BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Subaru is one automaker that doesn’t rest on its laurels.

The automaker’s first seven-passenger SUV has only been on the market a few months and its already getting a face lift.

The 2008 model — called simply the Tribeca — will boost the car’s appearance and update technical aspects including its automatic transmission.

But no matter what Subaru a buyer chooses, Chris Kelly general sales manager of Annapolis Subaru promises special features.

“Subaru has a lot of unique characteristics,” said Kelly. “The design ensures less vibration and a smoother ride. Each Subaru also has all-wheel drive.”

Although many dealers face a holiday slump, Annapolis Subaru begins its busiest season the day after Thanksgiving, thanks in large part to its safety features including the standard all-wheel drive.

But fun features, such as the Subaru iPod interface, are also points that likely boosted Subaru’s September sales to a 20-year all-time high.

Here are just some of the new features on the 2008 Subarus:

» Subaru Impreza WRX is a four-door with a host of safety features including head protection airbags and headlight washers.

» Subaru Outback has undergone some restyling including on the grill and bumpers. It also has a slightly modified interior and an upgraded automatic transmission. Other features include unique fog lights and new wheels for the XT and six-cylinder models.

» The Legacy 3.0 R is positioned to compete against midsize All-Wheel Drive performance sedans and introduces a performance-oriented paddle-shift transmission with a new “downshift blipping control” that allows “rev-matching” such as one finds in an expertly shifted manual transmission. The Legacy 3.0 R is also equipped with Bilstein Sport Suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires.

» The new Forester Sports models have sleeker styling including a new front bumper and unique black mesh grille. The standard roof rail crossbars have been deleted on the Forester Sports models, but remain available as an accessory. The Forester Sports 2.5 XT in addition features standard 17-inch alloy wheels.

At a glance

Annapolis Subaru

149 Old Solomon’s Island Road

Annapolis

www.annapolissubaru.com

443-837-1400

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

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