2007 Subaru Forester

The 2007 Subaru Forester delivers the SUV features its buyers want, including a high seating position, good cargo space and a choice of superb all-wheel-drive systems Yet Forester also offers fuel mileage and ride comfort that's more like a car, in a compact, maneuverable package. For 2006, Forester benefited from a mid-cycle refresh, meaning extensive changes but short of a total redesign.  For 2007, Subaru has added the Forester Sports 2.5 XT, which delivers the same performance as the flagship 2.5 XT Limited at a lower price point. When ordered with automatic transmission, Sports 2.5 XT comes with Variable Torque Distribution, a new and more performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system with a slight rear-wheel-drive bias; plus Vehicle Dynamic Control and four-wheel traction control. All non-turbo Foresters sold in California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, and Vermont are now Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV); yet they surrender no horsepower or torque to the 45-state version. The Forester is also more pleasant, even more fun to drive, than just about any SUV.  The easy-to-drive Forester maneuvers nimbly, handles with a light touch and yields a friendly, comfortable feel.

Forester Power

 All Foresters are powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine. Models designated 2.5 X are rated 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5 XT models are turbocharged and produce 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. Most Foresters come standard with a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional. Subaru's horizontally opposed engines share their design concept with Porsche's highly regarded boxer engines. Subaru has perfected this design. Subaru's four-cylinder engine isn't as smooth as some, but company engineers have done a good job insulating the Forester's interior from the vibration. Subaru's Impreza series uses the same 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder as the Forester. The regular engine develops 173 hp. A turbocharged version that yields 224 hp goes into the 2.5 XT Limited. The automatic transmission is optional for other models.

2007 Forester Driving

All-wheel drive is standard on all models, and Forester offers manual or automatic transmission. The XT's turbocharged, intercooled 2.5-liter, dual-overhead cam, four-cylinder engine makes 226 pound-feet of torque, or about 36 percent more than the base Forester engine. Variable valve timing (VVT) helps, by eliminating the inherent compromises of a fixed-timing engine and delivering an amazing balance of lower-rpm torque and free-breathing horsepower. The standard Forester engine delivers decent acceleration. The Forester's shifter will neither delight the senses nor irritate to the point that it overwhelms what's good in the car. The Forester XT is sensible and satisfying, especially with the turbocharged engine and the manual gearbox. There's a bit of turbo lag after pushing the gas pedal. Foresters ride pleasantly enough over smooth surfaces, but bumps and ruts can produce somewhat harsh reactions.

Design of the Forester

 The Subaru Forester isn't likely to turn a lot of heads, although its sculpted aluminum hood and working air scoop on the 2.5 XT models are subtly unique. Compared to the typical mid-size SUV, Forester is a small vehicle, but it makes efficient use of interior space. The Forester features flared front fenders and blister-type rear quarter panels. Features on the L.L.Bean Edition include a self-leveling rear suspension, a security system, a durable cargo floor and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Cabin Features 2007

Inside the Forester, rear-seat riders get good leg and head room, even with the optional moonroof. The water-resistant surface on its cargo floor and rear seatback extends up the cargo area sidewalls. The Forester has great cargo capacity for its size. Lowering the 60/40 split rear seat increases that capacity from 31 cubic feet to 69 cubic feet. Those who put a premium on cargo space should note that the lower headliner on Foresters equipped with the moonroof robs 2 to 4 cubic feet of cargo volume. A side storage pocket contains a 12-volt power outlet, and there's another 12-volt outlet in the front center console. Sport bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat can accommodate up to five occupants. Subaru emphasizes the Forester's high seating position. A Hill Holder clutch on manual-shift models makes it easier to start the car on inclines.

Forest Lineup

 The 2.5 X comes with air conditioning with an air filtration system, 100-watt AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with single-CD player and four speakers, tilt steering, cruise control, fog lights, foldable power side-view mirrors, power windows, a rear window wiper/washer, power locks with remote keyless entry, digital outside temperature indicator, 60/40 split rear folding seatbacks with a center armrest, roof rack, security system, a cargo cover and various cargo-securing aids behind the rear seat.

The Sports 2.5 X upgrades to Anthracite Black cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, a 120-watt stereo with better speakers, in-dash six-disc changer plus MP3/WMA/CD-RW capability, Sirius Satellite Radio, and an auxiliary input jack for iPods and other MP3 players. A black mesh front grille and a special front bumper distinguishes Sports models.

The 2.5 X Premium adds four-wheel disc brakes, limited-slip rear differential, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, upgraded interior trim, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, windshield wiper de-icer, leather-wrapped-steering wheel and shift knob, and a power moonroof.

The 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition comes standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in compass, a security system with shock sensor, and a self-leveling rear suspension. Unique colors with contrasting metallic lower-body cladding and special wheels distinguish the L.L.Bean Edition.

The Sports 2.5 XT shares the appearance package and standard equipment of the Sports 2.5 X, plus the 155-watt, seven-speaker stereo; unique instruments; 215/55R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels; four-wheel disc brakes; limited-slip rear differential; functional hood scoop; chrome-tipped exhaust; aluminum front door sills; engine immobilizer; and, when ordered with automatic transmission, electronic stability control, traction control, and a unique rear-biased all-wheel-drive system Subaru calls Variable Torque Distribution.

The 2.5 XT Limited combines much of the Sports 2.5 XT's performance equipment with all of the Premium's luxuries, plus Desert Beige or Anthracite Black leather upholstery and aluminum-finished roof rails.

Summary

Subaru Foresters now come standard with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).Tires and wheels on XT Limiteds grow from 16 to 17 inches. And all but the base model now come with MP3/WMA and Sirius Satellite Radio capability. Forester has earned a good record for reliability. In short, the Forester still offers a combination of SUV capability, fuel-efficiency, on-road performance and versatility that's tough to beat. Safety features include dual-stage front-impact airbags, front-passenger side-impact airbags and active front head restraints designed to minimize whiplash injuries, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and all-wheel drive. Electronic stability control and traction control are available on higher-level models. For more details, read another 2007 Forester Review.