INCREDIBLE mahogany and leather steering wheel; can't stop touching it. Pretty good sound system. Leather upholstery is the only way to go, it's so easy to clean, and smells heavenly every time I get in the car. Quiet engine, handles well.

Too expensive for what you get; could have started looking at more luxurious cars for this price. 6 cyclinder engine needs more torque at lower rpms. Uncomfortably hard seats.

While our new car performs adequately, more and more I doubt the worth of the bells and whistles this LL Bean edition came with. We wanted the 6 cyclinder primarily for passing on all of the 2 lane highways here. I think the 6 cyclinder is still lackluster at the lower rpms, and (something I didn't realize until reading the manual) it uses premium gas. I've always wanted a sunroof. Well, we got 2 with this car, and they are obnoxiously complex to deal with using one button; plus the front one only tilts. After 2 months, I realize how hard the seats really are. The plastic moulding in the back rattles and shakes, without anything even stored there. I've accidently turned on the seat warmers 3 times because of the poor location of the buttons; it felt like my whole lower back was on fire. I spent 2 hours one weekend trying to "bond" with the car, doing a complete cleaning and waxing. It didn't help. I am hoping for a hard winter, so I can appreciate it's legendary all wheel drive traction. My partner insisted on buying this model; in many cases his tendency towards indulgence has been good in the long run, but in this case I'm not convinced.

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Chevy blazer

Number one has got to be the All-Wheel Drive. I love this feature. It takes corners superbly. It handles perfectly in snow, rain and ice. I can't imagine living anywhere there's ever snow on the ground and NOT having AWD. Once you try it, you'll never go back. Other strengths include a roomy interior, great design of front/back cupholders, center storage column, spacious back storage, standard roof rack with good optional carriers, nice-looking standard fog lamps and more.

They're making 2001 and 2002 models and still only including a CASSETTE player?? (Do they even still make cassettes?) Definitely time to start making a CD player standard. (I just added my own for $130 from Best Buy.) True, not a lot of pickup, but I'm willing to trade that for better gas mileage.

Definitely the best car I've ever had. Superior handling in all weather conditions and always reliable.

lesbians dig it. awd kicks ass. interior layout and room.

a/c. underpowered. radio doesn't have a one touch seek mode in base model. stock firestone tires only get about 40K. faulty keyless entry.

great car overall. a/c a little puny in base model. with awd you can smoke everyone in the rain. a bit underpowered but resolved with 5 spd. manual x-mission.

Reliability in severe weather conditions; darker interior (1999 model); cargo space; passenger room; it handles well at all times; and it is the best deal for the money hands down.

the vinyl covering the door panels rips far too easily; the cup holder placement blocks the clock and the stereo; no standard cup holder in back seat; no storage in back seat, such as pockets on back of front seats; and the acceleration is weak/jumpy

I like my car. It runs very well in the snowy winters, sloshy springs and handles well in the mountains. It is the absolute best handling car on ice that I have seen. The stereo is still kicking and I like the darker inerior of the 1999 model. I have only recently begun to have any running problems and they have been handled quickly and easily. Over all this car is the best thing out there for what I need--reliability and ability to handle the weather changes that we have here.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee

Reliability. Handling. Style (better than 2002).

Even the "luxe" version is pretty basic. Seats were borrowed from a medieval torture chamber. And it's small - pack light.

This is NOT an off road vehicle, but it is an extremely competent AWD vehicle which will take you safely on any road in any kind of weather. One of my other vehicles is a BMW Z-3 and this little mother is practically as nimble and sure-footed as it is on dry pavement and a whole lot better in inclement weather. Highly reliable, cute as a snarling puppy, easy and intuitive to use. Has a limited number of options and amenities (much better in later models, from what I've seen). Its chief drawback is ergonomic - two hours in its seats will break your back, but unbeatable for sheer competence as a go anywhere, anytime vehicle - and it's safe: my daughter blew a tire at freeway speeds and the vehicle barely swerved. It also has the power and agility to steer clear of problems, a real consideration in such a small automobile. Not for primary transportation, but a car that should be in every garage unless you always drive on straight, flat, dry roads.

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Chevy Suburban. Nissan Pathfinder. Suzuki Samurai. Subaru Legacy.

All wheel drive, ABS, good looking interior, great stereo - we have the upgraded stereo with subwoofer.

The 2.5L is great for mileage and around town driving, but for highway driving you have to be careful merging on to a Super Highway. On hilly terrain the car is constantly shifting (auto trans)due to a lack of torque. The new H6 3.0L is definitely the way to go, & you only give up 1 mpg in town. The seats are VERY FIRM, this car will not make a good long distance cruiser. The longest trip I have taken in the car was 1 1/2 hours and that was enough. Better / stonger interior door panels should be used the inside door handle on the driver's door is distorting from normal use. I have never had a car do that before and we only have 20000 miles on the odometer. The car could use a longer & wider wheelbase, the back seat is very tight.

I would recommend the Outback to my friends, but would also mention the lack of power with the four cylinder engine, and the very firm seats. The car has been very reliable, although there may be some durability issues. It will be interesting to see how this car will be holding up when it is 5 years old. We like the styling of the car and have had many nice comments on the car. My wife has a whole new level of confidence driving in the winter, and we get 22mpg in town try that with a standard SUV!

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Toyota Camary, Audi 100s.

Quality

I am dissapointed with my purchase. The problem is two-fold. First, the Dealer I used (Roseville Toyota) is crooked. Second, Toyota appears to be suffering from "we're too popular to keep up with demand" syndrom. They appear to have serious Quality System problems within the company. After less than 20k my transmission went out. Although the dealer replced it, they chipped my paint (on hood) while performing the repair. When I returned to have the paint chips fixed, they in advertantly painted half the hood without cleaning it first. The clear coat had dirt and fibers imbedded in it. During a subsequent repair, they dented my hood. I ended up having the entire hood fixed and repainted at a third party (Roseville did pay). Still, it's unfortunate that a company that has built its clientell up through a quality focus, has turned into just another mass manufacturer who farms everything out. The new transmission makes noise, and now neither Roseville or Toyota Corporoate will help with the problem. I have had numerous other small compaints and problems with the van including, the stereo, the visors, the interior, the suspension and more. For a van that is supposed to be hot stuff - IT ISN'T! Further, if you live in the Sacramento area - DONT USE ROSEVILLE TOYOTA. They simply do not stand behind their sales nor their work. They are strictly a "volume" dealer.

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Test drove Honda and Mazda vans.

Roomy,great sound system, lots of great standard features such as flood lights, roof rack, AWD, rubber cargo mat, ABS... Being from Colorado we spend a lot of our time in the mountains. It climbs well and you don''t have to tax the engine. The torque is really good.

Lacking a bit in acceleration, but getting used to how to maximize it.

I love this car. We''re an active couple and it really suits our needs for hauling equipment and dogs around. Comfortable, flashy and practical. We test drove a couple other small SUVs and found the Outback surpassed them in all areas. I can''t get enough of the heated seats! My rump is always toasty!

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Subaru Legacy, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty

-Powerful and smooth 4 cylinder. -great handling, steering. -well made. nice features on the Limited. -safe in bad weather. -grin factor. -fabulous stereo. -nice bum warmers.

-Location of cupholders. -gas mileage in city is only fair. -Seats are a bit too firm.

Very solid, reliable car. Great handling in wet and snowy weather. Our 2.5 litre flat four is smooth and powerful (auto). Bought it used and every time I drive it, the car gives me a big grin. Bought 4 new Michelin Arctic Alpins for it this past winter and the handling was incredible in bad weather conditions. Awesome upgraded factory stero and CD player. Quality throughout.

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First Subaru owned.

4WD-amazing handling in bad weather. Never ever lost grip to the road, not once.

Poor acceleration, have to be carefull entering hiways

Nice looking car inside and outside. No problems after 2y/30K. Subaru advanced sound system with subwoofer is very good. Everyone is complaining about the tilting front sunroof but it is great if you smoke in the car! The second sunroof is for the kids. You should feel good about yourself that you gave your kids the best.

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