By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
I'm not sure if you get the show "Seinfeld" in syndication in Canada, but you should check out the episode where the character Kramer took a Saab salesperson on a test drive and tried to eek out every drop of gas from the tank. It was very funny.
The H-6 that I drove to Maine did great. Since I'm still grounded and couldn't ski, my entertainment for the week consisted of putting the car through its paces. With 18 inches of fresh snow on top of a couple of feet of old snow I could not get it stuck. I had no problems whatsoever. I was getting some strange looks when I was taking it off road. The funny thing was BMW was a "sponsor" of the resort I was staying at. Had some good conversations with some potential customers and I think they may add a Sube to their list of cars to check out.
I got an impressive 28 MPG's on the car. Funny thing was, we had to make frequent fuel stops because we had mostly trucks in our little caravan. I kept getting asked when I was going to add fuel. On the way home, we went through a driving snow storm in NH and MA. It was almost blinding. I get separated from the group but made it home 1/2 hour faster because of less fuel stops (+ I ended up taking the long way).
Anyway, keep in touch Ash. We have enjoyed reading your post and I'm sorry I could not get more directly involved in issues for Canada.
Patti
Wouldn't it be funny to see a Bimmer having trouble getting through, and then a Soob pulling right up?
-juice
Good luck in the UK! I hope you continue to stay in touch through these forums.
Drive a couple of turbos while you're over there and let us know your feedback!
Ken
re: firestones - I hit over 100 mph in them a couple of times so I guess they are okay... guess my speeding tendencies make my safety concerns pretty silly
oh ... there is another dennis who works for Subaru of Canada
juice: mileage: no females, no stops
Try driving with a baby. 2 hours max, then diaper duty.
-juice
Hey, maybe you can check into Edmunds.com UK boards and keep in touch!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
When:
Tues, March 13th (Tonight) at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern
Click on the link below to read more about/to enter the chat:
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/chiricochat031301.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Thanks,
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
A big round of applause for Pat, who has finally started using punctuation, see post 1592. Still needs a little work, though. :')))
Patti- Welcome back, check yer email, glad you are in one piece.
Drew- can't make it, but bitchin' Mustang SVO in that graphic. Quite rare now, you know.
Stopped at Valley Motors today AS THEY WERE UNLOADING THE TRUCK! Drool.....every one of 'em sold. No test drives.
They also had a number of other models on the lot, and noticed that all their RS models did NOT have fog lamps! Looks like the RS has been de-contented quite a bit from last year: no sunroof, foglamps now optional, spoiler now optional.
Bob
I need some more on another issue and I hope you can help - we are getting some attention (and I'm appreciative).
Please send me info. (other than your post under New Models - or re-emphasize) on what you would like to see changed/improved on the next Forester. Seats? Power? Ride? Interior design?
Please send it to me direct at pmickel@Subaru.com. The folks in product planning are very interested in your comments and I have some attentive ears. The more I get, the more I can send!!
Thanks for your help!
Patti
Thanks!
Patti
I'll start the ball rolling...As a big safety freak, I wouldn't mind seeing head protection curtains, as well as the VDC system offered at least as options on the next Forester. My primary issue with the Forester is the modest rear legroom (especially compared to the newer, larger smaller SUVs out there right now, ex. Tribute/Escape), so an improvement in that area would be greatly appreciated. I wouldn't mind seeing headlamp washers and HID Xenon headlamps either, to further seperate the Forester from the crowd.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Thanks,
Patti (again)!
What type feedback is troubling you? What are they saying? (generalizations fine, no specific instances needed.)
-Colin
cheers Pat.
2. More room in the rear seat area (but don't let cargo room suffer)
3. Reclining rear seats
4. More adjustments for drivers and passenger front seats, for example, 8-way power seat. At least give an option of raising the whole seat up, to help us short folks to see the road better (safety!)
5. Gear selector indicator on the dash (like in good old Loyale)
6. Voltmeter and oil pressure gauges, maybe some more gauges (see Loyale reference)
7. Adjustable gas and break pedals (again, for us shorties)
8. Gas lid lockable/openable from inside (how come it was available in el cheapo Loayle in the last century but not in the Forester?)
9. Firm robust brakes
10. Factory-tinted windows like in most SUVs.
2) Rear seat legroom is ridiculous if you ask me.
3) Rear privacy Tint like all other SUVs have.
4) H6 engine
-mike
-- At least offer the limited-slip differential as an option for the L model (better yet, just make it standard equip.)
-- Should at least try offering low-range as a U.S. option.
-- A power lock button on the rear hatch (so I can lock all the doors just before I close the rear hatch without having to spring for remote keyless entry system).
-- H6 an option in the S model.
-- Weather band radio integrated into the stereo (ideally standard, but could see it as a premium sound system option).
-- I'll second the vote for a gear selector indicator on the dash (as well as oil pressure and voltmeter).
But, having said all that, I'd also really like to see Subaru work to keep the pricing reasonable. I suspect a shakeout might be coming soon in the SUV/wagon market -- there are just too many of them being offered by various manufacturers now -- and I think Subaru's best bet is to take a more-value-for-the-dollar approach.
o Gear Selector indicator on the dash (like my '88 XT6 has)
o Volt and Oil Pressure Guages (like my '88 XT6 has)
o Power Mode indicator light for the 4EAT (like my '88 XT6 has) {this is the adaptive shift points that the ATs use, on the current models they adapt the shift points but there is no visible indication that it has in fact moved the shift points. On the SVX and the XT6 there was a "power" light that lights up when the tranny actually uses those higher shift points)
-mike
Thanks again!
Patti
I too am glad your are involved in our discussions. My hope is that Subaru makes improvements to the Forester without losing its fun-to-drive nature, or greatly increasing its size, price and weight. I love my '99 S automatic, but of course have ideas for improvements:
CHANGE/ADD:
- Front seats: Longer cushion for thigh support, allow to move further back. I have just enough leg room at 5'-11" / 32 inseam. Longer-legged folks are cramped.
- Rear seat: more legroom, more support (higher cushion with better tilt. Maybe the bottom cushion could drop down when the seat is folded down.)
- Molded-in cupholders in console; better than current flimsy holders above radio and heater controls.
- Volt & oil pressure guages (nice but not essential).
- Dashboard PRND321 display.
- Move Cruise, Foglight & other switches up into better view/reach.
- Chrome inside door handles. Good looking & easier to see at night.
- Change console design to get rid of joints running along top/sides that collect dirt and are hard to clean.
- Remote fuel filler door and tailgate releases.
- Intermittent rear wiper.
- Make heated mirrors standard on all models as they do in Canada. Or at least available in some sort of winter package. They are a terrific safety / peace-of-mind feature in cold, icy or snowy climates.
- Better fog lights, which could become an option. The current ones do little but light up the pavement in front of the car.
- Smaller turning circle.
- Improve manual transmission shifter "feel" and precision. It's OK but not wonderful.
KEEP:
- Nimble handling. ALL-IMPORTANT
- Responsive automatic transmission
- Keep weight from increasing significantly. Allows 2.5 H-4 to please as a base engine.
- Robust exterior door handles
- Roof rack rails with open "eyes" at ends; great for tying loads to roof rack.
- Bring back reclining rear seats.
- Ample head room.
- Full size spare tire.
- Clear windows all around as base package; tinted sides and rears as option.
OPTIONS:
- The H-6, preferably with a 5- (or 6-) speed available.
- Towing package for 4,000 lbs +/-. Might mean different suspension than mainline models - OK for those who really plan to tow.
- "Utility Group": Dual range manual trans, higher ground clearance (like Australian models), non-painted side cladding that won't scratch up, skid plates, tow hooks, slightly larger tires. [The mainline Forester models would remain as more sport than utility, while this package would add more utility for those who need it.]
I'm looking forward to the next generation. Thanks again for your involvement.
John
What would a better towing capacity do? Lure those looking at the Highlander perhaps. Further settle the deal with those looking at those inferior SUVs like the RAV4 and CRV.
-Brian
Thanks so much for soliciting our opinions! Here is my list for the next Forester:
- more rear seat legroom
- option for more HP
- option for more powerful lighting
- KEEP the responsive, car-like handling
- KEEP the size nearly the same
As for the i-Club folks hounding your staffers, I'd take it all with a bit of a chuckle at the moment. First of all they tend to hold, umm, strong opinions. Second, there's a new car in town, and it's not just any car, it's T-H-E C-A-R, the WRX. So you're probably dealing with folks who are pretty pumped up. Keep that in mind as you "lurk" through the posts on i-Club.
Drew, head restraints are adjustable, plus they are on top of the seatback, which means they could very well be at a different height in a wagon relative to a sedan. Also, if the head restraints are too intrusive to rear vision that may be unsafe also. Compromise! :-)
Cheers,
-wdb
1) Light Ring by ignition key to help find it in the dark
2) Light transmission display by the shlfter
I do know that there has been some confusion and concern about the yellow, and to a lesser extent the black too. This thread brings the yellow WRX issue into focus. (I remembered participating in it, and searched for it for you.)
I think it is perfectly fair to say that under normal lighting conditions the Blaze Yellow WRX really does not look much like the first image in this discussion.
However, I have also seen plenty of bozos and can imagine that the excitement of the WRX release has generated both email and phone traffic at a level your customer support reps have not seen before. I can only hope that as the excitement dies down, so do the stupid posts on the iClub and the stupid requests asked of your CSRs.
-Colin
(by the way, the black issue was because it's a really deep bluish black. In very bright sunlight some blue can be seen... perhaps that's why the color is called Midnight Black Pearl? Anyway, I really like the black but some wanted a true black with no hint of blue like the previous Black Diamond Pearl. It didn't cause nearly the stir that Blaze Yellow did, since a pale yellow is original but not what many consumers had in mind.)
Your rep should have asked for a glossy 8"x10" of their money!
For the Forester, I would love to see:
* multilink rear suspension from the Outback, which would address the rear seat room issue and widen the cargo bay to boot
* OR at least a slightly longer wheelbase
* WRX seats. They are fabulous!
* towing package with beefed up brakes, rear springs, and transmission cooler for Class II towing
* dual range tranny (this would quiet all the "it's not an SUV" critics)
* a more powerful engine as an option
A lot of folks also ask for HIDs, but make them a stand-alone option since they are pricey. Also, offer leather on the S Premium, which a LOT of people ask about.
If I had to prioritize and ask for only 3 things, they would be the multilink rear suspension, the powerful engine, and the WRX seats.
Truck owners may not be pleased, but I bet they'd buy trucks anyway. Think of all the great press they would get when it outperformed everything else on pavement, where most owners remain.
I'll also send you an e-mail.
-juice
Better interior lighting. The locks/windows should all be lit, and no glove compartment light is just a shame.
The hill-holder. Yeah, it's kinda silly, but it would just be another Subaru addition that the competition lacks.
Moonroof availability in models other than the S+.
More color choices at the different levels (like black at the lower ones and blue ridge pearl at the premium level).
Some sort of GRAND FORESTER - based on the Legacy format and made taller. Make it a mid-size with the h6, and even a 3rd row of seats if possible (and drop-down ones like the MDX/Odyssey would ROCK).
An available shiftronic tranny, for those of us who prefer a stick but have to deal with stop-n-go traffic. Heck, Hyundai offers it.
These are my suggestions for a new Forester:
Most of the areas suggested by the previous respondents. Also:
> Manu-matic type gear shift or dog-leg (as in Legacy) gate on the auto tranny.
> Ergonomics in the interior: Place all controls either on the steering wheel/column, or in the center console. Move controls from places where they can not be seen (lower left behind steering wheel) and place these in the central console.
> All controls should be lit up. This includes the window, door locking, primary, secondary or tertiary controls.
> GPS Nav system.
> Turbo option to compensate for high altitude driving. To keep the air pressure at 1 bar.
Keep the price reasonable.
Keep the car the winner it currently is.
Daniel
The following is what I emailed Patti for my "Forester Wish List." It's long, and some of what I'm suggesting probably is not possible. However, if you shoot for the stars, maybe we'll at least reach the moon.
• Add auto up/down power windows, with pinch protection, to all windows.
• Add auto open/close feature, with pinch protection, to moonroof.
• Add a light to power mirror switch icons for easier night use.
• Add a light to cruise control switch icons for easier night use.
• Add a light to moonroof switch icons for easier night use.
• Add (green halo) light to ignition switch, for easier night use.
• Add Cruise Control "Engaged" light.
• Move hard to see/find switches (those to the lower left of steering column) to a more readily visible/accessible location. The driver's view of these switches is often blocked by the steering wheel.
• Bring back the hill-holder clutch on vehicles with manual transmissions.
• Offer the 3.0 H-6, or a low-boost turbo 2.5L H-4, with around 220 hp.
• On H-4 models, replace the timing belt with a timing chain.
• Reinforce any necessary components so that there is an unrestricted (no restrictions as to trailer brakes) Class I (2000#) towing capability for normally aspirated H-4 models.
• Reinforce any necessary components so that there is an unrestricted (no restrictions as to trailer brakes) Class II (3500#) towing capability for all H-6 and/or H-4 turbo models.
• Add more intermittent (slower and faster) speeds to front and rear wipers.
• Design a cargo/dog guard that is permanently attached (and hinged) to the roof that will swing up (towards the rear) into the roof for storage, when not needed.
• Design a retractable cargo blind that will retract into the side panel (like that of the outgoing Chevy Blazer), when not needed.
• Design rear seats that move fore and aft, and also have reclining backs like those found in the new RAV4.
• Offer a GPS system as an option.
• Offer a 5-speed automatic transmission, with sport-shift capability.
• Offer tri-range transmissions (high, low, deep-low) on automatics and manuals. High range for normal driving. Low range for towing/hills. Deep low for off-road use. Shift-on-the-fly capability between high & low, but not deep low.
• The moonroof is extremely noisy when open. As it now stands, it is very unpleasant when open for any period of time over 5 minutes. This noise issue should be addressed.
• Wind noise on the highway should be lowered.
• Would like to see a tilt feature moonroofs.
• Increase the wheelbase to around 103," to benefit rear passenger legroom.
• Forester to become more off-road capable, but not at the expense of on-road performance.
• Forester to get a serious off-road package trim level.
• Forester to get better angles of approach and departure.
• Larger 235/60x16 blackwall tires on all Foresters as standard. This size is available on the RAV4 and Grand Vitara.
• 16"x7" silver steel wheels on entry-level model.
• 16"x7" alloy wheels on up-market models.
• Optional 17"x7.5" alloy wheels with 235/65x17 blackwall tires. Note: this tire size is currently being used by the Acura MDX and is optional on the '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee, so it's available.
Bob
Bob: could you be more specific? ;-)
235/65R17s would make for a lot of unsprung weight, IMO.
-juice
Bob
DON'T put those annoying features on the WRX though.
-Colin
-juice
Bob
My trooper doesn't have the tilting roof, and I think it's far superior to the tilting ones, because the glass is actually BIGGER than the opening so that when it is closed, it seals nicely, whereas the others can over time become drafty IMHO. Also when you have a huge whole in the roof the size of California, you are gonna get some wind noise. although in my tooper, the brick wall shape helps to keep the wind noise down by throwing the air well over the roof.
-mike
Bob
-juice
I repeat—most of what I listed here consists of details—not major re engineering.
Bob
Also my point about the brick wall is that I don't hear wind noise on my Trooper either so I'm thinking that due to their non-aerodynamics it helps eliminate the wind noise, whereas the forester is sleeker, and more air flows over the roof portion.
-mike
I think the cruise is perfect.
You'll need about 250 hp to move that package nicely.
Dennis
-juice
• Increased utility. That means (much) better towing, more off-road worthy, and more powertrain choices.
• More rear seat room and comfort.
• Everything else is frosting on the cake.
Bob
-Colin
No, I don't want GM engines. I just want their deep pockets.
Bob
In all seriousness, I'd like to see a big H6 or H8 at some point.
-mike
Cheers Pat.