http://mag.subiesport.com/images/stories/News/2009/forester/09forester_nasioc.jpg (http://www.subiesport.com)

2009 Subaru Forester
By Subiesport Magazine, http://www.subiesport.com

2007 has been a year of big announcements at Subaru. First there was the revision of the Tribeca, and while that wasn’t earth shattering, the world waited in rapt excitement for the next one. That would have been the new Impreza WRX. Here was the first step in the hot-saloon cum hot hatch revamp. Then, closely on the heals of this was the relaunch of the STI which made the world stand still. Not ready to throw in the towel, Subaru had just one more revamp up its sleeve. And here it is: the long awaited for… 2009 Subaru Forester.

Not exactly the biggest release from Subaru in the last 5 five years, but still, another all-new model for Subaru fans to either rejoice or lament over. Given Subaru’s track-record over the last year, the faithful are sure to have their beefs with this new car as well.
Gone is the shoe-box styling that made the Forester such a hit. Again, Subaru seems to be taking styling cues from the likes of Toyota as the new Forester looks to be much more Rav 4 and not so much box-back Impreza.

The Forester still shares its platform with the hot saloon Impreza and therefore also shares the all-new, more sophisticated double-wishbone rear-suspension which Subaru claims improves crash protection as well as handling feel. Whereas the senior Forester was much more car-like in stance and ride-height, this generation is taller for a more SUV feel, with up to 8.9-inches of ground clearance. Subaru claims that this Forester also has more cargo room, which comes virtue of better suspension packaging and a longer wheel base, 3.6-inches more than that of the previous car.

The drivetrain is the same as that of the Impreza, with both 2.5-liter N/A and 2.5-liter turbo models available. Both manual and automatic transmission choices are available with VDC traction and stability control being standard along with all-wheel-drive, ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes. Manual transmissions will get Incline Start Assist to prevent roll-back when starting out on a hill.

The new Forester will now offer the same gee-whiz interior goodies of the Impreza with optional navigation, satellite radio and portable media player connectivity. Subaru claims that “…new interior materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of higher quality.” The Forester again is offered in several different trim levels with the stripper being the 2.5 X, “offering one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment and the range-topping Forester L.L.Bean Edition, offering more luxury without compromising the vehicle’s sporty nature;” or so says Subaru.

http://mag.subiesport.com/images/stories/News/2009/forester/forster4.jpg

While we take solace in the fact that Subaru has retained the hot XT version, it appears that Subaru has slipped yet another one of its quirky, marque-defining models into the mainstream with the Forester’s new pseudo off-road body-cladding. This may be an attempt to carve the Forester out of the GLBT niche that Subaru so happily made for the car, and try to make it more competitive against the likes of the Rav 4 and CRV, which it closely resembles now.

If this new car is anything like it’s predecessor, it should offer more power, performance and handling than that of either the Honda or the Toyota.

http://mag.subiesport.com/images/stories/News/2009/forester/forster3.jpg

Where this new car will fit in given the history and pedigree of the Forester, what with both the Japanese STI version and previous Sports editions as the benchmark, will be interesting to see. However, given the fact that this car also shares the underpinnings of the Impreza which is no slouch in the handling and power department, we will have to see just how much padding there is between the two cars.

Hopefully, as in past generations, your own home-brewed pseudo-STI version is only a set of springs and a reflash away.

For more pictures, and the original press release, visit http://www.subiesport.com

NASIOC's News & Rumors forum already has a thread in progress (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1413380).

boooo! i like the more square look better

holy ...
what did they do to the poor forester?:sadbanana:

Subaru beat it with teh ugly stick.

They just ****ed it up, just like they have ****ed up all the other models. I'm glad I have an 05 Forester, best one made to date.

I like it, you guys have too much of the "I fear change" mentality. Subaru did exactly what they needed to do with the forester. A few quirkey loyalists buying Forresters is not as good as mass quantities of the general public.

This is my most favorite Subaru now. I hope it comes with a diesel and an improved automatic transmission next year! If not, I will wait until Subaru does that.

This is my most favorite Subaru now. I hope it comes with a diesel and an improved automatic transmission next year! If not, I will wait until Subaru does that.

I'll second that.

I think it looks great and they didn't go too far with the upsizing.

i like it a lot lol :D

It looks more like a Ford Escape from the front... I thought it was a wagon, not an SUV. Oh well, can't judge anything until you see it in person.

-Wes

disappointed when i saw the pic, as with most everything subaru is making right now.

and that first paragraph made my head hurt :(

Looks terrible, is Subaru aiming for the ugly look for all models?

disappointed when i saw the pic, as with most everything subaru is making right now.

and that first paragraph made my head hurt :(

I completly agree, why are they ruining all of their cars?

I dont even care about the specs... this car is too ugly.

I think it looks great. Good job Subaru.

It's amaizing how much damage a BAD PHOTO can do to a car's image.

better photos can be found here:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/3963

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-subaru-forester/545237/

The photos from SubieSports are not bad, they just show a different line. I think the car is finally looking it's part in the Subaru line up. It is suppose to be a small/mid size SUV, to me it has always looked like a plump wagon, that said, it didn't looked bad, it just didn't look like a SUV. I have many friends who have told me that the reason that they didn't buy a Forester was because they didn't want a wagon, I think that they would buy this version. I would think that Japan would know by now that the USA wants STi versions of every model Subaru builds, I'm sure a Sti Forester would sell great here, as would a STi Legacy. This is the Forester we've needed here in the Northwest, I think that they have a winner here. Now if there would only bring back a decent coupe, maybe a limited edition STi Coupe. The line would form behind me.

Is that a mirror on the hood?! Oddly I like it.

I like a lot better than the new Impreza

:eek: how can anyone say the previous forester was good looking?!
I really appreciate how useful this car is but you need to have some REALLY bad taste to think its\was good looking!
this hasn't changed much. I think its a step up although its still ugly as sin.

Big step up in the looks department for the forester . This change looks more mainstream which is what subaru is going for .

:eek: how can anyone say the previous forester was good looking?!
I really appreciate how useful this car is but you need to have some REALLY bad taste to think its\was good looking!
this hasn't changed much. I think its a step up although its still ugly as sin.

haha, keep your flame suit handy :lol:

http://www.carpw.com/pictures/subaru/JDM_Forester_STi_2005_1.jpg

Vs

http://www.analogstereo.com/images/om/ford_escape.jpgw\hoodscoop

Hmmmm

I dont Dislike the new forester, but I see the escape in it...or maybe a jeep.

But if I wouldn't spot it on the street amongst other cars like I can an older impreza or older forester.

[IMG]
But if I wouldn't spot it on the street amongst other cars like I can an older impreza or older forester.

Well, what you posted IS an older Forester. Besides there is nothing similar between those 2 pictures you posted except that the car pictures were taken from the same angle :D

The old forester XT looked awesome in my opinion.

:eek: how can anyone say the previous forester was good looking?!
I really appreciate how useful this car is but you need to have some REALLY bad taste to think its\was good looking!
this hasn't changed much. I think its a step up although its still ugly as sin.

Seriously, what's not to like?

Forester pic 1 (http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/4989/img1570iu4.jpg)

Forester pic 2 (http://mrlink.hotmail.ru/Fotki/MyCar/FXT/MyFXT1es.JPG)

Forester pic 3 (http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/joscolem/9-27-07%20Full%20Moon/DSC_0413copy.jpg)

Forester pic 4 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/rbsaeroparts/P5220962.jpg)

Forester Pic 5 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/holmesie/Oct%2006/IMGP0067adjusted800.jpg)

Forester pic 6 (http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=9338&d=1198178265)

Forester pic 7 (http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/1511/pepesparkinglot1lg8.jpg)

Looks good! +1

I like it. I would have never bought the old forester because i thought it looked too much like a boxy station wagon with a lift. But this one looks like a sporty station wagon with a lift. Definitley a step in the right direction and would consider it if i had a family. Looks Good!

it looks good from the front a least

Looks like an ugly boat built by Ford...I'm going to buy a new STI for my next car

Why the hell does the Forester make the "FRONT PAGE" of NASIOC???????


doesn't NASIOC stand for North America Subaru IMPREZA Owners Club??????


Maybe i'm wrong???

I DON'T CARE ABOUT GAY CARS!!! SHOW ME A NEW GC8!!! not a soccer mom car!

Know how I know you are gay???

Looks great, but needs a serious drop. I'd buy the new XT before I'd buy the new STI.

The onlything that is really wrong with it is that damn grille. It's the same thing that's wrong with the impreza. If they came out with a sport grille I bet it would look a lot better.

Anyone care to photochop a black mesh grille on there?

Optional Grille:
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/jtomko1/view1mq3.jpg

Change for the most part is inevitable.

We represent that 10 or 20 percent that likes what's there. Unfortunately, there's the other 80 or so percent that the industry will service.

When you had GM owning a stake in FHI, we saw the Saab 9-2x Aero which of course was an Impreza WRX in disguise. Now that Toyota has a stake in FHI, we of course will see the "Toyota-izing" of the cars as well.

I hope of course that, as with GM, with it's largeness and not too great quality, that Toyota's goal in rising to be the leader and it's evident current slide in it's quality, does not affect FHI too much. Time will only tell.

So the Forrester is becoming SUV-ized and maybe it will become an SUV, thus adding to the ever larger non-car market where fuel economy and emissions are less stringent. Maybe Subaru's NA facilities "zero-waste" initiative is really a way to "balance" out the equation to effectively build more and more SUV's. This is a bad thing. But, who really knows? Only FHI/Toyota does...

Looks better than the new Impreza. I would own one.

Awww but I liked the new 2008's. Best model made yet 2..5XT

doesn't look bad from the front or side but the rear. huh i still have to stare at. the interior isn't bad. my x-gfs mom used to get forester cuz she worked for subaru and they weren't bad. i think bigger rims would look a little better. but other than that i like foresters. but they way it is going now i will still stick with the sti in the future

Here was the first step in the hot-saloon cum hot hatch revamp.

:huh:

Optional Grille:
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/jtomko1/view1mq3.jpg


See, Grille makes it look better. minus the strange mirror.

First...+1 on this being NASIOC not NASFOC or even NASLOC

Second....I am not against change and I am more than aware that any and all car manufacturers need to keep thier line ups fresh for sales reasons. What I do not understand with Subaru is why they are insisting on making cars that look like already existing manufacture models. Why make the Impreza look like a Mazda 3? Why make the Forester look like a Rav 4? I understand that Toyota owns a percentage of Subaru and that there will be collaboration, but why not limit it to the engine and drivetrain. I am not a fan of crossover styling of dis-similar manufacturers. The Ford Escape and the Mazda Tribute are identical because Ford owns Mazda. The same is true when you talk about the Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES, same exact car. But when you do something like a Dodge Stealth and a Mitsubishi 3000GT I just cringe. I am a huge Subaru fan and one of the things I like most about Subaru is that they are a niche company. They are not for everyone. Start making cars like this though and they'll just be another passing fancy.

Just my 2 cents!!

^^^ -1 to that guys +1.

If you only want to see Impreza stuff just go ahead and not click on the non-impreza topics. Nobody's forcing you to read stuff about the Forester, Tribeca or Legacy.

I'd rather go to one site rather than have to sign up and monitor 3-4 sites to get my reading enjoyment.



Anyways, I sort of like the new Forester but would of course need to replace the high riding suspension with something more performance based. If I was going to take a SUV off-roading I would rather bring something better for that like a Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover (or whatever else is good off-road). The exterior styling is pretty much standard fare for all small SUVs on the market...the interior is nice.

I enjoy reading about all of Subarus dealings it lets me know where the company as a whole is heading.

Chances are if they change something with one line up and it works they will apply the same to each line up with variation.

So im fine with the forester being front page news.
On the other hand, i'd like the front page to be updated far more...

the previous forester looked more aggressive, like it was ready to dog u out. Now the new one is more like a soccer mom's car. but the over all look between the new one and the previous one, the 08 hands down. But if ur a guy in my opinion i like the older forester.

See, Grille makes it look better. minus the strange mirror.

that strange mirror will only appear in JDM models. many JDM SUVs have that mirror.

I think this is a big improvement over the outgoing model. I see sales going way up once it comes out. Just my opinion.:)

It's amaizing how much damage a BAD PHOTO can do to a car's image.

better photos can be found here:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/3963

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-subaru-forester/545237/

I agree that the above photo's are not the "best" but the other photos that you sent me to here are really nice. I could see myself in one of these easy. My girlfriend and I have been going back and forth over which is going to be her next car- she now has a saab 9-3 2.0T and wants an SUV next. I've been leaning towords the 07 forester XT, she wants the 08Tribeca only because the forester looks like a wagon. I think the 09 will give me some more ammo to convince her we don't need something as big as the tribeca. good photos everyone should look at these!!!!!!

I agree that the above photo's are not the "best" but the other photos that you sent me to here are really nice. I could see myself in one of these easy. My girlfriend and I have been going back and forth over which is going to be her next car- she now has a saab 9-3 2.0T and wants an SUV next. I've been leaning towords the 07 forester XT, she wants the 08Tribeca only because the forester looks like a wagon. I think the 09 will give me some more ammo to convince her we don't need something as big as the tribeca. good photos everyone should look at these!!!!!!

All outlets got the same pics...from Subaru. We have those "other" pics running at Subiesport.com, too.

wow....I dont like it. I have really got used to seeing the Forester as a boxy looking vehicle. It looks as if they are "toyota-izing" this car.
This is just my first impression, but I don't think it will change.

http://images.nasioc.com/forums/images/icons/nasioc/icon_thumbsdown.gif http://images.nasioc.com/forums/images/icons/nasioc/icon_thumbsdown.gif

wow, and I thought the new WRX was a letdown.....

it seems they have addressed a lot of consumer complaints and suggestions in terms of the 2009. the added mid range power is nice, more seating room is a plus.

im a fan of the interior, i just hope its not like the 08 imprezas where the dash kind of "comes out at you", the exterior is ehhh at best, its definitely more so along the lines of SUV styling. seems that its moved out of "wagon" status and full blown into the "cross sports" category.

i noticed people saying how we shouldnt fear change, and blah blah.. i dont think they are scared of change.. i think they dislike the fact that Subaru's design team has now gone mainstream and our cars are looking more and more common. in that regard i completely agree with them. that is the one thing ive always liked about the subaru line is that it was different and awkward looking.

^^^ -1 to that guys +1.

If you only want to see Impreza stuff just go ahead and not click on the non-impreza topics. Nobody's forcing you to read stuff about the Forester, Tribeca or Legacy.

I'd rather go to one site rather than have to sign up and monitor 3-4 sites to get my reading enjoyment.

-2 to that guys +1.

I'm in agreement. If I can go to just one place to get most of my info, that's the site I'm going to spend most of my time. NASIOC has become so big it leads the way in Subaru web sites. As a two-model family (Impreza/Outback) I applaud them. I like to be kept up to date with what's going on overall and I don't think NASIOC is stepping over the line reporting the latest on Subaru as a company.

MHO. :p

i think it looks great,as long as its priced right it should be a seller.im sure it will sell more then the new impreza.

dave/mspt

oh my go$$$ that looks like crap--go buy an 08.

A little too much Mitsubishi-ish to me.

Seriously, what's not to like?

Forester pic 1 (http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/4989/img1570iu4.jpg)

Forester pic 2 (http://mrlink.hotmail.ru/Fotki/MyCar/FXT/MyFXT1es.JPG)

Forester pic 3 (http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/joscolem/9-27-07%20Full%20Moon/DSC_0413copy.jpg)

Forester pic 4 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/rbsaeroparts/P5220962.jpg)

Forester Pic 5 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/holmesie/Oct%2006/IMGP0067adjusted800.jpg)

Forester pic 6 (http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=9338&d=1198178265)

Forester pic 7 (http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/1511/pepesparkinglot1lg8.jpg)

They look pretty good but they also look a little old now. Add to that the lack of rear seat leg room in the SF and SG Foresters and the new SH model starts to look a lot fresher to me. The small body Foresters will probably always have a following like the GC Imprezas do but I'm already sold on the big body SH to replace my 2001.

I would buy one.

They look pretty good but they also look a little old now. Add to that the lack of rear seat leg room in the SF and SG Foresters and the new SH model starts to look a lot fresher to me. The small body Foresters will probably always have a following like the GC Imprezas do.

+1 I like the older foresters, especially the SF's but when it comes to which would I choose today or 6 months from now with a choice between the two I'll have to go with the 09. Subaru's styling has always been bland and dated, I've never had a problem with that in fact that's part of what I like about them. They have such an unassuming look to them that people are always a little surprised by what they can do.

at least subaru is saving money on the dashes. they looks all the same in like every model

What I think needs to be understood is that most forester owners are not Suby enthusiasts. The majority of forester owners are in their late 50s and 60s. I think it was a good move for Subaru, making it more appealing to that cohort i.e. less boxy. I actually prefer the boxier look though.

What I think needs to be understood is that most forester owners are not Suby enthusiasts. The majority of forester owners are in their late 50s and 60s. I think it was a good move for Subaru, making it more appealing to that cohort i.e. less boxy. I actually prefer the boxier look though.

Maybe it's just me but the majority of Forester owners that I see/know are quite a bit younger than that. They are more typically in their mid 20's to mid 30's. Now Outbacks on the other hand around here are more likely to be owned/driven by the mid 40's and up crowd.

And I have yet to meet a Subaru owner who isn't an "enthusiast" to some degree. Subaru owners know they own a Subaru, most others know what color car they own. Enthusiasm can manifest itself in a variety of ways.

Maybe it's just me but the majority of Forester owners that I see/know are quite a bit younger than that. They are more typically in their mid 20's to mid 30's. Now Outbacks on the other hand around here are more likely to be owned/driven by the mid 40's and up crowd.

And I have yet to meet a Subaru owner who isn't an "enthusiast" to some degree. Subaru owners know they own a Subaru, most others know what color car they own. Enthusiasm can manifest itself in a variety of ways.

Must have a different crowd of forester owners in Idaho and Utah then.

The other day I went to get an estimate on some dents to be fixed on my Forester, and as she's looking right at my car she asks me, "So what kind of car is it?" I respond, " A Subaru Forester." Then she said, "Oh... thats what I drive too.":confused: She was in her early 50s.

put me down for an xt. Looks like choosing between the LGT and the FXT for the ride won't be easy

Maybe the OP should put up some better pics of the new Forester. Those pics suck!

Not half bad...its definetly got potential.

the only subaru wagon I ever liked was the square 80s look and three main "slow pokes". Add to that dual range, hack in a lift kit, simply 27 inch tires... I could drive it forever.;)

the new forestor brings back the look (from first glance anyway) that you could just slap on some tall squishy more offroadish tread, accept the ground clearance with pleasure and almost treat it like it is as tough as the old I cherish. Add some dual range, go a bit more suv, and make the transverse driven equivelants the jackass they always will be. Good job. The first glimpse of realistic to me I have seen in more than a decade. :rolleyes:

meanwhile, the 87 sube is waiting as a daily driver for one of these to be accepted cheaply as expendible, like all cars (I never can like too much- that would be ridiculous).

That just sucks

I have an 05 xs. It compliments my 03 hybrid wagon nicely. I will be replacing it with the new body style after they have been out for a bit. More room,more ground clearance, better interior, better features and a look to keep it competitive with it's competition. Keep it boxy and watch it not sell, or evolve and survive ? The answer is obvious

It's got the same front bumper as the new STi :(
Looks like a Toyota.

_Matt

i think its looks better and more upscale. Won't draw to the tuner market as much because it looks alot bigger. But will probably sell better to middle class folks. I hope it has a diesel option that would be sweet.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/WRXDan2002/smily/000000391.gifhttp://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/WRXDan2002/smily/crybaby2.gifhttp://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/WRXDan2002/smily/puke.gif

It's amaizing how much damage a BAD PHOTO can do to a car's image.

better photos can be found here:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/3963

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-subaru-forester/545237/

Agreed. Is Subiesport trying to torpedo the new forester by showing the worst view of it their post and then splashing it on the NASIOC home page? The other views from the quarters, sides and rear look great. The head on view is going ot take some getting used to but overall it looks much better than the SF/SG Foresters.

Try the 3d view page from Subaru Japan. Make sure you try it in different model grades and colors.
http://www.subaru.jp/forester/forester/exterior360/index3d.html

I'm sold! It has certainly addressed some of my hesitations with the current model (mainly rear leg-room), and the looks are more palatable with the rest of the family..! None of them cared for the Forester before (or my OBS for that matter) but this one, at least from the pictures, has full approval!

The old model looks better.. subaru needs a new designer. i vote for the guy that designs austin martins. he's got a good eye

. . . meh

They just ****ed it up, just like they have ****ed up all the other models. I'm glad I have an 05 Forester, best one made to date.

+1

Why is it that with each iteration since the GC chassis, the Impreza based cars become uglier and uglier? This new Forester takes the cake for being ugly as sin. Sigh, I think I've lost all faith in Subaru.

It screams "lift me and put on 33's, run e85, and 18lbs of boost with bolt ons"...That would be one hell of an offroader with very little work.

I like it, and some of you people bitch to no end about **** you can't change. I see opportunity with that one. An automatic with stall off road, with bigger tires, tougher suspension, and a punchy turbo setup with little lag. MMMMmmmm....

I think it could possibly do what some SUVs still can't. Wait for more offroad reports before you count this one out.

Agreed. Is Subiesport trying to torpedo the new forester by showing the worst view of it their post and then splashing it on the NASIOC home page? The other views from the quarters, sides and rear look great. The head on view is going ot take some getting used to but overall it looks much better than the SF/SG Foresters.

Try the 3d view page from Subaru Japan. Make sure you try it in different model grades and colors.
http://www.subaru.jp/forester/forester/exterior360/index3d.html

Still looks like a 4Runner to me :(
Much prefer the older models.

_Matt

looks good but id like to see a little more of it. it is about time for a change i might try to pick up an older one myself.

Who stole my Highlander?

Actually from the side it looks just ok |:

finally, an update worth talking about

i think subaru got raped by toyota in a dark alley...and these new models are the bastard children
:(

I think it is ok.. If they put a diesel engine in it by 2010 I'll probably buy one.

Its About Time Subaru Made The Forester Look Like A Real Suv.

it now sucks a big fat *ock

I bought my fxt because it was not like a real SUV. I surf, bike, play music and carry junk but wanted a nimble, quick car..I've already had SUV's..if I want an SUV I'd buy a Tahoe or something like that...the fxt really fits my current needs..not sure the new one would..if anything the STI looks like the NEW Forester STI..with the hatchback and space it might work for me [

Looks like mass market mush, kinda like a saturn........ouch! sorry Subaru. I'm sure its a very well built car though...

It really looks like my wife's Mitsubishi Outlander, which is a beautiful car IMHO. I liked the old forrester, except for the fact they called it a mini SUV, gimme a break, it's a Wagon! I like the fact that they have raised it up, if I have an SUV I don't want the same ground clearance as my WRX, that's just silly. I bet the XT will be sexy and a blast to drive to boot, good competition to the Rav4 and the CX-7, which are very powerful SUV/Crossovers.

So all in all IMO a good move for Subaru, I'll just be interested if they can put enough goodies in it to compete against my wife's outlander ... lol

the rear lights are soooo unispired, look like just pasted on , very very sad poor quality design.

the interior is 1000% better very nice touches.

the grill is horrible.

it lost it's strong look and now its softer. we many of us don't like it.

but it is still one of the best vehicles out there.

oh yea, and the posted pic sucks ... worst of all pics

It really looks like my wife's Mitsubishi Outlander, which is a beautiful car IMHO. I liked the old forrester, except for the fact they called it a mini SUV, gimme a break, it's a Wagon! I like the fact that they have raised it up, if I have an SUV I don't want the same ground clearance as my WRX, that's just silly. I bet the XT will be sexy and a blast to drive to boot, good competition to the Rav4 and the CX-7, which are very powerful SUV/Crossovers.

So all in all IMO a good move for Subaru, I'll just be interested if they can put enough goodies in it to compete against my wife's outlander ... lol

The more i look at it, the more i see the outlander.....good call.

The more i look at it, the more i see the outlander.....good call.

How is this a good thing? Subbies are not suppose to look like their competition. :huh::furious:

It looks good, but that's only because it has that cliche` SUV look to it.

It doesn't look like a Subaru anymore.


They made Paul Hogan cringe.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/mojo_stevo/hogan.jpg

I had my heart set on an '08 Outback 2.5i and after my first look at the 09 Forester, my heart was still set on the Outback. With the news that the new 09 Forester is bigger, I think I might wait, though from the I definitely would like to lower it. The 08 Forester, when I took it for a test drive, felt like the right height.

Either way, its either the Forester or the Outback. I can't think of anything else that has the utility that I want and possibility for sport enhancement.

How is this a good thing? Subbies are not suppose to look like their competition. :huh::furious:

I meant good call on the guy i responded to...it does resemble a mitsubishi outlander, especially the side profile. Def not a good call on subaru's part.

I think subaru is way too worried about its direct competition...It seems that theyre trying to hard to act like the generic brands. Yeah some current subaru designs are a bit goofy looking, but that's what we want...to not get washed in with the herd. I think subaru should do what hyundai is doing (trust me I'm not praising hyundai here, we all know a subaru is more reliable than a hyundai.) they should aim high, look at bmw and lexus, have a direct focus on safety, performance and quality, look aggressive and original. But bring this to the market at an affordable price.

To put this all into perspective because i may be trailing just a bit...the 2008 wrx had the chance to be offered as a coupe and compete with the bmw 1 series, but they blew it. It doesnt offer much more in performance than the previous and it looks like a F*cking Toyota.. The only car that currently has potential to be just as good as the the more expensive brands is the legacy, theyre heading the right direction there..first of all it looks great and has all the whatnot, but it could be better. They should develop a turbo h6 STi leg that just might compete with the m3... imagine how much that would stir up the automotive media.

Feel free to burst my bubble

It looks good, but that's only because it has that cliche` SUV look to it.

It doesn't look like a Subaru anymore.


They made Paul Hogan cringe.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/mojo_stevo/hogan.jpg

Haha, when i was young and stupid, Those commercials made me think subies were australian..

Haha, when i was young and stupid, Those commercials made me think subies were australian..

LOL same here.

...but I'm still young and stupid:sadbanana:

wow, and I thought the new WRX was a letdown.....
+1 and don't get me started on that disappointment (personal preference)
i noticed people saying how we shouldnt fear change, and blah blah.. i dont think they are scared of change.. i think they dislike the fact that Subaru's design team has now gone mainstream and our cars are looking more and more common. in that regard i completely agree with them. that is the one thing ive always liked about the subaru line is that it was different and awkward looking.
I agree. I don't see what people's likes/dislikes have to do with being "afraid of change". If I don't like it, how am I afraid of change? :confused: Subaru has been known to have exteriors that's different/awkward, but not anymore. They are more mainstream now, and plain looking. (part of the reason I'm so disappointed with the new WRX)

Why the hell does the Forester make the "FRONT PAGE" of NASIOC???????


doesn't NASIOC stand for North America Subaru IMPREZA Owners Club??????


Maybe i'm wrong???

I DON'T CARE ABOUT GAY CARS!!! SHOW ME A NEW GC8!!! not a soccer mom car!

uh..first of all GC8 is an older chasis code as and the original Forester was built on the same chasis as the GC for most intents and purposes thus they shared many interchangeable parts. Secondly it's not gay unless it's a green one ;) and I doubt you've ever been around someone that can drive a Forester well or is it that you got smoked by someone driving a soccer mom car before??:p have a nice day and watch out for those 300hp XT's out there.
~ferretboy, but you can call me sir.

I'm not a fan, but I never planned on buying a forester so my opinion doesn't matter.

Personally I've always been a fan of boxy cars (which might explain why my other car is a 63 Chevy). I think that today they stand out from the field of jelly beans much like sleek cars did back in the 50's and 60's.

I do give Subaru props for succesfully updating their car while (again, in my opinion based on a the few photos I've seen) retaining several elements that made the predecessor succesful.

Subaru needs a new team of designers... I am tired of these uglies coming out. GAHHHH

Haha, when i was young and stupid, Those commercials made me think subies were australian..
.. and now that I'm all grown up and whip smart, I know that only Outback Wagons are Australian ;).
.

looks clean to me

the new forester is well... more useful I guess. Its not my cup of tea though. Theres a guy locally who's got an XT modded to forester sti specs, and its a thing of beauty.