Have you noticed that the media has glommed onto the words “icon” and “iconic” and can’t let go no matter how overused they’ve become? Every person, place and thing is an icon now. If not an icon, then iconic.
So, even though the Subaru Forester has been a hugely popular vehicle in the Pacific Northwest for a long time, I’m not going to call it a you-know-what or you-know-whatic.
The compact Forester is a car-based sport utility vehicle. That’s the definition of a crossover, but the term wasn’t in use when Forester was introduced.
Like all Subarus, Forester comes standard with the company’s time-tested, well-respected Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This vehicle’s appeal is its compact size, roomy five-passenger seating with flexible cargo-carrying capability, car-like ride and handling, and stability on slippery roads — at an affordable price and with good fuel economy. EPA ratings are 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and the base model with a manual transmission has an MSRP of $20,660 including destination charge.
For 2009, Forester is completely remodeled. The all-new version’s wheelbase is 103 inches (previously 99.4 inches), making the passenger cabin even roomier and improving ride quality. A stiffer platform for ’09 means more precise driving characteristics and a more comfortable ride.
VDC (vehicle dynamics control) is now standard on all models, and so are side curtain airbags and a rollover sensor. All models come pre-wired for satellite radio.
Two engines are offered, both of them 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinders.
The first is single overhead cam, naturally aspirated and produces 170 horsepower.
The second is DOHC, turbocharged, 224 horsepower, requires premium fuel and is EPA rated at 19/24 mpg.
Trim levels for the naturally aspirated model are 2.5X, 2.5X Premium Package, and 2.5X Limited. The turbo version comes in 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited trims.
The 2.5X and 2.5X Premium Package models are available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission; others come only with the automatic.
Standard equipment on the base model includes anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, cloth seats, four-speaker audio system with CD player and input jack, remote keyless entry, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a tilt steering wheel column.
Add-ons as you work your way through the trim levels include a panoramic moonroof, roof rails, telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, leather-trimmed upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, fog lights, and a premium audio system.
Optional features, depending on model, include a touch-screen navigation system and an all-weather package (heated mirrors, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer).
My tester was a 2.5X Premium Package model with an automatic transmission, moonroof and roof rails.
Forester’s appeal has already been explained here, and the 2009 model just takes what was already desirable about the vehicle and builds on it. There isn’t a lot you can do with compact SUV styling, but Forester’s exterior freshening makes it more interesting. Inside, the car is remarkably practical and useful, with numerous storage spaces, easy-to-use controls in logical places, and excellent visibility.
If a compact SUV meets your needs, include the Forester on your shopping short-list.
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