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Article Comments - 2009 Subaru Forester First Drive

11 messages,  Last post on Jan 28, 2008 at 11:23 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon, SUV


First Drive: 2009 Subaru Forester - The 2009 Subaru Forester is looking for a little respect. Since its introduction a decade ago, the Forester has been an undersize underachiever, a homely but beautifully functional wagonette that spoke to the eco-friendly, happily independent Subaru enthusiast. Only there weren't very many enthusiasts of small wagons. (more)

Messages Page 2 of 2

#2 of 11 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Forester First Drive [KarenS] by rsholland

Jan 22, 2008 (8:36 am)

Replying to: Karen@Edmunds (Jan 22, 2008 8:14 am)
Well, actually it's the "2009" and not "2008" Forester. I guess Pete Lyon didn't know that that, or that in Japan it is a 2008 model, as their year dates often don't correspond to ours.
 
Also, keep in mind because this is the JDM model, it has a 2.0 engine, SI-Drive and electric power steering, and other stuff, none of which we get. Still, it gives us an indication of what it's like, which is good—and the write-up is very positive, which is also very good.
 
Bob

#3 of 11 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Forester First Drive [rsholland] by Karen@Edmunds HOST

Jan 22, 2008 (11:51 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jan 22, 2008 8:36 am)
I questioned that discrepancy when I created the discussion. Thanks for the clarification!

#4 of 11 Edmunds tests JDM Forester by rsholland

Jan 21, 2008 (7:58 am)

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=124405
 
A very good report, but keep in mind this a JDM-spec model, which means 2.0 engines, and no electric power steering SI-Drive for the XT.
 
Bob

#5 of 11 Still no 5-speed auto by bankerdanny

Jan 21, 2008 (11:02 am)

Just read the story on the 2009 Forester and apparently Subaru is sticking with the 4-speed auto.
 
One of the things I dislike the most about my 2007 is that the transmission is very slow to kick down and the revs are way too high on the highway.
 
The non-turbo Forester desperately needs the extra gears to make up for the relatively weak engine.
 
If I buy another Subaru it will definitely have to be the turbo. The regular 4, despite a pretty good power rating is just too weak.

#6 of 11 little mirrors? by jordanw

Jan 22, 2008 (1:26 pm)

What are the little mirrors on the fenders?

#7 of 11 Re: little mirrors? [jordanw] by bankerdanny

Jan 22, 2008 (4:24 pm)

Replying to: jordanw (Jan 22, 2008 1:26 pm)
those are because the tested vehicle was Japanese spec where the fender mounted mirrors are required.

#8 of 11 Re: little mirrors? [bankerdanny] by ateixeira

Jan 24, 2008 (11:41 am)

Replying to: bankerdanny (Jan 22, 2008 4:24 pm)
The US-spec models will not get those, by the way.
 
Love the review, especially the part about how it handled.

#9 of 11 Interior dimensions by unkownuser

Jan 26, 2008 (2:25 pm)

I'm really looking forward to seeing rear seat dimensions on this.
 
A longstanding 'issue' with the Forester has been rear legroom.
 
With the intro of the 08 new body Impreza/WRX, the press releases from Subaru touted increased rear legroom, and this claim was parroted without checking by the press and road testers.
 
But a check of interior dimensions at Edmunds showed that the new Impreza cars, even with increased exterior size, actually LOST legroom.
 
If this is truly of a size with the Rav 4 as claimed, it ought to have puh-lenty of rear legroom. Eagerly waiting to find out.

#10 of 11 Re: Interior dimensions [unkownuser] by paisan

Jan 26, 2008 (2:35 pm)

Replying to: unkownuser (Jan 26, 2008 2:25 pm)
I've been in an 08 STi, and I can tell you there is way more room than the old car, and significantly more room than my Legacy Wagon. In the second row that is.
 
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host

#11 of 11 Re: Interior dimensions [unkownuser] by ateixeira

Jan 28, 2008 (11:23 am)

Replying to: unkownuser (Jan 26, 2008 2:25 pm)
It's not as big as a RAV4, the cargo floor is, but the RAV4 definitely has more rear leg room.
 
I do think the Forester now has enough that most people won't complain, though.

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