So What's the story with Subaru's ?
Dave
Well, here’s my view on Subies.
As a young kid I grew up around SAABs. Anyone remember the old ones? The one that made them popular in the US, The 96?
And the wagon version, the 95.
Imagine being dropped off at school in this thing!
These were real popular with certain people who became SAAB people. Most being in New England and the Pacific NW. They were kinda quirky, well built, thrifty, pretty strong with the Ford V4, only came with a 4 speed on the column, with a unique freewheeling transaxle. It was fantastic in the snow. After all it was made in Sweden by airplane people. It had all sorts of forward thinking safety features. It competed with Volvo like Chevy fought with Ford.
With the onslaught of the Asian cars, SAAB began its upscale market climb with the 99, and eventually reaching poster car status with the 900 turbo in the mid ‘80’s.
They abandoned the cult SAAB folks they won.
Enter Subaru! While they were already in the country importing little junk boxes like the 2 stroke 600, they hit it out of the park with this.
Anyone remember this one?
It was around 1978, and my Dad didn’t work for SAAB anymore, but he still had a 95. Now a family friend went and got one of these Subies, and just like how the Datsun Z car replaces the MG and Triumph, this AWD Swiss watch came to the rescue of SAAB people longing for a new 95 or 96. The rest is history. Putting this car side by side with a 96 made us sick, just like how the Z car did and the Kaw 1000 hurt the Sportster.
The popularity and snow worthiness of these everyday cars and wagons are why it’s THE car to have in New England- Vermont in particular. Of note is their marketing strategy. Earlier this year at the NY Auto show, where guys are voting on the best turntable model representing the brands, there were no turntables at Subaru. Only Subie people walking around in sneakers, jeans and white polo shirts. Genius.