It was either by coincidence or divine love of the underdog that I happened to have the Subaru Legacy 3.6R the same weekend I was planning to tour the National Studebaker Museum in South Bend, Indiana. Not only is the Subaru brand beloved by our community, but also the Legacy is built in Lafayette, just 45 minutes north of Indianapolis. It felt right at home on Hoosier highways.

Clipping through corn fields between Indianapolis and South Bend, the Legacy opened up. My partner put it best when he said “The car has a soul.” You first notice the firm steering that resonates in your hands. Then, there’s the throbbing suspension that absorbs ridiculous amounts of road rough without losing its composure. At unmentionable speeds, the athletic feel and torque-y power encourage you to eat Camrys and Accords upon whim.

Kicking under the haunches is Subaru’s super-smooth 256hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder “Boxer” engine. As in Porsches, the horizontally opposed engine contributes to a low center of gravity and balanced handling. Connected to a five-speed paddle-controlled automatic transmission, and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, you have the makings of a sport sedan that can handle almost anything. Power is automatically shifted front-to-front and side-to-side to maintain traction, but in normal operation is set with a 45/55 split, biased towards the rear for European handling. It’s incredible — more like an Acura that crossed tails with a BMW than your typical Japanese mamamobile.

The bad news? The six-cylinder Legacy posts just 18/25 mpg city/highway. However, four-cylinder models achieve a much more impressive 32 mpg highway.

Compared to Raymond Loewy-designed Studebakers, the Legacy is not exactly a stunner, but it has an indestructible look that was recently enhanced with sportier front styling and 17” alloys. Inside, large analog gauges, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain trim, and heated leather seats look handsome. Touchscreen navigation and automatic climate control add class while Bluetooth and USB input for iPods meet expectations. I would absolutely choose the optional windshield wiper de-icer, moonroof, and 440-watt Harman/Kardon audio.

To improve safety, engineers gave the Legacy their EyeSight Driver-Assist System. Using twin “stereo” cameras mounted near the rearview mirror, EyeSight integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. Below 19 mph, it can detect pedestrians or objects and bring the car to a stop if the driver does not respond. At higher speeds, it detects objects and applies the brakes to reduce impact forces. Adaptive Cruise Control also relives stress in stop and go traffic by automatically creeping along. Some of the beeps are annoying and over-aggressive, but the system is effective.

My state of Indiana has a heritage of building great and unique automobiles, including those by Duesenberg, Marmon, Stutz, Cord, and Auburn. By far the most popular was Studebaker which, despite cars like the Avanti and Hawk that were renowned for their styling, ceased production here in 1963. It’s great to buy products from companies you respect and that honor your values, especially when they employ thousands of Hoosiers in building damn-fine automobiles. May Subaru never suffer the fate of Studebaker.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy starts at $20,295, but our Limited came to $33,605.

2013 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Five-passenger, AWD sedan
Powertrain: 256hp 3.6-liter H6, 5-speed automatic transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels: 17”/17” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Handling, LGBT love
Fuel economy: 18/25 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Lafayette, IN
Base/As-tested price: $20,295/$33,605

As I thanked and reluctantly said goodbye to my hosts after driving the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, I came to a grateful conclusion: it all could have been so cliched, but it wasn’t.

On my drive to Honolulu International Airport, inbound traffic was moderate and moving well. Afternoon rush traffic headed out of the city was thick and stagnant. Among the masses were lime-green tour buses full of pasty, puffy tourists, their faces pressed against the glass in unison, looking where told, when told. I imagined them being herded from one artificial experience to another, culminating with a lackluster luau. And when it was all over, they wouldn’t fly home to Subarus, I was pretty sure of it.

Too bad. Reaching showrooms soon, the XV Crosstrek joins the compact crossover game and could very well rewrite the rules. Like the former Outback Sport, the XV Crosstrek is based on the Impreza, though this effort is far more butch.

Unique body cladding and several model-specific panels ride atop a hiked-up chassis with an impressive 8.7-inches of ground clearance and 17-inch silver-on-black alloy wheels at the corners. Under the hood, Subaru’s 2.0-liter boxer engine is on duty with 148 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. It’s no tire-shredder, but it’s up to the challenge.

Inside, that trademark boxer engine snarl is subdued, as are tire and wind noise. The spacious cabin isn’t as extroverted as the exterior, and that’s perfectly fine. Ergonomics are excellent in the front and rear seats, with thoughtful drink and storage recesses throughout.

Subaru didn’t ignore past grumbles about interior finishes and materials when it redesigned the Impreza. Likewise, the XV Crosstrek benefits. It’s still no bespoke Rolls-Royce, but remarkably few Rolls owners transport slobbering dogs, rusty antiques or muddy mountain bikes. Nor can they fold their rear seats for up to 51.9 cubic feet of space. In other words, the Subie is a pleasant place to be, yet still stands up to active lifestyles.

I stayed fairly active, rowing the five-speed manual gearbox — standard in 2.0i Premium trim only — for which Subaru revised first- and fifth-gear ratios. Believe it: off-road driving on Kualoa Ranch revealed long throws between first and second, and difficulty settling on one gear and a sweet spot for trail speed. It was either a matter of revving high or bogging down. In fairness, I am accustomed to a six-speed manual in my daily driver. On the plus side, incline start assist was appreciated and the gearing proved much less an issue on gentler grades and pavement.

Optional for 2.0i Premium models and the sole choice in the 2.0i Limited package is a CVT automatic. Its paddle shifters can emulate six gears when called upon for enthusiastic spurts, passing, or off-roading. I found it the better all-around choice. It’s surprisingly smooth and efficient, whether crawling over rocks and mud or accelerating onto the highway. On top of that, EPA figures echo Subaru’s estimates of higher fuel economy with CVT cars (25 mpg city/33 highway) than those with conventional stick shifts (23/30).

On an economically random note, the little nubs at the tail end of the roof rails are there for a reason. Subaru engineers found they add one mpg. Now you know.

Either way, symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard, though CVT cars are paired with a more sophisticated system. Both are seamless in operation; neither give you drama when conditions get dicey. The test cars’ all-season Yokohama tires delivered a reasonable compromise of comfort, grip and noise on all surfaces.

So it’s great off-road, but what about the open road?

In paradise, “open road” is a relative term. In contrast to car chases depicted on the updated Hawaii Five-O (or if you’re of a certain age, the original), most of the outlying streets and highways I covered were saddled with 35- or 45-mph speed limits, though I did cover a blistering 60-mph stretch on Interstate H-1. The few twisty sections and hard acceleration attempts I could manage found the XV Crosstrek to be no threat to its BRZ and WRX kin, but still willing to play along. Boasting the lowest center of gravity in its class, responsiveness felt sharper than other crossovers. More than once, I underestimated its cornering stability, exiting apexes to realize I could’ve taken the curve a good 10 mph faster.

Pricing for this four-wheeled Swiss Army knife has yet to be finalized. Anticipate $21,995 for 2.0i Premium spec and the five-speed manual. The XV Crosstrek is impressively equipped as-is, so options will be limited to transmission, moonroof, and navigation packages. For 2.0i Limited models, the price of admission will be nominally higher, as are the appointments. CVT, leather seats, rear vision camera, and upgraded stereo are some of the highlights. In this guise, moonroof and nav are offered together.

Even with Subaru sales at record levels and the XV Crosstrek only likely to help, I still can’t imagine those bus-bound tourists rushing to their dealers back home. Fine. Let them settle for the cliched experience. For the rest of us, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a must to test-drive.

We know, we know: another post about the Subaru Outback?

In our defense, (a) it’s the middle of summer, and yet (b) few of us have found time to relax in the kiddie pools in our backyards, much less on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

And so, we’re living vicariously through our colleagues. Looks like we missed a really fun couple of days. Sigh.

Enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow, we return to your regularly scheduled programming.

Earlier this week, we told you about our trip to North Carolina to test drive the 2013 Subaru Outback.

What we didn’t mention was a series of philosophical discussions that broke out among the journalists on that trip.

Here’s what happened: 12 of us were invited to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the Outback launch event. But in addition to testing the new model and putting Subaru’s EyeSight system through its paces, our agenda also included paddleboarding, hang gliding, and yoga sessions on the beach.

As hokey as that might sound, it generated some genuinely interesting chatter among the group. Between activities, as we rode in the cars, on the buses, or sat down at meals, we found ourselves talking about the “Subaru lifestyle”.

There was little doubt in the group that the Subaru brand means “active”, “responsible”, “fun”, and “outdoor” — not to mention “OUT”. By way of comparison, several of us began pondering the “lifestyle” of our daily cars and realized that few brands, if any, have as clear a “lifestyle” as Subaru.

But there was also broad agreement that while some Outback owners do use their vehicles for outdoor activities, most don’t take full advantage of Outback’s capabilities. And so, we as a group resolved to do exactly that while on the trip. (Ultimately, what we did is manage to pull a front panel and a rear panel partially off the test vehicles, but they popped right back on and looked as good as new.)

Looking back over the last five years of Subaru marketing and product development, it appears that the Subaru “lifestyle” has become increasingly clear to Subaru, too. The exterior design language has changed so that the cars appear ready for anything. The interiors have become more functional without being too utilitarian. That seems to reflect Subaru’s understanding that most of their cars will be driven to and from the office, and occasionally to the grocery store — but that they ought to be ready, willing, and able to hit the trails, too.

Have you given much thought to the “lifestyle” of your car? Did it affect your decision to buy that vehicle? Drop us a line, or leave a comment below.

– Peter Sorgenfrei

Over three days in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we put two versions of the 2013 Subaru Outback through their paces on the road and in the sand dunes. Our goal? To explore the cars’ limits and to test the EyeSight driver-assist system.

On the road, both cars handled as you’d expect: solid at high (legal) speeds, with good braking and handling. We drove both the 2.5i liter and the 3.6R liter versions, and while there is an 82hp difference and a torque differential of 73 lb-ft, the cars perform in much the same way. Clearly, the 2.5i has less pick-up, and with the Lineartronic CVT transmission it feels a tad more jumpy, but otherwise the rides are very similar.

Despite looking much bigger from the outside, the 2013 Outback is actually on a shorter wheelbase than previous models and just a bit wider, taller, and longer. Inside, the big news (for big guys like me) is that the rear-seat leg room has greatly improved: the rear seats recline, and there is now an a/c duct in the middle console. The trunk has gotten wider, and there is a bit more headroom, too.

For reference, my daily driver is a 2005 Outback 2.5XT, and the 2013 is a significant improvement. Now if I could just get it with a turbo, I might replace mine….)

EyeSight

EyeSight is an all-new driver-assist system based on two interior-mounted cameras. When engaged, those cameras scan the area in front of the vehicle for vertical surfaces that represent a car, a wall, or any other significant obstacle, as well as track lane demarcation lines. The system supports adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blocked acceleration avoidance.

Here’s an overview of some EyeSight-related features:

Crash avoidance: In essence, Subaru pairs this system with EyeSight to slow the car down (and eventually apply full brake pressure) if you approach an obstacle at a speed that could lead to a crash if braking were not applied.

Adaptive cruise control: Say that your cruising speed is set to 65 mph. If the vehicle in front of you slows down, your Subary will start to slow down, too. Should the person in front pick up speed, you automatically speed up to the preset speed. For EyeSight to work, however, the vehicle in front needs to be “acquired” by the system. The range limit for acquisition is 80 meters, or about 262 feet and change.

Sudden acceleration accidents: Pretend you’re merging onto a highway. The person in front of you accelerates, then has second thoughts and stops in the merge lane. Now, you’re looking over your shoulder, trying to find your way around this schmuck and onto the highway. You let your foot off the brake, preparing to make a run for it, but completely forgetting that there’s a car still parked in front of you. The EyeSight system notices that car and cuts off the acceleration, giving you time to notice and apply the brakes before rear-ending the aforementioned schmuck.

The EyeSight driver-assist system is a very nice frill, but with an MSRP of $1,295 (not including the required navigational system option), it’s not a must-have feature.

By the way, that navigation system is all–new, introduced in the 2012 model-year Impreza. It will be the new standard for the 2013 BRZ, XV Crosstrek (which we’re testing in Hawaii in a couple of weeks – tough life, we know), Legacy, and the Outback. Like all the navigation systems we’ve tested, it took some trial and error to get the system to understand our voice commands and connect to Bluetooth, but overall the system is on par with navigation systems in this class of vehicles.

Going off road

According to Maritz research (supplied by Subaru), Outback owners are three times as likely as midsize SUV drivers to go off-road at least monthly — so naturally, we took the two Outbacks to the beach. We spent most of our time on the hard sand, occasionally diving into the low waves.

We only got stuck once, thanks to some driving tips from Subaru: maintain momentum, gear down, and turn traction control off.  It seems that the combination of torque, weight, and maneuverability allowed us to do what other vehicles could not. The 2.5i we drove weighed 109 lbs less than the 3.6R, and with the significant difference in torque and hp, I figured it would struggle up the deep sand. It didn’t.

With the introduction of the 2010 Outback in the summer of 2009, the Outback’s share of Subaru sales grew 10% to comprise 36% of sales. I suspect that the introduction of the 2013 Outback will further solidify its position as the dominant vehicle in the Subaru portfolio. And rightfully so: it’s a versatile and capable vehicle at a very reasonable price point.

– Peter Sorgenfrei

Happy July, y’all! We’re packing our pic-a-nic baskets and preparing to head out for the Independence Day festivities, but before we bolt, we thought we’d share some nifty statistics with you. (Because we’re nerds, even on holidays.)

On Sunday, we dug deep into Gaywheels’ data mines and extracted a list of our top ten posts for the first half of 2012. We’re happy to say that Gaywheels’ list of Gay-Friendly Automakers still holds the #1 spot, but below that, it was nothing but car reviews for as far as the eye could see. Sounds like some of you may be in the mood to buy …

And so, without further ado, here’s a list of the ten most popular posts on Gaywheels so far this year. Stay tuned: we may be asking you some questions about your current ride very soon!

1. 2011 VW Golf GTI vs. 2011 VW Golf TDI
2. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
3. 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
4. 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum
5. 2007 Nissan Quest
6. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
7. 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe: Test Drive
8. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze: Big Bang For Bargain Bucks
9. 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI
10. 2012 Toyota Prius C: Sex Doesn’t Always Sell

Last week, Joe Tralongo and Nick Kurczewski visited the Derek & Romaine Show on the Sirius network to talk about the highs and lows of the 2011 New York Auto Show. During their visit, they answered a lot of questions from listeners, but they didn’t have the chance to respond to everyone. Here’s one of the late-comers, whose question might be of interest to some of you:

I enjoyed listening to you on Derek & Romaine. I’m in the market to change cars (currently driving a 2007 Jeep Liberty). It was nice to hear you mention the Kia Soul this week on the show. I’m also considering the Jeep Patriot and the Dodge Journey. The Nissan Juke was a possibility, too, but I’ve decided that it’s too small. I’m looking for something that has room for my things and is a little higher-end than a regular car. I’m looking to spend in the $20,000 to $25,000 range. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jim

* * * * *

Hey Jim,

Thanks for listening, I hope we gave you some good ideas, but let’s talk more about your needs.

I like the Dodge Journey, it’s been completely remade for 2011 with a much improved interior and V6 engine. Unfortunately, even the base model nicely equipped starts at about the top of your price range of $25,000. If you want to go the Jeep route, take a look at the new Compass. Jeep grafted the new Grand Cherokee’s front end on it, as well as made significant interior improvements, creating a very attractive package. If all-wheel-drive is important, the Subaru Outback Premium with the CVT automatic is also around $25,000, as is the Ford Escape, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Chevrolet HHR.

We own a 2008 Honda Element and love it. This is the last year for the Element, but you can also consider getting a used model if you can’t find a 2011 model on the lot. The Element is a really versatile vehicle with a huge cargo hold, has great upright seats (good for bad backs) and about seven-inches of ground clearance.

Hope this helps. Happy hunting!
Joe T.

This year at the New York International Auto Show, the theme we repeatedly heard more than any other was fuel economy—or to be more precise, 40 mpg fuel economy. Auto makers, both foreign and domestic, rolled out a number of high-mileage cars that promise to help us all fight the pain of four and five dollar a gallon gasoline. But, there was also excitement in New York with sporty concepts and luxurious land yachts peppering the Javits Center halls. Although we’ve listed a small sampling of our favorites here, you can see all the cars for yourself April 22-May 1 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. For more information, visit www.AutoShowNY.com.

2012 Subaru Impreza
A reworked Subaru Impreza Sedan and Hatchback receive more angular sheetmetal, a much needed interior upgrade including more front and rear-seat legroom, and a new 2.0-liter boxer engine teamed to either a manual or CVT automatic transmission. That last bit of information is crucial to the Impreza’s story, as Subaru is promising cars equipped with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) will see 36 miles-per-gallon, making the 2012 Impreza the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive car in America.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle
The new 2012 Beetle is set to hit VW showrooms this fall, and what a splash it will make! While still recognizable as the iconic VW coupe, the 2012 VW Beetle is a bit longer and less rounded than the last model; it’s also much more athletic and muscular. Beetle fans can choose between three engines: a 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine, a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (the same found in the sporty GTI.) Both manual and automatic transmissions, including VW’s DSG dual-clutch automatic, will be available. Pricing has not yet been announced, but rumor has it that the 2012 Beetle will start under $20,000.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback
Joining the small but steady proliferation of what are being dubbed “four-door coupes”, the A7 also incorporates the best attributes of a wagon as well. Surprise guest Stephen Colbert appeared on stage, partially to help launch the new car and partially to announce his collaboration with Audi in the Charleston Bermuda sailing race. All jokes aside, the A7 is a stunning car with a fastback like rear end that, though not quite as obvious as the BMW 5GT’s rear, is certainly more handsome than the Porsche Panamera. Models will include gasoline and diesel engines, as well as Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel drive.

2013 Ford Taurus
Ford continues to make small but significant improvements to its biggest sedan, proving that the company is no longer content to sit by and watch foreign competitors overtake its newest models. In addition to its standard 3.5-liter V6, the 2013 Ford Taurus will offer an available 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that will deliver V6-like power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of the 2.0-liter turbo marks the second EcoBoost engine offered in the Taurus line, the other being the 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 in the Taurus SHO. Other changes in store for the 2012 Taurus include a new front fascia with electrically operated grille slats that help reduce aerodynamic drag when closed, LED tail lights, and the addition of Ford’s MyTouch configurable gauge cluster.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is treated to a sporty new makeover that, when viewed from behind, makes the sedan appear almost like a four-door Camaro. While more curves have been added to the Malibu’s sheetmetal, dash and wheel arches, the front end seems to have missed the boat, retaining a more angular appearance with strong ties to the previous model. Inside, a new instrument panel includes cool grooved bars that mimic the flamboyant old dashes from the 50s and 60s, as well as more interior room and a stunning attention to detail. We flat out love this interior. The biggest news, however, is the addition of the Malibu ECO, which uses GM’s eAssist electric motor generator to assist the gasoline engine, returning an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

2012 Hyundai Accent
Hyundai has been on a tear lately, and the new Accent is proof the Korean car company is showing no signs of slowing down. The lightweight Accent looks great, comes loaded with features, yet will probably barely reach the $17,000 mark with all the bells and whistles. Better yet, Hyundai is promising 40 mpg highway when either the manual or automatic transmission is paired with the 138-horsepower gasoline direct injection (a first in this segment) 2.0-liter engine; figures like these also mean the Accent bests the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Mazda Mazda2 in both horsepower and fuel economy.

2012 Honda Civic
The previous Civic ran for five years with only minor changes and still looks as fresh and modern as the day it was launched. Not wanting to tempt fate, the all-new 2012 Honda Civic doesn’t venture too far from the successful formula that helped make the last Civic a perennial best seller. While the basic size and shape are familiar, the exterior is now a bit more vivid, with added dimensional sculpting on the hood, trunk and sides. There are a total of seven Civic models, including the sporty Si, Eco-friendly Hybrid, and the luxurious EX; this year also marks the return of the fuel-efficient HF trim. Our own Nick Kurczewski will have a full write up on the new Civic soon, so check back for his in-depth review.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
Hot on the heels of the new 300 sedan comes its sinister alter-ego, the SRT8. Still smooth and stylish, the Chrysler 300 SRT8’s massive HEMI V8 engine, which is good for 465 horsepower, can rocket this big sedan from 0-60 mph in the four second range. Talk about your ticket magnet! Also debuted were two new 300 trims: the S trim is endowed with a more urban, youthful appearance, while the C Executive line is designed to be the must luxurious 300 model ever.

Favorite Concepts
Concept cars are only dreams formed in metal and plastic (and sometimes clay). But, dreams do come true, which is why we have our fingers crossed for these two concept beauties

Scion FR-S
This car finally delivers on Scion’s promise of a youthful, aggressive and fun-to-drive coupe that anyone can afford. The FR-S features a 2.0-liter boxer engine, rear-wheel drive and a lightweight body with a nearly 50/50 front to rear weight distribution. But it’s the styling that really gets us. WOW.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class
Fun, smart and small are not adjectives normally attributed to Mercedes-Benz cars, but this little concept could very well change all that. If MB does it right (and prices it right), the A-Class Concept could be the car that finally pulls in the super cool, super young buyers that have long alluded the German luxury car giant.

Reviewed by Gaywheels.com

If you’re interested in reading about an automotive appliance, you’re about to scroll through the wrong article. If it’s luxury and prestige you’re after, click right on by, friend. And if runway styling and cutting-edge gizmos are your motivations when shopping for a new car, shop elsewhere. We’re talking about Subaru here, and although they do make trusty appliances like the Impreza compact, Forester crossover, and Legacy midsize, we’re not going there today.

Nope, we’re going to talk about the Impreza WRX and WRX STI: tough, turbocharged little rockets that deserve your attention if you have any 91-octane fuel coursing through your veins. These bulging, snorting, slightly demonic-looking rascals are Japanese hot rods, pure and simple. And although “hot rod” is an awfully retro term for vehicles that have an almost mythical image with Gen-Y buyers, the Subaru WRX is indeed a hot rod. Doesn’t matter how many video games it’s stared in.

I’ll let Subaru prove the point: they’ve taken a vehicle the size of a Honda Civic and packed it with 265 horsepower (most Civics motor around with 140 horsepower). Does an extra 125 hp. get your attention? Excellent.

Subaru then pushed the front and rear track out by an extra 1.5 inches. Do those brazen new fenders peak your interest? Good… very good. They’re new for 2011 and make the base WRX look almost identical to the 305-horsepower STI model. And if the term “stiffer rear sub frame bushings” even registers in your prefrontal cortex, then Subaru’s got you in their crosshairs, because now even the most basic WRX looks and feels like the pixelated Xbox fantasy that drives its image. Xbox, X Games, or ex-BMW driver, it doesn’t matter: the revised 2011 WRX and WRX STI are gunning for your attention if you’ve got any interest in cars.

Last year’s WRX looked a bit too much like the domesticated Impreza it’s based on, so the new car is now the spitting image of its more maniacal STI sibling — a vehicle that’s been terrorizing international rally racing for years. And in turn, the STI has been moved up the automotive food chain with stiffer springs, bigger stabilizer bars, and suspension joints that forgo some rubber bushings for solid mechanical connections: pillow ball bushings, as they’re called, although there’s nothing pillowy about them (they’re stiff as hell). This comes on top of the STI’s already stiffer body structure, stronger engine and more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system — which, by the way, features mechanical limited slip differentials on the front and rear axles. So while the basic 2011 WRX now looks nice-’n-nasty, it’s not as hard-core as the STI. And that’s a good thing.

Drive the new WRX like a commuter car and it’s docile. The big 2.5-liter boxer four cylinder makes its amusing “pucka pucka pucka” engine sound while pouring torque into the full-time all-wheel-drive system. Subaru’s power steering has a light, almost lazy feel, and the five-speed manual transmission pops each gear into place with a soft, rubbery nudge of the shifter. It’s never quite as alert or precise as a Honda or VW, but it has its own easy, endearing character. Until you snap out of your rush-hour stupor and show the little Subie who’s boss, that is. At which point the WRX gets interesting, because below 3000 rpm, and during pedestrian cornering speeds, the WRX simply feels like a competent Japanese compact with a big chip on its shoulder.

In reality, it’s a competent Japanese compact with a big chip under its hood. And when the tachometer finally swings into the power zone, the turbocharger huffs and puffs and blows 14 PSI of boost into the engine — and then you’re outta’ here. It’s a bipolar Jekyll and Hyde routine that bounces between frustrating and fantastic. Let the engine fall below 3000 rpm and the WRX chugs along like a suburban beast of burden. But keep the shifter stirring and the turbo spinning, and the WRX is a five-passenger laugh factory. The all-wheel traction and wider new 235/45 WR17 summer tires eliminate any torque-steering, wheel-spinning shenanigans, and instead catapult the car forward in bursts of pressurized acceleration. Plug the transmission into the next gear, wait a second for the turbo to inhale, and there’s another whistling whoosh of power. Hilarious.

Luckily, the ride quality isn’t hilarious, and unlike too many boy-racer compacts, Subaru has left the WRX with lots of suspension compliance — even with the stiffened rear suspension. There is no nervousness over rough pavement, no chattering chassis parts on city streets, and no spinal readjustments when you hit a pothole. The WRX stays relatively flat and stable in turns, and you can even coax the rear end into a nicely controlled slide on lift-throttle; but the main character of the suspension is compliance: not quite European levels of suppleness, but it’s never brittle. And if anything, the rear springs are still rather soft.

However, if the civilized suspension and wide ratios of the five-speed transmission aren’t edgy enough, there’s always that industrial-strength STI to consider. Six forward gears keep turbo lag at bay, and the suspension is far more focused. Plus, the adjustable center differential and limited-slip front and rear differentials allow you to use the extra 40 horsepower and additional 46 foot-pounds of torque with a certain amount of abandon. It’s a car that you can push, pull and slide around corners with almost unnerving speed and predictability. Which is why Subaru had the confidence to let us hacks run wild on an off-road rally-style dirt course. And lets just say that a 2011 Subaru WRX STI does sideways like the Bolshoi does ballet. This point was brought home again when we took another set of STIs out on a paved race course, where any normal car would have pirouetted right off the first corner at the speeds these Subaru’s generate. Dial the center differential for the front-to-rear power distribution you want, and you can scrub speed with the front tires, rear tires or all four tires. Just keep the boost up and the steering wheel pointed in the right direction, ’cause that’s were you’re gonna end up. And fast.

So what do we have here: these rather odd-looking five-door hatchbacks, and their new-for-2011 four-door sedan counterparts? Starting at $25,500 and coming close to $40,000 for a loaded STI Limited with leather, navigation, HID headlights and 18-inch BBS wheels, they’re certainly not economy cars. Same can be said for their appetite for premium unleaded fuel. And yet their slightly austere interiors and Japanese build quality say that they are useful tools. Add the cargo capacity of the five-door and the big trunk on the sedan and they’re harder yet to characterize. Japanese Audis? Not quite, because the Germans can’t offer this much wackiness and fun at these prices. Asian GTIs? No, because the VW doesn’t have the Subaru’s all-wheel drive, and the Subaru doesn’t have the VW’s seriousness and restraint. There’s a certain karaoke comedy lacking in the Volkswagen.

No, they’re sport sedans without the baggage of a premium brand. They’re sports cars that aren’t afraid of winter (but bring snow tires). And they’re one of the last daily drivers that make you do more than just operate the turn signals and adjust the audio system. With a WRX, if you don’t pay attention to it, it doesn’t pay attention to you. Sounds kinda cocky, eh? But then, if you’ve read this far, there’s a good chance these street-seeking missiles have an attitude you can relate to.

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Our dealer locator is one of our most valuable tools on Gaywheels.com and we are going to begin featuring dealers as they become listed as Premium Gaywheels.com Dealers on the site. Remember, if you see a dealer listing that is activated with hyperlinks, mapping functionality and an email address, that dealer is actively supporting your community by advertising with us.

It is very important that we as a community support the businesses that support us. LGBT media sites like this one are supported by advertising and without it we cannot continue to provide information to our users.

Even if you aren’t in the market for a car, call or email these dealers and thank them for supporting the community.

This month’s featured dealer is in Winston Salem, NC

Previous featured Dealers:

Joe Tralongo – 2010 VW GOLF TDI

Bring on the oil burners! The Golf TDI diesel gives me near-hybrid fuel economy (EPA estimate 30 city/42 highway) but in a package that is ultimately more fun to drive. A choice of six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmissions, GTI like front seats and enough options to make the interior of this Golf almost Audi-like are all the reasons I need to buy one. I chose to ignore the silly cost-benefit ratio BS, because I don’t buy my cars based solely on their projected return on my investment; I have a stock portfolio for that. I buy a car because it’s fun yet frugal, and will last long after the payments are done. The Golf TDI meets all my criteria.

Nick Kurczewski – Dodge Challenger R/T

What is the only thing more shocking than a bright orange, chrome-wheeled Dodge Challenger R/T with racing stripes? Hearing your boyfriend say it’s the perfect car if you were shopping for a new set of wheels. My better-half is a classy character, with a fine sense of fashion and good manners. Imagine a smart little Audi TT coupe, or perky BMW 1-Series, and you’ve got him pegged. But even he was smitten by the over-the-top character and fun-loving nature of the Challenger R/T. After nearly five years spent in Paris, France, this is exactly what I missed about American cars. And after nearly 10 years together, I’m thrilled my boyfriend agrees!

Casey Williams – Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

I’ve been a fan of Cadillacs since I fell in love with Elvis and a certain gold ’69 DeVille. Those cars were for kings, and you knew what they were coming and going. Based on the cool Cadillac CTS, the Sport Wagon extends the rear to two pillars of light-tubed tailfin. The bold grille that extends from bumper bottom to hood is dramatic, but the rear lights out-shine Harley Earl’s ’59 Caddy. The fact that it has enough cargo space to hold a fully assembled mountain bike and a 304-HP 3.6-litre V6 connected to all-wheel-drive, make it a car that I could drive forever. From kids to clubs, it makes fast tracks.

Joe LaMuraglia – 2010 Subaru Outback

Choosing a car “for me” is always the most difficult of this annual list. There are so many amazing choices and I like so many vehicles on the road today. While I quickly fall in love with some of the luxury cars I am privileged to drive (case in point: the Jaguar XKR I just spend a week with had me at first growl), when it comes down to what I would spend my limited money on, I’d end up choosing a more practical vehicle. This year’s pick is the 2010 Subaru Outback. It is bigger, more fuel efficient and more capable than the last generation Subaru wagons. I was particularly impressed with how easily it transitions from on-road normalcy to a Japanese billy goat when taken off road. I don’t find the exterior particularly attractive but then again, the interior is great looking and that is what I’ll be looking at as I drive. Black, manual transmission, heated cloth seats and sunroof please.

Click on the icons below to read each editors picks by category:

Joe Tralongo – 2010 GMC Acadia

A variation on my pick last year, the Acadia (and its sibling twins the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave) is still, in my view, the best family hauling CUV on the market. It offers an exceptionally roomy interior, provides usable cargo space even with the third-row seat in place and, considering its size, returns pretty reasonable fuel economy. GM’s traction and stability control systems are among the best in the industry and unique features, such as OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation guidance and emergency response, add the peace of mind every family wants when they hit the road.

Nick Kurczewski – 2010 Ford Taurus

Like Taylor Lautner packing on 30 pounds of muscle for “New Moon,” Ford has given the Taurus a similarly strict gym regime. Pumped up with handsome new looks and bursting with power (we’re talking about the car folks!), the new Taurus is suddenly a stand-out in the crowded family car market. If you crave high-speed thrills as much as I desire Taylor’s six-pack abs, the 365-horsepower SHO is the best choice.

Casey Williams – 2010 Subaru Tribeca

While the first-generation Tribeca’s “screaming vagina” grille did little to win dates, the creatively styled crossover was the perfect family car. Redesigned and up-powered, the current edition looks great, seats seven in three rows, and trudges through the worst weather with Subaru’s legendary all-wheel-drive and horizontally-opposed “boxer” six-cylinder engine. Best of all, Tribeca is a family car from a company that takes care of “family”.

Joe LaMuraglia – 2010 Volvo XC60

Volvo introduced their beautiful new XC60 in 2009 with the tagline “The Car That Stops Itself”. It describes Volvo’s innovative new City Safety system that automatically applies the brakes if the driver is about to drive into the vehicle in front. This is yet another Volvo safety first and when choosing a car to haul your precious cargo around, safety is paramount. It also doesn’t hurt that the Volvo XC60 is roomy, comfortable and a blast to drive – perfect car for your family, no matter how you define it.

Click on the icons below to read each editors picks by category:

Humor and a Hottie Help Subaru

AdAge.com reported on a Subaru of Canada ad that positions the Outback as the antithesis of the coach-potato-enhancing Snuggie.
The ad is great but we here at Gaywheels.com think the car and the HOT model do more for the Subaru brand than the humor. What do you think?

Outback in Big Sky Country

by Joe LaMuraglia
When you think of Subaru, all-wheel-drive wagons probably come to mind. Your mental image most likely includes a kayak or canoe strapped to the top or a road-film-encrusted wagon making its way through snowy paths in the middle of winter. That imagery has been cultivated in your psyche by Subaru’s marketing department as well as Subie owners around the country. Subaru’s are popular with active people who actually take them on adventures and who most likely live in an area where inclement weather is considered a challenge or a blessing rather than a curse. It was fitting then that Subaru invited us to Montana to test drive the new 2010 Subaru Outback.

In the presentation the morning of our drive the Subaru engineers and marketing team described how the 2010 Outback is shorter, taller and wider to improve comfort and usability. Interior volume is up 7% over the 2009 model. The newly designed interior is considerably more upscale than past Subarus and the steering wheel and controls feel substantial. You notice the additional room in shoulder room and rear seat passenger comfort.
They also went to great lengths to describe the new engine and transmission technologies that are featured in the 2010 Outback. The base engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 170 horsepower and gets 19/27 city/hwy with a new 6-speed manual and 22/29 city/hwy with the new optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The optional engine in the higher trim levels is a 3.6L 6-cylinder with 256 HP that runs on regular unleaded fuel. This engine is mated solely with a 5-speed conventional automatic and gets a respectable 18/25 MPG.

The final part of the presentation included an exterior and interior “walk around” that showcased the 2010 Outback’s features. One of the most notable is the standard roof rack that include cross bars that swing out of the way when you don’t need them to reduce noise and increase efficiency. Knowing that a large percentage of Subaru buyers are repeat customers, the engineers made a point that the new roof rack system works with the majority of Subaru accessories already on the market. Now THAT is making sure you take your target customer into consideration!
All that information is great but the truth about the car would be revealed by actually driving it. Subaru didn’t disappoint and designed a driving experience that showcased the Outback’s civility on road and outright scrappy nature off the beaten path.

The first segment of the drive featured long stretches of road where the Outback impressed us with its normalcy. The CVT brought the car up to speed quickly only exhibiting the typical CVT rubber-band feeling under full acceleration. We felt immediately at home in the comfortable front seats and all the controls and switches were intuitive. The new interior design is just short of elegant and the only oddities were the covered storage under the radio and the activation of the new electronic Hill Holder system. The door on the storage cubby didn’t feel as high quality as the rest of the interior and the Hill Holder system must be manually turned on each time you start the car. The former is a minor issue for sure but the Hill Holder activation baffles me. Despite those minor complaints, Subaru, a brand once known for its proud quirkiness has entered the mainstream and broadened its appeal with the Outback.
The second and third segment of the drive is where the Outback got to show its near superhero ability to switch from mild-mannered road cruiser to muscular, scrappy off-road attacker. Our route turned from highway to local roads and then quickly to a glorified gravel hiking path. The Outback handled it with nary a squeak other than the yells of laughter and disbelief coming from both driver and passenger. I was in the passenger seat laughing nervously as my driving partner piloted the our Outback over the rocky roads as what seemed like breakneck speeds. We arrived safely at the top of the mountain with a new found respect for the Outback. Even with the base engine and CVT, it never felt unsure and simply motored on like a hungry wolf chasing its next meal.

I got my revenge on the trip back down the mountain as I was behind the wheel at that point. I took great pleasure in approaching the trail with as much aplomb as my driving partner and did my best to scare him as much as he did me. All the while, the Outback took it all in stride and I swear it was enjoying itself. Once back on a paved road, the Outback seemingly took off its supersuit and settled back into a mild-mannered transportation module. The car is quiet at speed and even when the optional sunroof is open at legal speeds, the wind noise is well controlled. When entertainment is required, the optional Harman Kardon stereo is happy to step up and deliver crisp, clear sound at all volumes. If you are directionally challenged, there is an option navigation system as well. Bluetooth hands-free is available as an option on all models.
The last showcase of the Outback’s abilities was arguably the most impressive. Subaru had arranged for us to drive up a steep dirt hill in a 2010 Outback, 2009 Ford Explorer AWD and 2009 Toyota Venza with AWD. I was the first to attempt it and was able to get all three up the hill/mountain but the way each handled it was quite telling. While the Outback worked hard, the other two struggled excessively and almost didn’t make it. In fact, as the day progressed, the Outback delivered journalists to the top 100% of the time. The Ford and Toyota didn’t have nearly as much success.
Subaru pointed out at the beginning of the event that 20% of Subaru Outback owners go “off road” at least once a month and that the availability of AWD is the #1 purchase reason for Outback owners. With the new 2010 Outback they’ve clearly taken existing loyal owners into account by improving the off-road capabilities and keeping them in mind when designing things like the roof rack. Subaru also made the new Outback more attractive to a wider audience by making it bigger, less quirky and more efficient. The end result is a good-looking, efficient superhero on wheels.
2010 Subaru Outback
Outback 2.5i 6MT $22,995
Outback 2.5i CVT $23,995
Outback 2.5i Premium 6MT $24,295
Outback 2.5i Premium CVT $25,295
Outback 2.5i Limited CVT $27,995
Outback 3.6R 5AT-S $27,995
Outback 3.6R Premium 5AT-S $28,995
Outback 3.6R Limited 5AT-S $30,995

Photos Courtesy of Subaruu

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A Legacy Worth Remembering

by Joe Tralongo

Me thinks there are magical folk working over at Subaru. The kind you find in Harry Potter movies and Lord of the Rings paperbacks. I know this sounds nuts, but how else can one explain the 2010 Legacy Sedan? It’s a car that remains roughly the same length as its predecessor and yet, magically, sees such vast improvements in the areas of interior room, ride comfort and feature content that it defies explanation. OK, so maybe it’s not magic, but it’s pretty darn impressive. Are you listening Honda and Toyota? The Subaru Legacy is no longer a minor player. It’s now a big, roomy, well equipped sedan that can be had for the same price or less as the barest Accord or Camry. Best of all, the Legacy features as standard equipment one of the best all-wheel-drive systems on the market.

Let’s first tackle the nuts and bolts stuff. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Legacy is 1.4-inches longer, 3.2-inches higher and 3.6-inches wider. There is an increase of four inches in rear seat legroom, as well as a trunk that swells to 14.7 cubic-feet, one of the largest in the segment. The sometimes annoying frameless windows of the 09 model are gone, replaced by proper doors that ensure a tight seal as well as a big reduction in wind noise. I found the new Legacy to be a competent performer, offering strong brakes, a quiet and smooth ride and maneuvering capabilities on par with most other family sedans in this class. I did think it odd that all three trims share the same suspension setup, although they do offer differing wheel and tires sizes. In the case of the 3.6R, this is not so much an issue, but the GT really needs a more aggressive suspension, not to mention a little more aggressive styling. Still, most driver’s shopping the class will be more than pleased with the Legacy’s driving characteristics, which include the Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive’s ability to tear through snow as if it were little more than sawdust on the road.

Although some styling cues are reminiscent of the previous car, the 2010 Legacy is mostly covered in fresh sheetmetal that is best described as attractive, but not terribly distinctive. The Legacy’s interior, on the other hand, is really quite nice. The front seats have been redesigned to fit a wider spectrum of body types and offer excellent lower back and lower leg support. Moving back, the spacious rear seat is divided into a 60/40 split configuration and can be folded flat when more cargo space is required. With the exception of the somewhat flimsy radio and ventilation control knobs, everything about the new dash feels solid and modern, and credit must be given for the realistic faux brushed aluminum trim. A lengthy standard equipment list includes a dash-mounted electronic parking brake, steering wheel controls for the cruise and audio functions, manual air conditioning, side curtain airbags, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, four-wheel ABS disc brakes and electronic traction and stability control. Unique in this class is the standard electronic hill holder, which stops the car from rolling forward or backwards on angles of more than five degrees.
Up level trims offer such amenities as a power moonroof, a 440-watt harman/kardon audio system and a Cold Weather Package that adds heated seats, side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icers. Limited trims add leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and offer the option of a new voice activated navigation system featuring a rear backup camera and streaming Bluetooth, which allows music from your iPhone to be wirelessly streamed to the stereo.
As with last year, Subaru offers the Legacy in three trims: 2.5, Limited and GT. Prices range from $19,995 for the base 2.5 to just over $32,000 for a loaded GT Limited. Power for the base 2.5 model is supplied by a four-cylinder boxer engine producing 170 horsepower teamed to a new six-speed manual transmission. Subaru’s boxer engines are so named because their cylinders lay flat (as opposed to being in-line or V shaped) and move back and forth in a motion that mimics the thrusting jabs of a professional boxer. The design allows the engine block to sit low, thus reducing the vehicle’s center of gravity and improving handling. The 3.6R and 3.6R Limited are powered by a six-cylinder boxer engine pumping out 256 horsepower, while the sporty GT trims receive a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine good for 265 horsepower. Although most agree the GT’s engine offers the best performance for the Legacy, it can only be had with the six-speed manual transmission, leaving automatic drivers out in the cold.

Optional the base cars and standard on the 2.5 Limited is a new CVT automatic transmission. Subaru’s CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, eliminates the need for fixed gear ratios by replacing the gear sets with a single metal band running between two pulleys. The CVT maximizes the engine’s power at all times giving optimal performance in the areas of power, fuel economy and emissions. Driving a car with a CVT takes some getting used to, as it eliminates the discernible shift points most of us have come to associate with changing gears. This version, however, does feature steering-wheel mounted shift levers that allow the driver to change gears manually. Subaru has designed the manual mode to artificially generate shift points that make the CVT feel more like a conventional automatic transmission. Legacys equipped with the CVT are expected to return fuel economy figures of 23 city and 31 highway, which is pretty good considering the standard all-wheel-drive layout. Coupled with a new 18.5 gallon fuel tank, the 2010 Legacy can travel over 500 miles on a single tank of gasoline.
So is the 2010 Legacy going to smash the sales records of the Accord and Camry? Probably not, but it does give cold weather consumers something to smile about. A true family sized sedan that fears no snow storm and is priced under $20,000 might just be magic after all.

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by Colin Mathews

Having tweeted the heck out of my miserable old-skool flip-phone while commenting about Subaru’s tight, athletic little 2009 Impreza WRX, it’s time for a recap. Yes, my fingers are more than happy to have a full keyboard at the ready.
Subaru did a fantastic job in addressing the ills of last year’s weak-kneed, flabby WRX. We thrilled to the ’09’s extra 41 hp every time it blurred our vision from 3,500 RPM to redline. We also appreciated the ability of the chunky little all-wheel drive sedan to adroitly carve corners as well as soak up Atlanta’s pockmarked streets with remarkable comfort. And a car full of boys being driven down Piedmont Avenue remarked at how comfortable the rear compartment was. Whether for sports sedan duty, commuting, or people hauling, the WRX is a remarkably versatile set of wheels. That is, if you don’t mind power that’s either middling or insane, with no in-between (read: turbo lag).
And what of curbside appeal? A group of Frisbee players in Piedmont Park, frankly, couldn’t be bothered. The somewhat awkward sedan and its dorky duds make it blend in to the sea of commuter cars in Atlanta. However, the hatchback is a more purposeful, lithe-looking vehicle. For some, the sedan’s incognito m.o. is a good thing, especially those with a record of speeding infractions. But if it’s attention you want, you’ll likely rate double-takes only from mechanics and gearheads who know what fury lies beneath the WRX’s massive hoodscoop.
About that (functional) hood scoop; it flutters at speed, a shame for a car that otherwise is so solid and well screwed-together. Ergonomics inside are first rate, the red-ringed instruments provide excellent gauge visibility at night, redundant radio controls make your tunes easy to manage, and the seat fabric is grippy and reminds of sportswear. But the fixed headrests keep some drivers’ heads canted strangely forward, and the throttle is so feather-light you’ll end up either with aching right anterior calf muscles or too many speeding tickets.
While ultimately a vehicle that will wear well only in the garages of dedicated automotive enthusiasts (after all, an automatic isn’t even available), a reasonable base price ($25,660), kick-in-the-pants performance, and a highly livable day-to-day demeanor mean the Subaru Impreza WRX will make a great match for a special owner.

Get pricing and specifications for a 2009 Subaru WRX from our research partner vLane.com

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by Joe LaMuraglia and Colin Mathews

We just took delivery of Dark Gray Metallic Subaru Impreza WRX in Atlanta, GA. And thus far, we’re digging it (and we’re Tweeting it – GayWheel’s version 2.0 of the Tweet Review experience).
The ’09 Subaru Impreza WRX has jumped in power and performance to that of the ’08 WRX STI. That means 265 hp, 244 lb-ft of growly flat-four torque, and more athletic suspension tuning to cling to Atlanta’s arcing curves, blast at autobahn speeds (every driven highway 400?), and navigate (ouch) the patchwork of metal plates covering the largest sewer system re-do in the last century.
Our Tweet review of the 2009 Lincoln MKS proved both valuable and successful, with almost 200 Tweet subscribers receiving up-to-the-minute tidbits on that vehicle’s driving, style, convenience, and ability to turn heads. Get in on the instant gratification as we pilot Subaru’s turbocharged, rally-bred sedan through a nice big tease of springtime weather. The boys and girls are out in Piedmont Park, the windows at Blake’s bar are wide open, and the spring itch has us more than ready to turn some heads and burn some rubber.
Page through Subaru’s photos of this compelling sports sedan, and stay tuned as we Twitter and titillate in Atlanta.

Each year, the editors of Gaywheels.com drive hundreds of new cars to find the best new vehicles for you, your partner, your family, and sometimes for ourselves too.
We published our inaugural Favorite Vehicles list in 2007 and are continuing the tradition for 2008. The field of best-ofs includes some 2008, 2009 and even a 2010 model. The list includes vehicles perfect for us, for families, for dates and clubbing, and cars and trucks notable for their new looks, new hardware and new attitude.
The winners for Gaywheels.com’s Best of 2008, in order of seniority, are:
Joe LaMuraglia-Founder, Gaywheels.com

Best New Car: 2009 Mazda6

The newly designed Mazda6 is a bigger, badder and more beautiful entry in the midsize segment from Mazda. With a choice of two engines and the availability of a manual transmission, this car is the epitome of “Zoom-Zoom” for the driver that needs to carry clients or kids as well. I say the Mazda6 is the new 10 for sedans.
Best Makeover: Mercedes-Benz BlueTec Equipped Vehicles

It is more of a transplant than a makeover but the idea is the same. Mercedes-Benz launched their amazing Clean Diesel technology a.k.a. Bluetec in their SUVs and gave Americans a reason to fall in love with them all over again. They are clean, quiet, efficient and they get my vote for best makeover for 2008.
Best Date Car: BMW 1-Series

This the second time I’ve picked a convertible as the best date car. A drop top says you are fun-loving with few responsibilities (a.k.a. single) and the new 1-Series from BMW says all that and more. It is a no-nonsense convertible that gets back to the basics of looking good and driving fun. Enjoy it while you can because once you find your mate, the car in the next category will be more your speed.
Best Family Car: Ford Flex

Just because you have responsibilities doesn’t mean your car has to be boring. The Ford Flex seats up to 7 and looks like nothing else on the road. Stylish inside and out, you may consider it even if you don’t have kids to haul around. Cool features include Sirius Travel Link, Ford’s Sync and an available refrigerator! We called it “Flexalicious”.
Best Club Car: Maserati GranTurismo

You’ve seen it in the movies; two hotties roll up to a club in a sexy car, a valet appears out of nowhere to take their keys and they alight from the car right as the velvet rope is unhooked allowing them direct entry into the club while hundreds of less fortunate wait in the cold. The Maserati might not make you as pretty as the actors in the movie, this gorgeous coupe might just get you to the front of the line at the club. That’s worth $114K+ isn’t it?
Best Car For Me: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen

History repeats itself, in bodystyle choices at least. Two years and two wagons as choices of my Best Car for Me. The new VW Jetta Sportwagen is good looking, roomy and with the TDI clean diesel engine, one of the most efficient vehicles on the road today. We called it the “Vehicular Version of Comfortable Shoes”.
Joe Tralongo-Montana Editor
Best New Car: Nissan GT-R
40 years of automotive foreplay came to an end this year when Nissan finally brought its screaming Skyline GT-R stateside. Known here as just the GT-R, this car has been taunting enthusiasts from afar since 1969. The 480 horsepower twin-turbo coupe costs a pretty penny, and a limited production run is bound to push the price even higher, but it’s worth it to own a little piece of automotive history. Good job, Nissan.
Best Makeover: 2010 Mazda MAZDA3

Due out this summer, the all-new Mazda MAZDA3 is going to shatter all preconceived notions of what an economy car should be. With styling that is more exotic and economical, and such cool features as keyless entry and start, the MAZDA3 is the stylish solution to a new fiscal reality.
Best Date Car: Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
If he doesn’t swoon when you pull up to his condo complex, just show him the $301,000 price tag. With only 350 cars being produced world wide this car is sure to grab attention, and its fuel thirsty V12 engine makes the old “Uh-oh, we’re out of gas” line utterly believable.

Best Family Car: Chevrolet Traverse

If you’ve got kids and cargo, you need a three-row SUV. The Chevrolet Traverse provides all the room of a full-size SUV in a midsize package that is stylish, safe and economical. Loaded with standard goodies, the V6-powered Traverse can shuttle up to eight passengers and still pull down 24 mpg on the highway.
Best Club Car: Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac’s V-Series treatment is to the stunning CTS what Human Growth Hormone is to Major League Baseball. With 556-horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, you might want to bypass the club and head straight for Mulholland Drive.
Best Car for Me: Subaru WRX
OK, last year my perfect car as the VW GTI, and in truth it’s still my favorite. But after experiencing my fourth Montana winter, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. With the WRX, I get all the fun of the GTI but in a package I can live with year round.

Josee Valcourt-NY Editor
Best New Car: Volkswagen CC

It’s the exterior coupe action combined with a competitive price point that does it for me. This Mercedes Benz CLS look-alike starts nearly at $27,000. The VW midsize newbie looks great in city drives, and I’d assume, it’s just as striking along a winding mountainside road. Its handling is responsive and ride comfortable.
Best Makeover: Infiniti G37
The defunct Infiniti G35 coupe was one good looking car. The G37, its replacement, looks even better. It’s exterior appearance speaks to the Infiniti brand’s design strength. The engine is quiet and fast, propelling the car like a slinky panther.
Best Date Car: Lexus GS350
This a sweet looking car, and in my view, especially in the iridescent pearly white hue. It looks good from dawn till dusk, meaning you’ll be sure to impress your date at any hour. The sporty vehicle has all the necessities one would expect in a luxury brand including a booming sound system that can drown out the awkward first-date silence or weird conversation if needed. It’s also available in all-wheel drive for added traction.

Best Family Car: Volvo XC70
First things first, the Volvo XC70 is a station wagon. Now that we’ve gotta that out of the way, here’s the skinny: the vehicle is also a pretty cool ride for carting the fam in luxury. The XC70 offers a smooth ride and grips curves – a must-have when it comes to hauling your precious bunch from point A to point B. The vehicle is spacious, providing comfortable seating and a roomy cargo. There’s also the whole added safety thing that’s synonymous with a Volvo.
Best Club Car: Nissan 370Z
The new 370Z from Nissan is an attention grabber, for sure. Heads will turn when you pull up in front of your destined swanky club spot of choice. It’s the slick design that gives it a “Bond, James Bond” flair or “Sex and the City” edge. Whether you’re stepping out in a hot LBD (little black dress) or rocking your GQ look, you’ll look good emerging from the 370Z.
Best Car for Me: BMW 335i Convertible
This Beamer hard top is a beast, pumping out 300 horsepower from its twin turbo-charged six-cylinder engine. You may find yourself fighting the urge to scream “woo hoo!” while in motion. The vehicle reacts nicely on roads, hugging curves all the while looking fabulous with its top down.

Subaru’s latest commercial campaign touts very little in terms of product attributes but rather focuses on the relationship that their loyal owners have with their Subarus. According to the marketing campaign it is LOVE that makes a Subaru, a Subaru and in terms of brand strategy, it seems to be working. Subaru is one of the few auto makers that is increasing their sales during this challenging economic times.

Marketing campaigns aside, the product planners want to make sure that once you fall in love with a Subaru, you’ll be able to stay in the family when it is time for a new vehicle. Up until 2006, if you wanted to be part of the Subie love affair and you had more than 5 people to carry around, you were out of luck. The product planners realized the need for something larger and developed a 7-passenger crossover vehicle based on the Legacy platform called the Tribeca. This, they argued, would keep Subaru owners from straying from the brand and the Love fest could continue.
We reviewed the Subaru Tribeca last year after Subaru did some emergency cosmetic surgery in the form of a new front end and tightened rear. That review was based on a day of driving in and around Palm Springs, CA. While the mountains outside of the desert are challenging and showed off the Subaru’s handling abilities, one day behind the wheel can only give a snapshot of what is like to live with a vehicle. It was a great first date but in order to simulate a real relationship, we wanted to spend a week with the Tribeca.
I just received a 2009 Subaru Tribeca to test drive for a week and after a few days of driving, I thought I’d check in to let you know how the affair is going and to see if there is indeed Love in the air.
My first full day with the vehicle was the perfect test for the Tribeca’s asymmetrical AWD. As I headed out early Friday morning to an event at the Consumer Report’s automotive testing center in central CT the heavens opened up and I drove for three hours in torrential rain. The big Subie seemed not to notice the deluge and we motored north hindered only by the lesser vehicles (and drivers?) that seemed to be tip-toeing down the road. The combination of the weight of the vehicle and the standard AWD made a potentially nerve-wracking trip less stressful. Knowing that it achieved 5-star crash rating was comforting as well.

At over 4,140 lbs, the Tribeca is heavy and and feels very planted but the new 3.6 boxer six-cylinder engine felt very energetic. Merging onto the Garden State parkway and navigating the traffic on the Tappan Zee bridge was easy with 256 HP on tap. The rated fuel mileage is not the best in its class (18 city/21 hwy) but you have to remember that all Subaru’s are all-wheel drive (AWD) and when compared to it’s competitors with their optional AWD, the mileage figures are about on par. I averaged 18 MPG on the first tank of fuel and in the middle of the second tank the trip computer is showing 20.6 MPG.
So far the courting ritual is going well. I have to say I’m not finding excuses to drive the Tribeca but I can imagine living with it on a daily basis. I’m sure after a few more days, I’ll find a few things I don’t like but nobody’s perfect, right? I wonder if it puts the cap back on the toothpaste?
Final installment later this week.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 – They are picking up the Tribeca tomorrow and I’ll be leaving our relationship with mixed feelings. Our time spent together was pleasant and the Tribeca proved to be incredibly competent on the challenging roads in the tri-state area but I never got that tingling feeling when piloting the vehicle. With that said, if I needed a vehicle with seating for 7 and Subaru’s were “my thing”, I might be more interested.
As with any potential partner, you should weigh the positives and negatives before jumping in to a full-time relationship.
Likes:
- Interior cock-pit styling for front passengers
- 5-Star Safety Rating
- Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system is always ready
- Peppy engine that delivers acceptable fuel mileage
- Great fun-to-drive quotient for its class
- Excellent turning radius for its class
- Choice of Sirius or XM radio
Dislikes:
- While the styling is MUCH better than before, it doesn’t say “Subaru” anymore
- Tight third row leg room
- Navigation system is not as advanced as competitors
For many I think there could be something akin to the “L-Word” with this car. Clearly, when looking at my list above, there isn’t anything wrong with the Tribeca. It’s just that it doesn’t make me think LOVE. How can I say this without hurting the Tribecas feelings: “I’m not ready for a relationship” or “You just aren’t my type” or even “Can we be friends”?
Yes, love is a funny thing. While I didn’t find love with the Tribeca, I wouldn’t hesitate to introduce it to my friends. It is an attractive, solid and safe performer that will satisfy those looking for those traits. For the rest of you, there is match.com.

Subaru is a gay-friendly company.

Read other Subaru reviews by Gaywheels.com’s writers

Get more detailed information on the Subaru Tribeca in our New Car Section.

Get a free insurance quote for a Subaru Tribeca

Find a Subaru Dealer Near You

A lesbian icon from day one, the Subaru Forester gets the kind of makeover that doesn’t get in the way of its virtues, says Gaywheels.com’s Marty Padgett.

If a car can be shorthand for the lesbian community, that car is the Subaru Forester. Willing to tackle all sorts of dicey situations, able to carry untold amounts of stuff in its backpack but easy to sport around town, it’s like a woman-appreciating superhero in sheetmetal.

Unlike most of the gals we know, though, the Forester’s been a little frumpwagon, with dowdy styling. The only runway this thing would walk might be at O’Hare, not in Milan.
It’s needed an intervention in the form of at least one queer eye — and for 2009 the Forester gets exactly that. It’s no fashion plate, but it’s a tall skinny latte of a crossover now, with a delicate face and a lean body that runs counter to the bloated SUVs that guys tend to drool over. The new Forester is bigger than before, but it disguises its additional room on the outside while granting your friends better leg and headroom front and back.
You need an SUV but you’d prefer not to crush the remaining Dorito-sized bits of green earth into early oblivion. To that end, the engines motivating the new Forester are both four-cylinders, one turbocharged and one not. The turbo car is truly quick, the standard one just adequately so, but both turn in city fuel economy in the mid-20s, almost double what a HUMMER gets. Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearboxes are available, while all-wheel drive is
standard.
Subaru says the “U” in SUV gets neglected with other vehicles in the class. The Forester? No way. It’s Sasha Cohen-flexible: the second row of seats folds down and there are all sorts of storage bins throughout the cabin. The center console’s big enough to hold a laptop, a man-
purse or a set of climbing pitons.

It’s a nice package, and the Forester is less expensive than before. Marching up the pricing ladder from the base $19,995 model, the 2.5X version with a manual gearbox and a premium package starts at $22,495. The 2.5X L.L. Bean edition, with leather, auto climate control and a
power driver seat, starts from $25,995. Turbo models start at $26,195.
Subaru showed us how the Forester will carry more than 2000 granola bars if you wedge them in just right. They were sort of joking about it, but maybe you’re not? You’re out, you’re proud–and let’s face it, you have a lot of baggage. Finally you can own it, and lug it around
without shame.

Subaru is a gay-friendly company.

Get a free insurance quote for a 2009 Subaru Forester

Read other Subaru reviews by Gaywheels.com’s writers

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Get gay-friendly financing

By Scott Corlett

January is that time of year when the intrepid reporters of Gaywheels.com brave Detroit’s bitter cold to bring you the best new vehicles from the North American International Auto Show. Listed below, in no particular order, are the best new production vehicles from the gay-friendly manufacturers for 2008:

Bulls Will Be Bulls

Apparently the PR folks at Chrysler didn’t consider the inevitable outcome of penning up 300 males in close proximity. I doubt they intended to launch their redesigned Dodge Ram pickup with some hot bull-on-bull action. But that’s exactly what happened when 300 longhorns were herded down the street in front of the exhibition hall during the truck’s outdoor press unveiling: the daddy bulls started mounting the boy bulls in a bovine version of ’70s porn, complete with mustachioed cowboys. Oh, and the Ram? HOT. And that’s no bulls—.

Bulges in the Right Places

Sex and the City alum Kim Cattrall wore a hot red number and mile-high Manolos as she strode on stage and flirted with Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler AG, which owns Mercedes-Benz. She smiled coyly, touched Dieter’s shoulder, and cooed about “assertiveness, bulges in the right places … [and a] tight little package.” Undoubtedly Cattrall had the balding, brushy-lipped German worked up, but she actually was speaking about another onstage hottie, the new Mercedes-Benz GLK sport-utility vehicle. The GLK is a rugged, small-scale SUV with the stamina to keep up with hard-riding shoppers like Kim–and its planned, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine will offer the torque of a gasoline-fueled V-8 but return an über-sexy 35 mpg.

The Vue Steps Out on Its Own

To date, the Saturn Vue Green Line reminds me of that guy in college who could only do other guys during a three-way with his girlfriend. The current Vue Green Line is a “mybrid,” which means that, unlike out-and-proud hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, its electric motor can never power this compact SUV without the aid of its gasoline engine. Starting with the 2009 model, the Vue Green Line will step out on its own, as it will be able to use solely the electric motor for propulsion. Compared with the regular Vue, the present Vue Green Line increases fuel economy by 25 percent, but thanks to the ability to run on the motor, the upcoming version’s mileage ratings are a whopping 45 percent higher.

Venza, Vidi, Vici

In 47 B.C., after routing a Turkish city, Julius Caesar succinctly said, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered). Now it’s MMLV years later and a new emperor is conquering foreign lands, and his name is Toyota and the battlefield is the North American car market. Toyota calls its new, Camry-based Venza a crossover sedan, which is Latin for station wagon. The Venza is a five-passenger hauler with a tall ride height to provide the all-important command-position seating and available all-wheel drive to help defeat inclement weather. Smooth-running four-cylinder (standard) and optional V-6 engines, an interior that’s far more luxurious than the Camry’s, and the Toyota badge of quality make the Venza a warrior unstoppable by Caesar himself. All hail, Toyota.

The Home Team Homerun

The Cadillac CTS-V is the performance version of General Motor’s slick CTS sedan. What does that extra letter on the badge buy you? How about a rocket-worthy 550 horsepower? Yes, you read correctly, that’s 550 horses pulling a mid-size sedan, as in 43 more ponies than Mercedes’s E63 and 50 more than BMW’s M5. Not only is the CTS-V wicked fast, he’s certainly not shy, with a well-bulging hood that Kim Cattrall would love and a mesh grill that shouts get the f– out of my way. The Germans were never very good at baseball; this badass CTS-V is an out-of-the-park homerun for the home team.

CC: Mercedes-Benz

With its new Passat CC, Volkswagen sent out a mass e-mail to the automotive buyers of the world. It read, “Hey! You no longer have to shell out luxury car bucks for slick styling. Cheers, VW.” The Volkswagen Passat CC is a coupe-style, four-door sedan, á la Mercedes-Benz’s sleek CLS. And like the CLS, the Passat CC is a thing of precious beauty, a bubble of metal and glass that rises up from the pavement, with cat-eye side windows and a swooping rear end. And with a price differential of $20,000 or more between the CLS and CC and a style differential of nearly zero, Mercedes can’t be happy with this news–which is exactly why VW cc’d M-B.

BMW Gets All Diesel-y

BMW plans to do for diesel what Justin Timberlake did for sexy–bringing it back. For the American market in 2008, BMW plans two models powered by its twin-turbo, 3.0-liter diesel in-line six. This oil burner lands Stateside first in BMW’s X5 SUV and its 3-Series sedan, and packs a respectful 265 horsepower and an off-the-hook 425 lb-ft of torque–well more than most V-8s. Not only will this engine be 50-state compliant, but BMW claims it will shoot their 335d sedan from zero to 60 in a sprightly 6.2 seconds and the X5 to the same speed in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy is an eco-friendly 23/33 mpg city/highway for the sedan and 15/25 mpg for the X5. If I can just talk JT into riding shotgun, then I’m all set.

Cutting Wood

Subaru was one of the first auto companies to advertise in the gay media. And ever since, we’ve rewarded Subaru with our loyal purchases of their ever-practical haulers, which always feature standard all-wheel drive and room for our kids, pooches, and tag sale finds. In 2008, Subaru launches the newest version of its venerable Forester wagon. The redesigned 2009 Forester is a meatier lumberjack, with a more SUV-like stance. Although bigger, the new Forester offers a tree-friendly 2.5-liter base engine in a “California-spec” version that meets stringent PZEV emissions requirements. Put simply, on a smoggy day in L.A., the exhaust of a Forester equipped with this plant may be cleaner than the air you breathe. And that is indeed a breath of fresh air.

Little German Soft Top

I usually do everything in my power to avoid the above combination of descriptors. But in the case of BMW’s all-new 1-Series convertible, I’d gladly pay for a long-term relationship with just such a special friend. The 1-Series soft top is a gorgeous, little two-door cabrio with sleek metal, a sprung stance, and a sexy, simple interior. And the 1-Series is fast. Like any guy packing six-pack abs on South Beach, the 1-Series sheds its top in 22 seconds. And like that same guy after a day of sun and proximity to half-naked men, the 1-Series is raring to go, with zero-to-60 times of 6.8 seconds for the base in-line six and 5.6 seconds for the twin-turbo six. Who knew a little German soft top could be such fun?

The Best Seller

The best selling vehicle in America is neither the Honda Accord nor Civic, nor the Chevy Cobalt, nor even the omnipresent Toyota Camry. No, the vehicles that Americans buy most often are the Ford F-Series pickup trucks. So whenever Ford announces a redesign of its F-150 pickup, the most popular of the F-Series trucks, everyone from Brokeback weekenders to workday tradesmen wait with bated breath. Bigger, badder, and techier, the new F-150 is one hot hauler, with USB and MP3 ports, a 700-watt Sony stereo, and voice-activated navigation. Now, if Ford could just stream the video from the F-150′s optional backup cam down from Brokeback Mountain, they’d have a major new source of badly needed revenue.
Read our blog “Putting the ‘Mo in Motown” for videos, photos and daily updates from our time at the show.
You can find any Ford truck accessory you need at the AmericanTrucks, the source for quality aftermarket parts and accessories.

By Joe Tralongo
The automobile industry spends millions of dollars researching the average consumer’s needs during various life stages. Depending on our age and position in life, our cars say a lot about us, our desires and the image we wish to project. Of course, we of the homosexual persuasion have a slightly different set of needs and paths than our straight counterparts. Below is a list of vehicles that we at Gaywheels.com feel suit the four primary phases of gay life. Mind you, this list represents a random sampling from a broad field of outstanding automobiles, but as space is limited we’ve chosen a few standouts worthy of attention.
Stage 1: Young, Single and On the Prowl
At this stage in your gay life, it’s all about YOU! Forget backseat legroom and trunk space, you need a car that attracts attention. The following vehicles are sure to draw onlookers (and maybe a date or two) without cutting too deeply into your budget.

2008 Volvo C30 – Small, agile and starting well under $25,000, the C30’s groovy good looks and nearly infinite color/trim/option combinations (it’s like driving a rolling Benetton sweater) practically guarantee no two neighborhood cars will be quite the same.

2008 Jeep Wrangler – The Wrangler is one of the few vehicles that can show up at a rodeo or on Rodeo Drive and still look right at home. Available in two- or four-door models with a removable hard or soft top and just the right blend of hip styling and butchness, the Jeep Wrangler always wins unwavering approval.

2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe – The G37 is not as economically priced as the others in this group. If you can swing the payments, however, the sensuous new Infiniti Coupe not only has the power to start hearts fluttering, it also telegraphs this is one single not looking for a Sugar Daddy (or Momma, as the case may be).
Stage 2: The Coupling Period
Congratulations, you’ve become a “we”! Love now requires one of you to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving up the sporty little car. But driving a four-door vehicle doesn’t instantly make you uncool. Gaywheels is confident these models will help you project a strong sense of style, as well as provide enough room for a weekend road trip or an evening out with friends.

2008 Cadillac CTS – Who says gays don’t do domestic? Cadillac’s beautifully sculpted CTS sedan displays a strong presence with even stronger performance. We love the new interior and the seats are some of the best in the business. With a choice of two V6s, RWD or AWD, and a manual or automatic transmission, you can get one that fits just right.

Lincoln MKX –Not much bigger than most sedans, the MKX’s wide hatch provides a bit more versatility than the others in this group, yet gives up nothing in the areas of luxury, ride and handling. And our favorite option, the Vista glass moonroof, brings the outdoors inside.

Volkswagen Passat – The Passat may not have a status symbol badge bolted to its grille, but nothing in the family sedan class matches its combination of price, features and Audi-like interior. The 2.0-liter turbo engine pulls like a V6, yet sips fuel to the tune of 29 miles per gallon (highway). The Passat is also offered in wagon form.
Stage 3: Partnered for Life (a.k.a. Married Without Benefits)
You now dress alike and regularly finish each other’s sentences; you share a mortgage, a cocker spaniel and a penchant for weekend shopping sprees. In other words, you’re hitched. Whether hauling a bulky antique armoire, 50-pounds of landscape fodder or the makings of your first nursery, you needn’t give up charisma for capability.

Mercedes-Benz GL – Big enough to seat seven, yet nearly identical in width to the smaller ML, Mercedes-Benz’s newest SUV offers excellent maneuverability and a luxurious interior. Also, the GL’s logically laid out controls don’t require an extra set of eyes and hands to operate.

Buick Enclave – If you like curves, you’ll love the Enclave’s seductive exterior styling. Buick may not have scored high on your car-buying list in the past, but this seven-passenger crossover SUV will quickly remedy that! Vivid sew patterns, a one-of-kind dashboard and a liberal use of ambient lighting conspire to create one beautiful interior.

Subaru Tribeca – Long regarded for its dependable all-wheel-drive systems and quirky styling, Subaru moves toward the mainstream with its largest family vehicle to date, the Tribeca. Optional seating for seven, a powerful new V6 engine and plenty of electronic toys to keep the munchkins happy make the Tribeca a favorite of gay families everywhere.
Stage 4: The Golden Years
You’ve survived the seven-year itch—nine times, possibly raised a kid or two and still managed a very comfortable retirement. Now comes the time to throw caution to the wind and treat yourself to something sinful. Show up at the theatre in one of these cars and everyone will know you and your partner have truly arrived.

Audi S5/A5 –Audi’s latest work of art is to be enjoyed by the driver and occasionally a lucky passenger or two. The first true four-passenger coupe offered by Audi in nearly 15 years, the rocket-fast S5 lands in showrooms this fall, followed by the more affordable A5 in the spring.

Jaguar XK Convertible –Going topless never felt so liberating. The XK’s intoxicating good looks will have all eyes pointed in your direction, and with the convertible top retracted you can drink in equal servings of vitamin D and envious admiration.

Lexus LS 600h L – Al Gore promises we will pay a price for not going green, but who’d have guessed the price is even higher for combining luxury and environmentalism? Starting at a mere $104,000, the Lexus LS 600h L (the h stands for hybrid) is more a low-emission speed demon with a slightly green hue than a luxury Prius.

By Joe Tralongo
With more lesbian and gay couples raising families, the community’s car-buying habits have altered radically. The safety-conscious kid hauler is quickly replacing the flashy sports car. Below is a small sampling of some family-friendly vehicles assembled by the good folks at Gaywheels.com. Each carries at least six-passengers, is priced within reach of most middle-class households and is built by a gay-friendly company (gay-friendly status is determined by whether or not a company offers domestic partner benefits to both its corporate and factory employees here in the United States).
Subaru Tribeca

From both a social and utilitarian standpoint, Subaru has served the lesbian and gay community extremely well. Their newest offering, the Tribeca, is a crossover SUV built from a car-like platform and capable of seating up to seven passengers. Although this description fits any number of crossover vehicles, the Tribeca’s artful interior, numerous standard features and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive make it somewhat unique. It should be noted that the Tribeca’s optional third-row seat is best utilized by pre-teen-sized occupants, and when in place eats up a substantial chunk of the cargo bay. And although priced at the higher end of the crossover spectrum, the Tribeca’s strong safety rating, good resale values and excellent repair history make it a smart investment.
Price Range (includes destination): $30,640-$37,000
Engine: 3.6-liter boxer engine, 256 horsepower, 247 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/21 highway

Read a full review of the Subaru Tribeca here
Find a Subaru Dealer Near You
Toyota Highlander

Toyota offers two family hauling vehicles, the Sienna minivan and the all-new Highlander crossover SUV. We like the Highlander for a number of reasons, the most obvious being the removal of the “minivan mom” stigma. Like the Tribeca, the Highlander provides three-row seating and all-wheel drive. Unlike the Tribeca, the Highlander’s standard front-wheel drive allows for a significantly lower starting price. Toyota also offers a hybrid gas-electric version. Cool features, such as a removable second-row center section that permits easy access to the third-row seat, help keep the Highlander near the top of our recommended list.
Price Range (includes destination): $27,985-$42,000
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 270 horsepower, 248 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city/24 highway (2WD), 17 city/23 highway (4WD)
Get more detailed information on the Toyota Highlander in our New Car Section
Find a Toyota Dealer Near You
Ford Taurus X

Formerly known as the Freestyle, Ford’s Taurus X crossover SUV gains more than just a new name. It receives a number of upgrades aimed at quieting the interior and improving ride and handling as well as a more powerful V6 engine. Despite its rental-car name, the Taurus X’s offers conservative yet handsome styling, a commanding view from the driver’s seat and a reasonably good cargo area behind the third-row seat. One of our favorite features is the optional remote keypad locking/unlocking system, which is ideal for those times when it’s not convenient to carry a key fob. Another plus in the Taurus X’s favor, both the Department of Transportation (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) give the Taurus X high marks for its crash test worthiness and excellent safety ratings.
Price Range (includes destination): $27,365-$38,000
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 263 horsepower, 247 lb.-ft of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/24 highway (FWD), 15 city/22 highway (AWD)
Get more detailed information on the Ford Taurus X in our New Car Section
Find a Ford Dealer Near You
GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave

The GMC Acadia (and its sister vehicles the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave) represents a huge leap forward for GM. About the size of an Acura MDX, the Acadia demonstrates an attention to design not seen in an American vehicle in quite some time. Interior space is excellent, with an adult-accommodating third-row seat, big cargo hold and a full compliment of safety and security features. Fit and finish is first rate and the materials used to create the interior could easily have come from a high-end luxury model. As with the Tribeca, Highlander and Taurus X, the Acadia offers such must have features as all-wheel drive, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, GPS navigation and premium audio. Those uncomfortable with high-tech gadgetry will appreciate the optional Turn-by-turn navigation. After giving your intended destination to an OnStar operator, directions are uploaded to the vehicle’s voice navigation system which then talks you through the route. The Acadia’s V6 engine also offers the most horsepower, most torque and the best fuel economy of the bunch.

Price Range (includes destination): $29,845-$43,000
Engine: 3.6-liter V6, 275 horsepower, 251 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/24 highway (FWD), 16 city/ 22 highway (AWD)
Read a full review of the Saturn Outlook here
Read a full review of the Buick Enclave here
Find a Saturn, Buick or GMC Dealer Near You
Volvo XC90

Volvo’s well-known reputation for safety is why we’d be remiss if we didn’t include the XC90 in our picks. While a nicely loaded V8 model pushes well past $50,000 the front-wheel-drive XC90 3.2 V6 model starts in the mid-$30,000 range and comes nicely equipped. Fuel economy for both the V6 and V8 is far from impressive and, as with others in this grouping, the third-row seat in place leaves little cargo space. But if it’s just you, the spouse and two passengers, the XC90 makes a fine family hauler. And unlike most crossovers, you can actually take the XC90 across some serious off-road obstacles, which makes it ideal for those who prefer family vacations far from civilization.
Price Range (includes destination): $36,955-$60,000
Engine: 3.2-liter V6, 235 horsepower, 236 lb.-ft of torque or 4.4-liter V8, 311 horsepower, 325 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 14 city/20 highway or 13 city/19 highway (V8)
Get more detailed information on the Volvo XC90 in our New Car Section
Find a Volvo Dealer Near You
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Caravan

Let’s face it. Despite the image it projects, the minivan still proves the most logical choice for a family on the go. Chrysler makes the obvious a bit less painful with its full-size Town and Country/Dodge Grand Caravan twins. Completely new from the ground up, the largest Chrysler vans to date offer a cavernous passenger cabin and a host of useful features not found in any crossover SUV. One such item is the “Swivel ‘n Go” seating, which allows the second-row captain’s chairs to swivel a full 180 degrees to face the third-row seat. A folding table also pops in place to create a portable dinning area. Other features such as the MyGiG audio system with built in 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing music and photos, one-touch power-folding third-row seat and SIRIUS Backseat TV put a modicum of cool back into owning a minivan.
Price Range (includes destination): $22,470 – $42,000
Engine: 3.3-liter V6, 175 horsepower, 205 lb.-ft of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 19 city/26 highway
Engine: 3.8-liter V6, 197 horsepower, 230 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway
Engine: 4.0-liter V6, 240 horsepower, 253 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway
Get more detailed information on the Dodge and Chrysler Minivans in our New Car Section
Find a Dodge or Chrysler Dealer Near You
Mitsubishi Outlander

Big things sometimes come in small packages. Take, for example, the Mitsubishi Outlander. Sitting somewhere between a compact and mid-size SUV, the little Outlander offers a plethora of features, has a small but usable third-row seat and starts in the low $20,000 range. With sporty good looks, a clever split-folding rear hatch door and fuel-efficient, yet potent 220-horsepower V6 engine, it’s hard to argue against the Outlander. Such options as Bluetooth connectivity, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and FASTKEY keyless entry system (with fob in pocket, you need only touch the door handle to unlock the car) rounds off an impressive list that makes the Outlander an unbeatable combination of features, looks and affordability.

MSRP (includes destination): $22,000-$33,000
Engine: 3.0-liter V6, 220 horsepower, 204 lb.-ft of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 17 city/25 highway (FWD), 17 city/23 highway (4WD)
Read a full review here
Find a Mitsubishi Dealer Near You
Chevrolet Suburban/Chevrolet Tahoe

OK, the Chevrolet Suburban (and its slightly shorter sibling the Chevrolet Tahoe) is one of the biggest beasts on the road. Employing such earth-friendly advances as Active Fuel Management (designed to cut fuel to four of the eight cylinders when not needed) and FlexFuel E85 capability somewhat helps to reduce operating costs. The big Chevy is not without its detractors, yet for many the Suburban a necessary and invaluable tool. With seating for up to eight passengers, a cavernous cargo hold and a 9,700-pound tow rating (2500 model with 2WD), the Suburban remains the ultimate family hauler. Features such as StabiliTrak electronic stability control have made great inroads toward bettering safety by adding stability and accident avoidance capabilities once considered the Achilles’ heel of the large SUV. Three-row side-curtain airbags should also add a measure of comfort, which you’ll probably need once you see the bill to fill the Suburban’s 31-gallon fuel tanks (39-gallons in the 2500).
MSRP (includes destination): $38,185-$60,000
Engine: 5.3-liter V8, 320 horsepower, 335 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 14 city/20 highway (2WD), 11 city/15 highway (2WD, E85), 14 city/19 highway (4WD), 11 city/14 highway (4WD, E85)
Engine: 6.0-liter V8, 352 horsepower, 383 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 12 city/17 highway (2WD),
Read a full review here
Find a Chevrolet Dealer Near You

A More Benign Tribeca

We had the divine pleasure of speaking with over very own Ms. Cocoa Efficient about the new and improved 2008 Subaru Tribeca.
Gaywheels.com: Ms. Cocoa Efficient…welcome. Are you ready for your debut?
Cocoa Efficient: I was born ready!! I was also born a blond, but don’t tell anyone
Gaywheels.com: May we call you Effie?
Cocoa Efficient: You can call me whatever you like. Just so long as you call me a cab when we’re through.

Gaywheels.com: Lovely…spoken like a true lady.  We asked for you for this chat review…because we needed an expert on transformations. Specifically, the benefits of a little lift here, a tuck there. And in our world, that applies to the new 2008 Subaru Tribeca which just went under the knife and emerged with a new face and tightened derriere.
Cocoa Efficient: Oh my, yes…she went in looking like an awkward Edsel and came out looking like a Chrysler clone. But, I feel the Tribeca shopper isn’t as concerned with outward appearances, as they are with capability.
Gaywheels.com: But let’s be honest, the outgoing B9 Tribeca was a design only a mother could love.
Cocoa Efficient: Look at this way. When a man is looking for a wife, he wants hot looks and big boobs. But when he’s looking to start a family, its all about child bearing hips, you see? The Tribeca doesn’t have to be a super model because its attributes are all about safety and passenger capacity.

Gaywheels.com: Interesting perspective. So the latest makeover, done very quickly after the car’s debut mind you, didn’t result in a Hooter’s girl on wheels but makes the Tribeca more respectable….or mainstream
Cocoa Efficient: Exactly
Gaywheels.com: We agree that the new exterior is an improvement but what about the way it drives….The Tribeca got a new engine and
tranny during this update…Did I just say tranny? Sorry Ms. Cocoa.
Cocoa Efficient: It is fine, darling. Just so long as you don’t say Granny Tranny

Yes, the new engine and transmission are a vast improvement over the previous unit. With bigger and more powerful competitors, such as the GMC Acadia, now entering the segment, the Tribeca needs to be as competitive as possible. Thankfully, the new engine doesn’t see a significant drop in fuel economy, a nice touch I think for the family on tight budget.
Gaywheels.com: So, Ms. Cocoa…who will buy the new Tribeca?  You keep mentioning family and I assume you use that term in the traditional sense – parents with children.
Cocoa Efficient: Yes, or drag queens with cats.  Same thing.
Gaywheels.com: Why is the Tribeca a great family car?  And better yet, why is it better than others in the segment?
Cocoa Efficient: The Tribeca is perfect for young families, but it also can serve as a comfortable adult transport for those who regularly shuffle friends or clients. The seven–passenger model offers a third-row seat that can actually
accommodate two moderately-sized adults, but most tall folk will want to opt for the second row or ride shotgun.

Gaywheels.com: The one thing that I love about the car is the interior. Subaru gave in to the critics with the exterior design but didn’t change much about the Jetson-esque interior.
Cocoa Efficient: It is very hip. The dashboard has more curves than Ginger from Gilligan’s Island. I love the design, but I did find some of the buttons were difficult to see as they wrap around the center console away from the driver. I also notice some of the electroluminescent readouts washout when view through polarized lenses. I must give props to the very comfortable and WIDE seating, the long list of creature comforts and of course the excellent nine-speaker audio system.
Gaywheels.com: Speaking of curves, I was really impressed with the way the Tribeca handled the curves on the mountain roads outside of Palm Springs.  She’ll never be a sports car but it was certainly nice to know that Subaru’s symmetrical AWD was there for me. This should be especially attractive to those of us who live in climates where we actually have weather.
Cocoa Efficient: Lovely segue darling. Yes, the handling was quite surprising, especially given the Tribeca’s 8-plus inches (UH, don’t we all wish) of ground clearance. In the world of crossover SUVs, I would say the Tribeca’s ride and handling are right up there with the much more expensive Acura MDX and far and away better than any truck-based SUV I’ve driven. Very car like.
Gaywheels.com: Ok, we have a new benign exterior, a still-sexy interior, new engine and transmission….what’s not to love?
Cocoa Efficient: It is in the $30-40K range, which is pricey until you consider the standard features, safety ratings and standard all-wheel drive. Then it fits right in with competitors such as the Saturn Outlook and Chrysler Pacifica, but costs a bit more than Ford’s new Taurus X.
Gaywheels.com: Thank you Ms. Efficient. As always, it has been a pleasure. We are looking forward to introducing the “Drag Queen Factor” one day on the site – where we rank cars on hair room and lighting.
Cocoa Efficient: Well, if someone ever designs an entire interior out of tile mirror and a single 60-watt soft bulb, it will be the perfect Drag Queen car.

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A Subie for Him (and Her!)

by Joe LaMuraglia

In the almost two years that we’ve been working on Gaywheels.com, we have had to explain our mission more times than we can count. That in itself is no surprise. As a small business, we are constantly selling ourselves to advertisers, business partners, investors and the like. Once our audience understands what we are trying to do and we explain the idea of a gay-friendly manufacturer, they inevitably say “Oh, like Subaru”.

Our friends at Subaru have done an excellent job of building brand awareness in the GLBT community. Their commitment to advertising in the GLBT media and supporting our causes has reaped awards, recognition and ostensibly, brand loyalty. The big question is has all this brand building sold cars? That is, after all, the goal of each car company – to move the metal.

While not backed with any hard sales data, our observations indicate the answer is yes, and no. Subaru’s involvement with Martina Navratilova and advertising in the GLBT media has given them a stronghold with the “L” in GLBT. That is fantastic brand association but ask yourself this; when is the last time you associated a Subaru with a gay man? That is what we thought. We are fairly certain that the marketing folks at Subaru love the fact that lesbians are loyal to the company while simultaneously struggle with the notion that they are perceived as a lesbian-only brand in our community. They want to sell to the G, the L, the B AND the T!

We are here to say that Subaru should be on everyone’s shopping list and the 2007 Legacy 2.5 GT is the perfect car to attract those among us that want a sophisticated, gay-friendly sports sedan with all-weather capability, no matter your gender or sexual preference.

We drove a 2007 Legacy 2.5 GT Limited sedan and cannot say enough good things about it. The exterior styling is unique and sporty with a touch of luxury. It isn’t exactly gorgeous but it certainly says “drive me” – think Daniel Craig, the new James Bond.

Everything in the interior from the Momo steering wheel to the wood-adorned shift lever felt wonderful to the hand. The controls are easy to find, well-lit and very straightforward in their design. Stomp on the gas and the real fun begins. The optional SI-DRIVE, a sophisticated throttle mapping program, allows you to choose one of three throttle responses (Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp) depending on your situation or whim. Partnered with Subaru’s legendary AWD, it gives you the extra control that we all secretly desire. Want to save fuel? Leave it in Intelligent mode and the computer will maximize MPG while still delivering a fun-to-drive experience. Feel like tearing up some mountain roads? Select Sport or Sport Plus and hold on tight. There is a discernable difference in the shift points. Either way, this car is FUN to drive.

For the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find an AWD sedan that has the stand-apart styling, fun-to-drive factor, visibility and overall ease of use as the Legacy GT. At an as-tested $30,000 it may seem a bit steep for a non-luxury sedan but we think it is worth it. Go ahead, be different. We dare you.

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Beauty Beneath the Surface

by Gaywheels.com Staff
We all know the saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and many times, we’ve seen the reality of it. Come on, I know you’ve seen a couple where you thought one half was decidedly more attractive than the other and wondered “how? why?……”. Sadly, our culture is focused on a very limited definition of what is attractive. The lucky ones among us are able to see beauty in its various forms and could give a damn what anyone else thinks.
Translating this to the world of four wheels; to most consumers, the deciding factors when buying a car are brand, design and price. For a select few enthusiasts, however, it is all about performance, design be damned. Subaru must have had this group in mind when designing the WRX. Let’s just put it out there, a looker it isn’t.

Our “WR Blue Pearl” Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan arrived in our driveway and like the growth on “The Mole” in Goldmember, we couldn’t see much beyond the boy-racer wing. Thankfully it is an option on the base WRX but if you opt for the limited package, you are stuck with it. But as we alluded at the beginning of this diatribe, this vehicle is not about looking good, it is all about going FAST, FAST, FAST.
Once we settled into the cockpit and got this Subie rolling, we understood the appeal. With 230 hp flowing effortlessly from a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine through Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you get moving quickly. Once you master the clutch and get in tune with the power delivery, any worries about design melt away. This puppy is all about acceleration, handling, braking and flat out “drivin’”.

The WRX isn’t a bad daily driver either. The ride is compliant , there is enough room for four (albeit a bit tight in the back seat) and it has a usable trunk. It also gets an estimated 20/26 city/hwy MPG. We didn’t get close to those numbers but we couldn’t help but redline it in every gear. With a lighter foot, it is possible. In addition, if you live where lots of wet stuff in various forms falls from the sky, the AWD is key.
For those of you who don’t give a damn about performance and want a car that looks good, impresses the neighbors and attracts the “mandy” (man candy), this Subaru may not be for you. If you are an enthusiast that doesn’t care about styling but needs something that can pass as semi-responsible, it is worth a look. After all, we should all strive to find beauty in everything…..and in this case, it is clearly beneath the surface.

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Subaru’s First SUV

By Kate McLeod

What, you mean there is an automobile manufacturer out there who hasn’t built an SUV until now?  Unbelievably, it is true. Subaru did their best to offer up alternatives but the popularity of SUVs/Crossovers and the need to expand their lineup to include a 3-row vehicle convinced the planners to offer their own interpretation of the SUV – the B9 Tribeca. 

The B9 has stirred up quite the debate over its looks: they are different and polarizing.  I spent hours over the last few days staring deep into its headlights, trying to decide thumbs up or thumbs down. Here’s what I think: These headlamps atop this grille are different—what’s wrong with different?  The nose in the middle of the grille rudely interrupts its line, but after a long stare, I accepted the look.  The bump of the rear is a little shocking at first, but in the end not unpleasing.  I really liked the side angle—which is the one I would see if I owned the car.  I do think the design is unresolved, as if more than one person had their way with it.  And while Subaru is incanting their aircraft origins I know of no plane with headlamps and a grille. Like it or not, this is a direction for all new Subaru models.  We’ll see more of this design.

One gripe with the vehicle, other than the cost (our Limited, 7-passenger test car came in at $39,538 including destination charge), is the engine, which might be fine for a lighter vehicle, but has trouble moving 4,251 lbs., especially up hills. The 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine delivers 250 hp and 219 lb.-ft of torque, which is fine with normal loads and normal driving but it strains on hills. The official mileage figures are 18 city/23 highway and I got 20.5 highway over a 300-mile drive.

 The B9 comes with Subaru’s trusty AWD and a smooth 5-speed automatic with a manumatic included.  The manumatic shifting felt a little off—premature–so I reverted to automatic for the rest of the drive.  The independent suspension is nicely tuned for a comfortable ride.  Steering is very responsive making the B9 a fun-to-drive hauler – as long as you aren’t Speed Racer. I did some mild off-roading with the vehicle and it handled well, but even with good ground clearance, an enthusiast will look to other vehicles.

The list of safety equipment is as long as the line at Starbucks in West Hollywood. In addition to the AWD, it includes ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), dual front and side curtain airbags, front side impact airbags, active head restraints, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, Homelink with 24/7 roadside assistance and a tire pressure monitoring system. 

Inside the Tribeca the controversy pretty much ends.  The sweeping contours of the dash and brushed aluminum lines that goes from door-to-door give the cabin a feeling of movement.  Leg and headroom in the twin cockpit is generous, adding to the airiness.  The instrument cluster is easy to read with gauges for gas and temperature framing the tach and odometer like single quote marks.  The center stack carries the audio, HVAC and shifter beneath a navigation screen. If you choose not to have the navigation system, the screen still provides trip and maintenance information, a calculator and a calendar.  Cabin materials include leather, plastic and brushed aluminum. The overall look is sleek and natty but I would vote for softer plastics on the next incarnation.

The Tribeca comes with either 5-passenger or 7-passenger seating.  The third row of seats is predictably snug, but theatre seating—stepped up from row to row—makes it more tolerable for small friends or kids. All passengers in the rear get to watch the DVD, which Subaru proudly claims as the largest DVD screen in the industry.  Third row seats have a 50:50 split fold down when using the space for storage.  With the third row folded, you’ve got 74 cubic feet of hauling capability – perfect for antiquing or the trip to Home Depot.

I wish Subaru well with the Tribeca. Subaru’s Forester saved my partner’s life a few years ago in a bad single car accident.  Love it or hate it the Tribeca is going to get noticed, which means you’ll be noticed. This, depending on the person, is a good thing.

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