Subaru.  A car company highly under-valued relative to its competition could be your best bet for affordable, safe, efficient motoring while working for a sustainable environment.  Technological strides in production and vehicle development coupled with corporate stewardship of community involvement foster the double-digit market share gains to industry titans like Honda and Toyota.
 
THE VEHICLES
 
IMPREZA - The Impreza is Subaru's entry-level vehicle for the North American market.  This vehicle can be equipped for your daily commutes all the way up to it's turbo-charged rally specs.  A starting Subaru Impreza will run you around $17,500 MSRP including:  170 hp Boxer 4 cyl. engine; 5-Speed Manual Transmission (4-Sp. Auto. Opt.) Full-time Symetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD); Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC); Traction Control System (TCS) 6 airbags; Power windows, mirrors, and door locks with remote central locking; CD stereo; Air conditioning; just to name a few features.  Equipped with the normally aspirated engine and manual transmission, expect to return 20/27 mpg respectively while being U.S. EPA LEV2 Certified for emissions.
 
LEGACY - The all-new for 2010 Legacy edges in on the competition from the Camry and Accord by going more mainstream.  Subaru has engineered the Legacy to be more upmarket, quiet, and comfortable, while still maintaining Subaru's reputation for a fun driving experience.  For just under $20,000 starting, the Legacy comes equipped with features costing thousands more on a typical Camry or Accord.  Eat your heart out, Hyundai.  Your base model 2.5i Legacy comes standard with the same 170 hp Boxer 4 cyl. engine; 6-Speed Manual Transmission (CVT Auto. Opt.); Full-time Symetrical AWD; ABS; VDC; TCS; 6 airbags; and all the standard comfort and security features expected on a midsized family sedan.  The Legacy 2.5i with the manual transmission will return 22/29 mpg while being certified as a PZEV for California Emissions States.
 
OUTBACK - The Outback is the rough and tumble, going anywhere and do anything version of the Legacy Sedan.  The Outback is hailed as the UnSUV, SUV.  With generious interior space, huge cargo hold, AWD system, and low center of gravity, the Outback is an ideal choice for active families always on the go.  For just under $23,000, the Outback is equipped just like the Legacy sedan on which it is based.  The Outback is Subaru's number one selling vehicle in their line up and for good reason; drive one.  The height is raised over a Legacy; allowing for some off-road ability, and a more commanding view over cars trying to get out of that parking lot or going right on red.  The ride is hushed and and compliant without being too mushy or too hard. It's like The Three Bears: it's just right.  Expect the Outback to return 19/27 mpg while holding the PZEV Emission Rating for California Emissions States.
 
FORESTER - Subaru's Forester SUV competes in the same class as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.  The Forester, however, edges out its competition because of its standard AWD System not found on its competition for a similar price point.  The base model, dubbed the 2.5X comes with the same standard equipment mentioned above at around $20,300 MSRP.  The Forester offers much improved interior and cargo space over the previous generation model without much exterior growth.  The Forester is a great option for individuals who live in the city while being an outdoorsman (or woman) come the weekend.  The Foresters commanding visibility and short wheelbase make it a breeze to manuever.  The Forester will return 20/27 in basic trim with PZEV Emissions Status for California Emissions States.
 
TRIBECA - Named for the hip Manhattan neighborbood, the Tribeca is Subaru's premium, large, unibody SUV.  Subaru has blended style and function in a package to benefit large families with a lot of luggage.  The Tribeca comes standard with a 247 hp Boxer 6 cyl. engine; AWD System; 6-Speed Automatic Transmission; seating for up to 7; and a full host of safety, security, and convenience features including a premium sound system for a base MSRP of $30,500.  The Tribeca will return 16/21 mpg; which is relative to it's peers with a LEV EPA Emissions Status. 
 
THE COMPANY
 
Subaru North America is a wholly owned company of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan.  With numerous business and regional offices across the country, headquarters for Subaru of America is located in the Philadelphia suburb of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.  The company fosters positive community development with a wide variety of partnerships with non-profit organizations from all over the country.  Additionally, Subaru offers employees time off to volunteer in their community.
 
Subaru has a manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Indiana where the production of the Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca models takes place.  This facility is the first of its kind to achieve zero-landfill status; Subaru recycles 99.3% of all production materials including steel, glass, plastic, wood, and other materials.  The additonal material that is unable to be recycled is trucked to a waste facility in Indiana's capitol, Indianapolis, where the material is incinerated; generating steam.  Subaru also enforces a policy with part supplying firms that their facilities must reach similar sustainable production standards as well.  Furthermore, the production facility in Lafayette is a designated Backyard Wildlife Habitat from the National Wildlife Associate (NWA): home to the likes of White-tailed Deer, Canadian Geese, and Blue Heron.
 
When you're thinking of buying that new Honda, Toyota, or any other brand, take a look at Subaru.  Subaru exhibits the kind of corporate responsibility and engineering prowess the automotive industry needs.  Other firms have noticed Subaru and have began work to make similar strides in sustainability and development.
 
If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this article, please view the following links:
 
Emissions definitions and comparisons
 
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/FEG2000.htm
 
Definitions of safety equipment and options
 
http://www.safercar.gov/

Subaru of America
 
http://www.subaru.com/company/index.html