I think that would be a tragic misstep by Subaru. Subaru tried to compete with Honda/Toyota in the early nineties by making bland cars ( some without awd). However, awd and the boxer engines define Subaru and make it a distinct company. The engines are allow for a lower center of gravity and are basically bulletproof. AWD is a nice feature and help with the handling of the cars.

Since their cars already have a driveshaft tunnel they could make some nice RWD cars with good gas mileage. They should keep the boxer engine layout though.

One word: Justy!!!

How about a front wheel drive with a 1.8L boxer engine weighing in at about 2800 lbs ?? Keep some of the "Subaruness" with the ability to get good mileage.

I had a 2003 Impreza RS and it got only about 22-23 mpg
with gentle driving, high pressure in the tires, and an underdrive pulley setup.

I think it's a good idea. Most people never need 4 wheel drive. Why have to pay extra for lugging all that unused hardware around with you?
It's one reason that stops me from buying a Subaru [mileage].

Bill,
Just like you did, buy another brand car, people need to do just that, buy a different car.

Subaru should keep its heritage of producing AWD cars. No compromise.

People that don't want AWD can purchase another brand car.

"People that don't want AWD can purchase another brand car. "

Which is precisely why Subaru are doing this; the loss of potentyial sales...

this is shocking to me! i've loved subies for over 20years nows. i had an old GL and a Loyal back in the day.

i have noticed that it's AWD is catching on like wild fire. i mean please, even Ford and Christler offer AWD's now trying to jump on Subie's bandwagon (but i'd guess they are no where near as good as Subaru's tech).

i think it would suck if this happend. that's all you see around east coast is subaru's.

i also meant to add that i currently drive a 2001 Impreza and think it gets great gas milage (but never clocked it or did any scientific measurements).

and a 1997 Impreza before that... anyway i would never buy any other make of car. whether you "need" or "use" AWD, for safety reason's we all need and use it without even thinking.

I'm hoping this is just a rumor because I believe that would be the death of Subaru if they get rid of AWD and the boxer engine. That's Subarus bigest selling points, it's what makes a subie a subie. I was planning on buying a Tribeca in a couple of years but if they do away with AWD and boxer engines, well then forget about it. I'll just have to get a Volvo.

I had a 93' Legacy GT wagon. The boxer engine was bulletproof and always willing (over 180k miles on it when I sold it). It had lowered suspension and handled well. AWD was welcome as the Northeast weather conditions change on a dime.For the DIY'ers , an oil change took approximately 5 minutes without the need for a jacj and the spark plugs (*w/ exception of driver's side front were super easy to get to) I would buy another Subaru in a heartbeat. I like the fact that they have awd and a boxer engine, easy to maintain, and reliable. Subaru, do not do this.

The pricing on the Impreza is very competitive with other vehicles without AWD.

My hybrid Civic was $22,600.00
The Impreza starts at $17,000.00

The pricing on the Impreza is very competitive with other vehicles without AWD.

My hybrid Civic was $22,600.00
The Impreza starts at $17,000.00

check around online a bit - subaru has been sucessfully selling non-awd and non-boxer engines in many other countries. they also have a nice collection of subcompacts that the US won't see any time soon (if at all) since these small cars are so frowned upon for some reason.

Subarus have been in my family for over 30 years. The boxer engine is super-reliable and the cars seem to be designed for DIY maintenance (most everything is easy to access without lifts or special tools). I also appreciate AWD in the winter. However, the extra load and weight really do drag the fuel economy down--I want better than 22/28 mpg on a small 4 cylinder car.

I think they may have to move to more 2wd cars and other engines to meet evolving CAFE standards. If they can make a hybrid Legacy wagon that is AWD and gets 30 mpg average I'll definitely buy.

Right now, I'm looking out of my window at the new Subaru Impreza WRX, and I'm sorry, but there's no getting away from the big, all-consuming, overpowering fact that despite a number of outstanding features, no one in their right mind will buy such a thing. Because it looks like it's been hosed down with a massive and sustained burst of fire from the ugly gun.

There is no excuse for this. There are designers at Subaru who can create a pretty car. You only need cast an appreciative eye over the Legacy shooting brake to know that. But Subaru obviously felt that when it came to the Impreza, the badge alone would be enough to carry the day. And therefore allowed the styling to be done by the boss's dog.

They are wrong. No one will buy an ugly sofa, no matter how comfortable or cheap it might be. And while women harbour the Austenesque notion that men find kindness, a good heart and a sense of humour important when looking for a spouse, the fact is that what we really want is tits like the Alps, legs like the Silk Road and a face like Kiera Knightley's.

J. Clarkson

Keep the Subie as is. Keep the Boxer Engine and the AWD. Make the car lighter if you want better gas mileage or go Hybrid. Why lose the handling with the Boxer Engine?. Why lose the security of AWD? Subaru Boxer Engines break in at 100,000 miles. The egineering on a Subaru is great. Even screw in Transmission filters.