One of the best built by Subaru
The Subaru Forester is one of the most successful vehicles built by Subaru. Since its inception over a decade ago, the Forester has grown, improved and thrived. Ever since the designers at Subaru opted to take an Impreza’s platform, extend the dimensions and craft a simple, yet distinctive, boxy shape, the press has lauded Subaru for their excellent little machine.
Now, there is something bigger and better.
Currently based on part of the new Impreza platform (which is a shortened version of the Legacy platform), the new Subaru Forester is larger than its predecessor in just about every dimension. Weighing in at less than 3,500 lbs, this new Subaru Forester gains over 100 lbs in its new form which is impressive given its dimensional growth.
I have to admit, I have a soft spot for the (older) Subaru Forester. It was the first vehicle my wife and I bought together, and proved to be an excellent companion in weather crazy Colorado. During its 5 years with my family, the Subaru Forester proved to be a robust, reliable machine that always got us home – in any weather and with any ailment (even after a half-shaft gave way 300 miles from home).
With that said, I had a few issues with the older Subaru Forester that have mostly been addressed. The interior of the older model was less roomy than the competition, now it is competitive. Internal materials, and design, were less than inspired; the new Forester has a lovely interior with higher quality materials. Steering feel and control placement have improved as well. Subaru should be commended for building a vehicle that answers the concerns of its owners.
For a small SUV, the Subaru Forester is one of the better driving machines in its bracket. Credit goes partially to its low center of gravity design. All of the heavy components sit lower than any other Crossover SUV. The horizontally opposed (or Boxer) 4-cylinder engine is built in a similar configuration to the Porsche 911’s and sits lower than any conventional inline or “V” engine.