2007 Subaru Forester Review

PROS
Snappy acceleration, Above-average fuel ecnoomy, Car-like road manners

CONS Sloppy manual transmssion, Too much wind and road noise

Cagy veteran still has some game
Subaru's Forester was introduced back in 1998 to critical acclaim. At that time it was one of a handful of compact SUVs and easily the most car-like to drive. Over the past decade automakers have introduced larger and more powerful competitors. Vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Rav4 gobble up the lion's share of sales in the segment.

Still, Forester has remained true to its roots. It offers seats for five, rides on a chassis shared with the compact Subaru Impreza, sports exterior dimensions that are little changed from the original, has a horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, and stays true to Subaru's roots by making all-wheel drive standard. The current version of Forester dates back to a 2003 redesign.

A 4-door wagon is the only body style available. Three models are offered: 2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean, and 2.5 XT. Standard safety equipment on all includes antilock brakes and front side airbags that are designed to protect the head and chest. Side curtain airbags and stability control are not offered.

Standard on the 2.5 are air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, front-bucket seats, split-folding rear bench seat, power mirrors, windows, and locks, keyless entry, and rear defogger. L.L. Bean adds limited slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, load-leveling suspension, leather upholstery, auto climate control, heated front seats, power sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, and alloy wheels. XTs get the more powerful turbocharged engine, leather upholstery, and larger wheels and tires.

Base prices start at $21,195 for the 2.5 X, $26,695 for the L.L. Bean, and $27,895 for the XT. All models have a destination charge of $625.

Get up and Go
Subaru doesn't quote a 0-60 mph time for the XT, however, it's easily under 7.0 seconds. Probably closer to 6.0 seconds based on a few quick stoplight sprints. However, the engine isn't what you'd traditionally expect in a sporty SUV, it's more typical of a pocket-rocket compact. There's lots of power available as long as you're willing to let the engine work at the top end of the power band.

It's a bit of an all or nothing proposition. When driven with a light throttle foot, the engine feels simply adequate. However, press a little harder, let the engine speed rise and the turbocharger build a little boost, and the engine pulls like a sports car.

The 5-speed XT is EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. These ratings compare favorably with other 4-cylinder-powered compact SUVs. In real-world driving, expect to average about 22 mpg, perhaps 26 mpg on highway trips. Subaru recommends more-expensive premium-grade fuel for the XT.

You've got to hand it to Subaru for sticking with the horizontally opposed engine design. Compared to inline 4-cylinder engines Subaru's flat four is very compact and helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity. However, the design is not without faults. The idle is a bit lumpy and at high speeds the engine feels like it's pulsing.

On the Road
Even though XT is the sport model in the Forester lineup, it rides nearly as smoothly as some cars. There's ample suspension travel to soak up large bumps and the tires aren't so performance-orientated that they can't soak up minor road imperfections. There's a little too much jiggling on coarse concrete surfaces, but overall the ride is a lot more composed than more traditional compact SUVs.

All automakers should study Subaru's AWD system. It reacts instantly to changing traction levels to seamlessly deliver power to all four wheels. Unlike in some competitors, you never feel the front wheels slip while the AWD system is transferring power to the rear.

Forester rides quietly around town. On the highway engine, road, and wind noise rise to almost unacceptable levels. This is part due to Subaru's frameless door glass.

Behind the Wheel Materials are quite typical for the class; L.L. Bean and XT have a few more soft-touch surfaces that lend a more sophisticated air. Gauges are easy to read and functional. However, the XT comes with a tacked-on boost gauge that looks cool, but blocks the temperature and fuel gauges. Otherwise, Forester sets the bar for simple, easy-to-use, controls.

One frustration is the automatic climate control's tendency to have the fan speed set too high. Most auto climate controls slow down the fan once the interior temperature has reached its preset level. On the Forester, it seems as though the fan keeps running about 3/4 speed regardless of temperature setting.

Front bucket seats are firm and well-bolstered. The driving position is slightly higher than a typical car, but not quite as high as a traditional SUV. Head and leg room are just adequate for large adults, but fine for anyone under about 6-foot-2 inches tall.

Rear seat leg room can't match larger compact SUVs, but it's OK as long as the front seats aren't all the way back. Then leg room shrinks to kid-only levels. Seats are supportive and offer good comfort but the backrest isn't adjustable.

Cargo space is competitive with other compact wagons, though it falls slightly short of more traditional compact SUVs'. Rear seatbacks fold flat in a snap and extend cargo space to more useful levels. Available cargo organizer is a nice feature, but would be better if it were able to fold completely into the floor. Interior storage is unremarkable due to the fact that the available storage bins aren't very large.

Bottom Line When the current-generation Forester was introduced back in 2003 it set the standard among compact SUVs for its car-like driving manners. But, times change and the Forester hasn't. Competitors offer vehicles with similar dimensions and more features for about the same price.

That doesn't relegate the Forester to the scrap heap, not by a longshot. It's still easy to drive, versatile, and, in XT form, very fast. Subaru has paved the way in the compact SUV class for so long, it's easy to overlook a vehicle with Foresters credentials. So before you buy the newest, hottest wagon on the market, take the venerable Subaru for a test drive.