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Subaru Forester: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:SubaruFR08 36.jpg|right|thumb|450px|2009 Subaru Forester]]
[[Image:SubaruFR08 36.jpg|right|thumb|450px|2009 Subaru Forester]]
The '''[[Subaru]] Forester''', released in the US in 1998, is a lightweight, small [[crossover SUV]] (or arguably a [[station wagon]]) based on the [[Subaru Impreza]]. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy" to appeal to the SUV-oriented market; and to this end, the Forester has features associated with SUVs such as a large, boxy cargo area and more ground clearance than other Subaru models (although it employs a car-like unibody chassis, rather than the body-on-frame construction associated with trucks and larger SUVs).
The '''[[Subaru]] Forester''', released in the US in 1998, is a lightweight, small [[crossover SUV]] (or arguably a [[station wagon]]) based on the [[Subaru Impreza]]. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy" to appeal to the SUV-oriented market; and to this end, the Forester has features associated with SUVs such as a large, boxy cargo area and more ground clearance than other Subaru models (although it employs a car-like unibody chassis, rather than the body-on-frame construction associated with trucks and larger SUVs).


See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[{{FULLPAGENAMEE}} Review]]'''.
See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Subaru Forester Review]]'''.
===Recent Changes===
===Recent Changes===
*For the 2009 model year, the Subaru Forester is an all-new generation. Officially unveiled (in the internet automotive blogosphere, anyway) on the eve of Christmas 2007, the new third-generation Forester rides on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (103.0 in) equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (as standard) driven by a choice of a naturally aspirated and turbocharged / intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines. The Forester will be on sale in the US market by spring 2008. [http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/12/2009-subaru-forester-official-photos.html][http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/12/2008-subaru-forester-update-70-high.html]
*For the 2009 model year, the Subaru Forester is an all-new generation. Officially unveiled at the end of 2007, the new third-generation Forester rides on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (103.0 in) equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (as standard) driven by a choice of a naturally aspirated and turbocharged / intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines. The Forester will be on sale in the US market by spring 2008.<ref>[http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/12/2009-subaru-forester-official-photos.html 2009 Subaru Forester Official Photos]</ref><ref>[http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/12/2008-subaru-forester-update-70-high.html 2009 Subaru Forester Images]</ref>


<gallery>
<gallery>
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===Styles and Major Options===
===Styles and Major Options===
Currently, the [[Subaru]] Forester is available in three trims: the Forester 2.5 X, Forester 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, and Forester 2.5 XT Limited. All trims come equipped with [[Subaru]]'s standard Symmetrical [[All Wheel Drive]], and all are powered by a 2.5L 173[[hp]] engine, with the exception of the XT Limited, whose engine is turbocharged to produce 230[[hp]]. There is also an optional Premium Package which is only available for the 2.5 X.
For 2009, the [[Subaru]] Forester is available in four trims: the Forester 2.5 X, Forester 2.5 X Limited, Forester 2.5 XT, and Forester 2.5 XT Limited. All trims come equipped with [[Subaru]]'s standard Symmetrical [[All Wheel Drive]]. Forester 2.5 X models are powered by a 2.5-liter flat-4 producing 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm.<ref>[http://www.jbcarpages.com/subaru/forester/2009/ 2009 Subaru Forester Review]</ref>


===Pricing===
===Pricing===
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</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
2.5 X
2.5 X Limited
<br>
<i>w/Premium Package</i>
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
2.5 X
2.5 XT
<br>
<i>L.L. Bean Edition</i>
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
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<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
<td>
$21,795
$19,995
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
$24,145
$25,995
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
$26,895
$26,195
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
$27,895
$28,195
</td>
</td>
</tr>
</tr>
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<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
<td>
$20,452
$18,913
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
$22,569
$24,330
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
$25,001
$24,557
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
$26,005
$26,384
</td>
</td>
</tr>
</tr>
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<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
<td colspan=2>
'''Trim'''
'''Trim'''
</td>
</td>
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<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
<td>
2.5L 173[[hp]]
2.5L
<br>
<i>manual</i>
</td>
<td>
2.5L 173[[hp]]
<br>
<i>auto</i>
</td>
<td>
2.5L 230 turbo [[hp]]
<br>
<i>manual</i>
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
2.5L 230 turbo [[hp]]
2.5L Turbo
<br><i>auto</i>
<i>auto</i>
</td>
</td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
'''MPG'''
</td>
</td>
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<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
<td>
20/27
20/26
</td>
<td>
20/25
</td>
<td>
17/24
</td>
</td>
<td>
<td>
18/24
19/24
</td>
</td>
</tr>
</tr>
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===Safety===
===Safety===
The Forester has received superb marks in crash tests performed by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA], scoring 5/5 stars in every category but Rollover Rating, for which it earned 4/5 stars. The following safety features are also standard on every trim:
The Forester has received superb marks in crash tests performed by the [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA], scoring 5/5 stars in every category but Rollover Rating, for which it earned 4/5 stars. The following safety features are also standard on every trim:
*4-Wheel [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)]]
*4-Wheel [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)]]
*Electronic Brake-force Distribution
*Electronic Stability Control
*Daytime Running Lights
*Daytime Running Lights
*Driver/Passenger Front [[Airbag]]s
*Driver/Passenger Front [[Airbag]]s
*Seat-Mounted Side Impact [[Airbag]]s
*Seat-Mounted Side Impact [[Airbag]]s
* Side-curtain Airbags
*Side Impact Bars
*Side Impact Bars


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===Colors===
===Colors===
Colors for the Forester can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/2006/subaru/forester/colors CarsDirect.com.]
Colors for the Forester can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/2009/subaru/forester/colors CarsDirect.com.]


===Main Competitors===
===Main Competitors===
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In 2006, the turbocharged engine (powering the Forester XT) that won the International Engine of the Year is also being used in the Subaru Impreza WRX, as well as the re-badged [[Saab 9-2X]].
In 2006, the turbocharged engine (powering the Forester XT) that won the International Engine of the Year is also being used in the Subaru Impreza WRX, as well as the re-badged [[Saab 9-2X]].
===First Generation/Origins===


==Worldwide==
==Worldwide==
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*''Car and Driver's'' Best Small SUV 2005
*''Car and Driver's'' Best Small SUV 2005
*''Car and Driver's'' Best Small SUV 2006
*''Car and Driver's'' Best Small SUV 2006
==References==
<references />


==See also==
==See also==
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*[http://www.subaru.jp/forester/forester/ Official Subaru Forester Homepage and Next-Gen Countdown] jp
*[http://www.subaru.jp/forester/forester/ Official Subaru Forester Homepage and Next-Gen Countdown] jp
*[http://www.subaruforester.org/ The Subaru Forester Owners Forum]
*[http://www.subaruforester.org/ The Subaru Forester Owners Forum]
*[http://www.jbcarpages.com/subaru/forester/ JB car pages: Subaru Forester]
*[http://offroadsubarus.com/ Offroad Subarus] (take your Subaru, including Forester, off-road)
*[http://offroadsubarus.com/ Offroad Subarus] (take your Subaru, including Forester, off-road)
*[http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/index_forester.html Chevrolet Forester (India)]
*[http://www.chevrolet.co.in/content_data/AP/IN/en/GBPIN/001/BRANDSITE/index_forester.html Chevrolet Forester (India)]

Revision as of 21:15, 15 March 2009

2009 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester, released in the US in 1998, is a lightweight, small crossover SUV (or arguably a station wagon) based on the Subaru Impreza. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy" to appeal to the SUV-oriented market; and to this end, the Forester has features associated with SUVs such as a large, boxy cargo area and more ground clearance than other Subaru models (although it employs a car-like unibody chassis, rather than the body-on-frame construction associated with trucks and larger SUVs).

See Wikicars' comprehensive Subaru Forester Review.

Recent Changes

  • For the 2009 model year, the Subaru Forester is an all-new generation. Officially unveiled at the end of 2007, the new third-generation Forester rides on an all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (103.0 in) equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (as standard) driven by a choice of a naturally aspirated and turbocharged / intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines. The Forester will be on sale in the US market by spring 2008.<ref>2009 Subaru Forester Official Photos</ref><ref>2009 Subaru Forester Images</ref>
  • 2009 Subaru Forester 1.jpg
  • SubaruFR08 b36.jpg
  • SubaruFR08 34.jpg
  • SubaruFR08 35.jpg
  • SubaruFR08 26.jpg
  • Several elements of the Forester were redesigned for 2006, including the headlights, taillights, grill and dashboard. In addition, its 2.5L engine was boosted from 165hp to 173hp and its turbocharged engine has increased from 210hp to 230hp. In addition, one of its trim lines, the XS, has been removed from production.

Styles and Major Options

For 2009, the Subaru Forester is available in four trims: the Forester 2.5 X, Forester 2.5 X Limited, Forester 2.5 XT, and Forester 2.5 XT Limited. All trims come equipped with Subaru's standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. Forester 2.5 X models are powered by a 2.5-liter flat-4 producing 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm.<ref>2009 Subaru Forester Review</ref>

Pricing

Today's actual prices for the Subaru Forester can be found at CarsDirect.

Forester Trims

2.5 X

2.5 X Limited

2.5 XT

2.5 XT Limited

MSRP

$19,995

$25,995

$26,195

$28,195

Invoice

$18,913

$24,330

$24,557

$26,384

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim

2.5L

2.5L Turbo

MPG

20/26

19/24

Reliability

While there have been complaints of transmission problems with vehicles with the turbo/5-speed combination, most have been fairly reliable. Interior build quality has been known to show wear early on, with Car and Driver's long term test car showing premature interior wear and squeaks and rattles at 40,000 miles. While the car will appear and sound worn, there will be know repairs needed causing its reliabilty rating to stay high. Long term durability is impeccable, as revealed at www.Edmunds.com, and www.Carsurvey.org

Safety

The Forester has received superb marks in crash tests performed by the NHTSA, scoring 5/5 stars in every category but Rollover Rating, for which it earned 4/5 stars. The following safety features are also standard on every trim:

  • 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake-force Distribution
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Daytime Running Lights
  • Driver/Passenger Front Airbags
  • Seat-Mounted Side Impact Airbags
  • Side-curtain Airbags
  • Side Impact Bars

Photos

  • 1999 Subaru Forester S

  • 2001 Subaru Forester

  • 2004 Subaru Forester

  • Subaru Forester X 2006 at the Melbourne International Motor Show

  • 2006 Subaru Forester interior

  • 2006 Subaru Forester

  • 2006 Subaru Forester


Third Generation Development Prototypes

  • FRST P0.jpg
  • FRST P31.jpg
  • FRST P32.jpg
  • FRST P33.jpg
  • FRST P26.jpg
  • FRST P27.jpg
  • FRST P28.jpg
  • FRST P29.jpg
  • FRST P30.jpg
  • FRST P21.jpg
  • FRST P22.jpg
  • FRST P25.jpg
  • FRST P16.jpg
  • FRST P17.jpg
  • FRST P18.jpg
  • FRST P19.jpg
  • FRST P20.jpg
  • FRST P11.jpg
  • FRST P12.jpg
  • FRST P13.jpg
  • FRST P14.jpg
  • FRST P15.jpg
  • FRST P6.jpg
  • FRST P7.jpg
  • FRST P8.jpg
  • FRST P9.jpg
  • FRST P10.jpg
  • FRST P1.jpg
  • FRST P2.jpg
  • FRST P3.jpg
  • FRST P4.jpg
  • FRST P5.jpg

Colors

Colors for the Forester can be found at CarsDirect.com.

Main Competitors

Hybrid Models

There are no plans for hybrid models of the Forester.

Unique Attributes

Resale Values

Kelley Blue Book estimates that the Forester will have have a better resale value than the Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute, yet still trail behind the Honda CR-V in this category. Automotive Lease Group rates the Forester's resale value at 3 stars out of 5, which is equivelant to a D-.

Criticisms

  • "...the three rear headrests block your [the driver's rearward] vision." - The Detroit News
  • "Because the Forester delivers a choppier ride than some rivals with more vibration, it might not appeal to those who favor an always-gentle road experience." - Kelley Blue Book
  • "Refinement is roughly on par with the competitive Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, but it falls short of Honda's CR-V." - Kelley Blue Book

Current Generation: (2009–present)

Previous Generations

Second Generation (2003-2008)

In 2003, a turbocharged Forester, the XT, was released alongside the naturally-aspirated X and XS in the United States as a 2004 model, however the same model had been available since the late 1990s elsewhere in the world. The XT model features a 2.5 L turbocharged engine mated with the same Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger used in the Subaru Impreza WRX. In fact, the engine in the 2004 to 2005 Forester XT is identical to the American market Subaru Impreza WRX STi except for using the smaller TD04 turbocharger from the WRX, a smaller intercooler, different exhaust system, and different engine management programming.

The 2003 Forester also features weight-saving refinements such as an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed front frame.

In 2006, the turbocharged engine (powering the Forester XT) that won the International Engine of the Year is also being used in the Subaru Impreza WRX, as well as the re-badged Saab 9-2X.

Worldwide

Up until recently, the Forester was also sold in India as a Chevrolet alongside other Chevrolet models sold there. This model featured a naturally aspirated 2.0 L flat-4 engine rated at 120hp. However, since General Motors no longer holds an ownership stake in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, this arrangement is in question.

Australia

The Forester has three main models available in Australia:

  • X - naturally-aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 121 kW (162 hp)
  • XS - naturally-aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 121 kW (162 hp)
  • XT - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4, 169 kW (226 hp)

The difference between the X and the XS is the styling of the car through its accessories. Both the XS and the XT come with the option of having a "Luxury Pack" fitted - allowing for leather seats and a sunroof. Besides the difference in engine between the X or XS when compared to the XT, there are other minor styling differences like the addition of a MOMO steering wheel as standard on the XT model.

Design quirks and oddities

According to the Australian Used Car Safety Rating, the 1997-2002 Subaru Forester is the safest car which has the highest crash protection and the lowest aggressivity.UCSR Results for 1997-2002 Subaru Forester.

Awards

  • Winner Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive in 2000
  • Winner Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive in 2001
  • Winner Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive in 2002
  • Winner Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive in 2006
  • Car and Driver's Best Small SUV 2004
  • Car and Driver's Best Small SUV 2005
  • Car and Driver's Best Small SUV 2006

References

<references />


See also

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Fuji Heavy Industries

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External links

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Subaru Forester, which includes these contributors.

Retrieved from "https://wikicars.org/index.php?title=Subaru_Forester&oldid=121216"