2010 Subaru

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Subaru is recalling 74,000 2010 Outback and Legacy models built between February 16, 2009 and April 12, 2010. It seems that a bundle of wires located behind the steering wheel can develop stress cracks and eventually break. If this happens, some vehicle functions with controls on the steering wheel - such as the horn, cruise and radio controls, paddle shifters and even the driver's airbag - could fail.

Four 2010 model year vehicles have just been awarded Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Subaru's Outback and Legacy, the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring. Top Safety Picks are given to those vehicles that come equipped with electronic stability control and receive front, side, and rear crash test ratings of 'Good' in IIHS testing.

The Legacy has boasted a 'Good' rating for a few years now, while the all-new Outback takes the cake on its first try. The Sebring and Avenger continue their runs of 'Good' form in their current generations.

Subaru has just stuck a Monroney on its 2010 Legacy, and the new all-wheel drive sedan will start at $20,690 (*$19,995 + $695 destination). According to the Japanese automaker, that's a handy $800 less than last year's model. For that hard-earned dosh, you will receive a 2.5i model with its standard six-speed manual - the company's "Lineartronic" CVT model starts at a grand more. The base Legacy looks to be quite well equipped, but for those with the wherewithal, a 2.5i Premium model adds a bunch of content (including 16-inch alloys, leather-wrapped wheel, 10-way power driver's seat, etc.) for another $1,000 on top of the standard 2.5i model.