Before so-called crossover vehicles were trendy, there was the Subaru Forester. The Forester was one of the first vehicles to combine some of the best attributes of a sport-utility vehicle with the ride and driving dynamics of a car. The number of vehicles with this mix of car and truck characteristics has increased, to be sure, but a thoroughly revised 2006 model keeps Forester near the head of the pack.
The market research firm Polk has concluded that Forester inspires higher owner loyalty than just about any vehicle in production. That's easy to understand. Forester delivers the SUV features its buyers want, including a high seating position, good cargo space and a superb all-wheel-drive system with a modicum of off-road capability. It's perfect for unpaved backcountry roads or logging trails, the conditions most of us encounter when we venture off the pavement. Yet Forester also offers fuel mileage and ride comfort that's more like a car, in a compact, maneuverable package. On the road it delivers good handling and brake performance. It's more practical than the typical SUV for prowling the urban jungle and better for handling treacherous weather on the highway.
The 2006 Subaru Forester benefits from what those in the car business call a mid-cycle refresh, which means changes are fairly extensive but it isn't a ground-up redesign. All Foresters get at least a modest increase in horsepower, thanks to internal changes in their unusual horizontally opposed engines. The turbocharged Forester 2.5XT Limited gets the biggest boost, making it one of the more exhilarating vehicles of its type to drive. Forester still offers either a manual or automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard on all models.
The 2006 Forester has been restyled front and rear, creating a slightly more serious, less cutesy look. Inside, subtle changes add comfort and convenience, particularly in the back seat. An alarm and security system are now standard. The suspension has been revised in an effort to improve ride comfort, adding a bit more ground clearance for off-road forays.
We're not crazy about all the changes in the 2006 Forester, but in total they improve a car (or is that an SUV?) that was very good to begin with. Forester has amassed a good reliability record since its introduction eight years ago. It has performed very well in laboratory crash tests and it comes with a high level of standard safety equipment. It can tow up to 2400 pounds. In short, the Forester still offers a combination of SUV capability, fuel-efficiency, on-road performance and versatility that's tough to beat.