by Casey Case

Created on: February 13, 2007

Contrary to what automakers want us to believe, not everyone needs an over-rated, super-sized, gas-guzzling SUV to satisfy gaps in our self-esteem or personal image. The proliferation of these beasts have all but eliminated the production of more practical multi-purpose vehicles like station wagons. Fortunately, the folks at Subaru have not overlooked the segment of the motoring public that still prefers an automobile that is easy to maneuver, easy on gas, reliable, and still fits into our garages. If this sounds like something more practical to you, then check out a Subaru Forester.

The Subaru Forester was first introduced in 1998 and has enjoyed great success ever since in terms of crash safety, reliability, resale value, ownership loyalty, and utility. These were the primary reasons I decided to buy one - the first foreign-built car I have ever owned. I have just over 5,000 miles on mine now and I would like to share my general impressions of it with you.

I bought a base model 2007 Forester 2.5X simply because it had all the features I wanted without all the garbage that causes headaches. Because I live in the Denver Metro area, I need a car that can get on the freeway from a standing start, fit into any parking space or garage, plow snow, climb mountains, explore backroads, swim creeks, and haul camping gear. My Forester does all that and more.

Mine is equipped with a 2.5 liter Boxster SOHC engine and a five speed manual transmission. The engine has plenty of power for sprinting onto the freeway or climbing steep grades and is delivering better fuel economy than was touted on the window sticker; my best run yet for a combination city/highway mileage is 34.7 mpg while the worst has been 24.3 mpg (logging roads). The engine is quiet and smooth and the tranny is crisp and tight. Denver has seen the worst snowfall in a hundred years this winter so I have had plenty of experience with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive. I have not had to chain up once yet and I have pushed snow as deep as the front bumper. The ABS brakes work well although I'm still not convinced that they are that much more superior. Furthermore, the all aluminum engine heats up quickly and provides a toasty warm heater within minutes.

On long distance trips the ride is smooth enough considering the suspension is slighted raised and beefed up for off-road use. A distinct advantage of this is being able to pull up to a curb or curbstop without hitting the front bumper or air dam. The seats are

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