March Subaru Deals

If you follow our blog, you know that Subaru is one of the few automakers selling more cars in 2009 than it did last year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some good deals available on Subaru’s all-wheel-drive lineup, especially if you’re looking for an Impreza or Outback.

Let’s start with the Outback. Rumor has it a new Legacy sedan and Outback wagon will be revealed at April’s New York auto show. If so, that likely means a 2010 Outback would arrive at dealerships in late fall or early winter, at the earliest. Need a car now? 2009 Outbacks get $2,000 cash back right now. If you get a base 2.5i with an MSRP of $22,295, and a Cars.com Smart Target Price of $21,875, the price could drop below $20,000. 2008 models get $2,500 cash back, but in a quick search of local inventory on Cars.com, we found very few 2008 models listed.

Recall Alert: 2008-09 Subaru Tribeca

Subaru is recalling 5,130 Tribeca SUVs from the 2008 and 2009 model years due to an improperly installed sensor that controls the electronic stability system. The sensor may have been installed backward during production. This could lead to the Tribeca losing control during extreme driving or under hazardous conditions.

Dealers will inspect the sensor to make sure it was installed correctly. If it wasn’t, it will be reinstalled. The stability system will also be reprogrammed. The recall is expected to begin this week.

Owners can call Subaru at 800-782-2783 with questions.

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2009 Impreza and Tribeca models

With a 5 percent yearly sales gain over 2007, Subaru is having a good year. What better way to enter the 2009 model year than with updates to one of its top sellers, the Impreza, and one of its worst, Tribeca.

With its standard boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Impreza has enthusiasts on its side. For 2009, the Impreza is available in 2.5i, WRX, 2.5GT, Outback Sport and WRX STI trim levels.

All Imprezas get rear disc brakes and a standard electronic stability system. The new 2.5GT has a 244-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine with a standard automatic transmission, a power moonroof and automatic climate control.

The WRX gets a 41-hp bump, now at 265 hp. The Outback Sport and WRX STI are relatively unchanged.

End-of-the-Model-Year Deals: Subaru

Our review of model-year-end deals continues with Subaru. The company has made some changes to the Impreza lineup for 2009, which you can read about here, but that might not stop you from picking up a 2008 model. The 2009 Forester is all-new as well, and you can check out coverage — including video and reviews — here. Deals as found on Subaru's zip-code-based incentives site are listed below and are good through Sept. 2.

• 2008 Impreza: 0.0% financing
• 2008 Outback: $1,500 cash back
• 2008 Tribeca: $2,500 cash back (in limited regions)
• 2008 Forester: $740-$2,000 cash back plus 0.0% financing
• 2008 Legacy: $1,000 plus 0.0% financing

Again, the deals are based on zip codes, so check your area for specific deals.

Subaru Special Offers

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Subaru Tribeca

Mike Hanley spent some quality time driving the redesigned Subaru Tribeca to Canada, and returns with his full review of Subaru’s underachieving SUV. Did the company fix a jittery transmission, lackluster engine and shaky road manners? You know we won’t spoil the surprise here. Go read the review — what else do you have to do on a Friday afternoon?

2008 Subaru Tribeca Expert Review

2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Subaru Tribeca

When Subaru debuted its first traditional SUV its radical front-end literally scared off potential customers. The company even attempted to alter the grille just last year. Today, the company announced the 2008 model that not only addressed the cosmetic issue of that eye-offending grille, but also the vehicle’s engine and transmission.

Those major sore points might have offended automotive journalists more than the Tribeca’s looks. The new engine is a 3.6 liter six-cylinder with 256 horsepower. The new five-speed transmission promises faster shifts and reaction times. There are other interior improvements including a new third-row seat. Tomorrow, well have a full report on the main Cars.com auto show page. For now, check out the photos below.