Subaru Legacy Outpoints Ford Fusion in Consumer Reports' Tests of All-Wheel-Drive Family Sedans

Subaru Legacy Outpoints Ford Fusion in Consumer Reports' Tests of
All-Wheel-Drive Family Sedans

Toyota Camry and Mazda3 also perform well in CR's latest tests

YONKERS, N.Y., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The redesigned Subaru Legacy
outpointed the freshened Ford Fusion in Consumer Reports' latest tests of
family sedans with all-wheel drive. Also included in the sedans test was the
freshened Toyota Camry, which is only available in front-wheel-drive. The
Legacy 6-cylinder outscored the Camry V6, but the four-cylinder Camry
outpointed the four cylinder Legacy.

The Legacy 3.6R received an "Excellent" overall road test score of 83,
outpointing the Fusion which received a "Very Good" 76. CR's engineers say
that both the Legacy and the Fusion make good, fuel-efficient alternatives for
drivers who want extra traction in slippery conditions but would rather not
drive an SUV. The freshened Camry received an Excellent road test score of 84.

CR also tested two versions of the Mazda3. Among small sedans, the freshened
Mazda3 received a Very Good road test score of 74.

"With its redesign, the Legacy goes from a decent but small family sedan to
one in the top of its class," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer
Reports.

Relatedly, Consumer Reports also released reliability findings from its latest
Car Reliability Survey. The survey found that front-wheel drive versions of
the Fusion have reliability that is better than that of the Toyota Camry and
Honda Accord, two models that many consider to be paradigms of reliability.
The all-wheel-drive version's reliability is just average, because of problems
with its drive system.

Prices ranged from $22,850 for the Toyota Camry LE to $30,094 for the Subaru
Legacy 3.6R. All the cars in this test group are Recommended. CR only
Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least
average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Auto Survey of its more
than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least
adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the family sedans test group appear in the December
issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale November 3. The reports are
also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily,
ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product
news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.

The redesigned Subaru Legacy is now significantly roomier and quieter, with an
impressive ride and responsive handling. The Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited,
($30,094, Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a
240-hp, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that delivers strong performance and gets
22 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests. The continuously variable
transmission in four-cylinder versions is smooth and pleasant in leisurely
driving, but when merging or climbing hills, it keeps the engine revving high.
That version attained a commendable 25 mpg overall. Braking is Very Good.
Although the plastics are hard, the Legacy's interior is attractive, with
tight fits and well-finished edges. Folding down the 60/40 split rear
seatbacks expands the already good-sized trunk.

Overall, the 2010 Fusion is refined and agile, and the AWD version doesn't
drive any differently. But it loses 2 mpg in fuel economy compared with the
front-wheel-drive. The ride is steady and calm, with good isolation and
handling is responsive. The Ford Fusion SEL AWD ($29,425 MSRP), is powered by
a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers responsive performance and gets 20
mpg overall, but the AWD Fusion takes almost a second longer to reach 60 mph.
Braking is Very Good. The interior is well finished. The trunk is nicely
finished and holds four large suitcases and a small duffel. The rear seat
folds 60/40.

A freshening for 2010 helped the Camry improve its standing as one of CR's
top-rated family sedans. It has a comfortable ride and a quiet, spacious
cabin. Handling is sound, but the Camry is not particularly agile or fun to
drive. The Toyota Camry LE, ($22,850 MSRP), is powered by a 169-hp, 2.5-liter
four-cylinder engine that delivers decent acceleration and above-average fuel
economy at 26 mpg overall. The new six-speed automatic transmission shifts
very smoothly. Braking is Very Good. Most of the interior materials are nicely
finished, including a soft-touch dashboard. Folding down the 60/40-split rear
seat-backs expands the good sized trunk.

The Mazda3 has been freshened for 2010 and is distinguished by agile handling
and a nice interior that's laid out well. The interior has been upgraded, but
the rear seat remains tight and road noise is pronounced. The car is fun to
drive, remaining composed while hustling around corners. CR tested both
five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission versions of the
Mazda3. Stability control is standard except for the two base trimlines of the
sedan. The Mazda3 i Touring with automatic transmission ($19,070 MSRP) is
powered by a 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers good
performance and 30 mpg overall. The five-speed-automatic transmission shifts
quickly and smoothly. Braking was Good. The trunk, while not huge, is tall and
well-shaped.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one
of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products
and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S.
publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in
Connecticut. The organization's auto experts have decades of experience in
driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe, consumers can call
1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

DECEMBER 2009
Consumers Union 2009. The material above is intended for legitimate news
entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes.
Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent
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To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our
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SOURCE Consumer Reports

Douglas Love, +1-914-378-2437, dlove@consumer.org, or C. Matt Fields,
+1-914-378-2454, cfields@consumer.org, both of Consumer Reports