Article Comments - 2009 Subaru Forester XT First Drive and Full Test

71 messages, Last post on Aug 26, 2009 at 11:14 AM

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

First Drive: 2009 Subaru Forester XT - First Impressions: The style factor is up, but so is the practicality.(more)

Full Test: 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited - Bottom Line: Bigger and better, the quirky little Forester has become a grown-up SUV. (more)

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#40 of 71 Good article but odd pricing comparison by kurtamaxxxguy May 15, 2008 (11:35 am)
I enjoyed the article, which seems very accurate given my experiences with my '09 XT Limited. However, the price comparisons are a little odd. If one prices the Toyota RAV4 with AWD and V6 on the Toyota website, giving it same accessories as the XT Limited, it is not $3000 less. In fact, the RAV4 comes out slightly more expensive, at around $31,000. A Honda CR-V EX-L with AWD, similarly equipped, comes out on the Honda website to around $30,000. In effect these 3 vehicles, similarly equipped, are similarly priced. The decision between these 3 vehicles seems more of what they actually are, what they do, their dealer sales/service practices, and how much they cost to own, .vs. what their initial cost is. One other point: Where did Edmunds get this info that the '08 Outback has a new turbocharger? Every Subaru dealer and service center I asked told me, other than some minor plumbing tweeks, there has been no major change to the '08 Outback turbo since '05. And my driving experiences in at least 3 '08 Outbacks showed it had far more turbo lag and "turbo rush" than the '09 Forester does. If you _like_ Turbo surge, want a plusher ride at expense of more lean in turns, and a quieter, nicer interior in lieu of back seat footroom, the '08 Outback XT may be for you. Replies to this message: ateixeira (May 15, 2008 12:07 pm) dcwestby (Jun 27, 2008 6:18 am) kurtamaxxxguy (Jun 27, 2008 7:17 am) ateixeira (Jun 30, 2008 7:25 am)
#41 of 71 Re: Good article but odd pricing comparison [kurtamaxxxguy] by ateixeira May 15, 2008 (12:07 pm)
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (May 15, 2008 11:35 am) The thing is the Limited package basically comes loaded, while competitors make you go a-la-carte to add options. Especially Toyota.
#42 of 71 Like it but... by rasldasl May 24, 2008 (9:32 pm)
I am looking for a small SUV to replace my '07 Sentra when the lease runs out in the '10 model year. I like the Sentra and am considering the Rogue but had 2 Subies in the past so I want to give the new Forester a chance. Here are the items missing from the '09 that I would like to see on the '10 model: 1. At least another gear for the automatic. Or a CVT. 2. Push button start/keyless entry (available in Japan - why not here?) 3. Bluetooth without the need for the nav system. And while they're at it, a better looking base audio head unit. The Japanese model also has woodgrain trim on the center console that looks nice, there is too much silver plastic right now. And the jet black water-resistant fabric seats with the orange stitching down the middle are very cool looking. Japanese market interior Replies to this message: kurtamaxxxguy (May 24, 2008 10:15 pm) ateixeira (May 27, 2008 7:58 am)
#43 of 71 Re: Like it but... [rasldasl] by kurtamaxxxguy May 24, 2008 (10:15 pm)
Replying to: rasldasl (May 24, 2008 9:32 pm) possibly in 2010, rasldasi, the Forester will have what you are looking for. We shall see.
#44 of 71 Re: Like it but... [rasldasl] by ateixeira May 27, 2008 (7:58 am)
Replying to: rasldasl (May 24, 2008 9:32 pm) I gotta agree - that plood warms up the dash.
#45 of 71 Not good enough? by dcampagna May 29, 2008 (3:55 am)
We owned a '98 Forester which worked well for us except I hated its clutch chatter, historical rear wheel bearing problem and impending possibility of head gasket leaks (and with TWO heads!). So when we replaced the Forester recently, the clutch/bearing/gasket problems weighed heavily in my decision to not buy an '09 Forester 'cause I don't know that those problems have been solved. Therefore we bought an '08 Honda CR-V EX 4WD and absolutely LOVE IT!!!! The Forester would be SO much better if it had a Toyota or Honda drivetrain! (hint, hint) Replies to this message: kurtamaxxxguy (May 29, 2008 5:57 am) kdshapiro (May 29, 2008 7:11 am) ateixeira (May 29, 2008 9:14 am) p0926 (Jun 02, 2008 1:06 pm)
#46 of 71 Re: Not good enough? [dcampagna] by kurtamaxxxguy May 29, 2008 (5:57 am)
Replying to: dcampagna (May 29, 2008 3:55 am) The rear bearing problem was supposedly addressed and fixed a few years back, as were the timing belt, head gasket and other issues. CR-V's do have nice interior.
#47 of 71 Re: Not good enough? [dcampagna] by kdshapiro May 29, 2008 (7:11 am)
Replying to: dcampagna (May 29, 2008 3:55 am) Forester would be SO much better if it had a Toyota or Honda drivetrain! (hint, hint) The Foresters full time AWD is superior to the Toyota or Honda FWD bias on demand. The redesigned CRV is nice, but lacks punch compared to the XT.
#48 of 71 whatever works for the buyer by kurtamaxxxguy May 29, 2008 (8:37 am)
When I drove CR-V, RAV4, Forester, etc., each one had strengths and weaknesses. Motor Trend and Car and Driver (latter comparo without the new Forester) pointed variations out in more detail than I can here. It also depends on how the vehicle is used and where driven. Though in its recent supercar mountain road compario, Edmunds put the STI last, they also wrote its suspension travel would give it an advantage on rougher roads.
#49 of 71 Re: Not good enough? [dcampagna] by ateixeira May 29, 2008 (9:14 am)
Replying to: dcampagna (May 29, 2008 3:55 am) The wheel bearings changed to a new, sealed design from model year 2003 onwards. The head gasket issue was addressed in 2002. Consumer Reports reliability ratings for engines show a notable improvement under the "Engine - Major" category right around that time, confirming the new gasket material was indeed better. I find it a little strange that you didn't experience that problem in 10 years yet that's one reason you left Subaru. Congrats on your CR-V.