Car shopping is a lot like dating.
Sure, it’s fun to spend time with a car that is ultra-attractive in styling. The question is if you really want to commit to a fad that may follow fashion but not have what you truly value — safety, comfort and performance.
So even if the hot new numbers turn your head, don’t forget the attractive, reliable one who’s been around since 1988.
That would be the Subaru Forester, that more than a decade after its introduction is still winning awards from Car & Driver and edmunds.com for styling, safety and performance. Statistics from Polk research show the small sport utility vehicle is the best selling all-wheel-drive car in America. As you’d expect, owner loyalty and resale values are also top rated.
The exterior of this high-performing, fuel-efficient SUV might remain basically the same — you will note a jaunty new grille design — but there’s a lot more going on under the hood than you might expect.
In 2011 the Forester features an all-new 2.5-liter, dual overhead cam boxer engine that improves responsiveness, lessens exhaust emissions and improves fuel economy. The 2011 models are estimated to rate up to 27 mpg highway and 21 mpg city — one mile per gallon better than the 2010 models.
The interior is also gently updated with a new, easier-to-read instrument panel and what Subaru calls a “softer textured material for enhanced interior appearances.” Bottom line — it’s pretty and comfortable.
The great news is that you can snag a 2011 Forester for only about $200 more than you would pay for a 2010 model.
Subaru is also expanding models of the Forester. In 2011 the automaker unveiled the Forester 2.5X Touring model. It features an automatic transmission, high-intensity discharge headlights, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, three 12-volt outlets, center console box with sliding arm rest, one-touch folding rear seats, and more. Its starting price is $27,995.
Of course, plenty of cars have pretty faces and then disappoint in the comfort department. That’s not the case with the Forester that boasts 41.6 inches of headroom and 43.1 inches of legroom in the front. The rear offers 40.4 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom.
Ever notice how some cars sacrifice comfort and convenience — in this case, ample door openings — for style? Not so in the Subaru, which also has the 60/40-rear seat split. That means loading and unloading boxes and other bulky packages is a breeze.
It almost seems superfluous to mention that the 2011 Subaru — like its older siblings — is lauded for its crisp, responsive handling and top-notch safety features that has kept it winning the much-coveted five-star crash test safety ratings. The Subaru Forester is a safe, reliable and attractive SUV that is worthy of your commitment.
