Subaru Forester - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Subaru Forester is a redesigned compact SUV that's available now.
What: Redesigned version of Subaru's compact crossover SUV
When: Scheduled release in spring 2008
Price: The Forester starts at $19,995 -- $1,200 less than the previous mode
New For 2009
With its first redesign since 2003, the third-generation Subaru Forester gets a complete makeover with interior and exterior refinements. Though Motor Trend reports it's just three inches longer than its predecessor, the Forester has grown on the inside in a big way; backseat legroom has increased more than four inches. Initial test drivers report that the cabin is considerably quieter than before, and a new dashboard is reminiscent of the Subaru Impreza.
The Forester still comes with a choice of two 2.5-liter engines -- a regular or a turbocharged four-cylinder -- which both offer more torque than before. As is the case with all Subarus, the Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive. A new double-wishbone rear suspension should improve driving dynamics. On the outside, new styling makes the Forester look less like a wagon and more like an SUV.
What the Auto Press Says
Overall, automotive experts expect a smoother drive and more stylish look from the 2009 Subaru Forester. While they praise it for better driving dynamics and a quieter interior, some still find that the quality of materials is inconsistent. However, with a base price even lower than its predecessor and standard all-wheel drive, there's no denying that the Forester is a bargain in its segment.
Here is what the press has to say about the coming 2009 Forester:
- "Subaru has spent 11 years building up customer good will for the Forester, and there's nothing about the new model that will threaten that. Nothing at all." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "A quick look at the first official U.S. spec photos (shots of the Japanese-market Forster have been circulating around the Web recently) shows a vehicle that has grown up on multiple fronts and definitely looks more the part of crossover." -- Motor Trend
- "Under all manner of crappy road conditions -- bring rockslides and potholes and gawdawful ruts, dirt, and general muddiness -- the '09 Forester remained poised, agile, ready to negotiate the next dip, swerve, ditch, or, if called upon, to scale what looked like a 40-plus-degree grade." -- Jalopnik
- "The Subaru Forester has been called a lot of things, but one thing it's never been called is good looking. That may change for 2009. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, the all-new Forester is new from the ground up, featuring a three-inch-longer wheelbase, three inches of additional length, and -- gratefully -- all-new, more macho styling." -- Car and Driver
- "For 2009, the Forester has undergone a redesign that has made it larger, more SUV-like, and, well, more normal. And although the new Forester looks a lot different from the previous model, it manages to retain many of its predecessors' strengths while expanding its appeal." -- Automobile Magazine
Key Details
New interior options include XM or Sirius Satellite Radio, heated seats and mirrors, and a navigation system with a seven-inch screen. Functional features include an adaptable center console and retractable rear tray. Several new safety features are also standard for 2009, including side curtain airbags and electronic stability control.
Stay tuned for a full 2009 Subaru Forester review. Also check out information on the 2008 Subaru Forester, available in showrooms today.
Forester Performance - NA
A full Performance Review is coming soon. continue
Forester Exterior - NA
A full Exterior Review is coming soon.
continue
Forester Interior - NA
A full Interior Review is coming soon.
continue
Forester Safety - NA
A full Safety Review is coming soon.
continue
Forester Reliability - NA
A full Reliability Review is coming soon.
continue
- Overall
- Performance
- Exterior
- Interior
- Safety
- Reliability
- Specs
