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2008 Subaru Forester Features Review

August 19, 2008

FEATURES | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

standard features on the 2.5 X include power windows and door locks, keyless entry
Cars.com

Chock-full of options
Kelley Blue Book

black body accents and silver roof rails, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob
Edmunds

TheCarConnection.com team of experts are mildly impressed with the list of 2008 Subaru Forester standard features; options are more noteworthy.

Cars.com reports 2008 Subaru "trim levels include the base 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 X, upscale 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, Sports 2.5 XT and 2.5 XT Limited," and that "standard [2008 Subaru Forester] features on the 2.5 X include power windows and door locks, keyless entry and a CD audio system." Kelley Blue Book adds that the Subaru 2008 also comes standard with "air conditioning [and] an AM/FM/Weather-band stereo."

Kelley Blue Book declares that this Subaru 2008 model is "chock full of options." Edmunds states "the first of three upgrades is the 2.5X Sports version, which loses the wiper de-icer but adds alloy wheels, black body accents and silver roof rails, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob, automatic climate control and a seven-speaker, MP3-capable stereo with a CD changer and auxiliary input jack...the 2.5 X Premium loses the upgraded speakers but gets back the wiper de-icer. The Premium then adds bigger side mirrors with turn-signal repeaters, rear disc brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, a moonroof, a power driver seat and heated front seats and mirrors."

The top-of-the-line 2008 Subaru 2.5X is the L.L. Bean model, which "comes with leather seats, a leather-and-wood steering wheel and shifter, the upgraded speakers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and sturdier plastic trim in the cargo bay," Edmunds says.

Mother Proof notes that the Subaru 2008 "roof rack crossbars are removed as standard equipment, but are available as options."

Sirius Satellite Radio is available, but more contemporary tech options such as a navigation system or a Bluetooth hands-free system aren't offered.

Conclusion

The 2008 Subaru Forester puts its emphasis on utility features, not on high-tech and entertainment gadgets.

FEATURES | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:standard features on the 2.5 X include power windows and door locks, keyless entryCars.comChock-full of optionsKelley Blue Bookblack body accents and silver roof rails, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knobEdmunds TheCarConnection.com team of experts are mildly impressed with the list of 2008 Subaru Forester standard features; options are more noteworthy. Cars.com reports 2008 Subaru "trim levels include the base 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 X, upscale 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, Sports 2.5 XT and 2.5 XT Limited," and that "standard [2008 Subaru Forester] features on the 2.5 X include power windows and door locks, keyless entry and a CD audio system." Kelley Blue Book adds that the Subaru 2008 also comes standard with "air conditioning [and] an AM/FM/Weather-band stereo." Kelley Blue Book declares that this Subaru 2008 model is "chock full of options." Edmunds states "the first of three upgrades is the 2.5X Sports version, which loses the wiper de-icer but adds alloy wheels, black body accents and silver roof rails, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob, automatic climate control and a seven-speaker, MP3-capable stereo with a CD changer and auxiliary input jack...the 2.5 X Premium loses the upgraded speakers but gets back the wiper de-icer. The Premium then adds bigger side mirrors with turn-signal repeaters, rear disc brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, a moonroof, a power driver seat and heated front seats and mirrors." The top-of-the-line 2008 Subaru 2.5X is the L.L. Bean model, which "comes with leather seats, a leather-and-wood steering wheel and shifter, the upgraded speakers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and sturdier plastic trim in the cargo bay," Edmunds says. Mother Proof notes that the Subaru 2008 "roof rack crossbars are removed as standard equipment, but are available as options." Sirius Satellite Radio is available, but more contemporary tech options such as a navigation system or a Bluetooth hands-free system aren't offered. ConclusionThe 2008 Subaru Forester puts its emphasis on utility features, not on high-tech and entertainment gadgets.  2008 SUBARU FORESTER STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "it looks more like a tall wagon than a traditional SUV" Kelley Blue Book: "more unified, sophisticated, and more modern form" Mother Proof: "reminds me of our old Turbo Hoover vac" Auto experts at TheCarConnection.com note some ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Honda CR-V has been completely redesigned for 2008, and it has a very spacious interior, with comfortable seating and a smooth ride. The CR-V is also more fuel-efficient, but it just isn't much fun to drive and it's not as rugged when taking on the rutted trail to a campsite. The Outlander is a different type of crossover; it also caters more to on-road performance, but it has a decidedly sporty character, with a firm ride and very crisp handling. On paper, it competes closely with the 2008 Subaru Forester, but in reality, it's quite a bit heavier and just doesn't feel as nimble. However, both of these models have the Forester beat for refinement. Another choice, for those who appreciate the Forester's boxiness and city-friendliness, is the Scion xB. The Scion has a lower price than the Forester, with a similar nimble feel on the road, and it's more fuel-efficient. However, it doesn't have the rugged ability or the all-wheel drive of the Subaru.

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See the Subaru Forester in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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