Subaru Forester

1st Subaru - not last

By all around guy (South Jersey, NJ) on Thursday, January 27, 2011

"I have waited till a couple of winter storms to review the Forester. I have a 2010 Forester 2.5x Limited, that I purchased in May 2010. I love the sunroof. it is huge. With the top open and rear windows down, I only used the air conditioner on rainy days, and those 95 plus degree days. That has really helped with the gas mileage. The view of the road is incredible. I am able to see pretty much everything going on around me. The best way to confirm this is to drive my wife's car. There are many more blind spots in her car, and in pretty much everybody else's cars too. It's subtle, but contributes to the overall feeling of control that this car conveys. The interior is sufficient. I say that in the nicest way possible. It has everything I want, and not much more. Which is perfect. Easy controls, iPod interface, aux input, two power outlets, heated seats, four cup holders, and a nice sized center console. The other thing I really enjoy about the interior is that I don't mind getting it dirty. It cleans well and the all weather mats let you get in the car without feeling awful about getting it dirty. I hate buying something as useful and enabling of a good time as a car, and then being afraid to use it because I don't want to get it dirty. I am not a particularly fast or daring driver, so the engine and power of the car is great for me. I can pass a car doing 55 with ease, and going up and merging onto I-95 in Philadelphia is a breeze. Highway speeds are hit before I'm off the ramp. I'm not going to drag race it, but I would get a different car if that's what I wanted to do any way. Negotiating the city is very easy. It is like driving a sedan sized vehicle. Easy to park and zip in and out of spots. What I am really impressed with, before snow enters the review, is the handling. While the Forester isn't fast, it handles amazing. It corners and sticks to the ground very well. I enjoy driving this thing. I've never said that about a car before. (I ride motorcycles. I love riding motorcycles. I ride fast and aggressive, I buy cars because of their utility) My only true problem I have had with it is a leak from the air conditioner into the passenger side floor. I took it back to the dealer, and they fixed it immediately. It resulted from a clogged tube that drained the condensation. Once unclogged and armed with the knowledge to periodically clean out the cowling of debris I have not had another issue. Service at the dealer is impressive. They like their customers, and I feel welcomed every time. Lastly is the Forester in the snow. I waited till a nice storm to review it. We've had a couple here in NJ this winter and here it goes: It is a beast. Today there were 4 types of cars on the road early this morning: Trucks with plows, Audis, Subarus and cars that were hopelessly stuck. I cannot express how well my Forester handled in 12" of snow and ice. It seems to never be out of sorts. I was never out of control, and never spun my wheels. I drove cautiously and the car responded by doing everything I expected. It is reassuring to know that even in very bad driving conditions I am still able to drive somewhere. Overall, I love this car. It completely lives up to my expectations. My priorities when buying this car were (in order): Safe, AWD, able to carry lots of stuff, and reasonable fuel economy. It delivers on this and more. I love this thing."

35 people out of 35 found this review helpful

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Great Car Overall

By Electronic Guyz (South Bend, In) on Saturday, March 13, 2010

"This car is built very well, and performs in all type of weather. Great handling, nothing can beat all wheel drive through a corner. Does so well in snow you can easily get carried away. Lots of room in the back for storage, and a nice large removabele plastic matt for when you need to tote messy stuff. Sun roof is huge, but the engineers did not get it quite right, it will cause your ears to pop and set up wierd resonsnces if you have it open on the highway and have the windows closed. It will also make lots of wind noise if you have the luggage rack crossmembers in the wrong spot. If you get the rack right and leave the windows cracked, it works fine. Some of the plastic trim finish is a bit fragile and scratches easily. The radio is good, the reliability is excellent, it's a fun car to drive and you feel well protected in it. Mileage runs around 22 to 25 in town and the best we ever got on the highway was 29. The only reason we marked it down a bit on performance is the engine is a little bit small for jack rabbit starts off the line. The sport transmission setting helps compensate quite a bit, but it does eat more gas then too. Foresters have such a great reputation they are a bit pricey, that is why we marked it down a bit on value. Would we buy this car again? Absolutely."

31 people out of 31 found this review helpful

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Great SUV

By New2Subaru (Long Beach, CA) on Monday, August 25, 2008

"Was expecting to get a Toyota Rav 4, but then got in the backseat and had a tough time getting out. The rear seat is huge, as is the sunroof, and love all the features for less money than a comp equiped Rav 4, and or Honda CRV. Great styling like the fog lamps, and exahust tips. Much better than the 08 Forester, and a very smooth ride. The center front console is a little funky, but the rear console is great. Have actually had 2 carseats and a person in the back middle (tight but worked.) Better MPG than my Toyota 4 Runner. Great Car and a great value."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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