They might not be so off...

Subaru Outback customers have been recently transformed technically, into SUV drivers. The 2005 models of the Outback sedan and wagon have been reclassified as light trucks which is a category of vehicle that is subject to weaker fuel economy and tailpipe pollution standards.

In the 2005 model year, light trucks will have to average 21.2 miles a gallon. By contrast, each automaker's full fleet of passenger cars must average 27.5 miles a gallon.

The move which is basicly a loophole in the fuel economy federal regulations which will let Subaru sell more vehicles with turbochargers, which pep up performance but hurt mileage and increase pollution.