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Subaru Forester (up to 2005)
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Comments
thanks
Bob
Looks more agressive, pulled together. An effort to attract more male buyers?... Overall more fitting for the Forester's niche at performance/sport wagon end of the small SUV spectrum. My '99 looks sort of cute and cuddly by comparison. I like the front view better than the rear picture. The rear has hints of small Volvo mixed with '80s VW wagon... '03 seems to have higher ground clearance. Tires look narrower, rear overhang shorter. Don't know how much of this is just the photo. I too hope 2.5 XS means eXtra Strength.
What would really make me yearn for the '03 would be roomier more comfortable rear seating and even livelier handling and performance. In short, improvements that don't compromise the already delightful character and personality of the Forester. Looks like they may have succeeded.
Looking forward to the next wave of information,
John
First impression is favorable... I'm off to the future models topic....
-Frank P.
--'rocco
I come back after dinner, and there they are... It's a conspiracy!
Bob
Like the Acura RSX, I'm sure that when you unlock the doors, the hatch also unlocks; and the reverse is true when you lock the doors.
Bob
I also noticed a smaller rear middle headrest, like this year's Outbacks and Legacys. I hope they keep the leather seats an option.
I used to refer to the current Forester as being the offspring of an SUV and a California Low-Rider. I don't feel that way about the new model—which is good.
Bob
--'rocco
Good catch on the 2.5 designation. I agree that this may be a sign of more engine variations to come.
Ken
Somehow the clearance does look better, so I am hopeful that they again found a good compromise between handling and clearance. For some reason the tires still do look small on the car - I was hoping for one size up. Still, it may have the 225/60R16 of the Baja. If so, it will also fit a P225/55R17 or perhaps even a P235/55R17.
N o w _ I _ n e e d _ t o _ s e e _ t h e _ s p e c s ! Please, not the same we have seen for years and again for the Baja (as far as the engine is concerned).
- D.
I hope he's not out looking at CRV.s or ???
-mike
-mike
2003 Forester: overall, I like it. Thumbs up. The original was very conservative, so the new one modernizes the look but is still recognizable. I like a lot of the subtle details.
Some impressions:
* I love the new flares, how they flow into the doors and hatch
* nice D-pillar, looks like the Lexus GX470
* look inside the headlights, and I like the various lights
* grille fits with Legacy family look
* I prefer the round fogs, but they are too recessed IMHO
* love the new hatch, my old one looks droopy compared to it
* note how the D-pillar matches the hatch, subtle but it does tie the look together
* have I mentioned how I love the flares? :-)
* the rear flare resembles the Baja's minus the cladding
* roof rack is better incorporated
* suspension got a major lift - 2" or more
* the whole look is "lifted", no longer a tall wagon, now more of an SUV, and a sporty one
Thumbs up. I hope it's roomier and the turbo really does come. I'll be very tempted to wait to get one for my wife.
-juice
Dealer checked out, of course could not duplicate
...did not mention this was a common problem.
rsheldon1 pls let me know outcome.
Anyone else had this problem?
Thanks
Jerry
Now I want to replace that 626 with a 2004 Forester turbo! :-)
-juice
But, overall, a big thumbs up.
Bob
I see the front photo and say "not bad", a little too much resemblence to the Elantra. The rear photo makes it look very avant-garde, with a rear from the Suzuki SX concept and the rear 1/4 from the Lexus GX 470.
But when you look at the rear hatch and the D-pillar together, it comes together nicely, if subtlely.
It's got to have power, please! When the 1998 Forester came out, my alternatives were the RAV4 and CR-V, each with less than 130hp. The Forester has 165! Wow, I said.
But now the CR-V is at 160, Hyundai has more, and Ford has more (I'm only considering car-based competitors). So 165hp is closer to the entry-level than it is to leading the class. Add the extra weight it'll surely gain, and it's no longer the leader like it was before.
So I hope the 2.5l gets at least 170hp, and next year's turbo breaks the magical 200 mark, to lead the (car-based) sport/cutes once again.
If so, it's very likely my wife will park a 2004 next to my 1998.
-juice
-mike
Ken
Part of this is an illusion created by the upswept lower window line. Notice how it sweeps up and makes the rear windows smaller.
OK, so give us a 175hp AVCS engine with EPA ratings of 23/28 for the auto and 22/29 for the manual. :-)
-juice
-mike
The new 'flowing' blisters are nice; front and back.
Anyone notice that there is a new "AWD" badge on the C pillar. No more having to worry about getting a new decal when you tint your windows!
Ken
The new ones blister inward, then have flares that bulge out below those. I like both, but I prefer the front of the new one, which flows all the way back into the door. Nice.
-juice
Nice to see that the gas tank lid has a remote lock/unlock device.
Bob: I just looked on the Balt. Conv. Cnt web site and they list the opening time as 10 a.m. for Thursday. I just may get there around 11 a.m.
Michael
-juice
Give me a call, or e-mail me.
Bob
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020206/phw002_1.html
Bob
On models equipped with the five- speed manual transmission, the Subaru Hill Holder clutch helps make starting off on an incline easier and safer
Ken
Ken
Jim
Bob
Bob
We need specs and interior photos!
Bob
Sounds like the Forester is getting larger brake rotors too. I betcha they're the OB/WRX rotors now that 16" wheels are standard.
Ken
Bob
Bob
Bob