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Test drive review
What a difference one model year makes
I was so disappointed with my Forster 2013, that after just a few months, I began looking for a replacement. The 2013 is a cheap tinny car, that features lots of road and wind noise, a 4 gear auto tra...
I was so disappointed with my Forster 2013, that after just a few months, I began looking for a replacement. The 2013 is a cheap tinny car, that features lots of road and wind noise, a 4 gear auto transmission that forces the engine to whine in overdrive with any press of the gas pedal, and don't get me talking about the horrible gas mileage. But I did like a few things about the Forester - that excellent window visibility and inspiring 4 wheel drive.
So when good reviews of the 2014 makeover broke, I stopped by my Subaru dealer and gave the 2014 a test drive. I traded in the 2013 that day.
What you get in the 2014 is what we should have had from the very start. Polish. First off, the car is now *much* quieter. At 80 mph, you can have a conversation without raising your voice. The engine is rarely heard, and the wind noise is tamed.
The drive is much better too. The bouncing is gone as so are much of the vibrations. The electric steering is ok - I would like a bit more feedback through the wheel, but overall, it's a fine driving experience. The CVT is great, keeping the engine at about 2k at all times, though I think it is tuned to deliver a jarring start from a start (probably done to give the illusion of power).
Gas mileage is wonderful. At 75mph, I log 29 mpg. City seems to be more around 22 mpg.
The interior is still forgettable. There are a few ergonomic improvements: the seat warmer switches are no longer hidden, the elbow rest is a bit longer. But there are some misses - the speedometer is smaller, and the backup camera screen is a bit too small and far down the dashboard for my eyes. Yeah, there are more softer plastics, but you won't confuse the Subaru for a VW interior.
The Bluetooth system has improved a little, though the voice recognition system is still more miss than hit. The std radio is rather blah, but the sound does improve thanks to the quieter cabin. The gas mileage and vehicle operations are nicely displayed on the dashboard - and now you can view real time gas mileage consumption as opposed to only seeing the average (which was the case for the 2013).
Overall, I'm a huge fan of this makeover. The Subaru Forester finally feels refined and caught up to peers like the CRV, CX5, and the Rav 4.
Test drive review
best transmission ever
have 1700 miles on my 2014 forester xt and loving it so far. getting 26.5mpg with aggressive driving 85% hwy and 15% city. very comfortable open car. and yes, it does love the dirt roads. the xt is ve...
have 1700 miles on my 2014 forester xt and loving it so far. getting 26.5mpg with aggressive driving 85% hwy and 15% city. very comfortable open car. and yes, it does love the dirt roads. the xt is very fast for an suv and fun to drive. my only complaint so far is a little too much road noise ( but this may be due to the xt suspension changes). the engine and transmission are unbelievable, and this is comparing to a 2012 lexus rx350 and a 2011 bmw x3 28xdrive. the actual fuel milage numbers are comparable to any diesel or hybrid suv out there, and so much more fun to drive. i have 36in legs and have tons of room left in the back seat. it rocks!
Test drive review
love this car
Just survived a pretty horrendous crash in a 2009 subaru forester, and walked away feeling that the only car I could legitimately now purchase was another Subaru. We bought the 20014 Forester and it's...
Just survived a pretty horrendous crash in a 2009 subaru forester, and walked away feeling that the only car I could legitimately now purchase was another Subaru. We bought the 20014 Forester and it's better than ever. Much better take off speed, quieter engine, great sight lines, reversing image, blue tooth, automatic rear gate....so many wonderful upgrades. Best of all - even more safety features!
Test drive review
Still loving it after a year!
Subaru Forester 2014
2.5i Premium
Use: It's my only car so in town and long distance trips.
I love my Subaru! I did months of research before purchasing it a year ago and have been happy with my deci...
Subaru Forester 2014
2.5i Premium
Use: It's my only car so in town and long distance trips.
I love my Subaru! I did months of research before purchasing it a year ago and have been happy with my decision ever since. It meets or surpasses the EPA mpg estimates!
Exterior: Looks great after a year. Yes, there are a couple of small rock chips on the lower front fender but I think it usual for every car. Love the styling.
Interior. I have the gray fabric and love it. Resists stains. The light color and the fabric keep things cool even on the hottest days. I like having Bluetooth connection and that I can connect my MP3 player to the sound system. The steering wheel controls are logical and useful. Air conditioning and heater are work great. I love the fold flat back as I sleep in the car rather than tent-camping. A twin air mattress fits perfectly for a great night's sleep. The panoramic moonroof is huge and lets in lots of light and air. I am petite and the seats are comfortable even after a 12 hour drive and the position to reach the pedals is just right.
Since I bought it there has been concern about oil consumption. I have not had an issue. Once the oil light came on and I added 1 quart of oil and that filled it. The car holds 5.5 qts so the warning light comes on well before engine damage can be done. I carry a quart with me, just in case.
I like that it monitors air pressure and that saved me a tire once when I hit road debris and was able to pull over as soon as the light came on and before damage was done.
I plan on keeping this car for many years and many miles!
Test drive review
Love my Forester
I have owned a variety of SUV's and crossovers, from the Pilot, to a RAV 4 and Venza. Needed something for long distance travel as well as AWD. This fits the bill to tee. So well built and all of the ...
I have owned a variety of SUV's and crossovers, from the Pilot, to a RAV 4 and Venza. Needed something for long distance travel as well as AWD. This fits the bill to tee. So well built and all of the details are thought out. Especially love the great visibility. Very smooth.
Test drive review
2014 is at the top of it's class
Our new 2014 Forester 2.5i Touring with Eyesight and Nav is a huge improvement over the previous Forester which felt tinny, noisy and cheap to me in test drives.
I drove the first 750 miles through b...
Our new 2014 Forester 2.5i Touring with Eyesight and Nav is a huge improvement over the previous Forester which felt tinny, noisy and cheap to me in test drives.
I drove the first 750 miles through blizzard conditions, a sandstorm, 60-70 mph winds and rains and this car tracked like a trooper. The CVT is perfectly smooth and responsive, the suspension is smooth yet well planted, the 2.5i (smaller engine) provided plenty of pep at all speeds, and the ride was quiet (even in high winds.) Road noise is lower than than the competition, but still evident on concrete highways. The Eyesight has already paid for itself--saving me from a collision with an errant driver. But I absolutely love the cruise control which accelerates and brakes the car depending upon traffic around you. It's like the car drives better by itself than with me in control on highways.
Around town the Forester is nimble, quick and easy to park. Outward visibility (front, side and rear) is tremendous compared with the competition and interior flexibility beats them too. My one complaint is the audio/nav. system which is needlessly complex to use. I'm finally getting used to it, but it seems dated (at best) although the Harmon-Kardon sound system is excellent. I love the high ground clearance with low step-in height and all the small touches Subaru put into this vehicle to make it livable.
I test drove a CR-V, RAV4 and Ford Escape and none matched the Forester. It just feels right.
Test drive review
My last car
Love it. The gas mileage, the open lines of sight, huge sun roof, deep bass in the stereo, blue tooth for hands free talking, power seats, all the driving data sliced and diced in the display.
Love th...
Love it. The gas mileage, the open lines of sight, huge sun roof, deep bass in the stereo, blue tooth for hands free talking, power seats, all the driving data sliced and diced in the display.
Love the engineering of the engine and compartment. Low profileboxer engine and the oil filter ON TOP of the engine!!!
The Subaru track record for longevity combined with the extended warantee I got makes this the last car I hope to buy.
I live on a steep hill with a very long drive. Can't wait for the snow.
Test drive review
Best Bang for your buck
So far I have been impressed with the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5 premium. My review might change after I put some more miles on this vehicle but so far I cant complain much. For the price the Forester d...
So far I have been impressed with the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5 premium. My review might change after I put some more miles on this vehicle but so far I cant complain much. For the price the Forester delivers the best bang for your buck. I was choosing between the Forester, Rav 4, and CRV. The forester in all wheel drive was less expensive than a similarily equipped front wheel drive Rav 4 or CRV. Here is a list of pros and cons I have noticed so far regarding the forester.
Pros:
gas mileage(average approximately 28 mpg)
visibility is outstanding with the huge windows and higher ground clearance
great traction on the road especially in snow
moonroof is very large(almost feels like a convertible)
interior noise is minimal
seats are very comfortable and I am a shorter driver
acceleration is good with the 2.5
rear seats recline for the passengers!
Cons:
Interior storage space(the glove box is small as well as the center console)
The CVT seems to make an annoying "whinning" noise
towing capacity is only 1500 lbs
Overall, I am happy with my purchase. I hope this vehicle is reliable and continues to suit my needs. Hopefully after 100,000 miles my review wont change much!
Test drive review
unbelievable road grip on curves at high speed
When I started to look for a small SUV, I spend quite some time looking into the handsome looking 2013 Toyota RAV-4 since I had 2 toyota and a Lexus and got great experince. In the end, I bought my fi...
When I started to look for a small SUV, I spend quite some time looking into the handsome looking 2013 Toyota RAV-4 since I had 2 toyota and a Lexus and got great experince. In the end, I bought my first Subaru, a 2014 Forester. Why? Because I learned that it is far superior than all the competitors priced under $35,000. It has the best full time all wheel drive, highest ground clearance, better power seat than RAV-4 limited. I drove about 2000 miles, 95% highway. The grip on the curves is totally unbelievable. I have no trouble to drive at 75 MPH on any sharp curves on highway and I feel the car is in total control. Love it!!! Like to see the gas tank a gallon or two bigger.
Test drive review
New Forester-Great Value
Good value. Purchased for spouse and for moving kids to college. Compared lots of small SUV's (RAV4, CRV, Escape, etc) New CVT is unexpectedly smooth & economical. Very comfortable on a long trip. Wis...
Good value. Purchased for spouse and for moving kids to college. Compared lots of small SUV's (RAV4, CRV, Escape, etc) New CVT is unexpectedly smooth & economical. Very comfortable on a long trip. Wish there were more storage nooks. Nav system got us through NYC and Boston.
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