru purchase. The 2010 Legacy delivers in all the requisite areas, and while it may not be a “hot rod,” it’s certainly getting the job done for her. Read Subaru Newbee’s full Legacy review to find out the car’s strengths. Then take a moment to post a review of your own ride here.

2010 Subaru Legacy Video

The Subaru Legacy competes in a crowded segment where names like Camry, Accord, Fusion and Malibu already vie for attention. Even with all-wheel drive standard, can the Legacy hold its own amongst those already popular names? Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays takes you through the 2010 Legacy in this video review.

2010|Subaru|Legacy

IIHS Names Subaru Legacy, Outback Top Safety Picks

The 2010 Subaru Outback and Legacy both received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating of Top Safety Pick.

Vehicles are only named a Top Safety Pick if they receive front, side and rear crash test ratings of “Good,” which is the highest rating in IIHS testing. They must now also come equipped with electronic stability control.

The Legacy has boasted a “Good” rating for a few years now, but the all-new Outback managed to earn the top prize its first time out.

2010 Subaru Legacy: Daddy Driven

Kelsey Mays has already turned in a full review of the 2010 Subaru Legacy, but a black Premier model with a moonroof and Harman Kardon stereo recently wound up in my hands for a follow-up. Because Kelsey had already taken on the particulars in his review, I figured I could expand on how the redesigned car handled life in a dad’s hands.

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Subaru Legacy

A midsize family sedan that does a lot of things well can still find room for improvement, especially when its competition is the “suburb-infesting” Honda Accord. Or so says Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays, who found that Subaru made some key improvements in the new Legacy while retaining everything he liked about the previous version. Still, Mays explains why he thinks the Legacy is not quite ready to go head-to-head with either the Accord or Toyota Camry.

2010 Subaru Legacy Review

2010|Subaru|Legacy