Considering 2009 Forester

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I've been doing a lot of reading mostly pro and some con about the 2009 Forester. Maybe some current owners can help shed some light on a few issues.

First, a number of user reviews seem to mention problems with rattling noises in the car. How typical is this? Were these just some new model bugs that have been worked out?

Also, what's the scoop on the 4-speed auto transmission? It seems a bit outdated in the world of 5- and even 6-speed versions. Couple of questions about this:

The USAToday car reviewer, James Healy, said there was too much delay before downshifts. How much of an issue is this?

Also, is the 4th gear an overdrive?

Thanks much.

 

[HAR]

I've been doing a lot of reading mostly pro and some con about the 2009 Forester. Maybe some current owners can help shed some light on a few issues.

First, a number of user reviews seem to mention problems with rattling noises in the car. How typical is this? Were these just some new model bugs that have been worked out?

Also, what's the scoop on the 4-speed auto transmission? It seems a bit outdated in the world of 5- and even 6-speed versions. Couple of questions about this:

The USAToday car reviewer, James Healy, said there was too much delay before downshifts. How much of an issue is this?

Also, is the 4th gear an overdrive?

Thanks much.

I recently was looking for a Forester type vehicle and having had a Subaru in the past felt confident I would end up with an Outback or Forester. After all looking at specs for lots of vehicles the Outback, Forester, RAV4 and Escape ended up on my shortlist. After spending time with each of these I ended up purchasing the RAV4.

There were two main reasons I did not purchase the Forester in spite of glowing reviews. The primary one is that IMO the quality of interior materials was significantly downgraded as part of the redesign. To a lesser extent the engine and drivetrain in the Subaru products is a couple of generations behind Toyota. You are correct in your assessment of the 4 speed auto. This is especially pertinent if you chose the normally aspirated engine. If you chose the higher horsepower engine offered by Subaru there is the added expense of turbo maintenance over the life of the vehicle and the need for premium fuel. All of these vehicles are relatively heavy and while 170hp is certainly adequate for most situations passing at highway speeds in a two lane uphill situation, for example in the Mountainous West where I live, can become unnecessarily exciting. For this reason I wanted the higher HP versions of the vehicles I was looking at.

If I had been able to feel comfortable with the base engine then I would have chosen the Outback. I did not feel I could live with the quality of materials and interior design in the Forester or Escape. Wanting the higher horsepower engine burning 87 octane fuel I ended up with the RAV4.

The Forester is an excellent vehicle and would serve most owners well. That being said Subaru has not invested in powertrain improvements the way much of the competition has and it is beginning to show.

I hope this helps your decision making.

 

[Frank (archive)]

I recently was looking for a Forester type vehicle and having had a Subaru in the past felt confident I would end up with an Outback or Forester. After all looking at specs for lots of vehicles the Outback, Forester, RAV4 and Escape ended up on my shortlist. After spending time with each of these I ended up purchasing the RAV4.

There were two main reasons I did not purchase the Forester in spite of glowing reviews. The primary one is that IMO the quality of interior materials was significantly downgraded as part of the redesign. To a lesser extent the engine and drivetrain in the Subaru products is a couple of generations behind Toyota. You are correct in your assessment of the 4 speed auto. This is especially pertinent if you chose the normally aspirated engine. If you chose the higher horsepower engine offered by Subaru thereis the added expense of turbo maintenance over the life of the vehicle and the need for premium fuel. All of these vehicles are relatively heavy and while 170hp is certainly adequate for most situations passing at highway speedsin a two lane uphill situation, for example in the Mountainous West where I live, can become unnecessarily exciting. For this reason I wanted the higher HP versions of the vehicles I was looking at.

If I had been able to feel comfortable with the base engine then I would have chosen the Outback. I did not feel I could live with the quality of materials and interior design in the Forester or Escape. Wanting the higher horsepower engine burning 87 octane fuel I ended up with the RAV4.

The Forester is an excellent vehicle and would serve most owners well. That being said Subaru has not invested in powertrain improvements the way much of the competition has and it is beginning to show.

I hope this helps your decision making.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

By all means, test drive them all. Guy that just bought a 2009 Forester said the RAV4 felt too "trucky" to him. I have '03 and '08 Foresters and am happy with both. Have not driven the '09 but I like its looks.