Subaru Forester Review

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5 X SUV

The Subaru Forester debuted in the late 1990s as an option for consumers interested in the emerging segment of compact SUVs. Subaru, long known for offering its seamless all-wheel-drive (AWD) system on all its vehicles, brought out the Forester to compete against the small sport-utilities from other Japanese automakers. Essentially a tall station wagon with AWD, the Forester offered buyers the rugged style of a traditional SUV along with carlike ride and performance characteristics. Based on the rally-proven Impreza platform, the Forester uses the same AWD system found in other Subaru models.

Thanks to its hunkered-down stance, low center of gravity and car-based foundation, the Subaru Forester handles better than most of its rivals. The trade-off is lower ground clearance and less off-road capability. Those "negatives" are typically not concerns for most buyers who are looking for a vehicle that can handle inclement driving conditions, ski vacations and the occasional trip to the trailhead as opposed to hard-core off-road boulder-bashing.

Today, the Subaru Forester faces a lot more competition, but this versatile small SUV has adapted by offering more variety within the lineup. An example of the latter is a turbocharged version that combines the performance of a small, powerful sport sedan with the cargo capacity and foul-weather capability of an all-wheel-drive Subaru wagon. With some of its former mini-SUV competitors bulking up, the compact Forester still offers buyers its traditional strengths of easy maneuverability, sure-footed handling in slippery weather, solid build quality and different styling from the rest of the pack.

The current Subaru Forester model, now in its second generation, debuted in 2003. Although it doesn't look much different from the previous version, improvements include more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content. All this was done while keeping exterior dimensions the same and reducing the curb weight by 90 pounds. Currently, there are three trim levels: base 2.5 X, the upscale L.L. Bean Edition and the luxury/performance 2.5 XT Limited (in previous years, an XS trim was also offered). The X comes well-equipped with most of the essential features that buyers expect from this class of vehicle, including ABS and side airbags. The L.L. Bean Edition is a bit fancier thanks to some extra features and special styling details. In addition to a more powerful engine, the XT Limited has the most standard features of the Forester lineup.

Performance for the Forester ranges from adequate to exciting. Most Foresters come with a 173-horsepower, 2.5-liter flat-four engine, but buyers who want some thrills should check out the Forester XT. With an eager 230 hp on tap from its turbocharged version of that engine, the XT is a hoot to drive, especially when fitted with the five-speed manual gearbox. Note that regular Foresters sold from 2003-'05 made just 165 hp, while '04 and '05 XT models made just 210.

In Edmunds.com reviews of the Subaru Forester, this generation has drawn solid praise for its peppy performance, classy cabin and sharp handling. Consumer comments have been mostly favorable as well, with many owners noting the vehicle's comfortable seats, sure-footed nature of the AWD system, generous stowage and large moonroof. Downsides to this model include sluggish response from the automatic transmission, more road noise than expected and a stiffer ride than more softly sprung competitors.

All things considered, the Subaru Forester is one of the more sensible, yet fun-to-drive vehicles out there 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 from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Savvy consumers who like to balance their practicality with enjoyment should find plenty to like in the Forester line.

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-horsepower flat four 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC SUBARU FORESTER MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.