"M.J." <M.J.@yahoo.com> writes:

> I have a 2000 Impreza with the 2.2 litre engine. The horsepower is
> fine, for my leisurely requirements, but the air conditioning is rather
> weak. I live in the mountains so except for a few weeks of
> extreme weather this slight deficiency doesn't bother me.
>
> But what if I were to move to Florida or Arizona (which I may)?
> Should I even consider buying a new Subaru? I guess my question
> is are the new 2.5 litre engines any better in this respect than the 2.2L?
>
> I used to drive a 2.8litre V-6 Chevy Corsica and the GM air conditioning
> in that car was very strong. Not comparable to a four cylinder at all. Any
> suggestions what import cars have strong AC? The Volkswagen 2.5L
> 5 cylinder engines have supposedly good air. Any others?
>
> Thanks for any help. I hope to be buying a new car this winter. Maybe
> I can go test the a/c's before it gets to cold to figure out which ones are
> strong and which not.

I live in Chicago and despite our being known for harsh windows, we do
get obnoxiously hot and humid enough many summers for people to die.

AC has never been a concern in my 2.5L except for when it needed
service. I've owned about 5 different vehicles, and the Subaru has
never hit my radar as any better or any worse in this regard.

If you move to Florida or Arizona, a far more prescient concern is
fuel economy in states where the extra weight and all wheel drive
doesn't really buy you anything, unless you want it for performance
reasons (in which case you don't want the normally aspirated 2.5L
engine anyway).

Best Regards,
--
Todd H.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA