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2009 Subaru Forester

191012141575

Comments

  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    Yeah, I bought my Camry Hybrid from the same store as their Gaithersburg Subie store...at the time I got my TCH, it was still a new and very hot model. Every other dealer was at or over MSRP on it and had waiting lists. Fitz had done a dealer transfer on another vehicle and gotten back a TCH exactly how I wanted it, and sold it to me that day for $1000 under MSRP (I also got a $2600 tax credit). They had 3 other couples behind us ready to buy it if we hadn't--they could have sold it for MSRP, I'm sure, but they didn't. AND they beat CarMax on my trade. To top it off, they rushed all the paperwork on it, got me a title in record time, waived their own check clearing requirements just to make sure I had it registered in time to get the particular clean fuel plate I wanted in VA, because the rules were changing on a certain date. Brought the paperwork to VA for me, and then called a week later to make sure it worked. GREAT people.

    Also bought my dad a car there.
  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    Earth to Subaru...

    There aren't that many 2008 Forester's left, and there are increasing numbers of 2009's hitting lots. Dealers are now test driving them and trying to sell them. You can go ahead and put up the 09 Forester website ANY time now.

    Also, no dealer around me has any brochures yet. That'd probably be helpful too!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Coincidentally I just got an e-mail from a Fitz salesman friend that he has the 2009 brochures.

    About time.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    To the Turbo folks here:

    What sorts of sounds can I expect the Turbo engine to make during acceleration and deacceleration?

    I have heard some slight "moans" from the XT after it does a gentle acceleration and its speed stabilizes. I assume that is some sort of waste gate or other airflow management?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I am used to turning on the heat as soon as temp needle moves off the line

    Yup me too and I agree that deleting the temp gauge was a mistake. As to Mike's point about the idiot light, you still had that in addition to the temp gauge.

    -Frank
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    ??? I never noticed any unusual sound like that on my 2.5L WRX.

    Bob
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I actually couldn't disagree more. Climate control is a must have for me. Just another example of different strokes for different folks.

    Different strokes for sure. I hate auto CC and always use the manual override option.

    -Frank
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    on driver side, there is absolutely nothing preventing feet from kicking into wiring, sharp metal, or other stuff under the dash.

    Is there supposed to be a plasic cover or shield in that area? I see screw and clamp holes for fastening one in place.


    Previous gen Forester's are the same way but you'd really have to work at it to get your foot up under there to kick something.

    In a similar vein, my wife has accidently popped the hood release with her foot several times when getting out of our other car :(

    -Frank
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    '09 Forester temp light glows blue when engine is cold and red if engine is too hot / overheating.

    right now my AC's on auto and does nothing until the "cold" indication goes out. The manual says this is normal.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Makes sense. The HVAC system uses the radiator coolant to warm the interior. Until the engine is warm, it would be pointless.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    is that In all the Forester models I looked at, I've noted no change in interior trim, instrument display, control layout, etc.
    What does change are available features (auto AC, leather / power seats / additional speakers and/or sound controls), and capabilities (more power, better sound, better interior climate control, more positions to seats).

    This is different from many other manufacturers (most apparently, Detroit folks) who stick fancier trim or interior decoration onto models "higher up" in the chain. The Chevy Malibu is an example: you get more chrome and decoration as you move up the model chain

    Does this smack of an Engineering approach to design? The fancy trim does nothing to improve the vehicle's capabilities.
  • tkaytkay Member Posts: 99
    Can you explain more where this light is, I have not noticed it yet. However this could be a first for this forum for the 09.Driving 50mph when a freakin Turkey Vulture flew right into my windshield (thats a big bird) It happened so fast I didn't have time to react. think it hit the bottom of the windshield after scraping his talons on the hood. But to my surprise the winshield held up,but did scrape the hood. Will need to be primed and re painted ($300.00) went back to look for the bird after driving @1/2 mile but nowhere around.
  • tntmythtntmyth Member Posts: 70
    Thanks for the valuable insight. Sounds like the general consensus is that the '09 Forester is a leap forward. The dealer sales reps think the 2009 is better. Everything I have read says that the 2009 is better. And the Subaru Crew says 2009 is better. That's pretty much unanimous in favor of the 2009. The only nod to the 2008 I am reading is that perhaps it is more unique among the small SUVs. But from what I gather, the 2009 still has all of the best Subaru genes, AWD, same boxer engine, but just bigger, quieter and better looking. I will test drive both the 2.5X and the XT, to see if I simply must have the extra speed. I wonder if they will have any first year kinks to work out?? The Japanese manufacturers are pretty good at getting it right the first time.

    I don't have any Subaru bucks you have discussed here. I definitely need one of those credit cards. I will most likely wait a few months before getting the '09. Hopefully Subaru will come up with some incentives after the '08's are cleared out. My 2001 Trooper is still rock solid with only 59,000 miles. I really will hate to let it go when the time comes. :cry: It does not have 4WD but I don't need it here in Florida anyway. I have never taken it off road except for a dirt parking lot where it performed admirably. :shades: Unfortunately, I checked insurance rates. It would cost an extra $950/yr to keep the Trooper on the policy.

    Paisan, you used to be on the Trooper forum, no?
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    On the '09 the temp light is a small thermometer, located just to the lower right of the Tachometer's center pointer hub.

    Ouch wrt the Buzzard - best wishes that the shop gets your ride fixed up right!

    Hopefully the deer in our neighborhoods don't decide to jump out when I go by at night! :surprise:
  • tkaytkay Member Posts: 99
    Yep, I noticed it just now (it looks like a blue candle) after a few minutes it went out. Hallelujah!!!!! Thanks for the info..... have to be careful at dusk and dawn because we have plenty of deer also..
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    Erach! Would that just figure?! Hahaha, I was certain that a moose was going to jump in front of me when I bought my '07 Outback last year and drove it home from Anchorage. Happily, I made it home with no problems aside from the car's lack of a block heater and the temperature in Fairbanks at -40 that night. :mad:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • tntmythtntmyth Member Posts: 70
    I learned last year that Saab's are moose tested. Moose collisions are frequent in Sweden. Photos of moose test in this link.

    http://www.sover.net/~cbrandon/cbrandon/moose.html
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    TNTMyth, I loved my trooper! :) Cool to see other trooper owners still out there. A Forester while not a Trooper will provide a similarly reliable life as the trooper should have for you!

    -mike

    PS: Wanna sell your trooper?
  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    So I've been cross shopping the CR-V and new Forester a little bit.

    Its obvious to me that Subaru used the CR-V as its price point and packaging competition.

    The Forester 2.5X Premium compares to the CR-V EX AWD, and the LL Bean compares to the EX-L. Price wise, they are literally within a few hundred of each other. The CRV EX AWD is going for invoice, give or take a few hundred $23,000...which is exactly the same as the Forester 2.5x Premium. Now at that price point, I think the CR-V wins in terms of feature content--the CR-V comes with a much better radio and a few other little bells and whistles.

    And the higher end, the CRV EX-L AWD goes for right around $25. We'll see what the LL Bean Subie goes for. The EX-L CRV comes with a 270 watt stereo system, so it beats for the Forester in that department. The auto climate system is a bit more sophisticated, with digital readouts also...I think its fair to say the interior is a bit classier.

    So my conclusion is that in order to stay competitive, Subaru will have to sell these for a little less than Honda's pricepoint...which should mean discounts on the Foresters.
  • h2k2f2h2k2f2 Member Posts: 44
    It's not so clear to me that the CR-V wins in terms of feature content. Features that an LL Bean has that a CR-V EX-L lacks include:
    -hood struts
    -mute button on the steering wheel controls
    -manual and sport modes on the automatic
    -rear fold out tray and cup holders
    -front and rear wiper de-icers
    -more horsepower and torque
    -weighs 180 lbs less
    -true AWD
    -greater ground clearance
    -better rear visibility
    -greater cargo accessibility
    -more passenger room
    -Radio Data System
    -four setting heated seats

    Instead, I would say that the '09 Forester is a serious threat to the CR-V and Honda should be nervous.
  • tntmythtntmyth Member Posts: 70
    I may sell the Trooper when I get the Forester. It depends how much driving I have to do with the new job. Our other car is a Mazda 626 my wife needs to drive to work. Only downside of the Trooper is the gas mileage. Its very reliable. Bulletproof. I think it would last for 20 years as I change the oil at Jiffy Lube every 3000-4000 miles. I bought the 7 year 100,000 mile warranty when I bought it new. Only repair has been a leaking tranny gasket. They repaired it under warranty. I even still have the original brake pads. Recently changed the serpentine belt. Only 2WD though. Funny thing. My friend went out and bought a brand new Jeep Cherokee the day after I bought the Trooper since he couldn't stand me getting a new truck and him not. He has has lots of problems. engine rebuilt, new radiator, window motor, air conditioning problems. It has been interesting to watch the difference between his Cherokee and my Trooper for reliability. The other day he mentioned that the Trooper has been good to me.

    If you are looking for a Trooper, I just noticed two nice 4WD models on ebay. One with low miles.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Isuzu-Trooper-S-4WD-SUV-2001-TROOPER-4X4-3-5-1-OW- NER-CLEAN-BUY-ITNOW-NO-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6269QQihZ008QQitemZ180- 226113488QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Isuzu-Trooper-LIMITED-4X4-2000-EVERY-OPTION-MADE-- SUPER-NICE-99-NO-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6269QQihZ016QQitemZ260223047- 761QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

    I remember you were a regular on the Trooper forum. I think you mentioned you used to drive your Trooper up to 100mph? lol That was you, no? I have been up to 95mph, but only once when I wasn't paying attention on a long trip. I changed out the original Bridgestones for Costco Michelins which are much better for road driving.
  • tntmythtntmyth Member Posts: 70
    I have been shopping the CR-V vs Forester vs RAV4 as well. IMHO, the CR-V may have a slight edge on interior quality for fit and finish. But the Forester has more comfortable seats and interior quality is still very close to the CR-V. Regarding features, it's really subjective. For example I prefer the center console that the Forester has over the fold out tray on the CR-V. And I would rather have the fold down rear seats of the Forester over the tumble forward rear seat design on the CR-V. Alows for loading longer stuff. Better rear visibility on the Forester. Engine and AWD are better in the Subaru. One important feature decision for me is...If I were out in a snow storm, I'd rather be in the Forester. Both are obviously reliable vehicles. Depends what you need the vehicle for and the weather where you live. Enjoy taking the time to compare all the details and really decide which is best for you.
  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    For my mom, I'd probably still lean toward the Forester solely because of visiblity. There are, of course, some features in the CR-V that aren't in the Forester--two can play that game, but I'm not going to do that right now.

    But let's get real. Honda doesn't "need to be nervous." The Honda CR-V is the best selling SUV in America. It outsells some entire brands, like Mercury. Subaru is still a niche player--not taking anything away from the Forester, but its not even going to put a dent in CR-V sales. Nor should it be trying to.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    "Also, though '09 Foresters seem very capible at Catalina Island, there are absolutely no skid pans or any protection under the car."

    First, CONGRATS, Kurt! You've really put a lot of time & energy into this research, and you've ended up with a fine ride. :shades:

    Second, it's only a matter of time before aftermarket skidplates are available for the '09. You're lucky to be near a manufacturer... check out Primitive Racing, just around the corner in Tigard, OR. These guys make tons of equipment for all Subaru models. I've been tempted to get skidplates from them for my Outback. Drop 'em an e-mail or give 'em a call, maybe you can be their first '09. A full set should run somewhere around $300, I'd guess. Here's their website:
    http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/

    Post a photo of your new XT Ltd when you get a chance.
  • bikerguy3bikerguy3 Member Posts: 43
    For those of you contemplating a Forester purchase (& doing comparisons with CRV's etc), my advice is GO FOR IT! I Love mine!

    I bought my 09 Forester from Wentworth in Portland on Feb 28th (one of the first off the boat, I think!). I have the 2.5X model w/ Premium package. Topaz Gold color w/ black cloth interior. I've put about 1,000 miles on it (trips to coast and Mt Hood). The fit/finish quality is great (especially for new model). I love the manual xmission, big sunroof, privacy glass, ipod i/f, audio system (w/ steering wheel controls), fuel economy (28 mpg), instrmnt lighting, reclining rear seats, front seat adjstmnt/comfort, and many safety features. Plus there's a LOT of little features you don't realize initially (12V outlets, console cubbies, cargo hooks, accent lighting, trip computer, etc). The big things like AWD w/ VDC, visibility, handling, ingress/egress, etc are all well designed (though the variable assist steering is a bit light for my taste and took some getting used to).

    I would definitely recommend the Premium package versus a stripped down base model - you get a lot for the extra $. [I wanted manual xmission so XT & LL Bean models weren't a viable option for me].

    My only complaint so far is that the HVAC blower fan seems a lot noisier than it needs to be...(ducts & outlets are too small/restrictive for fan cfm?)

    This is my first Subaru, and so far I am impressed. I'm even starting to understand why it is that Subaru owners become such zealots about their rides!
  • tkaytkay Member Posts: 99
    Try shutting rear gate on the CR-V, then shut the gate on the Forester.. You will feel the difference.. Also I have shut rear gate sometimes 3 to 4 time to shut tight...07 CRV..all you need to due to solve your dilemma is get them both!!!
  • h2k2f2h2k2f2 Member Posts: 44
    Which rear gate has which quality? It's not clear which vehicle you think is superior in which way.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    wrt the two turbo models I tried, the one with base A/C seemed to move less air and make more noise than the Automatic system in the XT Limited.

    Wrt CRV .vs. Forester, yes the CRV has a nicer interior and more footroom for the driver. It also costs a little less. Rear Gate quality seemed similar on both - the Forester latches easilly though its closing sound is a little tinny. The rear opening in the Forester is larger than the CRT's.
    In terms of responsiveness and handling, the XT Limited I tried ran circles around the CRV.
    Also, if off-road capabilities are important, remember that the CRV got stuck on Catalina Island, while the Forester did not.

    As for fuel economy, it's very early to tell but for me it seems to be around 21 mpg or so for mostly city driving, and includes several full throttle passing manuevers (I had to learn how the turbo actually responds :D ). The vehicle has 120 miles on it and needs 1000 or so to break in.

    Jeffmc, thanks for parts info. As I live very close to Tigard I'll try to visit the people you mentioned when time allows.
  • h2k2f2h2k2f2 Member Posts: 44
    However, if something has been the case in the past, this is never a guarantee that it will continue to be the case in the future. I suspect that the Forester will do far more than "put a dent" in CR-V sales.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    One other point: Subaru USA just told me that other than VDC, there is no side-side torque distribution on the '09 Forester. There's no limited slip Diff this time around ('08 Impreza doesn't have limited slip diffs either, as I remember).

    That would explain what I saw in the Subaru test ground videos, when the Forester would frequently stop, spin its free wheels and then move forward.

    Well, so long as the VDC does the job of managing traction in a seamless manner, that will be good enough. It may be possible to add Limited Slip Diffs at a later date, if they are really needed. Limited slip diffs do have drawbacks; frequent clunking sounds, some loss of power.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    The '09 Forester manual I have is apparently dead wrong about the Auto dimming mirror. The illustration they have, and instructions they offer, don't match what Subaru USA is actually installing in these vehicles. As a result, I can't calibrate the compass.

    Anyone who has the Homelink based Auto-dimming Rear View Mirror:

    What is the correct procedure to calibrate its compass ? :confuse:
  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    Just in terms of production capacity, the Forester is not going to be knocking the CR-V off its throne.

    There is plenty of room in the market for both vehicles. Its a given that the CR-V will do very well, but we don't yet know about the Forester. Certainly, Subaru hasn't done any marketing on the new one yet.

    I think there are pros and cons to both, but my basic point is that I don't think there's any way the Forester will end up selling at a higher price point than the CR-V (except of course in XT trim). The CRV is selling at $23k for an EX and $25 for an EXL, so I would expect the Forester X Premium to be under 23 and the LL Bean to be under 25.

    Of course, whenever there is a new vehicle, there's always a rash of people who can't wait for it and go out and overpay for it, but once inventories get up a little bit and that initial demand is satisified, we'll have to see what Subaru does. A dealer I've spoken with said that he's pretty certain there will be incentives on it pretty quickly. He also said that they are worried about the decontenting on the X Premium...their strategy is going to be to try to get existing Forester owners to trade into a new one, but in order for many to keep the same level of features, they'd have to get into an LL Bean, and he thinks that will be a tough sell in this economy.

    That's exactly what I thought when I saw the content in the Premium package.
  • tkaytkay Member Posts: 99
    On my wifes 07 CR-V the rear gate seems a lot lighter compared to the 09 Bean. It just feels more solid???In buying my 09 I negotiated a 3 year free maintenance plan. The way the economy is I think it's worth a try if you are thinking about buying a Forester.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I am used to turning on the heat as soon as temp needle moves off the line

    Yup me too and I agree that deleting the temp gauge was a mistake. As to Mike's point about the idiot light, you still had that in addition to the temp gauge.

    -Frank


    So now when the "blue" cold light goes off, you can put your heat on. Also if you have auto-climate control, it doesn't start to blow the air until the car is heated up.

    I don't remember seeing a temp idiot light but I'll check when I start my LGT today.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    To calibrate the compass just drive in a few concentric circles in an empty parking lot.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    One other point: Subaru USA just told me that other than VDC, there is no side-side torque distribution on the '09 Forester. There's no limited slip Diff this time around ('08 Impreza doesn't have limited slip diffs either, as I remember).

    That would explain what I saw in the Subaru test ground videos, when the Forester would frequently stop, spin its free wheels and then move forward.

    Well, so long as the VDC does the job of managing traction in a seamless manner, that will be good enough. It may be possible to add Limited Slip Diffs at a later date, if they are really needed. Limited slip diffs do have drawbacks; frequent clunking sounds, some loss of power.


    Well the VDC acts like an LSD by braking a slipping wheel and thereby sending the power to the other side of the axle. The LSDs in the subies (except the Spec B rear and the STi) are viscous fluid LSDs and will not lockup/transfer power as well as a truely mechanical LSD anyway.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I remember you were a regular on the Trooper forum. I think you mentioned you used to drive your Trooper up to 100mph? lol That was you, no? I have been up to 95mph, but only once when I wasn't paying attention on a long trip. I changed out the original Bridgestones for Costco Michelins which are much better for road driving.

    Yup had it up to about 115ish on a regular basis :)

    My dad has my 2000 Trooper now and has about 150k miles on it, so far so good with it!

    -mike
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    115 in your Trooper? Ever hear of wind resistance? :surprise: That must've been like being a salmon swimming upstream to spawn!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I've hit nearly 120 in my Armada :) Hee Hee, it isn't speed limited, but that's where the drag just got to be too much. With my 4-hella 4000 lights mounted up front now I can't get much about 110 with the armada.

    -mike
  • johnsorajohnsora Member Posts: 2
    I got the X Prem + AutoDim Homelink Mirror, rear bumper cover, splash guards, cargo cover, and cargo tray for $23,419. That is invoice and not a penny more!! I also got a killer value on my 11 year old Legacy Wagon with 175k on it. Took 2 days of negotiations, but deals can be found if you find a hungry dealer. I think it helped being a very slow Easter weekend for them. ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Let's face it, the CR-V is the benchmark. People will compare these left and right. And Honda will be fine. New competitors come in yet Honda keeps increasing sales, because the segment keeps growing.

    I think the Forester may win a few hearts on the test drive, if people get the chance to push it. It's harder to win the battle on paper.

    For me, what stands apart the most? One word: glass. Lots more of it. The moonroof is 3 times as big, and the windows are bigger. Visibility is better all around.

    bikerguy3 and johnsora: congrats.

    tkay: I think you noticed the same thing I did - the Forester's hatch has an electric latch, so it closes perfectly every time, no rattling.

    Subaru actually took some stuff out to match the content of the Honda. I don't think the EX had heated seats, did it? Now the X Premium doesn't, either. Same with fog lights. Cargo cover. Cargo liner. Mud flaps.

    Subaru took a page from Honda's book. I believe these are now add-on accessories, as they have been on Hondas for quite some time.
  • mfletou1mfletou1 Member Posts: 508
    No, they weren't in the CR-V, but they never were at that trim line, so nothing was taken out of the car.

    That's the problem for Subaru. And now the Forester Premium is woefully short of the Honda in the audio department--the EX does have a 6 disc, 160 watt system--double the wattage of the Subaru's and obviously 6 times as many discs.

    I agree about the visibilty. I really like the basic design of the Forester and I think visibility is better than the Honda. Its still a niche vehicle, but for people like my mom I think its perfect, and it is a very well executed evolutionary design.
  • h2k2f2h2k2f2 Member Posts: 44
    I'm glad that your mom likes the Forester. Still, I'm curious. What is your definition of a niche vehicle?
  • tkaytkay Member Posts: 99
    Wondered why it closed so tight everytime.Now I know.. Thanks AX... AS far as comparing CR V & Forester you would be wise to take in consideration the dealership service (customer servive)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    6CD changer is nice, but aren't most people using an Aux input nowadays?

    Does the single CD player read MP3s recorded on CD, at least?

    My van plays those. You can fit almost 200 songs on one disc. Times 6 is 1200 songs. More than I own. :D

    Having said that, audio has been a weakness for Subaru, supposedly the 2009 Outback is getting big improvements, so Forester may get them eventually.
  • deerlake7deerlake7 Member Posts: 176
    After just replacing my main driver, we're in the process of downsizing my wife's '03 Honda Pilot. Two of the many crossovers we've driven include the CR-V and '09 Forester. For us, the CR-V has Honda's typical excellent space utilization and steering. On the down side, it seems to also have what's becoming Honda's trademark, we found it VERY loud. Although I can't find the right word, the CR-V felt like I was driving an old car with a lot of miles on it. I found the same thing with the '08 Accord. This is after two Accords and a Pilot since 2000. On the other hand, we found the Forester reasonably quiet and good riding, excellent visibility, along with being fun to drive, even with the non-turbo version. Our dealer only had a LLBean version and since we're not leather people, we want to check out a cloth seated model. For us, the Forester is currently our number 1 choice, followed by the Rogue. I'll keep spending too much time at the gas station with my old Pilot before we purchase a CR-V. As a side note and it may be because of a single individual, I'm finding Subaru corporate to be exceptionally customer focused and I'm looking for a reason to buy a Subaru. More later.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, I found the Honda Odyssey had a bit more road noise than I prefer, also. It did handle slightly better than the Sienna I ended up with (mostly better steering feel), but the Sienna was more comfy and a lot quieter.

    Honda could add sound insulation to the CR-V, I supposed, but it already weighs more than the Forester does.

    Let us know what you end up with.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I had a CR-V as a rental on a recent trip. In retrospect, I should have taken some time to go over it closely in order to better compare it to the Forester. Overall, it seemed pleasant enough to drive and I did find it quieter than my 04 Forester. The handling wasn't as sporty though and I still haven't learned to like the shape of the new CR-V, I strongly prefer the previous generation. The back end of the current one just looks too huge and the half-moon windows do nothing for me. I think that's a technique that several manufacturers use to try and convey a more sedan like shape to their CUVs. That doesn't work for me as I like a more squared off profile which denotes more functionality and cargo room. Oh also didn't care for the CR-V's LED fuel gauge or instant mpg readout. I prefer the mpg display on my other car as it better depicts the actual mpg avg vs the CR-Vs constantly changing instantaneous readout (I don't really need to be told that the mpg goes way down when I floor it and way up when I'm coasting) :P

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Really, as a rental?

    I've seen a lot of companies using Escapes (the really cheap 4 banger ones) and XL7s even, but never a CR-V.

    Where was this? In AZ?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I know I was surprised to. Oddly enough it was in a podunk little airport in Alabama. I rented with Hertz and they had several other CR-Vs on a very small lot. The one they gave me only had 800 miles on it.

    My parents got a base model Forester for an airport (Phoenix) rental when they came to visit last fall.

    -Frank
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