2009 Subaru Forester Reviews

Australia has been waiting a whole decade for a new Forester, but does the all-new model live up to the legend?

When the Forester was introduced to Australia in 1997 it was closely related to the Subaru Impreza hatch. It also reminded Subaru lovers of the Subaru 4WD station wagons. Over the years the Forester morphed into a medium SUV in styling.However, even as it entered the crossover era the Forester still had useful ground clearance so can tackle tougher than average conditions in the bush and on the beach.Forester's suspension has longer travel than the Impreza, and more rugged specs with semi-off-road tyres. The latter may have been replaced by normal car tyres at some time during the Forester's life, so check for this if you're considering doing some mild to medium off-road driving.Early model Subaru Foresters, have relatively long overhangs front and rear, a legacy of being adapted from a car.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machineGood interior room is a real advantage of the squared-off styling. The front seats have plenty of legroom, width and headroom. The rear seat can take three people without too much of a hassle, though it's better if they are children, rather than adults.Entry and exit to the back seat is easy, partly because of the taller than average styling but chiefly because you don't have to climb up into the seats as you do in an off-road 4WD.There's a good luggage area and practicality is further improved by the Forester having numerous storage areas throughout the vehicle.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machine, so don't hammer it too hard at bends. However, see the notes on the Forester GT (later tagged as the Forester XT).Subaru Forester first reached Australia in August 1997 and was joined by the Forester GT in September 1998. The latter is a fun little hotshot powered by a slightly detuned Subaru WRX engine.Forester GT was renamed Forester XT in the second-generation model in an attempt to fool the insurance companies into thinking it's not a GT. The Forester GT and XT are performance off-roaders, though certainly not to the same extent as the WRX.August 2003 saw the introduction of the second-generation Subaru Forester. It features a bit more style than the original series, particularly around the multi-faceted tail but, yet again, function takes preference over fashion. The latest version arrived here in 2008 and moved further towards an SUV shape in style.Power for the standard Forester models comes from a 2.0-litre flat-four motor. Upmarket variants received a 2.5-litre motor from 2002 and that larger capacity was continued into all Foresters since then, with improvements in consumption and emissions introduced in several stages.The extra capacity of the 2.5 goes into generating more torque rather than going for pure power - very much in the conservative way of thinking that's so appealing to many Australian drivers.Manual gearboxes are mated to a two-speed transfer case, but the automatic versions only have a single-range. Subaru considers the torque multiplication through the converter largely replaces the need for a low ratio on the auto.Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonably priced though we have heard a few complaints about high prices on some less common parts.Insurance premiums are generally moderate for the standard Foresters, but check on prices on the GT and XT, particularly if you're classed as a young or inexperienced driver; insurance costs could break your bank account.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lagA good amateur mechanic should have no trouble doing most jobs. It's always wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before beginning work. Please leave the safety-related items to experts.Older engines often have that typical flat-four 'dak-dak' beat when they get a lot of kilometres on them. If it seems too bad the engine may be approaching overhaul time. Newer ones are more refined, but it's still wise to have them checked out.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lag.On a turbocharged model, check the clutch isn't slipping - this usually shows up on fast upchanges. Subaru makes the clutch a sacrificial component so that it fails first to protect other transmission parts.Check underneath in case the Forester has been seriously used in off-road conditions. The front and rear bumper corners and their mountings are likely to be the first areas to suffer.Scrutinise the door sills, the protection plates under mechanical components and the lower parts of the underbody for signs of damage.Hot versions of standard Subarus seem to lead a harder life than the their equivalent from other makersLook at the condition of the seats, carpets and boot in case the Forester has been knocked about, particularly in off-road use.Lots of sand in the carpet may mean it's spent time on the beach. If you suspect this, taste for salt in the areas under the car.Look over the complete body for signs of crash repairs. The easiest to spot are generally poorly matching paint colours and slight ripples in the panels.

Brett Radford is looking at a 2008 Subaru Forester sports wagon for his 17-year-old son. The asking price is $11,800, but with no trade he says he could get it for $10,000. It has had a small hit at the rear, but it has been repaired and inspected by the RTA. He wants to know if it is a good buy, and also if it has a

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Forester as a used buy.

Sales of little soft-roaders have grown faster than any new vehicle segment in our overcrowded new-car market.Last year there were just over 60,000 small SUVs sold, up 53 per cent on 2011. The category parameters have changed and now some models previously considered compact are classified as medium. But sales of the smallest SUVs have increased for the past three consecutive years.The appeal lies in several attributes, not the least of which is in looking more adventurous than domesticated. There's the draw of fuel economy, though the reality is that certain of these models do not perform much better than the big cars they've supplanted.Then there is the versatility of the interior, the elevated driving position and the visibility it affords, and the perception of being unassailable by other road users.The three brands on this page argue about who started the soft-roader craze. Each has a worthy case.Toyota is synonymous with off-road passenger machinery that has a reputation for reliability and capability. The RAV4 introduced a suburban level of versatility to the Japanese brand when it lobbed here in 1996 (there was the Tercel and AWD Tarago before it, but let's not go there).The RAV had the look and lineage to carry off the compact SUV concept. With a new model not far from the showrooms there are bargains to be had in the outgoing vintage.Subaru's all-terrain wagon heritage harks back to the 1970s, when 1600cc (and, later, 1800cc) wagons with transfer cases and raised bellies showed you didn't need a big burly 4WD to get seriously off the beaten track. The Forester might not have retained the forebears' dual-range lever within the transmission console but the spirit remains.Another company with four decades of history in the realm of small, lightweight off-roaders is Suzuki. The original Jimny and Sierra lightweight 4WD wagons were tiny, nimble and bulletproof machines and the modern descendant the Grand Vitara has retained much of the off-road ability without succumbing to the soft-roader sookery.(Search for hundreds more choices) 2011 Toyota RAV4Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100 CARSGUIDE SAYSThe dependable Toyota reputation offsets any styling shortfall. While not a rock-hopper like its LandCruiser big brother, it doesn't mind getting its wheels dirty. Dual airbags, descent and stability control, Bluetooth and USB connection are among the features.2009 Subaru Forester XS PremiumEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe Forester has been a segment leader on sales volume and is one of the more versatile of the all-terrain brigade -- some models still have low range. The XS Premium has leather trim, sunroof, stability control, climate control, six airbags and rally-bred heritage.2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara WagonEngine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 8.9L/100km  CARSGUIDE SAYSThe brand builds bikes as well as being responsible for the original small off-roader. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has old-school 4WD and genuine off-road ability. Anything but a soft-roader, it's light and nimble off the beaten track and useful around town too.

Subaru chose to mimic its rivals when it revamped the Forester in 2008. It did so by making it bigger and taller while at the same time making it look more like an SUV.NEWIn doing so it made its SUV roomier inside, more refined and better equipped. The final result was that it was 75 mm longer, 60 mm wider, 110 mm taller and rode on a wheelbase that was 90 mm longer than the previous model.All of that meant it was roomier inside and had more space in the boot. The looks also changed, the new model boasting a smoother, more curved shape than the older, boxier model, and it rode 20 mm higher, which helped it fit in with the preconceived ideas of what an SUV should look like.What it didn't change was the boxer engine it used and the use of constant all-wheel drive, the latter in contrast to most of the Forester's rivals that continued to be front-wheel drive, except when the going gets slippery and the drive is then sent to the rear wheels as well.The 2.5-litre naturally-breathing horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine was tweaked to give 5kW more power and 3Nm more power and torque respectively, not much it has to be said, but for more there was also the choice of a turbocharged version that gave quite a decent boost in performance for those who feel they need more.Subaru offered a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, the latter with the ability to be shifted by the driver. Subaru claimed the new model was more fuel-efficient, which was fine, although the numbers they quoted weren't all that great.But it was right on the money in terms of safety with a maximum 5-star ANCAP rating on the back of front, side and curtain airbags, ABS braking and stability control across all models. The model line-up began with the X and climbed to the turbocharged XT Premium at the top of the tree.NOWSubarus are generally well regarded by owners and that's certainly the message we get at Carsguide where few are moved to complain about their cars. The trade similarly gives them a tick of approval for their reliability and durability.About the only thing that crops up when we ask about Subarus in general, including the Forester is their tendency to consume oil. It's not something that is likely to cause a problem, but it is something that owners need to be conscious of and make sure they check the engine oil regularly, and top it up when needed.Forgetting to do it, or simply ignoring it, can lead to expensive repairs. When test driving an auto Forester observe for clean shifting and engagement of gears. It's a regular automatic and in many respects nicer to drive than the CVT transmissions most of its rivals now use. Check for a service record, nothing kills a car faster than a lack of servicing, and the Forster is no different to any other car in that respect.SMITHY SAYSBigger and better than the previous model, it ticks the family boxes.Subaru Forester 2008-2010Price new: $30,490 to $44,990Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 126 kW/229 Nm; 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-  cylinder, 169 kW/320 Nm.Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 9.3 L/100 km (2.5), 10.5 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: X, XS, XS Premium, XT, XT PremiumSafety: 5-star ANCAPCOMING UPDo you own a Toyota Yaris? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010. 

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Subaru Forester as a used buy.

Subaru's Forester was at the head of the pack during the SUV stampede 10 years ago and the latest model sought to build upon the huge success of earlier models by pushing for market leadership.  The light SUV has become the go-to car for families looking for flexible transport to haul kids to school or sporting events, handle the regular motoring chores and the occasional weekend away.Along the way the market for light SUVs has become one of the most crowded and competitive segments on the local scene and the new Forester was pitted against other hugely popular models like the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.MODEL WATCHIt's no great secret that the Forester is based on the Subaru Impreza passenger car, so the release of a new Impreza heightened anticipation of a new Forester.When it landed it was larger, fresher and more affordable than those that had gone before.  It looked more like a serious four-wheel drive than ever before and was 110 mm taller, 60 mm wider, 75 mm longer, and rode on wheelbase that was 90 mm longer.The increased size was great news for owners wanting more space inside as it delivered more room for rear passengers and more luggage space out back.Overhangs were shortened and ground clearance increased to improve its manoeuvrability.  Power for the regular X and XS came from a 2.5-litre 'boxer' four that boasted more power and torque, while the XT had a turbocharged version that was unchanged.At its twin peaks the 2.5-litre gave 126kW at 6000 revs and 229Nm at 4400 revs, enough to make it a lively drive. The turbo meanwhile delivered 169 kW at 5200 revs and 320 Nm at 2800 revs, which made the XT even livelier.Buyers could choose between a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual, which featured low-range gearing.  As with all Subarus the drive went to all four wheels, varying from 95 per cent front and five per cent rear to a 50/50 split depending on throttle, load and speed inputs.Three models were offered in the range, starting with the X and climbing through the XS to the 'Rex-like' XT.  Standard equipment on the X included four-speaker sound with steering wheel controls, 16-inch steel wheels, a full-sized spare, as well as air, and power windows and mirrors.In addition the XS boasted front fog lights, alloy wheels, auto air, a CD stacker and six speakers and MP3 compatibility.  The range-topping XT got a body kit, larger alloys,and auto-levelling headlights with pop-up washers.There was also a Premium Pack, which added leather,a power driver's seat and a sunroof to the XS, but when added to an XT there was also a touchscreen sat-nav system with DVD/CD player and Bluetooth compatibility.IN THE SHOPWell built and fundamentally sound like all Subarus there is little that goes wrong with the Forester, and that's reflected in the very small number of complaints received at CarsGuide headquarters.There has been the odd question from owners regarding the head gaskets on the Forester's boxer engine, but we're assured by a Suby service specialist that the gaskets themselves are quite sound. While they don't blow as such it is not uncommon to find minor oil leaks around the gaskets, but again we're assured that they are not something to be overly concerned about.Otherwise the Forester is a sound and solid car.  Like all used cars it's worth checking for a service record, and consider having an expert check them over.IN A CRASHThe Forester was well equipped to handle a crash situation with standard stability control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist for emergency braking, hill-start assist, and front, side and head airbags.  ANCAP's testing gave the Forester five stars out of five.UNDER THE PUMPThe new Forester packed a little more pork than its predecessor but still delivered a little more fuel economy across the range.  Those with the regular engine and manual gearbox were a little over three per cent more efficient at 9.3 L/100 km, the auto around one per cent better at 9.6 L/100 km.  The turbo improved the most over the previous model, but still guzzled gas at 10.5 L/100 km.LOOK FOR . Fresh look. More cabin space. Improved fuel efficiency. Zippy performance