2004 Subaru Forester Review

A new turbocharged model makes the Subaru Forester compact sport-utility vehicle a lot more potent and helps Subaru boost its youth-oriented performance image.

Subaru offers the competition-style Impreza WRX sedan with turbocharged engines generating 227 or 300 horsepower. Trucks are popular, so it's a logical move for Subaru to add a 210-horsepower turbocharged engine with 42 percent more torque to its Forester--and compact Baja four-door pickup.

Sales of the hot-rod WRX models far exceeded Subaru's expectations. They're quickly identified by prominent hood scoops, which the turbocharged Forester also features on its aluminum alloy hood. Drivers of WRX sedans waved or flashed headlights when they saw this reporter's turbo Forester test vehicle--as if we were members of a private driving club.

The regular 165-horsepower Forester has decent performance, but average passing ability on highways. It's adversely affected by high altitudes, which is a problem for Subaru. That's because its all-wheel-drive vehicles are common in ski areas, where new rivals are performing better. The intercooled, turbocharged Forester engine with its increases in power and torque solves Subaru's altitude problem.

The turbocharged Forester is called the 2.5 XT. Its hood scoop feeds air to its compact 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which has horizontally opposed pistons that let it sit low in the chassis to enhance handling. The beefed-up engine also has variable valve timing and an electronic throttle control system for better responsiveness.

The 2.5 XT comes with a slick five-speed manual gearbox for $24,970 and with a responsive four-speed automatic transmission for $25,770. The automatic transmission version is offered for $27,520 with a Premium option package that contains leather upholstery and an especially large power sunroof.

The first Forester arrived in 1997 and combined a practical size, carlike driving and a good amount of space. A revamped 2003 Forester was introduced early last year, with crisper styling and more room, refinement, comfort and safety. Non-turbo 2004 Foresters look the same as the 2003 version and have only minor equipment revisions. They go for $20,895 to $25,695.

The 2.5 XT thus is the big Forester news for the 2004 model year. Besides the special engine and scoop, it has body color side cladding and door handles, brushed aluminum roof rails, unique 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, chromed tailpipe exhaust tip and 2.5 XT badging.

The interior is given an upscale, sporty look by special black flat-woven upholstery with vinyl boster trim and chromed gauge surroundings, leather-covered wheel, shifter and parking brake handle.

There also are a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, illuminated power window switches on all doors, chrome interior door handles, assist grips for outboard seating positions and aluminum front door sill plate covers.

The 2.5 XT is well equipped. Standard items include air conditioning with automatic climate control, heated front seats, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, rear wiper-washer with defogger, reclining rear seatbacks and power windows, foldable mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

Safety items include front side air bags and a dual-stage deployment for the passenger front air bag. The Forester has its own version of the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure.

The 2.5 XT engine has virtually no turbocharger lag and thus acts like a potent small V-6 nonturbo engine. The smooth engine delivers the best performance with the manual gearbox. It comes with Subaru's Hill Holder clutch, which helps make starting off on an incline easier and safer.

The electronically controlled automatic transmission is very responsive and delivers slightly better fuel economy.

However, fuel economy is average for a small sport-ute. It's an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with the manual transmission and 19 and 23 with the automatic. I kept wishing for a tank with more than a 15.9-gallon capacity, although that size tank is common for small sport-utes.

Occupants sit as low as they would in a car in the refined, nicely constructed Forester. In fact, the 2.5 XT almost drives like a sports car. It has quick steering, and its all-independent heavy duty suspension helps provide a supple ride and sharp handling. The nicely designed all-wheel-drive system shoots power to all wheels at all times and increases stability--but causes slightly lower fuel economy.

The brake pedal is too soft, but has a progressive action. Stopping distances are short, and an electronic brake force distribution system enhances braking stability.

The interior offers decent room for four tall adults, although there's no surplus of leg room for 6-footers in back, where narrow rear doorways hinder entry and exit. The 2.5 XT feels solid, so it's surprising that the doors sound tinny when shut with the windows open.

The cockpit is quiet in town, but road noise levels increase with speed and can be bothersome on long-distance highway trips. However, the nicely supportive front bucket seats are comfortable on such trips, and the console area has two sturdy, conveniently placed cupholders. But front cupholders should be larger, and rear cupholders seem flimsy.

Bright sunlight sometimes causes the gauges to be hard to read, but sound system and climate controls are fairly large and easily reached. The front doors have handy storage pockets.

The cargo area has a low, wide opening. It's large, although wheel wells eat up some space. Rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to greatly increase cargo capacity. And the hatch has a hefty interior pull-down handle to help close it.

The Forester 2.5 XT provides a nice blend of performance, comfort and practicality. It's one of those vehicles you never get tired of driving.


2004 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XT TURBO
Prices:
$24,970-$25,770

Likes:
Potent new turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive. Roomy. Sharp handling.

Dislikes:
Road noise at highway speeds. Average fuel economy. Narrow rear doorways.