2003 Subaru Forester Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

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.

2003 Subaru Forester Road Test

Pros	Cons

Visibility	Rear-seat room

Maneuverability

Cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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