Subaru

I like Subaru cars. Ever since my first Subaru vehicle, the GL Wagon, I've enjoyed having a 4 wheel drive vehicle that wasn't the size of a tank (may my Dodge Power Wagon rest in peace) or that didn't require two paydays and a mortgage to fill the gas tank. Still, there are a few items on the Subaru Outbacks and Imprezas that could stand improvement.

I'd like to see a return to the push button control for the 4 wheel drive. Push on...you get extra traction. Push off...you save gas. No offense to the all wheel drive system, but when I want 4 wheel drive, I want it now. I don't want to wait until some sensor decides road conditions warrant the additional traction. When I'm sliding down a Tennessee mountain (backwards) I don't want my life to depend on a sensor with sensitivity issues.

Many Americans like to change the oil, spark plugs and such in our own vehicles. While most Subarus have easy access to oil filters and oil pan plugs, there is one glaring design flaw. What genius thought it would be a great idea to have to loosen the motor mount bolts and jack up the motor in order to change the oil pan gasket? Furthermore, why are the spark plugs recessed to the point that one has to perform a colonoscopy to change them? I'm getting older and stiffer, Team Subaru, so make working on your vehicles less of a job for a contortionist. The more maintenance work I have to take to the Subaru dealer, the less inclined I am to buy your cars. Remember that.

The standard cup holder needs a design change. Whenever you put a cup of icy cold (insert your favorite icy cold nonalcoholic beverage here)in the cup holder, condensation drips down to the radio. I've shorted out one Subaru radio this way and gummed up various control buttons. Stuffing recycled restaurant napkins into the bottom of the cup holder is an inelegant solution at best. Besides, you guys should know better.

Now don't get me wrong, I do like Subarus. I want to like them even more. Team Subaru, help me out. Please.