2006 Subaru Forester: Road Test
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2006 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $21,795 -$27,895
- Invoice: $20,452 -$26,005
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Our road test for the 2006 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2006 Subaru Forester is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 4.5 |
With base engine, Forester adequate away from a stop, but tepid in highway-speed passing and merging, especially with cargo and several passengers aboard. Turbocharged 2.5 XT delivers plenty of power around town and on highway, but throttle response softened by turbo lag. Forester makes do with 4-speed automatic transmission vs. top rivals' more efficient 5-speed. Manual transmission has short, sure shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
Test L.L. Bean averaged 24.2 mpg. Test manual-transmission XT averaged 23.2. Both tests involved mostly highway driving. Subaru requires premium-grade fuel for XT. Other models use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Fair amount of jolting, body jiggle on sharp bumps, ridges, but overall, among the more comfortable compact SUVs, with good stability and control at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Carlike design, relatively low center of gravity makes Forester among the best-mannered compact SUVs. There's no tippy feel, but body lean evident in fast turns, and tires have only modest lateral grip. Some testers want steering with more road feel. AWD system not designed for off-roading, but provides terrific all-weather on-road traction.
QUIETNESS
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Quiet around town, but wind, road noise rise markedly with speed to become tiresome on long highway trips. Engines coarse at full throttle, otherwise unobtrusive.
CONTROLS
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Clear, simple dashboard layout, adequately sized controls. Leather and soft-touch plastic dress up cabin of L.L. Bean, XT Limited; decor otherwise unremarkable, though appropriate for price. Test 2.5 XT suffered annoying squeaks from instrument panel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Generous leg room, ample head room for six-footers. Good comfort, though passenger seat lacks lumbar adjustment. Steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, leaving tall drivers with a long reach to steering wheel. Relatively tall cabin eases entry/exit. High driving position, large windows, thin roof pillars make for great outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.6 |
Bench seat supportive, but leg room a Forester negative. It's OK with front seats less than halfway back, very tight otherwise.
CARGO ROOM
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Cargo area usefully spacious with rear seatbacks up, expansive with backrest folded--competitive with many midsize SUVs. Big tailgate opening, low liftover for easy loading/unloading, but no separate-opening rear window. Cabin has plenty of storage spaces, but none are very large.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
If you can live with limited towing capacity and constrained rear-seat space, Forester is a highly rational alternative to bulkier, less efficient SUVs. The 2.5 X and 2.5 X with Premium Package are the best values; the other models are priced against SUVs with more room and, in the case of the L.L. Bean Edition, with more power. Otherwise, this Recommended pick combines AWD security, good cargo space, a stable ride, and respectable fuel economy in a pleasant, carlike package.
Total Score
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 56 | 52.5 |
Total Score: 55
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