09 Subaru Forester Crossover SUV www.CarColumns.Net What do you want in a new vehicle?  If it is a good value and versatility for an active lifestyle, check out the 2009 Subaru Forester.  Subaru took a great vehicle that has been around for about six years, and made it even better.  The third generation of the Forester was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show last year and I was there at the event.  Since then, it has been named Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year as well as winning numerous other awards and honors.

Subaru is a company that has a solid reputation for making dependable vehicles.  Judy and I owned a Subaru station wagon back in the late 70’s and it was one of the best cars we ever owned.  This new Forester is a little bit longer and a little bit wider and a little bit taller than last year’s model.  It is built on an all-new platform and there is improved use of the space and utility.  Most importantly, Subaru has always emphasized the safety aspects of their vehicles and this new Forester is no different.

Since the new 2009 model Forester was introduced, it has received several awards.  Among them is being named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  To qualify, a vehicle must be equipped with Electronic Stability Control and earn the highest ratings available in the Insurance Institute’s front, side and rear crash tests.  Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that the new Forester has received the highest rating, five stars, in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s crash tests.  These tests are based on front and side impact on all the seating positions in the vehicle.

I like Subaru.  They may not be the most sporty looking and eye catching, but they are nicely designed and the exterior styling is attractive.  The interior of the Forester was good last year, but the new 2009 model has more room and versatility.  The back seat has about four inches of extra legroom.  The designers have used double-stitched fabrics and enhanced the seat cushions and seatbacks.  Each of the door panels has a molded recess for holding large sized drinks.  The side windows have a better appearance to them than before and the door openings have been made slightly larger.  Getting in and out is a little bit easier.  The glass on the back tailgate has been increased also, so that the driver has a much better rear view.

Several vehicles in the market have permanent All-Wheel Drive, which allow a certain amount of off-road capability.  The Forester uses Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is the core of the Active Driving concept.  This Symmetrical Drive gives the Forester an increased traction advantage on almost any road surface.  Combined with an improved ground clearance, the Forester has a fairly rugged off-road capability.  It won’t be able to tackle steep cliffs or boulder-challenging rock climbs, but it does surprisingly well off-road.  It performs really well in snow and ice.

The Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5 liter Boxer engine.  It comes in either a standard or Turbo-Charged configuration.  This power plant provides 224 horsepower, which can move you down the road when you need the extra power, but is designed to give better performance and fuel economy.  The low-end torque has been improved for this year to give more response for everyday driving.  It comes with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.

The Forester has been named a Recommend Buy by Consumer Reports magazine.  It is sensible, practical, and affordable.  Price ranges are slightly above $20,000, depending upon various configurations or packages added.  Mileage ranges in the mid-20 and upwards.  Some report getting close to 30 mpg, but if you have a lead foot on the pedal, you will probably get closer to 22 or 23 average.