The 2009 Subaru Forester is the grown-up version of the Impreza.
What happens when the Subaru Impreza grows up? It gets fatter and a little slower…and turns into a Subaru Forester. After driving the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited, I can tell you that this is a good thing. Let the kids have their rally-car styling and stiff ride; the adults will love the Forester's comfortable interior, 5-star safety ratings and clean design.
Subaru managed to turn a boxy design into a good-looking crossover--not an easy task.
While I am still somewhat of a kid and would pick the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, the Forester has a lot going for it, and I was surprised and impressed after spending a week with the car. The Newport Blue Pearl 2009 Subaru Forester I am driving is the 3rd generation of the popular crossover. Changes for 2009 include a longer wheelbase (103.0 in. vs 99.4 in.) for improved interior roominess and ride quality, new exterior styling and a new double-wishbone rear suspension, which improves upon the Forester's driving dynamics.
This Subaru Forester is powered by 2.5L turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder engine which produces 224 hp. The Forester I was driving came equipped with Subaru's 4-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT. The 4-speed was smooth and the SPORTSHIFT system allowed me to hold gears longer and get the most out of the turbocharged engine. I was able to keep the car in 3rd gear for a long time before needing to shift to 4th, which helped out when I needed to pass other cars on the highway.
The interior of the Forester is simple and cleanly laid out, which is almost a lost art in automotive interior design these days.
The interior of the Subaru Forester is clean, comfortable and nicely equipped. Thanks to the tilt and telescopically adjustable steering column, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, finding a comfortable driving position is quick and easy.
The Subaru Forester's radio and navigation unit are operated by a touch-screen system. Almost every aspect of this unit is simple and intuitive; however, the controls for the audio system's equalizer are incredibly baffling, if you are not a trained installer at your local Best Buy. Instead of adjustments for bass and treble, this system utilizes the Audyssey MultiEQ, which allows you tune the sound for an optimal listening experience at each seat "by tuning equalization that corrects for time and frequency response." I spent a week in this car and still couldn't figure it out. Regardless, the system did sound good even when I opened up the large panoramic sunroof.
I said that the Forester is the grown-up version of the Impreza, and it would make a good fit for people that need more room but still enjoy a little excitement behind the wheel. The Forester comes with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which is extremely efficient at providing power to the wheels that have grip. This helps the Forester perform well and stay safe at the same time.
Aerial shot of the Forester's sunroof brought to you by my 6'3" body and the Subaru's bumper.
Who should buy this car? I think this 2009 Subaru Forester is the perfect vehicle for young families who need a little more room than a car can offer, while still desiring a vehicle that isn't boring behind the wheel. The Forester I drove was nicely equipped and costs $31,523.00. You get good value for your dollar with this car, and the lower trims available ensure you can find a Forester that fits your needs and your budget.
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