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2009 Subaru Forester Features Review

July 1, 2008

FEATURES

Expert Quotes:

2.5X now starts at $19,995
Cars.com

excursion into outdoor-nerd nirvana” in the L.L. Bean model
Car and Driver

either XM or Sirius
Jalopnik

All the road tests researched by TheCarConnection.com’s editors took note of the Forester's base price of $19,995--a $1,200 price reduction from the last edition of the all-wheel-drive crossover. At that price point, Cars.com notes, the 2009 Subaru Forester includes plenty of standard gear. On the list: air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player with an MP3 input jack, and remote keyless entry “with Subaru's dated, flimsy keyfob.”

Turbo XT models start from $26,195 and can be priced at nearly $30,000. And it’s not until you get to the upscale models that you can order the optional navigation system. Opt up to the L.L. Bean edition, Car and Driver says, and “your excursion into outdoor-nerd nirvana is complete with a standard automatic transmission, a 10-way power driver’s seat, an upgraded stereo, and loads of L.L. Bean logos.”

For audio equipment, the Forester antes up a standard CD player. Jalopnik notes that it’s one of the rare vehicles to offer “either XM or Sirius” satellite radio, and adds that the “upmarket option pumps 80 watts through six speakers and can accommodate six CDs in-dash.”

TheCarConnection.com’s editors report that the new Forester’s more sophisticated than before, and offers most of the options you’d find on competitive vehicles. Bluetooth connectivity isn’t offered, and neither is a cutting-edge music-management system like Chrysler’s MyGig or Ford’s Sync system.

Conclusion

More modern features have seeped into the 2009 Subaru Forester’s portfolio, but it’s still cautious with the latest offerings--and a little Spartan on base models.

FEATURESExpert Quotes:2.5X now starts at $19,995Cars.comexcursion into outdoor-nerd nirvana” in the L.L. Bean modelCar and Drivereither XM or SiriusJalopnik All the road tests researched by TheCarConnection.com’s editors took note of the Forester's base price of $19,995--a $1,200 price reduction from the last edition of the all-wheel-drive crossover. At that price point, Cars.com notes, the 2009 Subaru Forester includes plenty of standard gear. On the list: air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player with an MP3 input jack, and remote keyless entry “with Subaru's dated, flimsy keyfob.” Turbo XT models start from $26,195 and can be priced at nearly $30,000. And it’s not until you get to the upscale models that you can order the optional navigation system. Opt up to the L.L. Bean edition, Car and Driver says, and “your excursion into outdoor-nerd nirvana is complete with a standard automatic transmission, a 10-way power driver’s seat, an upgraded stereo, and loads of L.L. Bean logos.” For audio equipment, the Forester antes up a standard CD player. Jalopnik notes that it’s one of the rare vehicles to offer “either XM or Sirius” satellite radio, and adds that the “upmarket option pumps 80 watts through six speakers and can accommodate six CDs in-dash.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors report that the new Forester’s more sophisticated than before, and offers most of the options you’d find on competitive vehicles. Bluetooth connectivity isn’t offered, and neither is a cutting-edge music-management system like Chrysler’s MyGig or Ford’s Sync system. ConclusionMore modern features have seeped into the 2009 Subaru Forester’s portfolio, but it’s still cautious with the latest offerings--and a little Spartan on base models. 2009 SUBARU FORESTER STYLING | 7 out of 10 Cars.com: “boxy charm has been toned down” Automobile: “goes from mutant station wagon to mainstream compact crossover” Edmunds.com: “won't do much to tickle your excitement meter” Popular Mechanics: “most handsome and stylish ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2009 Dodge Journey crossover is in its first model year, and in its base form sports plenty of room, though its powertrain and interior quality leave much to be desired. Saturn’s Vue was new in 2008 and is the handsomest crossover in this group, and offers a big V-6 for plenty of power. Honda’s CR-V is the class leader in sales but was updated with a controversial front end recently. Toyota’s RAV4 is the only vehicle in this group to offer a third-row seat; it also can be ordered with a V-6 engine.

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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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