2009 Subaru Forester, Part Three

Why you should buy this car:
You are sickened by the sight of Chevy Suburban. You are a vegan who just loves Home Depot. You would sooner saw your right arm off with a rusty tree saw than vote Republican. Your wardrobe consists almost entirely of stuff made by Patagonia and The North Face. You are in an unconventional relationship. You are, deep down, a good person with a family of four who is unsure about minivans.

Why you shouldn't:
You are pathologically afraid of your neighbors' take on your net worth. Little kids give you palpitations. You enjoy plush interiors and an pliable ride. You have more than 2.5 children—a lot more. You own more than one gun locker. You think Vermont is full of communists and homosexuals.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: Yes
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: Yes
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: Yes
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• BMX X3

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Subaru
• Model tested: Forester 2.5XT
• Model year: 2009
• Base Price: $19,995
• Price as Tested: $26,195
• Engine type: 2.5-liter DOHC turbocharged Boxer four
• Horsepower: 224 @ 5,200 RPM
• Torque: 226 @ 2,800 RPM
• Red line: 6,500 RPM
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic / 5-speed manual
• Curb Weight: 3,440 lbs
• LxWxH: 179.5" x 70.1" x 66.9"
• Wheelbase: 103"
• Tires: 225/55 front, 225/55 rear
• Drive type: AWD
• 0 - 60 mph: 7.5 seconds [estimated]
• 1/4-mile: N/A
• Top speed: 130 MPH
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 19/24 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Also see:

• 2009 Subaru Forester, Part One

• 2009 Subaru Forester, Part Two

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