2002 Subaru Forester: Road Test
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2002 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $20,295 -$22,895
- Invoice: $18,506 -$20,778
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Our road test for the 2002 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2002 Subaru Forester is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., 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 and hesitates in downshifting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.8 |
One automatic-equipped test Forester averaged 20.8 mpg, another 18.6 with more city driving--slightly better than rival compact SUVs, and much better than any truck-based sport-utility wagon.
RIDE QUALITY
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 3.7 |
Stiff, but not uncomfortable; more absorbent, stable than truck-based SUVs.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.7 |
Steering has light effort but good road feel. Lots of body lean in fast turns, but not tippy-feeling. Better overall than rival SUVs.
QUIETNESS
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.3 |
Moderate road and wind noise; noisier than a car, but quieter than truck-based SUVs. Engine throbs under acceleration.
CONTROLS
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
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 w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5 |
Ample head room for 6-footers; leg room is a little tight for taller passengers. Easy step-in.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.7 |
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 w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.7 |
Split rear seatbacks fold fore and aft for reclined seating position or flat cargo floor. Large tailgate opening and fine load volume.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 5.4 |
Forester is the most carlike of car-based quasi-SUVs, with a blend of performance, comfort, utility, and value that merits our Recommended tag. Competition is stiff, though, so check out our "Also Consider" picks.
Total Score
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 54 | 44.6 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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