2003 Subaru Forester: Road Test
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2003 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $20,845 -$25,645
- Invoice: $19,044 -$23,274
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Our road test for the 2003 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2003 Subaru Forester is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Foresters are slow off the line, but build power adequately thereafter. Expect 0-60-mph time to mirror the 9.3 sec we got in tests of 1998-2002 automatic-transmission Foresters, which were similar in size and weight. Automatics tend to upshift prematurely and hesitate in downshifting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
XS test models with automatic transmission averaged 19.4-23.1 mpg. Expect slightly higher with manual. Overall, Forester gets better fuel economy than more-traditional compact SUVs.
RIDE QUALITY
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Clearly the most carlike compact SUV, with the stability and absorbency of a taut-suspension small car. Still, rough roads at highway speed can turn the ride jittery.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 |
The most-agile compact SUV. Has slightly elevated ground clearance, but low, carlike center of gravity, so body roll in fast turns evident but not excessive. Forester never feels tippy. AWD aids wet and dry grip. Steering feel is light but responsive.
QUIETNESS
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
Quiet around town, but wind rush and road noise rise markedly with speed, compromising long highway trips. Engine throbs during rapid acceleration, but unobtrusive otherwise.
CONTROLS
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Clear, simple dashboard layout, with adequately sized controls. Automatic climate system standard on XS. Interior decor isn't opulent, but materials and workmanship impress at this price level.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Ample head room for 6-footers. Good seat comfort, though passenger side lacks lumbar adjustment. Relatively tall cabin makes for easy entry/exit. High driving position, large windows, and thin pillars add up to great outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Seat is chair high and supportive. Rear leg room sufficient with front seats moved less than halfway back; tight otherwise.
CARGO ROOM
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
A useful 32 cu ft of cargo space with the rear seatbacks up and 64 with the split backrest folded--the latter number competitive with many larger SUVs. Large tailgate opening, low liftover ease loading. Plenty of compartments in cabin, but none with substantial capacity.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
If you can live with modest acceleration, limited towing capacity, and constrained rear-seat space, Foresters are rational alternatives to any number of bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. All combine AWD security with plenty of cargo space, a stable ride, and respectable fuel economy in a pleasantly carlike package.
Total Score
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | 55 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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