2005 SUBARU FORESTER NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Subaru Forester?
An L.L. Bean package debuts for the 2005 Subaru Forester, adding 16-inch alloy wheels, beige leather seats and special badges to distinguish itself. This upscale Forester also includes an automatic transmission, a self-leveling rear suspension, an auto-dimming rear view compass mirror, and a hard cargo floor and hard rear seatbacks. The L.L. Bean Package replaces last year's 2.5 Premium Package, and cannot be combined with the turbocharged engine. All 2005 Subaru Foresters get silver trim rings around the gauges and a digital PRNDL indicator.

Advantages of the 2005 Subaru Forester:

• Drives like a car but looks like an SUV
• 2.5XT model with stout turbocharged power
• Comfortable up front with lots of cargo space in back
• Deserved reputation for reliability

Objections to the 2005 Subaru Forester:

• Non-turbo engines lack power
• Rear seats are a little cramped
• Not as large or tall as other crossover SUVs
• Well-equipped models are rather pricey compared to other vehicles in the class

Editor's Advice:
The Subaru Forester has matured into an excellent do-anything vehicle, and with a 210-horsepower turbo model on tap it no longer feels as though it's having trouble getting out of its own way. Tidy dimensions, standard all-wheel-drive, enough room for a family of four and commendable crash-test results all add up to an excellent urban utility vehicle. If you're shopping small crossover SUVs, the 2005 Subaru Forester deserves a test drive.