2000 Subaru Forester: Overview
Archived Review
2000 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $20,095 -$22,595
- Invoice: $18,324 -$20,506
Features & Specifications
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Pros
- Visibility
- Maneuverability
- Cargo room
Cons
- Instruments/controls
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
A trimmed lineup is the main change to the 2000 Forester, a "hybrid" that blends attributes of passenger cars and sport-utility vehicles. Forester is based on Subaru's Impreza station wagon, but has a taller stance in the mode of a traditional SUV.
The base-trim model is dropped for 2000, leaving L and uplevel S models. Both retain a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine. Manual transmission is standard, automatic optional. Like all Subarus, Forester has standard all-wheel-drive designed to sense wheel slip and send power to the wheels with the most traction. Forester is not intended for serious off-road use, however, and its AWD system lacks low-range gearing.
Antilock brakes are standard on both models, but the S has 4-wheel discs, along with 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the L's 15-inch steel rims. The L gains standard cruise control for 2000, while the S adds a standard limited-slip differential.
COMPETITION
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. The two current Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Though they don't offer true off-road ability, they mix the best ride, cargo, and comfort characteristics with all-weather traction.
Toyota's RAV4 , which used to be a Best Buy, falls to Recommended based on its noisy engine and cramped rear seating area. Toyota hopes that will change when an all-new RAV arrives in 2001.
As immovable as Mt. Rushmore, the Jeep Wrangler continues as our Budget Buy in this segment. Though it has become a status symbol of late, it's most at home crawling over rocks and fording river beds.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | S, auto. Rating | Compact Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration | 4 | 2.9 |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | 4.8 |
| Ride Quality | 5 | 2.7 |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | 3.5 |
| Quietness | 5 | 2.4 |
| Controls | 5 | 4.4 |
| Details | ||
| Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) | 5 | 4.4 |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | 2.9 |
| Cargo Room | 7 | 6.6 |
| Value within Class | 7 | 3.8 |
| Total Score: | 52 | 38.4 |














