2005 Subaru Forester Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Subaru Forester:

According to the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) front crash tests, the Forester was the only SUV in its class to be rated 'Good'.

-- Canadian Driver

a no-nonsense mini-SUV for those who need the versatility of a small wagon with the grip of all-wheel drive..

-- Edmunds.com

There's good low-rpm torque available for passing..

-- New Car Test Drive

[Base model] Forester L ($20,295) comes with a high level of standard equipment, including ABS....

-- New Car Test Drive

Subaru makes one of the best all-wheel-drive systems in the world, rivaled only by Porsche and Audi..

-- New Car Test Drive

...terrific, huge power sunroof that opens over the front and rear seats..

-- The Detroit News

What reviewers liked least about the Subaru Forester:

...the three rear headrests block your [the driver's rearward] vision..

-- The Detroit News

Subaru Forester Comparisons:

...a lower center of gravity than most of its rivals, such as the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara..

-- Edmunds.com

Because it isn't as tall as a sport-utility (it's 2.5 inches lower than a Toyota RAV4), it's easier to load a kayak, skis, sailboard, duffels or other gear onto the roof..

-- New Car Test Drive

...the Forester was the quickest [0-60 and in the quarter-mile] better than the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, among others..

-- Popular Mechanics

Best one-liner about the Subaru Forester:

There's nothing to fear from snow, mud, dirt, gravel or wet pavement..

-- New Car Test Drive

... Forester also has that elusive and all-important automotive trait: personality. The Forester still has whimsy..

-- Popular Mechanics