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2008 Subaru Forester Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
Also in the 2008 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Subaru Forester Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Subaru Forester Review
The 2008 Subaru Forester lineup gets equipment shuffling and trim-name changes as this compact SUV awaits a redesign due in calendar 2008 as a 2009 model. Forester is a crossover compact SUV that has standard all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. All models have a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine; it produces 173 horsepower in all but the turbocharged XT models, where it makes 224. A manual transmission with hill-holder feature is standard on most Foresters, with an automatic either standard or optional. Maximum towing capacity is 2400 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags designed to protect the head and torso; curtain side airbags are unavailable. Other available features include automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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; some offer seating for seven.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
News
The latest line on Forester mentions a full redesign for 2009. The makeover should produce a somewhat larger SUV without changing its basic concept.
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2008 Subaru Forester Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Visibility | Rear-seat room |
| Maneuverability | |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
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
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
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
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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
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.
| 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
The clear, simple dashboard layout includes adequately sized 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
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
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)
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
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)
The bench seat is supportive, but legroom is a Forester negative, as it's tight even with the front seat set well forward.
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
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
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.
| L.L. Bean Edition | 2.5 XT Limited, manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
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
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.
| 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 | 60.2 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2008 Subaru Forester Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/17/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2.5 X 4-door wagon | $21,195 | $20,015 | $645 |
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| Sports 2.5 X 4-door wagon | $21,695 | $20,475 | $645 |
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| 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition 4-door wagon | $26,695 | $24,930 | $645 |
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| Sports 2.5 XT 4-door wagon | $26,995 | $25,297 | $645 |
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| 2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon | $27,895 | $26,116 | $645 |
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, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, 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
215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
Sports 2.5 X adds to 2.5 X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels.
2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition adds to Sports 2.5 X:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, wiper deicer.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: hill-holder clutch.
Sports 2.5 XT adds to Sports 2.5 X:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Mirror-mounted turn signals, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/55R17 tires.
2.5 XT Limited adds to Sports 2.5 XT:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, wiper deicer.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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2.5 X
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$3,500
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$
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Limited-slip differential, 4-wheel disc brakes, 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 radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, wiper deicer, alloy wheels.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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X, Sports 2.5 X,
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$800
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$727
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Sports XT, XT Limited
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$1,000
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$909
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Sports XT, XT Limited include traction control, antiskid system. Deletes hill-holder clutch.
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Short-throw shifter
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2.5 X, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$319
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$207
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NA w/4-speed automatic transmission.
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California/Northeast emissions
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$200
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$200
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer
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X
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$492
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$369
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Satellite radio
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$409
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$303
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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2.5 X, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$165
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$107
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Includes compass. Std. L.L. Bean Edition.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/ universal garage door opener
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2.5 X, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$250
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$162
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Includes compass. NA L.L. Bean.
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Turbo-boost gauge
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Sports XT, XT Limited
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$230
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$150
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Rubber floormats
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$50
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$32
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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 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$319
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$207
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer hitch
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2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XT Limited, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT
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$230
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$149
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Subaru Forester Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 62.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3140 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 68.6 |
| 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 | 224 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4400 | 226 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/29 | 20/27 |
| 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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Subaru Forester Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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