2008 Subaru Forester Review

The Forester is Subaru's model for the small SUV market, and, like all Subarus, it comes standard with a proven all wheel drive system. For 2008, turbocharged models get Subaru's Variable Torque Distribution that uses an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer case to control power distribution between the front and rear wheels. Turbo models also get an electronic stability system. Changes for other models are largely cosmetic. Trim levels include the base 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 X, upscale 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition, Sports 2.5 XT and 2.5 XT Limited. Forester has earned a good record for reliability. It has performed well in crash tests and it comes with a high level of standard safety equipment. In short, the Forester still offers a combination of SUV capability, fuel-efficiency, on-road performance and versatility that's tough to beat.

Forester Power and Drive

A 173-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder powers all but the 2.5 XT, which gets a 224-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. There is an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The easy-to-drive Forester maneuvers nimbly, handles with a light touch, and yields a friendly, comfortable feel. Some driveline noise occurs during acceleration. 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. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on all models except the 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition, which gets a four-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is optional for other models. A Hill Holder clutch on manual-shift models makes it easier to start the car on inclines.

Design of the 2008 Forester

 The Forester features flared front fenders and blister-type rear quarter panels. For 2008, all Sports models get a new front bumper, black-painted headlight and taillight surrounds and silver-painted roof rails. The Sports 2.5 XT adds a body-colored roof spoiler and new 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. Compared to the typical mid-size SUV, Forester is a small vehicle, but it makes efficient use of interior space. It is, by intent, a fairly boxy machine, and its beauty lies more in its functional design. Despite its upright shape, the Forester is impressively aerodynamic, with a sedan-grade 0.36 coefficient of drag. Other things being equal, the more aerodynamic a vehicle is, the less wind noise inside and the better its fuel economy.

'08 Subaru Forester Cabin

Space is ample in the front and adequate in back, with abundant headroom and toe room, though knee space is less bountiful. The front seat bottoms are short but nicely supportive. The gauges and controls are ordinary but sensible. 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. For 2008, an audio system with seven upgraded speakers and a subwoofer is standard on Sports and L.L.Bean models. L.L.Bean models also get a standard auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear cargo area carpeting and a standard cargo accessory tray.

Subaru Forester 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. Wheels are 16-inch steel with 215/60R16 all-season radials.

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 a automatic transmission. Functional items, compared to the 2.5 X Premium, include 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. Inside, it features beige seats trimmed with leather and Alcantara fabric; a Momo wood-and-leather steering wheel; hard, water-resistant material in the cargo hold; and stitched L.L Bean logos on the front seats and floor mats.

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

Dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, front active head restraints and antilock brakes are standard. The ABS system has electronic brake-force distribution for better front and rear proportioning. Side curtain airbags are not available. For more research, read another 2008 Subaru Forester review. The Subaru Forester is a compact sport utility vehicle that competes with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Saturn Vue, even though it looks more like a tall wagon than a traditional SUV. Subaru Forester was one of the first crossover SUVs, a pioneer in this new territory where some of the most useful attributes of a sport-utility meet the ride and driving dynamics of a car. The landscape has gotten more crowded since Forester first appeared nearly a decade ago (in 1998), but recent revisions have kept it fully competitive. For the latest updates on this model, visit the official Subaru Forester site.