2003 Subaru Forester - More Style in this Substantial Crossover SUV
When it comes to all-wheel drive cars, Subaru has established itself as one of the industry leaders. Think about it. What other manufacturer produces only AWD vehicles? Can you think of one? I didn't think so. That's because there just aren't any competitors as dedicated to four-wheel propulsion as Subaru. Still, Subaru makes cars, not trucks. And SUVs are where the buck stops in today's market.
In case you hadn't noticed, Subaru responded to the SUV craze some time ago with the compact Forester. That said it's not really an SUV at all. The Forester drives too well to call it that. It's more of a wagon with a wide stance and tall greenhouse, or what is now called a crossover vehicle. Last May Subaru launched an all-new Forester that remedies the current vehicles only major criticism, a bland appearance. While the previous models looks improved toward the end of its tenure, especially in 'Sport' trim, the new version takes the little wagon a step up the desirability ladder, incorporating SUV styling cues. Bulging fender flares, a taller grille, massive fog lamps and cat-like, slanted headlamps improve the front end. From the rear, tall, triangular taillights flank a dark-glass covered liftgate - original and attractive. Overall, the new design puts forth a truck-like pretense.
I say pretense only because the Forester wasn't designed for traversing uncharted tracks of wilderness. There's no low gear to climb over rocky terrain or wade through lake-size mud-holes, but most SUV buyers don't do that kind of macho stuff anyway. Rather it excels at long highway trips, offering a cavernous cargo area. It'll haul you and the family around town all day too, in and out of congested stop-and-go city traffic, leaving you less stressed than any truck ever could.
When it comes to all-wheel drive cars, Subaru has established itself as one of the industry leaders. Think about it. What other manufacturer produces only AWD vehicles? Can you think of one? I didn't think so. That's because there just aren't any competitors as dedicated to four-wheel propulsion as Subaru. Still, Subaru makes cars, not trucks. And SUVs are where the buck stops in today's market. In case you hadn't noticed, Subaru responded to the SUV craze some time ago with the compact Forester. That said it's not really an SUV at all. The Forester drives too well to call it that. It's more of a wagon with a wide stance and tall greenhouse, or what is now called a crossover vehicle. Last May Subaru launched an all-new Forester that remedies the current vehicles only major criticism, a bland appearance. While the previous models looks improved toward the end of its tenure, especially in 'Sport' trim, the new version takes the little wagon a step up the desirability ladder, incorporating SUV styling cues. Bulging fender flares, a taller grille, massive fog lamps and cat-like, slanted headlamps improve the front end. From the rear, tall, triangular taillights flank a dark-glass covered liftgate - original and attractive. Overall, the new design puts forth a truck-like pretense.
I say pretense only because the Forester wasn't designed for traversing uncharted tracks of wilderness. There's no low gear to climb over rocky terrain or wade through lake-size mud-holes, but most SUV buyers don't do that kind of macho stuff anyway. Rather it excels at long highway trips, offering a cavernous cargo area. It'll haul you and the family around town all day too, in and out of congested stop-and-go city traffic, leaving you less stressed than any truck ever could.