SUBARU FORESTER

The marriage of two Subarus produced a 1998 model called the Forester -- the first spanking new vehicle from this Japanese automaker since 1992.

The Forester, of course, is a combination of the Legacy mid-size car blended with bits from the compact-sized Impreza. The result: a wonderfully versatile all-weather wagon that has proven to have excellent quality and reliability. 

No wonder used car prices for the Forester have held up very well - no huge bargains out there. A two-year-old model will, though, cost you several thousand less than a new one, if you can find one. People tend to hold on to their Subarus apparently for life.

The Forester is a so-called "car utility vehicle" (car-ute?) with some remarkable assets for Canadians who spend much of the year driving on slick, weather-challenged roads. Topping the list is all-wheel drive, standard on all Foresters. Subaru's track record with AWD is long, impressive and proven both in everyday chores and during numerous world class rallies.

Yet while there's a lot of mechanical smarts at work here, you, the driver, will likely never notice any of this genius. The Forester's car-like road manners, easy entry and exit and comfortable step-in height, belie its surefooted skills in the rough or slippery stuff. 

So the Forester is rugged. Not race-across? Borneo rugged, but very steady on rutted, rocky, unpaved roads. One performance advantage worth noting is under the hood, where there's an engine much more powerful than what's available in rivals such as Toyota's RAV4 and Honda's CR-V. Beyond that, the tallish Forester is cargo capable within the limits of a relatively short wheelbase.

In terms of size, the Forester is closest to the taller RAV, although the styling of this wide and planted Subaru is not nearly as playful as the Toyota's. All three of the Forester's rivals are taller, but in overall length the Forester is closest to the Jeep Cherokee.

The Forester will carry four adults, but overall dimensions are tighter than the CR-V. Everyone will like the 10-gallon-hat head room; however, those in back will feel like they're riding economy class. Knee room is pretty tight if you top six feet. Up front, the space is generous and the solid-feeling buckets are both adjustable and eye-catching in their durable-looking fabrics. The instrument layout is tidy, but driver's will find the pedals a tad bunched together. 

Vehicles like the Forester are clearly the station wagons of the new millennium, so it's no surprise that this one meets all passenger car safety standards. Side impact beams, front dual airbags and anti-lock braking have been standard on the Forester from the start.

On the downside, the Forester's tall stance allows it to be blown about a bit in gusty winds and by big trucks. Also, when the road surfaces get super busted up, the ride quality grows choppy. 
Two last points, one on engine, the other styling.

First, the boxer four engine, which has its cylinders horizontally opposing each other, is generally free of vibrations common to many four-bangers. The reason: the opposing cylinders cancel out the shakes. But despite hefty horsepower numbers, some drivers will find themselves wanting more muscle in passing mode. And when revs rise, things get pretty buzzy, too.

As for styling, the bulging fenders and ample greenhouse make a bold statement. They really speak for what the Forester is all about. But I'm not sure about the chrome-crate grille. 
What's your take? 

Now if you don't like what you see in older Foresters, do note that Subaru has plans to re-style the Forester for the 2001 model year. The new version displayed at auto shows is a bit sleeker, tidier than the current car. Still, what's underneath that skin isn't likely to change dramatically. Why mess with a winning formula. 


CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Subaru Forester L

1999-$23,025 ($26,695 original MSRP)
1998-$20,175 ($26,695) 
1997-NA
1996-NA
1995-NA
1994-NA
1993-NA 

BUYER'S ALERTS: Some owners have reported a slight engine hesitation (TSB 115398, Jan. '99). Also, be alert to manual transmissions that have a tendency to pop out of first gear (034899, July '99).
For recalls: 

1998: No. 1998154 refers to vehicles with front bumpers that are not in complete compliance.

1998, 1999: No. 1999043 refers to vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS). The brake master cylinder secondary circuit may not function in extremely cold weather due to brake fluid bypassing the fluid supply valve, which remains open.

THE VERDICT: Very solid, well built small sport-utility vehicle.

CHECK THE SPECS
1998 SUBARU FORESTER L

Engine: (front engine/all-wheel drive) 2.5-litre flat or "boxer" type four-cylinder (horizontally opposed) w/four valves per cylinder operated by dual overhead camshafts (DOHC); electronic engine management/sequential port fuel injection; 165 hp at 5,600 rpm; torque rated at 162 ft-lbs at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic ($1,000); standard all-wheel drive w/either centre differential lock controlled by viscous coupling (5MT) or electronically controlled variable torque split (4AT).\
Steering: power-assisted, rack-and-pinion.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc/rear disc with standard four-wheel anti-lock (ABS).
Tires: P205/70HR15 all-season radials mounted to steel wheels.
Fuel economy (L/100 km) : 11.2 city/8.0 hwy or 25/35 mpg.
Wheelbase: 2,525 mm. or 99.4 in. 
Curb weight: 1,365 kg. or 3,009 lbs.

Pro
* Decent horsepower from a smooth powerplant
* Complicated mechanical bits do work seamlessly
* Generally cabin room
* More foul-weather abilities than you'd believe

Cons
* An "interesting" grill
* Rear passenger leg room is in economy class
* Headroom-friendly tall shape allows it to get blown about by gusting winds
* Driver's pedals closely spaced

OVERALL SCORE: 8.5 (out of 10)

ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 1998 Subaru Legacy L

Access: B+
Driving position: B+
Instruments/Controls: B- 
Visibility: B
Climate Control: B 
Steering: B-
Brakes: B-
Handling: B
Acceleration: B 
Engine: B
Transmission: B+ 
Interior space: B 
Trunk/Cargo: B+
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: C+

DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD 

Overall: A-
Mechanical: A- 
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B+

SAFETY REPORT CARD

Anti-lock braking: yes
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes 
Traction control: all-wheel drive
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best): four stars/four stars

INSURANCE HISTORY

Collision cost rating: NA
Comprehensive cost rating: NA
Theft claim cost rating: NA