2007 Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester: Fun factor standard
Mon, Dec 25th 2006
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| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, hatchback, 2wd |
| msrp | $25,995 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 20mpg/27mpg |
| rating |  |
When my brother and I went to REI for some hiking boots and rain gear we noticed something in the parking lot. About one-third of all the vehicles in the non-hunting, blue state version of Cabela’s were Subarus — mostly Outbacks and Foresters. The message? These are versatile, economical and dependable, ready to get you into and out of almost any outdoor fun that you fancy.
They’re also pretty darn sharp-looking.
The impression held with the Subaru Forester I’ve been driving, a snazzy electric blue (they call it “blue pearl”) Sports 2.5 XT model with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission. The one I drove has satellite radio and removable plastic bins in the back for grocery bags, but you can easily trim almost $700 from the list price of $27,200 by not picking up either option. The bins are a pain to stow elsewhere if you’re not going shopping, and as for satellite radio … use the cool and convenient iPod plug-in and you’ll get to hear exactly what you want instead. My favorite accessory, the heated seats, weren’t the hottest or the fastest fanny warmers I’ve tried.
Dog owners will want to opt for the heavy-duty rubber mats with deep channels for collecting all the mud you and your pups bring in. They really work, and clean up well with a hose and a scrub brush.
On the dog-friendly plus side, the rear seats fold flat neatly and easily. The Forester is tall enough to take a single large crate, but as with most smaller SUVs and wagons, the side-by-side crates won’t fit. I did notice mounts for multiple child seats, however, which suggests Subaru is more interested in outdoorsy young parents than dog-lovers.
The manual transmission makes for a lively driving experience, and the Forester has enough pick-up and sharp handling to give you and your dogs a thrill. I took the Forester to field training, where it handled the gravel roads and puddles with ease. The fun factor is more than enough to offset an interior that looks a little cheap, with plastic knobs designed to appear chrome-ish, but instead look like spray-painted tops off glass milk bottles.
Bottom line: A sharp exterior and lively performance paired with good fuel economy (20/27 mpg) makes this a great choice for the person who loves outdoor activities and often takes the dog along.
-- Gina Spadafori
Carguy Comments:The Forester is a permanent fixture in mountain areas that see loads of snow on an annual basis. Available in six trim models, including the L.L. Bean Edition with beige leather-trimmed upholstery and the L.L. Bean logo embossed on the front seats. Also available is a 224-hp turbo engine on the Sports 2.5 XT and XLT Limited versions. Cargo capacity is to 64.5 cu. ft. with the rear seatbacks down and features a retractable cargo area cover and utility bars and hooks located in the upper side trim. The Forester’s emissions rating is PZEV (standard engine) and LEV II for the turbo version.
-- Keith Turner, The Family Car
Forester fits dog-friendly families
Barking Lot Banter: The Subaru Forester is a great ride for families who frequent snow and mud on a regular basis and take their favorite dog along for the adventure. Toss in the manual transmission, leather interior and a turbo-powered engine, and you are assured of a fun ride.
Comments
I am in the market for a wagon or compact SUV, that will fit 2 crates, one large and second medium at min. It’d be great if I can get 2 large crates without buying a minivan! Looks like the Foreseter so far is the only one that can deliver this! Based on the new 2009/20010 model, the Forester has great cargo area.
The distance between the wheel wells has been increased to just over 42”! This makes it easy to get a 500 pushed up against the front seats facing the side back door, and a medium crate (36” wire with side door). Actually haven’t tried it, but with these measurements you probably can get a 2nd large 42” long crate – if its a wire pop up with a side door.
Otherwise, nice that its all time AWD, without compromising fuel economy vs other FWD compact SUV’s.
One negative: the cargo area does not fold completely flat. It has an ever so slight slope down towards the tailgate. Maybe with the weight of the large crate and an 85lb dog may create a more flat surface. Its not that bad, but its not completely flat as they claim. It is one complete peice of carpeting so it wont snag when your sliding the large crate in, out, around the back.
2009-12-13 10:30:28
can you fit a vari 500 facing rear side door, and a 36” long wire crate with a side door facing the rear?
2009-12-01 12:08:15
I have been thinking about getting a forrester. I am currently in a 2000 Legacy wagon.I have a border collie/american eskimo mix, with seperation anxiety. He goes everywhere with me, therefore, my shopping takes place after sundown during warm weather, or I find a sitter. We live in NYC, so most stores and small cafes welcome my loveable BooBoo. We also drive back to my family in PA at least once a month which is three hours. This is also where he spends the summer there in the country with my mother, who is now on her third legacy wagon. Her first was a 1996 which she loved but she went up to a more functional 2000 because it was a little more comfortable. I now have that one and she is driving a 2009 legacy sport. Next is the Forrester most likely for both of us. and of course the furry guy.
2009-11-11 19:04:12
My 2 dogs and I love the 2009 Forester. When I looked last year, it was the only small SUV that would fit all my stuff. I do lots of stuff with my dogs(one is 35 pounds and one is 60 pounds) and store their 2 crates, tracking gear, obedience equipment, dog food, lots of bottled water, dog treats and there is still plenty of room for my suitcases, a couple of folding chairs, hiking shoes, etc. in the back so I can go at a moment for any activity. My spoiled dogs have the back seat for themselves. My friend carries her two standard poodles and all their gear in her Forester and brags about the room. When they widened the distance between the tires from 2008, my large crate can be stored sideways instead of taking up the whole length. No other small SUV could do that when I was looking.
2009-10-26 17:46:06
My three big dogs, 6 year old son and I LOVE our Forester!
2009-10-12 12:16:46
The 2009 Forester was basically the smallest vehicle I could find that would fit my incredibly destructive Airedale in his crate in the back. The crate I’ve been using is 42×28 x 31 (high), with the door on the shorter side. With the back seat down, it just barely squeezes in. (Height is the big issue.) But my dog is happy, and with the four-wheel drive we can easily get to even the most snowy or potholed places for hiking. Now, if he spots a big Rottweiler through the window and decides to go berserk, he is safely contained and not destroying the vehicle interior….
2009-09-07 08:49:44
I was involved in a car accident a week ago, and my 2000 Subaru Forester was totaled. I’ve spent SO much time looking for a replacement car, but most likely will go with another Forester. Just can’t beat the amazing versatility! I will always have dogs, and keeping them behind the wire barrier on the Forester was just about perfect. I’ve even taken my pot-bellied pig, Petunia, to the vet in my Forester!
2009-08-06 23:13:11
I have the 2010 Forester, it is wonderful! It is attractive, the fuel economy makes me smile, acceleration is decent, handling is good.
There really isn’t a need for turbo charger (the older forester seemed to need it to get out of its own way). Ix-nay on the urbocharger-Tay.
There is a little bit of float and body roll but that is typical of an SUV with higher center of gravity
The cargo area is larger than the previous design. I get 3-4 sm-med crates in mine
2009-07-20 10:04:51
I have an 04 Forester XT. Power is great and there is plenty of room for my 85 lb lab in the back with a “Euro Barrie-Aire”. I only need to use 2 of the bars. I secured it down with heavy-duty plastic ties so there is no way he can get through into the back seat. I took away one paw because the car is pretty loud on the highway as far as wind noise goes and the turbo models are not good on gas.
2009-07-15 12:32:09
Buying a 2004 Subaru Forester XT was well thought out and purchased with the plan to schlep around 2 adults and dogs all size XXL. Using the info purchased from fightingchance(dot)com was nothing short of a brilliant move on my husbands part!
My only complaint is the Forester’s road noise entering the cabin is too loud. Other than that… it is a great car for our lifestyle.
This past week, we returned after logging a 600 mile trip loaded all the gear for 4 days packed inside the Forester. All went well, except for a few drools down my the back of my neck! LOL
2009-05-22 21:05:18
I have a 2002 Forester that I bought specifically because I have two large dogs that I wanted to travel with. I now have over 130,000 miles and the three of us have travelled all over the western US. In the next couple of years I hope to drive cross country and back.
I don’t use crates but the three of us and our gear fit very well. I have no major problems with the car and would highly recommend the Forester to dog owners.
2009-05-22 15:17:05
The operative term here is “the dog”. I had one large lab when I bought my forester, and now I have two and must transport both more than 2 times per week. I can get the crates in, but only in a certain order and with holding my tongue right if the moon is in the proper phase.
2009-03-10 08:31:48
What size crates are people putting side by side in the 2009 forester??
2009-01-31 18:16:31
Love the Subaru Forrester. I have a 2005 and a 2009. I could not part with the 2005 but loved the design overhaul on the 2009. The 2005 and 2009 are different rides but they are great. The 2005 has become the primary dog transport. The pro with the 2005 is she can not jump in the backseat as easily. With the 2009 with the expanded headroom she is jumping over the seat before I get in the car. I am looking into purchasing the gate to deter her from jumping in the back seat. As for reliabilty the 2005 Forrester is great I only had the O2 sensor go bad which was covered under warranty.
2009-01-28 15:05:05
I just bought a 2006 LL Bean Forester. We have a dog. We did not get it from a Suburu dealer. We do we get the barrier for the dog to stay in the back. I hope we love it.
2009-01-27 06:24:34
I have a 2002 Forester I purchased new in June 2001. It now has over215,00 miles on it and I have yet to need a major repair. My doberman has literally traveled coast to coast with me (and I have the pics to prove it)and is very comfortable in back. Only problems first the clock went out, then the CD changer broke, and now the rear view mirror is developing a discoloration. I have no real complaints though, because when you are out in the middle of the desert by yourself the always reliable engine is my main concern and never have had ANY problems there! :)
2009-01-25 20:21:52
I love my 2007 Forester! It can fit three large greyhounds for short rides and two greyhounds with all of our baggage for longer rides.
It’s got a smooth, quiet ride and I can take it into the snow or the mud and not worry!
The dogs are comfortable, can look out the many windows, and I love it!
2009-01-09 17:48:04
My 2002 Forester is great. Not only does it handle Western NY weather, it’s great for my 2 70 lb Black Labs who travel in it often!
2009-01-07 13:30:18
Though I don’t have a Forester, I do have a 1998 Legacy Wagon – it is perfect for dogs. I have 3 French Bulldogs, and can put 2 – 300 Vari kennels in the back with ample space to pack things around them.
~Dana, Canada
2008-11-20 08:05:04
I have a 2009 subaru forrester ( had the 2006, great too! )I carry two 400 crates, my crate dolly, tack box, chairs etc. to shows, no problem; best part is it gets 27-30 MPG with an auto transmission! I live in the PNW, with a mile long STEEP ice/snow covered driveway, and my Subaru’s reliably get me to work every time! LOVE my vehicle!
2008-11-06 12:31:26
Just bought the 2008 LL Bean Edition and I LOVE it. I did buy the cargo barrier to keep my dogs off the backseat. I have two medium size australian shepherds and they are very comfortable in the cargo area. Another bonus is that the cargo hooks in the cargo area are perfect for anchoring the dogs seat belts to.
2008-10-31 06:51:49
The 2009 XL is the best yet! Awesome dog car….heck – great all aroubd car.
2008-08-19 21:53:31
In May 8, 2007 I bought a NEW SUBARU FORESTER and now I have subsequently taken it to back to the agency on several occasions with the same problem. A part from this car overheated four times and whenever I took the car to the agency and they didn´t find the fault. I had asked the forester agency to consider giving me my money or change another new car
2008-08-12 12:13:42
Love my 2003 Forester. But then again I only have one dog. If I had more than one, I’m not sure.
2008-07-29 12:50:34
I just bought my second Forester. The 2009 is a little roomier, plenty of room for my two retrievers in crates + a grooming table and two fold down crates. 25 mpg, all-wheel drive for less than $20,000. And it comes with a stick-shift! My 2001 Forester had 160,000 miles on it—they’re reliable. I love my car!
2008-07-27 18:19:08
We have a 2006 2.5-Turbo. It has survived African rough roads – another bigger vehicle damaged its gas tanks. Our dog approves
2008-06-04 09:26:45
Ihave a 2005 and love it! We can fit 2 crates with tha back seat down. Love the handling too. I use the roof rack for carrying extra crates, grooming table and other things.
2008-04-25 20:23:23
Mechanically a sound car though here in Australia you have to choose between curtain airbags or a cargo barrier, like on most Japanese SUV/ wagons …. silly I think. Makes no sense whatsoever.
2008-04-14 03:58:32
I don’t have the Forester, but I do have the 2006 LLBean Outback. I purchased the wire compartment divider that Subaru has available and use it instead of crates for my standard poodles. The divider is bolted into the frame of the vehicle, and permits me to mount dog fans on it to keep air circulating in the summer.
I covered the heavy rubber mat with fleece for the dogs’ comfort.
I love the vehicle and am still, 2 years later, pleased with the purchase. The dogs think of it as their second home.
2008-04-08 06:43:13
Does anybody know if the Midwest side by side crates (21×36) will fit in the back of the 2009 Forester? My 2001 Forester has been great for driving two dogs around (with a side door crate in the back and a 400 series varikennel on the rear seat), but it would be nice if in my next car, I could access both crates from the rear. I tried measuring, but it’s close enough that I couldn’t tell. Thanks!
2008-03-21 16:26:28
Test drive of 2009 Forester (non-turbo)
Think Subaru has another dog and people friendly vehicle here. Pretty much redesigned inside and out. Slightly longer, hence more interior space. Interior design very nice. Slightly higher road clearance – on the positive side, more height to go over ruts, but a little more height for dogs to get into. Still- not bad. Cargo space much better. Subaru reduced size of the bumps along the sides in the cargo area. More room sideways to work with. (If anyone wants to test crate configurations—go for it! There is quite a bit of head room.)More leg room for people in back seat. Power and feel of car very nice. Subaru has added the “sport” drive to the Forester, which gives you more umph when you want it. Roof racks appear to be an optional item. Best thing of all—the price is still pretty much the same!!!
2008-03-19 17:54:24
luv them
2008-01-23 12:22:24
I drive a 1999 Subaru Forester and it has now rolled to over 233k miles. I love it. With one small exception when it was relatively new, I have had very few mechanical problems. I get about 23 mpg in the city and have gotten up to 30 mpg on the highway. And the reason I got it in the first place was because I could fit 2 large dog crates if needed, one with a side opening in the back and the other with front opening at a side door. It even travelled from WNY to GA with 2 dogs, 3 people and all the stuff needed for a week away from home – it was crowded but it worked. I would get another, though I do believe they have changed the shape a bit since my version.
2008-01-20 20:29:55
Have a 2002 Forester. My Shiba rides in her crate in the back seat.
A while ago I sent an email to Subaru of America, suggesting that they work with various dog crate companies on lines of crates specifically for cars. (For example, crates that can be secured using the child restraint systems.)
Got a nice email back from them saying that they appreciated the input and that my suggestion was being forwarded to their “accessories division”.
2007-12-26 21:41:22
The Subaru Forester is great. I’m single and the Dozer, my lab, loves to ride in the back seat. I use a Orvis Backseat Saver.
Lloyd Thomas, Esq.
Tempe, AZ
2007-12-17 12:05:15
Our 2003 Outback can hold 3 #300 Vari kennels with the back seat down. Two side by side in the back and one pushed up sideways against the driver’s seat and oriented to face the rear side door (this one has to be put in from the back and slid forward). This may hold true for newer models as well.
2007-11-04 22:47:24
The Subaru Forrester has a bad drawback-Can’t open the tailgate with two crates in the back. There is no way to open from the outside and if there is a power failure-you can’t get dogs out. Had I known this I would not have purchased the Forrester, On the other hand if you get two 30 inch long crates with side doors, you can fit one long way behind pssenger seat and the other behind the back seats. You are able to leave the one seat behind the driver up for a passenger and someone can fit in front.
2007-10-09 19:44:23
Ditto on all the rave reviews…love the height…not too high for many dogs to jump on it, unlike so many mid-size SUV’s and trucks. Great vehicle for the pups!!!!
2007-10-04 18:29:21
I have a 2004 and two dogs. I usually keep my back seats folded and the crates back to back each opening to the side doors. When I travel I have the entire back for folding chairs, tent, dog supplies, fans and whatever. I have not been able to check out the new models but I hope the seat are more comfortable for long trips.
2009-12-26 17:35:27