From its debut in 1998 through its previous redesign in 2003, the Subaru Forester appealed to people who want the cargo room of a wagon and the nimble handling of a car. For 2009, the same versatility returns, with plenty of newly added features.
The all-new Forester is available in five trim packages, powered by one of two engines. A naturally aspirated, 2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engine making 170 hp and 170 ft-lb of torque powers all 2.5X models, while a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder powerplant making 224 hp and 226 ft-lb of torque powers all 2.5XT models. The naturally aspirated engine comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo is available only with a 4-speed automatic that features SPORTSHIFT manual control. Every Forester utilizes Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive.
The base model is the 2.5X. It features cloth upholstery, a multi-function console, power windows, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, 12-volt outlets, 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry, a 4-speaker CD stereo with MP3 capability and vehicle-speed-sensing volume adjustment, and XM or SIRIUS satellite radio capability.
The 2.5X Premium adds a panoramic moonroof, chrome door handles, retractable rear tray, 17-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, reclining rear seats and rear privacy glass.
In the 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition, you'll find a premium 6-disc CD stereo, automatic climate control, leather seats with heated front seats and 10-way power adjustability on the driver's side, fog lights, wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors, and special L.L. Bean badging.
The Forester 2.5XT comes with a moonroof standard, premium 6-disc CD stereo, 17-inch wheels, alloy pedal covers and rear spoiler. The Limited package adds leather-trimmed upholstery and steering wheel, heated front seats with 10-way power adjustability on the driver's side, heated side mirrors and wiper de-icer.
Popular options include an All-Weather Package which includes heated seats, heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a Navigation Package featuring a 7-inch touch-screen GPS, 6-speaker premium stereo and auxiliary audio jacks.
All Foresters come standard with a bevy of safety features, including antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, daytime running lights, tire-pressure monitoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control for stability, traction control, front passenger airbags and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor.
Full-time All-wheel-drive System
Car-like Handling
Generous Interior Space
Strong Standard Safety Feature List
The third-generation Subaru Forester is all-new in and out for 2009 and moves more toward becoming a one of a new class of crossover utility vehicles. Symmetrical ll-wheel drive is standard on all Foresters, as is the company's renown 2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engines, which for 2009 has been tweaked to deliver more low-end torque. The Forester is three inches longer and rides on a new platform, with a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase, and the rear end gets double wishbone suspension, which not only makes for better handling, but improves interior room and cargo space.
Stability and traction controls are now standard on all models, as well as side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. Satellite navigation will be available for the first time.
Prices on the 2009 Forester range from $19,995 to $29,995.
For 2009, Subaru's third-generation Forester is bigger, nimbler, safer and more refined than the model it replaces. With two great engine choices, new advanced safety features, a fresh new look, and Subaru's all-wheel drive system, the Forester has gone from a boxy wagon to more of a crossover vehicle. It now offers stiff competition to the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Even better, the 2009 Forester costs about $1,200 less than the model it replaces.
