Subaru Forester - 2008 Review

If you want a small SUV-type vehicle, there are plenty of options: Honda CRV or Element, Toyota RAV-4, Ford Escape, etc.  However, if you want one with all-wheel drive at a reasonable price and with good gas mileage, don't overlook the Subaru Forester.  It has a 16-valve 4-cylinder boxer engine (similar in layout to that of a Porsche) with pretty good acceleration. Mileage around town is in the low 20's; on the highway expect about 27 or more, which is better than a 2WD Honda Element.  And it goes in the snow.

The Forester comes in a range of models from the basic 2.5X up through the LL Bean deluxe trim.  If you want most of the features of the LL Bean but don't care about leather seats, go for the 2.5x with the Premium Package.  This gives you 4-wheel disc brakes, aluminum wheels, a moonroof, 6-CD changer with mp3 player jack, SIRIUS radio compatibility, climate control,  heated seats and mirrors, 8-way power driver's seat, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift and brake handles, etc., all for $1500 over the base price!  And unlike the LL Bean model, this configuration is available with a manual transmission.