 Click here for the Ride&Drive Index! Posted August, 2007 Road Test: 2007 Subaru Forester
Exterior design is subjective. You either like a design (it catches you eye right away) or you could care less. The Forester is 176.6 inches overall length, the wheel base is 99.4 inches, the width is 68.3 inches and the ground clearance — at 8.1 inches — is comparable to most larger SUVs. The Forester has an arresting design that not everyone will like but there's more underneath the hood and in the driver's seat that you should take into account. Even the base X model is well equipped and user-friendly and retains a lot of the impressive configuration started with the 2005 model. The leather-equipped model we had was as refined as any of the larger SUVs we have reviewed. While there's a lot of room in the front seats, the rear ones were tight for adults. And there's plenty of cargo room with the rear seats folded down. The top-end L.L. Bean Edition of the car has been upgraded with a MOMO wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a shock sensor for the security system, and an expansion of the waterproof storage surface to the cargo area sidewalls. If safety is of utmost importance in your selection of a small SUV, the Forester should be seriously considered. All models except the base "X" have four-wheel disc brakes and every model has ABS. Included in all packages are active head restraints and side-impact airbags. The IIHS (International Institute of Highway Safety) gave the Forester a "Good" rating (its best) for frontal offset and side-impact crashes, and named it a "Best Pick" in the compact SUV class. The Subaru also earned a perfect five stars in all front- and side-impact testing conducted by the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Association). For 2006, Subaru added a safety package that includes AWD improvements, multiple airbags, a strengthened cage which increases the rigidity. The Airbag System is the "smart" variety, which determines weight and occupancy and deploys the airbag after determining how much corresponding force to apply. To round out the safety features, Subaru provides head/chest side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants. Braking was upgraded utilizing Brembo brakes that are only found on Japanese models. The 2006 Forester's suspension is much firmer than it's predecessor without sacrificing the smooth drive. For the ultimate driving performance, you have to try the thrilling turbocharged XT Limited paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission. It is stable and predictable, something with which every driver — whether a Soccer Mom or an Indy Competitor — should be concerned. The X comes with power windows, locks and mirrors; air conditioning with air filtration; cruise control; tilt steering; sixteen-inch wheels and tires; AM/FM/weather band CD audio; and remote keyless entry. The Premium Package includes rear disc brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, alloy wheels, upgraded trim, a power driver seat, an upgraded audio system, automatic climate control, heated seats and a power moonroof. The L.L. Bean Edition is your ticket to two-tone paint, a leather-and-wood Momo steering wheel, unique wheels and exterior trim, leather seats with perforated Alcantara bolsters, and a self-leveling rear suspension. In addition to a more powerful engine, XT Limited models have a unique leather interior, luminescent sport instruments, a seven-speaker audio system and aluminum roof rails. We tested the 2.5 X L. L. Bean Edition with the four-speed automatic transmission. It was a dream even at $28,633 with all the bells and whistles. It gets 23mpg city/28mpg highway. You'd be hard pressed to find a full-size SUV with all the same amenities for that. So don't snarl up your nose when I suggest a Subaru. So instead of complaining about all those gas-guzzling giants, do your part. Test drive a Subaru! R&D
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transmission-equipped vehicles have a Hill Holder clutch feature that keeps the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines.