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Forester
Guide picks
The Forester, introduced for the 1998 model year, was the first Subaru designed as an SUV. Following are Subaru Forester news highlights and reviews from a number of sources. (1998-2004 model years are indicated in parentheses.)

Car Review (All Years)
Reviews and ratings of the Subaru Forester (all years). These reviews are written by the owners themselves.

Car Survey (All Years)
Here's what owners of the Subaru Forester think of their vehicles -- all years are covered.

MSN Autos (All Years)
See what owners think of their Subaru Foresters from previous model years.

Popular Mechanics (All Years)
Here's a great summary of Suburu Forester owners' reports regarding price, convenience factors, reliability, and other mechanical matters.

A Car Place (2004)
To say that the Forester is an Impreza on stilts is an oversimplification. The current generation Forester is considerably more refined than the previous generation, and that one was competitive with other medium sized SUVs.

Statesman Classifieds (2004)
A revved-up Subaru for everyday errands.

Canadian Driver (2003)
While it rides on the same 99.4-inch wheelbase as last year's model, overall dimensions of the Forester have changed. It's slightly smaller on the outside, but interior room is improved.

Consumer Guide (2003)
Redesigned as an early 2003 entry, Forester gets new styling and more leg room than its 1998-2002 predecessor, but stays within the compact-SUV class.

Epinions (2003)
See what owners of the 2003 Subaru Forester think of their vehicles -- the good and the bad.

Edmunds (2003)
The steering is a bit vague at speed, and the soft suspension tuning results in noticeable body roll, but for day-to-day driving, it's comfortable and controllable enough to be on par with the best-handling compact SUVs on the market.

MSN Autos (2003)
New for 2003: The Forester has been redesigned for the 2003 model year, sporting all-new styling, a roomier interior, a more rigid chassis, and a number of new features.

New Car Test Drive (2003)
New design brings more room, better handling.

The Car Connection (2003)
At its heart, a Subaru is all about engineering for traction. The Forester's 2.5-liter displacement is at the practical upper limit for a four-cylinder engine.

Yahoo Autos (2003)
The 2003 Forester is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 2.5 X to the 2.5 XS Premium Package. The 2003 Forester's closest competitors include the Buick Rendezvous, the Mazda Tribute, and the Toyota RAV4.

Car Buying Strategies (2002)
When it comes to performance, the 2002 Subaru Forester 2.5 L SUV is outstanding. It sports a 2.5-litre, SOHC, four-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower and 166 lbs-ft of torque.

Epinions (2002)
See what owners of the 2002 Subaru Forester think of their vehicles -- the good and the bad.

National Highway Traffic Safety Admin (2002)
Crash test results for the 2002 Subaru Forester 4-DR.4x4 model.

New Car Test Drive (2002)
Because it isn't as tall as a sport-utility (it's 2.5 inches lower than a Toyota RAV4), it's easier to load a kayak, skis, sailboard, duffels or other gear onto the roof.

Yahoo Autos (2002)
The 2002 Forester is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 3 trims, ranging from the L to the S Premium Package. The 2002 Forester's closest competitors include the Buick Rendezvous, the Mazda Tribute, and the Toyota RAV4.

A Car Place (2001)
Above Average In: Reliability, ease of owning/driving, handling, gas mileage.

AJC Classifieds (2001)
Subaru, which pioneered the concept of the passenger car/SUV hybrid with the Outback, designed the Forester as a "best of both worlds" sport utility vehicle.

Canadian Driver (2001)
The 2001 Subaru Forester remains one of the most powerful, best-handling compact SUV's on the market.

Epinions (2001)
See what owners of the 2001 Subaru Forester think of their vehicles -- the good and the bad.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (2001)
In addition to the new look, Subaru has taken other steps to keep the Forester competitive. Chief among these is comfort.

National Highway Traffic Safety Admin (2001)
Crash test results for the 2001 Subaru Forester 4-DR.4x4 model.

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