Review Car

2011 Subaru Forester

The 2011 Subaru Forester comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive. Subaru also offers a Hill Holder clutch feature on manual transmission-equipped vehicles. The 2011 2011 Forester’s closest competitors include the Buick Rendezvous, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Toyota RAV4. Upon introduction, the 2.5 X is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, H4, 165-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2.5 XT Premium Package is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, H4, 210-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2011 2011 Subaru Forester is a carryover from 2003.

2011 Subaru Forester X comes with power windows, locks and mirrors; air conditioning; cruise control; tilt steering; 16-inch wheels and tires; 100-watt AM/FM/weatherband CD audio; and remote keyless entry. XS models have automatic climate control, aluminum alloy wheels, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and upgraded interior upholstery and carpet. There are two major option packages available — an optional cold weather package and a premium package (with or without leather upholstery) — as well as a number of small stand-alone utility items. The top-line XT adds a turbocharged engine, roof rails, heated front seats, a wiper de-icer and a seven-speaker audio system with subwoofer to the standard equipment list. As on the XS, you can get a premium package that adds a sunroof and leather seating. The XT also features a functional hood scoop, unique alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip and body-colored side cladding. ABS is standard on 2011 Subaru Foresters, though XS and XT models get rear disc brakes and an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system. Active head restraints and side-impact air bags round out the Forester’s safety features. Subaru earned a perfect five stars in all front- and side-impact testing. 2011 Subaru Forester has won high praise for the high-quality look and feel of its interior. Rear-seat passengers got a slight increase in leg- and foot room last year, but the rear quarters are still a little tight. Rear cargo room with the seats folded measures 64.1 cubic feet, a bit shy of the major players in this class. Forester is stable and predictable even when pushed beyond its modest limits. The steering is a bit vague at speed, and the soft suspension tuning results in some body roll, but for day-to-day driving, it’s comfortable and controllable enough to suit most drivers.