EDMUNDS.COM 2005 SUBARU FORESTER
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Practical, well built and enjoyable to drive, the Forester offers an excellent balance of upscale features and all-weather drivability.
Pros
Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.
Cons
Price can be higher than some of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.
What''s New for 2005
The base engine is enhanced this year with electronic throttle control, and a new four-speed automatic transmission is available. An air filtration system is now standard on all Foresters. Also new this year is the 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, which includes a myriad of interior and exterior trim enhancements, rugged cargo area trim and a self-leveling rear suspension.
Overview
Introduction:
With so-called "crossover" sport-utility vehicles all the rage, nearly every manufacturer in America is scrambling to churn out its version of the ultimate sedan/sport-ute/station wagon combo. Too bad Subaru already beat them to the punch -- seven years ago. That''s when the original Forester debuted. With a tall roomy cabin, elevated driving position and full-time all-wheel drive, the Forester was a crossover utility vehicle before there was such a thing. Fully redesigned for 2003, the second-generation Forester brought back all the things that made it popular the first time around, while adding new features and a fresh look in hopes of keeping all those newcomers on the scene at bay. The previous generation''s 165-horsepower boxer four-cylinder engine carried over as well -- although power was adequate, the Forester could feel sluggish at times, particularly when equipped with an automatic transmission. Last year, Subaru added a little more excitement to the lineup with the introduction of a 210-hp, turbocharged XT model. This year, the base engine picks up electronic throttle control and this, along with a new automatic transmission, should make it feel more responsive. Subaru engineers have optimized passenger room and comfort in the Forester. The Forester blends positive SUV attributes such as a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency. Subaru designed and equipped it to compete with a wide array of SUVs. Our only real complaint about the cabin is the limited legroom in the backseat, which isn''t ideal for adults, or children riding in bulky safety seats. Even if it doesn''t have the roomiest rear quarters, the Forester''s interior is one of the safest among small SUVs. It''s the only vehicle in its class to have earned "Good" ratings in both the frontal offset and side-impact crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also earned a perfect five stars across the board in front- and side-impact testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There''s much to like about the Forester. As an alternative to your average mini SUV, it handles better, is easier to maneuver and boasts better safety ratings. For those who brave snowy winters, it has full-time all-wheel drive with plenty of ground clearance. If these are the things that are important to you, don''t miss checking out the second generation of Subaru''s versatile Forester.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Forester is available in four trim levels: 2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition and 2.5 XT. The X comes with power windows, locks and mirrors; air conditioning with air filtration; cruise control; tilt steering; 16-inch wheels and tires; 100-watt AM/FM/weather band CD audio; and remote keyless entry. XS models have automatic climate control, alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver seat, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and upgraded interior upholstery and carpet. The XS L.L. Bean Edition is your ticket to leather upholstery, as well as unique wheels and exterior trim and a self-leveling rear suspension; an automatic transmission is standard on this model. The XT offers all the regular XS equipment along with a 210-hp turbocharged engine, functional hood scoop and body-color side cladding. An optional premium package adds leather upholstery and a moonroof to the XT.
Powertrains and Performance:
Standard on X and XS models is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that makes 165 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. If you need extra power, opt for the XT model, which has a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine good for 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Both engines give you the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Like all Subarus, the Forester comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive. Manual transmission-equipped vehicles have a Hill Holder clutch feature that keeps the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines.
Safety:
ABS is standard on all Foresters; additionally, all models except the base X have four-wheel disc brakes. Active head restraints and side-impact airbags round out the Forester''s safety features. The IIHS gave the Forester a "Good" rating (its best) for frontal offset and side-impact crashes, and named it a "Best Pick" in the compact SUV class. The Subaru also earned a perfect five stars in all front- and side-impact testing conducted by the NHTSA. If safety is of utmost importance in your selection of a small SUV, this is the one to get.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Forester earns praise for the high-quality look and feel of its interior. Even the base X model is well equipped and user-friendly, and leather-equipped models feel downright luxurious. The front seats are supportive with adequate room for most adults, but the rear quarters are a little tight for adults, and kids riding in bulky safety seats. Rear cargo room with the seats folded measures 64.1 cubic feet, a bit shy of the major players in this class.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The base 2.5-liter engine provides adequate performance, but for those seeking maximum acceleration, we recommend the thrilling turbocharged XT paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission. In terms of handling, the Forester is stable and predictable even when pushed to its limits. The steering is a bit vague at speed, and the soft suspension tuning results in some body roll, but for day-to-day driving, the Forester is comfortable and controllable enough to suit most drivers.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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