2004 Subaru Forester: Road Test
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2004 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $21,020 -$27,645
- Invoice: $19,209 -$25,174
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Our road test for the 2004 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2004 Subaru Forester is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XS, man. | XS w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 4.2 |
Nonturbo models 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. Turbocharged XTs usefully quicker off the line with satisfying passing power. Automatics tend to upshift prematurely and hesitate in downshifting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XS, man. | XS w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.7 |
XS test models with automatic transmission averaged 19.4-23.1 mpg. Expect slightly higher with manual. Test XT with automatic averaged 18.5 in mostly highway driving. The XT's turbocharged engine requires premium fuel; other models use regular. Overall, Forester gets better fuel economy than more-traditional compact SUVs.
RIDE QUALITY
| XS, man. | XS w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 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. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
The most agile compact SUV. Has slightly elevated ground clearance, but low, carlike center of gravity, so lean in fast turns is evident but not excessive, and Forester never feels tippy. AWD aids grip in all conditions. Steering feel is light but responsive.
QUIETNESS
| XS, man. | XS w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
Quiet around town. Wind and road noise levels 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. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Clear, simple dashboard layout, with adequately sized controls. Automatic climate system standard on XS and XT models. Interior decor isn't opulent, but materials and workmanship match price level.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XS, man. | XS w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Ample head room for 6-footers. Good seat comfort, though passenger seat lacks lumbar adjustment. Relatively tall cabin makes for easy entry/exit. High driving position, large windows, and thin pillars make for great outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XS, man. | XS w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Seat is tall 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. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
A useful 32 cu ft with rear seatbacks up, 64 with split backrest folded--the latter competitive with many larger SUVs. Large tailgate opening, low liftover for easy load/unloading, but no separate-opening liftglass. Plenty of cabin compartments, but none with substantial capacity.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XS, man. | XS w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
If you can live with modest acceleration, limited towing capacity, and constrained rear-seat space, nonturbo Foresters are rational alternatives to any number of bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. XTs offer a useful dose of extra power. All Foresters 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. | XT w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 54 | 55 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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