Jalopnik
Exterior Design: ***
The original Forester design sought to stuff an SUV into downscaled packaging more palatable to the food co-op set. The 2009 model abandons its predecessors' upright, boxy vibe for something closer to a streamlined crossover approach. Sleeker, yet still oozing functionality. And, of course, the STI-like hood scoop on the turbocharged trim level just hollers "Subaru."
Interior Design: **
Some aspects of the interior, such as the available perforated leather seats and the enlarged moon roof, are quite nice. It's just that the brushed aluminum-look interior details come off as far more flash than rugged, echoing the chromed tailpipes outside. The center console controls are easy to understand, as is the speedo-tach cluster, despite its weird anime color scheme. Overall, the interior feels drivable in that Subaru way, without compromising on spaciousness or cargo capacity, which is considerable.
Acceleration: ***
Here, the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder boxer turbo, making 224HP with 226 lb.-ft. of torque, is the name 'o the game. You get it on the Forester 2.5XT, and it serves up pretty smooth speed on the freeway, while still providing a lot of dynamic versatility under less-than-ideal road conditions—like ripping up a steep grade composed mainly of lose rocks and dirt. Engine tone is a subdued buzz, an alto ...rrrRRRR!!! that reminds you of the car's power without rattling your ears. I didn't get a whole lot of turbo lag. Abundant torque is at your fingertips. Pretty much ideal for the honing soccer mom who likes a quiver in the loins or the randy suburban dad who still enjoys a little Metallica from time to time.
Braking: ****
Very assured, with 4-wheel ABS plus brake assist. In lousy road conditions, you really appreciate the orchestration of the braking tech with the AWD, because it actually allows you to drive the car without resorting to tentative techniques. Even on rough roads, if you can manage the Forester's speed, braking can be limited to gentles inputs. However, when you need to stop, Forester stops you. One of this vehicle's best systems.
Ride: **
This is not a minivan. This is not a luxury sedan. However, this is not an STI, either. Generally speaking, the ride is compliant, but you can still tell you're in some kind of utility vehicle. Subaru's new DC3 suspension layout definitely comes into its own when you get off the beaten path, however. Truth be told, this could be construed as a flaw—most owners will never experience not having their head banged into the roof as they traverse a small gully.
Handling: ****
Rally-esque on crappy roads, well-defined on regular roads and the freeway. If you're looking for a hauler that can carry a few kids and still deliver some thrills while dashing around old logging trails, the Forester is your baby. The combo of AWD, weight-distribution, center-of-gravity, and crisp steering (and a particularly well-designed steering wheel) yields a vehicle that can literally run circles around the competition. To get better, you'd have to go BMW.
Gearbox: ****
You have a choice between a 4-speed auto and a 5-speed manual. For this category, the vast majority of customers will go for the auto, which can be switched to sport mode. Shifts are smooth and unobtrusive under everyday driving conditions. When the going gets rougher, the 4-speed gets along very nicely with the turbo and the AWD, delivering a sense of great control. Yes, a 5-speed auto would be better. Probably. An extra star has been added for the availability of the manual gearbox, thank you Subaru for giving us the choice.
Audio: **
You can fly either XM or Sirius on the system, which is operated off a display screen in the center console. The upmarket option pumps 80 watts through six speakers and can accommodate six CDs in-dash as well as MP3/WAA. Sounded great to me, but take that with a grain of salt as I dig the Cool Jazz.
Toys: **
Not that many. If there's an Achilles Heel, this is it. Only the 2.5XT Limited and the L.L. Bean Edition have the optional in-dash nav system. So obviously, if you're like most folks in the Forester demo and you don't go for either of those trim levels, you'll be looking at aftermarket GPS.
Value: *****
Hell, you can get the base model for $1200 less than the $21,195 '08 version, according to Subaru. Once you move up to the 2.5XT, you're looking at something in the $26-27K range, depending on options. If you don't need luxury or a lot of gadgets and a 5-speed auto, you'll be hard pressed to do better.
Overall: ***
Not a perfect update to Subaru's most versatile vehicle—for many, the flagship of the brand—but a definite improvement that serves up outstanding value while coming off as more capable than the competition when the going gets rugged. Should expand the demo and appeal to a younger customer without sacrificing Subaru's legendary character.
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Comments
Seems like a sensible choice for the Birkenstock and granola set, especially seeing as Volvo has abandoned the "value" market.
Ks all around! Nice job, FHI.
To expand on my own comment from yesterday, if everyone were forced to make a list of what they wanted from a vehicle BEFORE they actually started shopping--with no regard to branding nuances--this would probably be the most popular vehicle in America.
And once again I'll express my interest in a diesel boxer version.
The innner Lesbian in me is very impressed with your judgement, Matt.
It looks like you were able to see the Forester for the Trees.
After reading this review, I am going straight to Subaru dealer for a test drive!
It's nice to know that Subaru kept the Forester-ness intact. It's not trying too hard either.
@ash78:
I agree. I think the diesel brings this car to a whole 'nother level of desirability and eliminates one of the negative factors - fuel economy - that holds me back from putting this at the top of my consideration set for a family hauler.
BTW; Subaru USA has the crappiest web site evah!
@ash78:
re making a list prior to shopping. I did that last time I bought new - AWD was not on the list & I ended up w/ a Golf. A subbie was 2nd choice, but it was in 2002 when the Subbie interior was garbage.
Also - add me to the waiting list for the Diesel Forrester. Sounds truly perfect!
@rexplex: Haha...my old man had me make a "needs list" in 1994 when I turned 16 (as a condition of my parents being primary on the loan). I also ended up with a Golf.
hopefully this is not a dupe comment.
I got 25+mpg for a couple hundred highway miles yesterday with the cruise on 75 with my Outback XT. When I tried the cruise at 69 for a little while it was just north of 26mpg. the Forester XT's mileage should be the same.
mixed city/highway seems to come out at about 20mpg - mainly because it is too difficult not to get into the turbo's rev range...
@Unregular:
That's about where the vehicles are supposed to be. Some other commenters have complained of lower-then-EPA in their Subies.
Put me on that Diesel Forrester list, too. Even at 3.85 a gallon, I'm pleased as punch with my TDI Jetta. Except for the whole being a Jetta part.
I'm driving with glass slippers to get it past 25.5mpg. Granted mine's older, but still.
@Matthew DeBord: 24/25mpg comes only by holding that cruise at the right speed (re: under 75, more like 70) - which can be VERY difficult. like i said, those engines are fun to rev, even on the highway.
around town, i can get the mpg to as low an average as <14 if i'm having fun.
also, inflating the tires to about 35/34 (vs. 32/30) helps. my recent move to slightly-over-inflated tires has already paid off in increased mpg by maybe 2-3 on the highway.
to be absolutely precise - this was from Utica to Syracuse on Friday afternoon on I90, which is completely flat and straight. there are NO turns and NO hills. there was NO traffic so i literally set the cruise and didn't touch the pedals - no brakes, no accel.
i wedged myself behind an 18-wheeler (that had a nice set of flaps over the back tires) and set my cruise at his exact speed, which was 69 (dude!) and i reset the avg mpg calculator to see what i'd get.
with that rig breaking the wind (hehe) and the cruise at 69, i got it up to 27 before falling a hair under at 26.7 for the average.
so, if you get all the variables EXACTLY right (no hills, no turns, no traffic, no pedals, no speed, no visibility) - that's what you get.
oh, also - no fun.
Just remember folks, once Cobb tunes an AccessPort for the STi, it'll work on the Forester's engine too, just like the older models. Ergo, more speed, hoonage, and fun.
@TexansAreHot:
stage 1: [www.cobbtuning.com]
stage 2: [www.cobbtuning.com]
@Unregular: Exactly, sir. Exactly. Just don't get an OBX header system when you mod. Trust me... it sounds like a bag of cats being spun over someone's head like a lasso.
@TexansAreHot: i'd like to eventually get their OBXT stage two setup - with the Accessport PLUS the 3" downpipe. [www.cobbtuning.com]
of course, i'd also need new tires and some Megan Racing Coilovers to go with it, at the LEAST! also, i'll need a garage and i'll have to move out of the city....
So, uh, you've told me what the interior looks like, but you still haven't answered my question: Is it plasticky and poorly screwed together, or does it have nice soft-touch materials and a solid build? I'm a Euro; this matters to me.
Toys? Compass and outside temp gauge is all I need. Sunroofs are nifty too.
If you need a nav system, learn how to use a map :P waste of money.
My Subie just holed an exhaust pipe after 10 years. I am sad today (and broke)
@Euromobile:
It's not oppressively plasticky, but it's not soft-touch, either. I like the seats; main complaint is with dash materials, storage compartments between the front seats (didn't get into that, but I didn't think it was super-well-crafted). It's well put-together, just not remarkable. I wouldn't describe it it as incredibly solid, either, and it's disadvantaged somewhat by the more upscale-looking design, which I don't think will weather as well.
@Turkina:
I like a sunroof, too. The Forester has a nice one.
When I found out the new forester was bigger, it worried me that they'd messed with the formula and ruined it, but this review comforts me.
Also, as owner of a 2002 WRX, I think the interior is adequate for the price range, especially the buckets, switchgear, and Momo wheel. However, I guess I'm biased as anything was a huge step up in interior quality from the '87 buick that was my previous car.
I must say I'm really impressed with the Jalop response to this car. Shows how much I know about marketing, I worship the '08 Forester, and I've been fighting mad at Subaru since learning they were going to go all SUV with the '09. Was convinced most people would feel the same.
The good news is I'll be able to get an '08 for even less now.
About that diesel: I'm excited about it too, but if and when we get it, expect to pay several thousand extra for it. No free lunch.
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