2007 Subaru Forester [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Subaru Forester
Overall Score - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Forester is perhaps the ultimate in plain, utilitarian vehicles, but it also delivers noteworthy levels of performance, safety and reliability. However, it can't match the ride quality and good looks of others in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable compact SUV, you should also consider the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Despite its generally bland styling and transmission woes, reviewers for the most part agree that the 2007 Subaru Forester accelerates nicely and offers solid levels of reliability and safety. Commenting on the Forester's image of appealing to fuel-economy conscious outdoor-loving suburbanites, Automobile Magazine states that it is "as crunchy-granola as an afternoon of NPR." Perhaps The Washington Post sums it up best, asserting that it's "big enough to accommodate a family of five, fuel-efficient enough to keep them out of bankruptcy court, fast enough to easily land them in traffic court and safe enough to keep them upright on weather-compromised roads." MSN adds, "The Forester is a sound alternative to larger, less efficient sport-utility vehicles. Now, if Subaru would only do something about its styling."
In a nutshell, the Forester is designed to appeal to a niche audience. About.com states wisely, "Forester is not a car with mass appeal; it's a niche product. If you're one of the few for whom it was designed, chances are you're going to love it." Despite its looks, the Arizona Republic asserts that the reason why the Forester maintains a "cadre of loyal fans" is obvious.
While reviewers generally agree that the Subaru Forester is a niche product, many believe that its overall value is quite good. In fact, IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Subaru Forester a rating of "Better than Average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class. New Car Test Drive explains, "Forester brings it all, or almost all: great all-weather, all-road capability, solid dynamic performance on pavement, passenger/cargo flexibility, lots of useful features, fuel economy, lots of safety equipment and good crash-test scores at a reasonable price." Kelley Blue Book adds that it's "chock-full of options...for not much more cash" than its competitors.
Forester Performance - 7.5 (Good)
Though the 2007 Forester is generally hailed for its quick acceleration and all-weather capability, a transmission seen by some as stubborn prevents it from earning almost universal praise for its performance. Even so, New Car Test Drive boasts, "Forester is much better than nearly any SUV that comes to mind for driving the way most people drive most of the time." continue
Forester Exterior - 5.8 (Mediocre)
Auto writers generally agree that the exterior body-styling of the Subaru Forester doesn't have mass appeal. In fact, MSN claims that it looks quite "bland." continue
Forester Interior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Though the Forester is generally praised for its functional design and spacious front seats, many reviewers find its back seat to be a bit cramped for taller adults. Most, however, agree that the cargo space in this five-passenger cross-over is good. "Compared to the typical mid-size SUV, Forester is a small vehicle, but it makes efficient use of interior space," says New Car Test Drive. continue
Forester Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
For a small SUV, the Forester performs quite well in independent crash tests. Moreover, its combination of AWD technology, crash protection design, and long list of standard safety features are noteworthy. In government crash tests, the 2007 Forester receives a top score of five stars in front and side crash tests. continue
Forester Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2007 Subaru Forester reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Subaru covers the Forester with a basic three-year/36,000 mile warranty. continue