The Forester line was introduced in model-year '98 as a tallish, soft-road- able wagon. For '03, Subaru introduces a new body structure and interior, carrying over the proven 2.5L flat-four engine and powertrain. Because of the new sheetmetal and hydroformed front subframe, overall weight is reduced by 90 lb, while overall body stiffness is increased by 30 percent, a good thing for chassis dynamics.
With four cylinders and 165 hp, it blends easily enough into highway traffic, while handling is predictable and benign. Intended for broken-pavement usage rather than true 4x4 trails, it's ideal transportation to the weekend cabin, regardless of weather. The popular Hill Holder feature returns with manual transmissions. A touch of wind noise around the mirrors is noticeable, but only because the interior is surprisingly quiet and is disturbed only on rough roads by the all-terrain tires. People in the front seats enjoy roomy quarters and logical ergonomics, but full-size bodies riding on the back seat will be desperately looking for more legroom. While the Forester lacks a third-row seat, the well-carved cargo area will swallow the kitchen sink.
| Price | $23,645 (est) | | Vehicle layout | Front engine, AWD, 4-door, 5-pass | | Engine | 2.5L/165-hp, F-4, SOHC, 4 valves/cyl | | On sale in U.S. | Currently | | 0-60 mph, sec | 9.1 (est) |
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Auto manufacturers are rushing to introduce crossovers vehicles in the mold Subaru has been selling for years. This latest version of the Forester will attract buyers (63-percent female) that don't have big torque demands or have large loads to haul.