People love SUVs, but more and more people have been looking for an alternative to the large models that suck up a lot of gas. One of the best options to consider is the Subaru Forester; it’s a great vehicle with plenty of room, great handling on and off the road, and a nice aesthetic.
Key Features
The vehicle offers keyless entry, 16-inch steel wheels, a driver seat lumbar adjuster, and outside temperature readouts. There is also 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, as well as tie downs and storage in the floor.
Changes for 2012
One of the new features for the 2012 model is the height adjustable passenger seat. The higher trim models also have a navigation system that has USB, iPod, and Bluetooth capabilities, as well as satellite radio, real time traffic, and messaging.
What We Like
We’ve found quite a bit to like with the vehicle. The rear visibility in the vehicle is great, which is not always the case with SUVs. It makes it easier to see out the back window when backing up, which can increase the driver’s awareness and safety. It also has a nice panoramic moon roof.
What Concerns Us
Although this is a good vehicle, it might not have as much space as you need to have. It doesn’t have seven seats, and there is not any rear seat entertainment for the kids, which could be a problem for some potential buyers.
Available Models
The base model is a 5-spd manual, all wheel drive vehicle. The estimated mileage is estimated to be 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Several models are available, as well as different trim packages. The 2.5-liter boxer-4 has 170 horsepower @ 5,800 RPM, 174lb of torque @ 4,100 RPM. The 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-4 has 224 horsepower @ 5,200 RPM and 226lb of torque @ 2,800 RPM. This model gets 19 in the city and 24 on the highway.
Major Recalls
The 2012 Subaru Forester has had several recalls. Two recalls were for issues with the brake lines involving corrosion, which could cause the brakes to fail. Another recall was for short-circuiting of the accessory puddle light, and one was for an issue with the automatic locking retractor.
Common Issues
There are relatively few complaints about the vehicle coming from customers. Some customers report issue with the engine, including excessive oil consumption. Some have noted that their battery has trouble keeping a charge as well.
