New Subie, Same as the Old Subie

We recently had the 2007 Subaru Forester XT in the Cars.com test fleet, and we all noted how little has changed in the vehicle over the past five years. Of course, no one knows that more than a Forester owner, like our own Brian Neale, director of consumer publishing. He’€™s been living with a 2003 Forester day-in and day-out for almost four years. Here’s his report on the 2007.

“I felt a small pang of regret in October 2003 as I was signing the paperwork for a barely used Subaru Forester. The 2004 model was around the corner, promising a new XT trim with a previously unavailable turbocharged engine. But my cheap side had won out, and I settled for a “pre-depreciated” 2003 Forester XS model — the top-of-line trim at the time — with just 2,300 miles.

I’m still driving it today, and probably will until the wheels fall off. Still, in the 40,000 trouble- and ticket-free miles since purchase, my inner speed-demon has always wondered what tire-chirping pleasures I passed up by forgoing the new turbo and sticking with my 2003 and its pedestrian 165-hp engine.

So naturally I jumped at the chance to drive a new 2007 Forester XT Limited, which boasts a 224-hp turbocharged version of the venerable Subaru 2.5-liter boxer 4 that powers my ’03.

Like my own Forester, the test car came with a five-speed manual transmission — technically standard equipment, but a relative rarity out on the road where automatics (an $800 option) are the rule.

My inner speed-demon was instantly happier with the turbo engine, which transforms the ordinarily mild-mannered Subaru into a spirited performer that’s a lot more fun to drive.

Even when driving with a light foot around town, I could sense the extra power on tap. Where I really appreciated the extra power, though, was on the open highway — for instance, when I wanted to blow past a pack of slow-moving semis. Just mash the accelerator, and after a momentary lag the turbo kicks in and the little SUV delivers a hard, sustained acceleration boost for a quick, confident pass. My ’03, on the other hand, has always been a little anemic in the passing department.

Aside from the stouter engine, very little has changed since Subaru redesigned the Forester for 2003. From the outside, the ’07 looks only slightly different from my trusty Neale-mobile. Aside from an updated grille, the tell-tale turbo hood scoop and redesigned headlights and taillights, only my collection of bumper scrapes and hood dings distinguished the two SUVs when parked side-by-side.

Interior changes since 2003 are also limited, although Subaru did address a few common complaints and make some improvements:

• Plush leather seats and a massive power sunroof — optional equipment in ’03 — are now standard on the XT Limited.
• Flimsy rear cupholders remain but have been supplemented by a sturdier pair that flips out from under the driver’s armrest.
• An eight-way power driver’s seat is standard on the XT Limited; it wasn’t even an option in 2003.
• The backseat now includes a spacious armrest for two passengers.
• The upgraded audio system includes an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players, a subwoofer and optional satellite radio.

Hint: Avoid the $656 “Performance Group” option, which includes a short-throw shifter (fun, but wasn’t particularly smooth in my testing) and a puny turbo-boost gauge that looks tacked-on to the steering column and blocks the driver’s view of the fuel and temperature gauges.”
Brian Neale