2001 Subaru Forester: Road Test

Archived Review

2001 Subaru Forester 

Select a Trim ▼

  • MSRP: $20,295 -$23,895
  • Invoice: $18,504 -$21,672

Previous Year's Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 2001 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2001 Subaru Forester is right for you.

Advertisement

ACCELERATION

S, auto. Class Average
4 3.5

Test model with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 9.3 sec--better than average for a compact SUV with automatic. However, automatic transmission upshifts prematurely, hesitates in downshifting.

FUEL ECONOMY

S, auto. Class Average
6 4.8

One automatic-equipped test vehicle averaged 22.1 mpg, another 18.6 with more city driving--similar to rival compact SUVs, and much better than any truck-based sport-utility wagon.

RIDE QUALITY

S, auto. Class Average
5 3.4

Stiff, but not uncomfortable; more absorbent, stable than truck-based SUVs.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

S, auto. Class Average
5 3.9

Responds quickly to steering inputs. Only moderate body lean in fast turns.

QUIETNESS

S, auto. Class Average
5 3.2

Moderate road and wind noise; noisier than a car, but quieter than truck-based SUVs. Engine throbs under acceleration.

CONTROLS

S, auto. Class Average
5 4.9

Audio and climate controls are not as large and handy as they could be, but dashboard layout is otherwise orderly and convenient. Higher driving position than most cars, large windows, and thin pillars add up to great visibility.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

S, auto. Class Average
5 4.9

Ample head room for 6-footers; leg room is a little tight for taller passengers. Easy step-in.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

S, auto. Class Average
3 3.5

Generous head room, but leg room is tight if front seats are pushed back even near halfway. Narrow door bottoms hinder entry/exit a bit.

CARGO ROOM

S, auto. Class Average
7 6.8

Split rear seatbacks fold fore and aft for reclined seating position or flat cargo floor. Large opening and load volume.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

S, auto. Class Average
8 4.7

Most carlike of car-based quasi-SUVs, with a blend of performance, comfort, utility, and value worthy of a Recommended tag. Competition is stiff, though, so check out our "Also Consider" picks.

Total Score

S, auto. Class Average
53 43.6

Total Score: 53

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
27
Average Score
43
High Score
60

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement