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2006 Subaru Forester 2.5X Road Test

An Influential Crossover SUV

In the fall of 1997 when Subaru delivered its first Forester, I doubt they had a true appreciation of the influence it would have in helping to establish the now tremendously popular crossover segment of vehicles. While the Toyota RAV4 came two years prior and Honda CR-V a year ahead, Subarus entry was more car-like than either.

The Forester grew out of a desire by Subaru to blend the attributes of a passenger car with those of an SUV. Subaru used its subcompact Impreza wagon as the root vehicle for the Forester. In its transformation, the Imprezas body was lengthened, widened and most noticeably heightened.

The roomy Forester continues to be powered by Subarus highly reliable 4-cylinder boxer engine, which

The Forester grew out of a desire by Subaru to blend the attributes of a passenger car with those of an SUV. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

feeds torque to all four wheels through the Japanese brands renowned all-wheel-drive technology.

Now in its eighth year, the widely popular and enduring Forester continues to win over the hearts and paychecks of many savvy buyers. Along the way Subaru has refined the little tough-guy SUV by improving performance and adding amenities, plus a facelift or two; the most

A keen eye is needed to identify the Foresters subtly redesigned nose and restyled rear hatch and taillights. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

recent of which applies to the 2006 model. A keen eye is needed to identify the Foresters subtly redesigned nose and restyled rear hatch and taillights. Lets just say the Foresters simplistic design and boxy shape has always been appealing and continues to be. Enough said. Moving inside, the Foresters four-door wagon-style body doesnt elicit any audible "awes" in the way its big brother Tribeca does. The Foresters cabin is about as straightforward

The level of comfort and functionality within the Forester is superb. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

as a modern vehicle can be these days, especially in the base model on which this review is based. Sure, stepping up a rung or two on the trim-level ladder brings with it niceties such as premium audio with steering wheel mounted controls, leather upholstery, moonroof and heated power seats, but Subaru supplied an entry-level tester for this review, and I am grateful. Too often its the top-of-the-line models that are delivered to auto journalists by manufacturers keen to put forth their best offering, if you will. Unfortunately the "best offering"

Subaru has done a good job of laying out the gauges and controls in the Forester. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

is not always representative of what the average buyer puts forth in the driveway.

Base model or not, I instantly felt at home in the drivers seat, while hardly experiencing sensory overload; trust me, unless you were under a rock or in jail throughout the 80s and 90s youve seen it all before. But dont allow familiarity to breed contempt, as the level of comfort and functionality within the Forester is superb. The high roofline translates into exceptional headroom throughout all five seating positions. Legroom is impressive up front, but can become precious in the rear when Daddy Long Legs is driving.

The rear seatback is split 60/40. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Some give-and-take here is critical to achieve holistic wellness.

Subaru has done a good job of laying out the gauges and controls in the Forester. Everything was where I expected it. The tachometer and speedometer and other important analog gauges are large in size, easy to read and clustered in clear view directly ahead of the driver. The center stack in the 2.5X is nicely finished in matte silver and contains a basic three-dial HVAC system and audio head.

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