2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
This is the first Subaru I've owned and it compares favorably to the RAV4 and the CR-V. It's a tremendous value for the money. However, the interior lacks the refinement of European counterparts - both in terms of materials and ergonomics. Road noise and wind noise are excessive. Although the engine has nice low-end torque, it has inadequate passing power on the highway.
Smooth ride, great handling, AWD, visibility, reliability, manual climate control.
Needs telescoping steering wheel, stronger interior lighting, and higher driver's door armrest. Wind and road noise could be reduced. Subaru should replace the the frameless windows with regular framed windows - might help with excessive wind noise.