| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| Forester ticks most of the boxes if you need a roomy, reliable, comfortable family 4x4 estate that's practical, well built and well equipped. It's good to drive, too. |
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| Handling |
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| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| Not tested |
| Best Models |
| 2.0 AWD All Weather |
| Worst Models |
| None |
| Replacement |
| by current generation Forester in 2002 |
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| Road Test |
| Like Subaru owners in general, Forester drivers often remain loyal when changing their vehicles. Yet Forester doesn't look special - a chunky, boxy family estate rather than a fully-fledged 4x4. It's what's inside the pack that counts - and how little it costs compared with the Honda CR-V or the smaller Toyota RAV-4. Forester's generous size, family-friendly interior, tough but tasteful trim and comfortable seats all appeal. It rides well, too, with none of the lurching or rolling inflicted by some 4x4s. It's based on Impreza, so it's no surprise that it offers confident roadholding, assured handling and accurate steering. The 2.0 flat-four cylinder engine is lively, with good torque giving useful acceleration. It's not too thirsty given the car's size. If you need more power, the S-Turbo boosts the 2.0 unit to 170bhp, with 0-60mph in eight seconds. Running costs are reasonable thanks to above-average reliability and long service intervals. |
| Positive Points |
- Excellent value, much cheaper than Honda CR-V
- Nimble and car-like to drive
- Very good reliability, lasting well
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| Negative Points |
- Not set up for serious off-road use
- No air con on basic versions
- S-Turbo tends to be thirsty
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