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2006 Subaru Forester Full Review
Date Published: 6/10/08
Also in the 2006 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Subaru Forester Review
More power and freshened looks mark 2006 for Subaru's compact SUV. Forester comes in four models: 2.5 X, 2.5 X Premium Package, 2.5 X L.L. Bean, and 2.5 XT. All Foresters have all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed 4-cyl engine. For '06, the turbocharged XT adds 20 hp for 230 total. The other models gain 8 hp, for 173. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard on the L.L. Bean and optional on the others in place of a 5-speed manual. The manual includes Subaru's Hill Holder feature to prevent rolling back on inclines. Forester's AWD system does not include low-range gearing. Antilock brakes are standard. All but the 2.5 X have 4-wheel disc brakes. Front side airbags that provide head and torso protection are standard. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. XT has leather upholstery. The L.L Bean has a load-leveling suspension and leather upholstery with suede trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
At last report, Forester should be redesigned for 2008 along with the Impreza car line. No specifics have emerged yet, but we'd expect many underskin components to return in a somewhat larger package with a styling resemblance to the larger B9 Tribeca SUV. More news as we get it, so keep checking back with us.
2006 Subaru Forester Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Visibility | Rear-seat room |
| Maneuverability | |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
Bench seat supportive, but leg room a Forester negative. It's OK with front seats less than halfway back, very tight otherwise.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2006 Subaru Forester Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2.5 X 4-door wagon | $21,795 | $20,452 | $625 |
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| 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg. 4-door wagon | $24,145 | $22,569 | $625 |
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| 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition 4-door wagon | $26,895 | $25,001 | $625 |
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| 2.5 XT 4-door wagon | $27,895 | $26,005 | $625 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.5 X
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, hill-holder clutch, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer w/deicer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 215/60R16 tires.
2.5 X w/Premium Pkg. adds to 2.5 X:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power sunroof, AM/FM/weatherband radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, windshield-wiper deicer.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels.
2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition adds to 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg.:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/alcantara upholstery, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: hill-holder clutch.
Self-leveling suspension.
2.5 XT adds to 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg.:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Popular Equipment Group 1
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg., 2.5 XT
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$289
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$186
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Cargo tray, mud guards, rear-bumper cover.
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Popular Equipment Group 2
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg., 2.5 XT
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$170
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$105
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Cargo bin, rubber floormats.
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Popular Equipment Group 3
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg., 2.5 XT
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$212
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$135
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Rear, side, and seatback cargo nets, cargo spot light.
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Popular Equipment Group 4
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X, X Premium, XT
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$298
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$194
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, theft-deterrent system upgrade.
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Popular Equipment Group 5
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X, X Premium, XT
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$385
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$250
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Popular Equipment Group 4 plus universal garage door opener.
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Performance Group
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XT
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$656
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$428
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Short-throw shifter, turbo-boost gauge.
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Protection Group
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg.
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$698
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$430
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Bumper guard, hood protector, rear dust deflector, differential protector. NA XT.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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2.5 X, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg., 2.5 XT
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$800
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$728
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Std. X L.L. Bean Edition. Deletes hill-holder clutch.
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Short-throw shifter
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X, X Premium, XT
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$345
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$225
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NA w/4-speed automatic transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Premium Sound Pkg. 1
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X
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$1,049
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$735
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
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Premium Sound Pkg. 2
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg.
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$377
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$246
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Upgraded sound system. Std. XT.
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer
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X
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$527
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$395
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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X, X Premium, XT
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$270
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$175
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L.L. Bean
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$87
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$56
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Includes universal garage door opener.
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Turbo-boost gauge
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XT
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$311
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$203
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Rubber floormats
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg., 2.5 XT
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$55
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$33
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 X w/Premium Pkg., 2.5 XT
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$353
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$230
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Alloy wheels
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X
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$659
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$495
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2006 Subaru Forester Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 62.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3165 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 57.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc H4 | Turbocharged dohc H4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 | 2.5 /150 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 173 @ 6000 | 230 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4400 | 235 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/29 | 19/25 |
| 4-speed automatic | 23/28 | 21/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: None Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.23 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Kirk Bell This is the modern sleeper. A tall, boxy, boring wagon with a stick and 250 hp. Pretty cool! It feels like a WRX without so much turbo lag, but also without the crisp handling. It leans a lot more in turns than you'd like for a car of it's accelerative abilities, but it would also be pretty cool to blow away a last-generation Mustang between stoplights in a car that looks like it belongs to your spinster aunt. Mark Bilek Forester is an excellent compact SUV or tall wagon. It blends fun-to-drive manners with the utility of a wagon. Sadly, it also has too large a price tag. At a tested price of $28,500 this Forester costs much more than other compact SUVs with more room and usable power. Rick Cotta Forester is a great all-around SUV looking for the proper engine. The base four-cylinder is adequate, but might feel anemic under a full load of passengers and cargo. And the XT's turbo suffers too much low-speed throttle lag. But Forester's other attributes overshadow these faults, making it among the best choices in a small SUV. |
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Also in the 2006 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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