SUBARU

Subaru Forester



A new Forester has recently debuted. It's roomier, less wagonlike and boasts a more upscale interior. New or used, the Forester offers buyers the strengths of easy maneuverability, sure-footed handling in slippery weather, solid build quality and different styling from the rest of the pack.

Current Subaru Forester

The current Subaru Forester was introduced for the '09 model year. Based on the most recent Impreza, this Forester is larger and offers more ground clearance than its wagonlike predecessor. The result is a compact sport-utility that is decidedly less compact, offering the same type of sizable maximum cargo capacity and interior space available as its principal competitors.

As before, Subaru offers a pair of horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engines with all-wheel drive as standard. The 2.5X models feature a naturally aspirated unit that produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard and a four-speed auto is optional. The XT models get a turbocharged version of this engine that churns out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. All XT's get the automatic.

The Forester comes in four trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base model is very modestly equipped, but some of the XT's features are available in a Premium Package that includes alloy wheels, sunroof and a reclining rear seatback. The Limited models gain luxury items like leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control and an upgraded stereo. They can also be outfitted with an optional navigation system.



As with its previous iterations, the current Subaru Forester is a strong entry in the constantly growing compact SUV segment. Although the four-speed automatic hampers its performance and refinement, this new Forester is nevertheless an impressive entry. With a comfortable cabin, ample cargo space and lots of available equipment, the Forester stands up well to best-selling competitors from Honda and Toyota.

Past Subaru Forester Models

The previous Subaru Forester, the second generation, was produced from 2003-'07. Although it didn't look much different from the previous version, improvements included more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content.



Performance for this Forester ranged from adequate to exciting. Most Foresters sold from 2003-'05 came with a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine good for 165 hp, while the '04 and '05 XT models featured a 210-hp turbocharged version of the same engine. This model was a hoot to drive, especially when fitted with the five-speed manual gearbox. From '06 and later, the standard Forester engine grew to 173 hp, while the XT swelled to 230 horses.

Originally, this Forester came in base 2.5X and upgraded XS trims, with the XT (later XT Limited) arriving for '04 and the XS L.L. Bean trim for '05. The latter was a bit fancier thanks to some extra features and special styling details. The XS was replaced a year later by the X Premium Package, followed for '07 by new models known as Sports X and Sports XT. Despite all these trim name changes and additions, the XT never wavered from being the more powerful and better equipped Forester.


All things considered, this Subaru Forester was one of the more sensible, yet fun-to-drive vehicles in the small SUV world. Along with its nimble handling, comfortable cabin, solid build quality and (with the XT) thrilling performance, there are also impressive crash test scores. Savvy consumers who like to balance their practicality with enjoyment should find plenty to like in this Forester.

The first-generation Forester bowed in 1998. With SUV-like styling cues on its tall wagon body and the confidence-inspiring grip of its all-wheel drive, the first Forester was an instant hit. Performance from Subaru's 2.5-liter, 165-hp flat-4 was snappy for the time, and back then packed the most power one could get in a small SUV. Other strong points for the original Forester include comfortable seats, plenty of storage options, impressive crash test scores and composed handling that shamed its rivals of the day, including the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.


As this generation ran toward its end point (2002), gradual improvements were meted out, such as more torque for the engine and increased luxury appointments (including leather seating). The lack of major changes required to keep the first-generation Forester viable underscores the fact that Subaru got it right the first time. Add in an impressive reliability record, and a well-kept, lower-mileage Forester is a no-brainer choice in the compact SUV used vehicle segment.

* 17 x 7.0-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
* Panoramic moonroof
* Body-color side mirrors and chrome door handles
* Steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches
* Retractable rear tray
* Reclining rear seats
* Raised roof rails
* Rear privacy glass
* Optional All-Weather Package (Available Summer 2008)
* Available iPod® Interface Kit