It’s no secret that the Subaru Forester has just gone through a stunning redesign. While most 2009 Subaru Forester reviews are favorable, not every review tells the full story. It’s not just that the Forester has left dowdy design behind. For many folks, it seems like the Forester jumped to the top of the shortlist out of nowhere. But the reasons are clear. This is a roomy, comfortable, competent AWD that falls somewhere between tall wagon and crossover, while rarely falling short.
Our MPGomaticSubaru Forester review shows why the Forester became an immediate sales success. In its naturally-aspirated 2.5X trim, the 2009 Forester is enjoyable to drive and delivers solid gas mileage for a five-seat AWD, as it flirts with the 30 mile per gallon mark on the highway when driven carefully. (Although we haven’t had the chance to test the turbocharged XT version, we look forward to the opportunity.)
MPG-o-Matic Subaru Forester Review Summary:As a tall AWD wagon, the Subaru Forester forges its own trail amongst its peers, with a comfortable ride, roomy interior, generous headroom, and excellent visibility.
The Subaru Forester competes most closely with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Saturn VUE, and Nissan Rogue in the compact crossover all-wheel-drive (AWD) market. Subaru’s reliable Symmetrical AWD and less truck-like demeanor have won the Forester (and the brand) a loyal following.
While Subaru designed their Forester Mountain Rescue concept for high altitudes, there’s no question this truck has attitude. Rare is the Subaru with this much ground clearance. The Ski Patrol rides to the rescue with an Air Lift custom driver-adjustable ride height suspension, 9500 pound Warn winch, DeeZee (grill guard and custom side steps) and Bushwacker (custom trail armor, fender flares, tail light guards, rear gate guard and lower door cladding) gear.
MPG-o-Matic Subaru Legacy Review Summary:The Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited is a five-star safety rated American-made All Wheel Drive sport luxury sedan that competes with the Audi A4 Quattro, BMW 335xi, and Volkswagen Passat 4Motion.
The EPA gas mileage estimates for the 2008 Legacy 3.0 R come in at 17 city / 24 highway. In a week of driving, we found those estimates to be low, as we achieved 27.3 on the highway and 21.9 in suburban driving in mid-thirty degree weather.
That’s not bad for an all wheel drive sedan with this much power.
The Legacy 3.0 R is fitted with a 3.0 liter six cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. The conventionally aspirated horizontally opposed six cranks out 245 horsepower and 215 foot pounds of torque.
The all wheel drive (AWD) 2008 Subaru Legacy ranks among the most fuel efficient four wheel drive vehicles available in the USA today. The Legacy’s appeal only begins with its unique horizontally opposed Boxer engines, good gas mileage ratings, and reliable AWD system. Subaru’s handsome sedan has earned a coveted five-star government crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2008 Subaru Legacy is available with three different engine configurations:
Legacy 2.5i – 2.5 liter four cylinder Boxer engine, producing 170 horsepower (HP) and 170 foot pounds of torque.
Legacy 2.4 GT Limited and Legacy GT spec.B – 2.5 liter turbocharged and intercooled four cylinder Boxer engine, producing 243 HP and 241 foot pounds of torque.
Legacy 3.0 R Limited – 3.0 liter six cylinder Boxer engine, producing 245 HP and 215 foot pounds of torque.
MPG-o-Matic Subaru Forester Review Summary: As a tall AWD wagon, the Subaru Forester forges its own trail amongst its peers, with a comfortable ride, roomy interior, generous headroom, and excellent visibility.
MPG-o-Matic Subaru Legacy Review Summary: The Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited is a five-star safety rated American-made All Wheel Drive sport luxury sedan that competes with the Audi A4 Quattro, BMW 335xi, and Volkswagen Passat 4Motion.
