What Is It?
2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT
What's Special About It?
Redesigned for the 2003 model year, Subaru's Forester mini-ute offers a well-rounded package for mainstream SUV buyers. It has a comfortable, solidly constructed cabin with a reasonable amount of standard equipment tucked into a body that is small enough to maneuver easily in urban settings. Other attributes include a standard all-wheel-drive system that requires no input from the driver, above-average fuel economy and the company's reputation for reliability. Our only major complaint about the Forester to date has been the modest power supply from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, particularly when equipped with the automatic transmission.
Now Subaru has addressed the situation by turbocharging the mini-ute's boxer four (and using a little variable valve timing). The result is 210 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and an impressive 235 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. As this is more torque than that of any other car-based mini-ute currently on the market, acceleration should be quite brisk. Adding to this impression is the functional hood scoop that helps speed the flow of cool air to the intercooler.
The 2.5 XT will be available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The automatic is all new, according to Subaru, and should provide quicker, smoother shifts than the tranny in service on the '03 Forester.
Among the distinguishing features on the turbo Forester are six-spoke 16-inch wheels, body-color cladding, aluminum-finish roof rails and a chrome tailpipe. Inside, you'll find black woven upholstery with vinyl trim and a sportier set of gauges. Otherwise, standard equipment is identical to the 2.5 XS model, with the addition of a seven-speaker sound system. If you opt for the automatic, you're eligible for the premium package, which gives you leather upholstery and a sunroof.
Why Should You Care?
Built on the Impreza platform, the Forester is already one of the best-handling small SUVs on the market, and the 2.5 XT will offer plenty of power to complement those reflexes. This should be an ideal vehicle for people who want a small SUV that's as sporty as it is practical. — Erin Riches
2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT
What's Special About It?
Redesigned for the 2003 model year, Subaru's Forester mini-ute offers a well-rounded package for mainstream SUV buyers. It has a comfortable, solidly constructed cabin with a reasonable amount of standard equipment tucked into a body that is small enough to maneuver easily in urban settings. Other attributes include a standard all-wheel-drive system that requires no input from the driver, above-average fuel economy and the company's reputation for reliability. Our only major complaint about the Forester to date has been the modest power supply from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, particularly when equipped with the automatic transmission.
Now Subaru has addressed the situation by turbocharging the mini-ute's boxer four (and using a little variable valve timing). The result is 210 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and an impressive 235 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. As this is more torque than that of any other car-based mini-ute currently on the market, acceleration should be quite brisk. Adding to this impression is the functional hood scoop that helps speed the flow of cool air to the intercooler.
The 2.5 XT will be available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The automatic is all new, according to Subaru, and should provide quicker, smoother shifts than the tranny in service on the '03 Forester.
Among the distinguishing features on the turbo Forester are six-spoke 16-inch wheels, body-color cladding, aluminum-finish roof rails and a chrome tailpipe. Inside, you'll find black woven upholstery with vinyl trim and a sportier set of gauges. Otherwise, standard equipment is identical to the 2.5 XS model, with the addition of a seven-speaker sound system. If you opt for the automatic, you're eligible for the premium package, which gives you leather upholstery and a sunroof.
Why Should You Care?
Built on the Impreza platform, the Forester is already one of the best-handling small SUVs on the market, and the 2.5 XT will offer plenty of power to complement those reflexes. This should be an ideal vehicle for people who want a small SUV that's as sporty as it is practical. — Erin Riches
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