[Neanderthal]

I know an internet compadre who is being steered toward a Subaru, because they're AWD.

What are some comparably-priced GM equivalents of say a Forester or one of the cheaper Soobs?

Thanking one and all for your GM-wisdom.
I don't track SUVs/ crossovers/ whatever very closely, so I'm relying on the group for your vehicle savvy. :yup:

 

[IROCNROL1]

Other than AWD, I think an HHR would do nicely.

 

[jkr2106]

Saturn Vue AWD?

 

[Michael_S]

GM's best competitor to the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Legacy is the Pontiac Vibe AWD.

GM's best competitor to the Forester is, as jkr2016 mentioned, the Saturn Vue AWD.

If your acquaintance isn't as interested in crash safety and does not esteem the opinion of Consumer Reports and similar sources, you might get them to consider a Chevy Equinox or Pontiac Torrent.

 

[Xenon]

Well which one? Vue is the best bet, but not the Vibe, its underpowered compared to the Imprezza. Besides the Vibe's AWD isn't full time, it's on demand.

 

[Bravada]

Saab XWD is the only actually worthy competitor, but I guess it is too expensive in the US...

 

[montrealvue]

no alternatives, nothing is as good as a Sube

 

[paul8488]

Yeah a Saab is the only really comparable GM vehicle, but the Vibe is an awfully good second-rung competitor. Where it falls short is in power... I've not driven the new one but the old AWD was certainly no Subaru. Still, very likeable car.

 

[GMfan1111]

Yeah a Saab is the only really comparable GM vehicle, but the Vibe is an awfully good second-rung competitor. Where it falls short is in power... I've not driven the new one but the old AWD was certainly no Subaru. Still, very likeable car.

agreed Saab 9-3 XWD models are the only real competitor GM has against the Impreza though their higher price will give the Soobie a price advantage. Saab did have the 9-2x as well but that one shared many of it's parts with the Impreza. However it did offer an interior that was made with better build materials and more refined handling.

 

[Ach]

Well which one? Vue is the best bet, but not the Vibe, its underpowered compared to the Imprezza. Besides the Vibe's AWD isn't full time, it's on demand.

The VUE's all wheel drive isn't really "full time" either, it's FWD until slip is detected. Really, the only mainstream AWD system that is similar to Subaru's is Quattro.

Yeah a Saab is the only really comparable GM vehicle, but the Vibe is an awfully good second-rung competitor. Where it falls short is in power... I've not driven the new one but the old AWD was certainly no Subaru. Still, very likeable car.

I have no experience with the Vibe but I can tell you that a non-turbo, automatic Forester felt very underpowered to me. I can't imagine that the Vibe is that much worse in the acceleration department.

The much lighter Impreza is a different story.

 

[Michael_S]

I have no experience with the Vibe but I can tell you that a non-turbo, automatic Forester felt very underpowered to me. I can't imagine that the Vibe is that much worse in the acceleration department.

The much lighter Impreza is a different story.

The only people I know that own a non-turbo Impreza think it's very underpowered, too. So the Vibe may not be much worse.

 

[AMERICA 123]

Besides all the above, depending on the intended use and requirements - two sets of the right kind of wheels and tires might usefully open up some additional two wheel drive choices.

Then again, it might not.

As an example, a fwd with sufficient ground clearance and snow tires will in most situations that matter, out perform awd with 'regular tires' in winter driving conditions.

- had a two wheel drive Jeep once - did just fine for its intended use when supported by three wheel and tire combinations.

 

[Neanderthal]

Besides all the above, depending on the intended use and requirements - two sets of the right kind of wheels and tires might usefully open up some additional two wheel drive choices.

Then again, it might not.

As an example, a fwd with sufficient ground clearance and snow tires will in most situations that matter, out perform awd with 'regular tires' in winter driving conditions.

- had a two wheel drive Jeep once - did just fine for its intended use when supported by three wheel and tire combinations.

I agree 109% regarding tires vs. AWD. AWD and Soobies have a certain cachet that is hard to overcome. But it's all overcome by good tires and driving skill.

The VUE's all wheel drive isn't really "full time" either, it's FWD until slip is detected. Really, the only mainstream AWD system that is similar to Subaru's is Quattro.



I have no experience with the Vibe but I can tell you that a non-turbo, automatic Forester felt very underpowered to me. I can't imagine that the Vibe is that much worse in the acceleration department.

The much lighter Impreza is a different story.

I don't think HP and 0-60 times are an issue. Safety and security are.

I had a Forester as a rental a couple of years back. I wrote it up in the readers test section, it was pretty mediocre with no power, poor seats, a crummy radio, a wheezing engine...other than that, it was better than an Echo.

Yeah a Saab is the only really comparable GM vehicle, but the Vibe is an awfully good second-rung competitor. Where it falls short is in power... I've not driven the new one but the old AWD was certainly no Subaru. Still, very likeable car.

The 2009 Vibe AWD gets the 2.4 motor, which should take care of power problems.

GM's best competitor to the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Legacy is the Pontiac Vibe AWD.

GM's best competitor to the Forester is, as jkr2016 mentioned, the Saturn Vue AWD.

If your acquaintance isn't as interested in crash safety and does not esteem the opinion of Consumer Reports and similar sources, you might get them to consider a Chevy Equinox or Pontiac Torrent.

I did post the list, except the SAAB, as posted above by all local experts, including the HHR. That includes, the Equinox, Torrent, Vibe, VUE, and HHR.

Of course, I also recommended a Mighty KIA Spectre, but I doubt that will be compared to the pygmy Soobie.

The only people I know that own a non-turbo Impreza think it's very underpowered, too. So the Vibe may not be much worse.

Thanks for all the answers. My final recommendation will be an Escalade with $2000 22" wheels and 50 dollar Pimp Boyz junker tires.

 

[Neanderthal]

Other than AWD, I think an HHR would do nicely.

How about JR?

 

[eurohazard]

Subaru is hard to beat if AWD traction, safety, and value are key. Personally I found the lack of dealerships a problem, but that's just me. Some areas have more dealerships.

Like others, the only comparables that come to mind are Vue AWD and Vibe AWD. The Saab is a bit ironic because they used to have a rebadged Subaru in their lineup!

 

[F14CRAZY]

The VUE's all wheel drive isn't really "full time" either, it's FWD until slip is detected. Really, the only mainstream AWD system that is similar to Subaru's is Quattro.



I have no experience with the Vibe but I can tell you that a non-turbo, automatic Forester felt very underpowered to me. I can't imagine that the Vibe is that much worse in the acceleration department.

The much lighter Impreza is a different story.

To put the record right, an automatic Forester has 90% to the front, 10% to the rear most the time until slip is detected, then up to 50% can go to the rear w/ traction assisted by the computer applying individual brakes. (50/50 is set locked into 1st or 2nd)

A manual trans Forester is 50/50 full time with no individual wheel braking.

And my Forester is definitely NOT slow. I didn't feel a need to really need/want an XT. Low end torque from the Boxer is much better than any other 4 cyl I've driven, including Chrysler's, Ecotec, Duratec...

Forester is a bit more substantial than a Vibe. Does your friend value ground clearance or being able to have a manual trans? Towing? If any of these apply forget trying to look into anything else, he's found the perfect vehicle

Well there is the Jeep Patriot which comes closest if any of the above apply but otherwise its complete garbage.