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Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester

1581 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2010 at 6:35 AM

You are in the Mitsubishi Outlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 16 of 159

#143 of 1581 Re: cross posting? [ateixeira] by comem47

Apr 19, 2008 (10:26 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 19, 2008 6:21 am)
I don't see how "2009 Subaru Forester" would be linked to the Mitsubishi Outlander.
  
It should not be in the comparison thread, either, because those are larger SUVs, but if it is, it's because that person asked the Edmunds hosts to add it there, incorrectly so.
  
Edit: OK, I checked. Here are the vehicles cross-listed for that discussion:
  
What is this discussion about? Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Volkswagen Touareg, SUV
  
Not sure if you can subscribe to the entire SUV category, but even so, Outlander is clearly not in that discussion.
  
 
FYI: I'm reading this thread (and always have) under a title in the outlander group called "Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester" and this crossposting thread has existed there for quite some time. I can only speak for me, but that's how I found this discussion and read it out of curiosity as an Outlander subscriber.Just go from the top Forums / SUVs / Mitsubishi Outlander and you will see it (and has been
a daily active thread for some time among many of the Outlander threads now idle)
There also is a currently inactive thread called the reverse (Subaru Forester vs Mitsubishi Outlander)

#144 of 1581 Re: cross posting? [comem47] by steve_ HOST

Apr 19, 2008 (11:15 am)

Replying to: comem47 (Apr 19, 2008 10:26 am)
Comparison topics get linked between the make/models being compared (although we overlook the linking now and then).
 
This discussion should show up in both the Outlander and Forester boards when you look at the topic list.
 
The '09 Forester discussion only has the Subaru listed as a make/model, although it also picks up Future Vehicle and Wagons categories.
 
It's ok to talk about a car even if you don't own one or even if you have an irrational hate of the manufacturer. Just keep it civil, and on topic is all that's needed. That cross-ventilation does seem to temper the rah-rah effect you sometimes find on a model specific forum where you have to drink the Kool-Aid or go away.
 
Someone showing up in this discussion and saying the CR-V is better than either the Outlander or the Forester would be off-topic (but if they were making a relevant point, even that would likely be tolerated by the community).
 
So ... anyone test driving this weekend? The local radio spots are loaded with car ads this past week - more than usual. I think the dealers are hurting a bit.

#145 of 1581 Re: cross posting? [steve_] by chelentano

Apr 19, 2008 (11:58 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Apr 19, 2008 11:15 am)
>> It's ok to talk about a car even if you don't own one or even if you have an irrational hate of the manufacturer. Just keep it civil, and on topic is all that's needed. Someone showing up in this discussion and saying the CR-V is better than either the Outlander or the Forester would be off-topic (but if they were making a relevant point, even that would likely be tolerated by the community).
 
Well said, Steve.
 
>> So ... anyone test driving this weekend? The local radio spots are loaded with car ads this past week - more than usual.
 
Yea, I am going to test drive the Forester :--)

#147 of 1581 Re: cross posting? [chelentano] by dcm61

Apr 19, 2008 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: chelentano (Apr 19, 2008 11:58 am)
Yea, I am going to test drive the Forester :--)
 
I hope you don't take too big of a hit on your trade-in.

#148 of 1581 Re: test drive? [steve_] by ateixeira

Apr 19, 2008 (6:17 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Apr 19, 2008 11:15 am)
So ... anyone test driving this weekend?
 
Yes, in fact we just test drove a 2009 Subaru Forester LL Bean.
 
I had test driven a Forester X Limited earlier, but the LL Bean model was not in stock because it's been the most popular one. Demand is so high they can't keep them in stock. It's the loaded model with the naturally aspirated engine, basically the fuel miser with all the options. They found a single one and called us in for a drive.
 
Plus, the first time I went by myself, this time the whole family went along. The wife drove (we're shopping for a car for her).
 
It was nothing new to me, but the Forester has impressively little body roll, and somehow manages to deliver a smooth ride as well. We drove over some train tracks and barely felt them.
 
The engine is more than adequate, and moves it along nicely. Fuel economy and range are a priority for her, so she was satisfied with the base engine.
 
Loved the perforated, heated leather. Much nicer than the cloth I sampled earlier, which felt durable but not very plush. The LL Bean is very plush, with door inserts that feel like micro-fiber and soft suede at the same time. All 4 doors have padded arm rests, plus arm rests for both rows. The kids loved the fold out bin in the back, which also houses 2 cupholders.
 
The 3 of us fit nicely in the back since the salesman came along as well. Both seat backs have map pockets. The moonroof is HUGE, absolutely panoramic, and serves the front and back rows. Outlander owners would be very envious.
 
Complaints? The NAV system was not set up properly, I guess you have to select one of 5 Regions. Any how, it did not have an intuitive interface at all. It also said the nearest Exxon was 5 miles away, while I know there were 2 close by that have been there for decades. It also could not find my address, though again it may not have been setup completely.
 
Still, I brought my Nuvi widescreen along, mounted it with a clip mount, and the screen is closer to it appears almost as big (4.3" vs. 6.something), and for $199 vs. $1600 or whatever Subaru charges, it would be my choice by a long shot.
 
We decided we would not opt for the NAV system, basically. When you get it you also get only a single CD instead of a 6CD changer. We'd rather have the 6CD and a Nuvi for about $1400 less.
 
Other nit-picks? The thin-spoked rims on the XT are nicer looking. If I find an XT owner willing to trade, I would. Personal taste. I'm sure the wife could not care less.
 
One thing that really stood out was how great the visibility is. The wife backed it up in to a tight spot between a row of other Foresters. No problem.
 
I remember when we test drove an Expedition in 2002, she got out and asked the lot attendant to park it. With no blind spots and a tidy size, parking the Forester is no problem at all, even for her.
 
She might have bought it on the spot if it didn't have the GPS option. Instead we asked the dealer to look for an LL Bean model sans NAV, in one of the two silver colors, or the medium blue, her preferences. She said she would settle for the sage green or maybe the red as well.
 
We saw the Outlander at the DC Auto Show but I could not interest her in a test drive (not sure why, she owned a Mirage in the past). I may go on my own, mostly out of curiosity. I would sample the new 4 cylinder CVT model since that's the one that would most closely match her preferred Forester.
 
So still no purchase yet, but we're close. Very close.

#149 of 1581 Re: test drive? [ateixeira] by dodo2

Apr 19, 2008 (8:37 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 19, 2008 6:17 pm)
Make sure you look at the SE trim; that's the trim to have for the I4 models.

#150 of 1581 Re: 0-60 times [kdshapiro] by biscuit_xls

Apr 19, 2008 (10:07 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Apr 19, 2008 7:24 am)
Here's a 5.9 number.
More info
  
Either performance is important or it's not. Performance and handling are very important to me more so than a carful of electronic doo-dads.
 
Those numbers are for the previous generation Forester with a 5 speed manual. The new model has more weight and a 4 speed automatic, so those numbers are not accurate.

#151 of 1581 Re: 0-60 times [biscuit_xls] by kdshapiro

Apr 20, 2008 (6:54 am)

Replying to: biscuit_xls (Apr 19, 2008 10:07 pm)
Those numbers are for the previous generation Forester with a 5 speed manual. The new model has more weight and a 4 speed automatic, so those numbers are not accurate.
 
The numbers are accurate for my Forester. I still suspect the XT even with the auto will blow the doors off the rest of the segment. Which by the way have a quick nimble performing CUV would still be important over doo-dads.

#152 of 1581 Re: test drive? [ateixeira] by 10years

Apr 20, 2008 (8:26 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 19, 2008 6:17 pm)
Thanks Juice for your write-up.
 
What do you think about the CRV and Rogue ? Edmunds and CR rate the CRV at the top.
 
It will be interesting to see your test drive impressions on the Outlander and chelentano's on the Forester.
 
Thanks guys,
Ted.

Messages Page 16 of 159

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