2008 Subaru Forester: Road Test
2008 Subaru Forester ▼
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- MSRP: $21,195 -$27,895
- Invoice: $20,015 -$26,116
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Our road test for the 2008 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Subaru Forester from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Subaru Forester, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Subaru Forester help you decide if a 2008 Subaru Forester is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 4.6 |
Non-turbo models have adequate acceleration away from a stop, but are tepid in highway-speed passing and merging, especially with cargo and several passengers aboard. Turbocharged XT versions deliver plenty of power around town and on the highway, but throttle response is softened by turbo lag. Manual transmission has short, sure shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an L.L. Bean averaged 24.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, while a test manual-transmission XT averaged 23.2. XTs require premium-grade gas. Other models use regular.
RIDE QUALITY
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Some jolting and body jiggle over sharp bumps and 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 Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
A carlike design and relatively low center of gravity make Forester among the best-mannered compact SUVs. There's no tippy feel in fast corners, but body lean is evident and they have only modest lateral grip. Some testers would like the steering to transmit more road feel. With no low-range gearing, the AWD system is not designed for off-roading, but provides terrific all-weather, on-road traction.
QUIETNESS
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Foresters are quiet around town, but wind and road noise rise markedly with speed to become tiresome on long highway trips. Engines are a bit coarse at full throttle, otherwise unobtrusive.
CONTROLS
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
The clear, simple dashboard layout includes adequately sized controls.
DETAILS
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Leather and soft-touch plastics dress up the cabin of the L.L. Bean and XT Limited. The decor on other models is unremarkable, though appropriate for the price. A test 2.5 XT suffered annoying squeaks from the instrument panel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Up front, there's generous legroom and ample headroom for six-footers. Comfort is good, too. The steering wheel tilts but is not telescopic, leaving tall drivers with a long reach to the steering wheel. A relatively tall cabin eases entry and exit, while a high driving position, large windows, and thin roof pillars make for great outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.9 |
The bench seat is supportive, but legroom is a Forester negative, as it's tight even with the front seat set well forward.
CARGO ROOM
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
The cargo area is usefully spacious with the rear seatbacks up, expansive with backrest folded--competitive with many midsize SUVs. A large tailgate opening and low liftover allow for easy loading/unloading, but the liftgate doesn't have opening glass. Cabin has plenty of storage spaces but none are very large.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.9 |
If you can live with limited rear-seat space, Forester is a rational alternative to bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. All models deliver respectable fuel economy in a pleasant, carlike package, but 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 non-turbo versions, more power. Forester's older basic design is betrayed mostly by a lack of curtain side airbags, which are now typically standard on its more-modern rivals.
Total Score
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 60 | 59.7 |
Total Score: 59
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