2003 Subaru Forester

I just love how carmakers define ‘completely redesigned.’ It ranges anywhere from a total, ground up renaissance to a new grille. The 2003 Subaru Forester’s ‘complete redesign’ lands somewhere in the middle. Crafted a few years back to give Subaru a 'sport utility' (as if Subaru wasn’t already a lineup of all-wheel-drive compacts), the first-generation Forester was hugely successful. Even so, Subaru couldn’t afford to hang around while the Honda, Toyota and others trotted out fresh competition. The Forester needed news sooner than later. So here it is, for 2003, the second generation Subaru Forester with a brand new grille. And a few other, more substantial improvements. The Good News
There are two Forester models offered, the 2.5X and my 2.5XS, the fancier version. Mine also came with optional leather seats, automatic transmission and the most fabulous, gaping power sunroof that shines on both front and back seats. It’s a highlight (Get it? High light? Never mind.)

Some would argue the best news about this Forester is that Subaru left well enough alone to some extent. The new Forester retains the165-horse, 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine mated to either the manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmission, both holdovers. It’s a largely satisfying powertrain that moves this Forester along at an easy clip.

Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive also carries forward. Continuous full-time all-wheel drive is standard on manually equipped models; automatic transmissions get “Active” all-wheel drive. This system uses several sensors to monitor optimum traction, including weight transfer during acceleration and deceleration. Ground clearance remains at 7.5 inches.

Getting on to the “completely redesigned” aspect, you’ll find a fresh appearance marked by that new grille, more rounded edges, a hexagonal rear liftgate and triangular taillights. It resembles a Ford Escape now, but not to the extent Subaru devotees won’t recognize it. The exterior rework not only looks different, it also improves drag coefficient, which lessens wind noise and aids fuel efficiency, all good things.

Subaru also boasts a stronger body structure here, new suspension tuning, larger front brake rotors and standard 16-inch wheels. Safetywise, passenger airbag is now dual-stage. Front seat head/chest side-impact airbags are standard, as are anti-lock brakes, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters. As for the XS luxuries, Subaru does a very nice job. From the toasty heated seats to above-average audio system to the usual power accessories, the Forester comes off as class without pretentiousness.

The Bad News
Some people may not mind that this Forester’s driving position doesn’t perch way up high. I think it’s a drawback, however, since seeing up, out and over is a huge draw for sport utility buyers. In this regard, the Forester feels more station wagon than sport ute. I mentioned I find the Forester powertrain satisfying overall. But starting acceleration with the automatic transmission is too jumpy to suit me. There’s a difference between starting responsively and starting with a lunge.

Most of the compact sport utility redesigns have concentrated on making more interior room. This Forester’s interior capacities remain pretty much the same or even decrease. There is slightly less headroom throughout (although still plenty) and less cargo room with rear seats up, but slightly more with rear seats folded flat.

Fuel efficiency also decreases by one mile per gallon for the automatic-equipped models, 21 mpg city/26 highway down from 22/27.

Price
Manufacturer’s base with automatic, $23,695;
As tested, $25,970

Is it worth it?
Although there are more and increasingly better compact sport utilities than ever before, the Forester continues to hold its own. It’s not the sexiest, roomiest, best-of-anything in the bunch, but it brings with it that Subaru all-wheel-drive pedigree none of the rest can claim. It’s for those who revere tradition, like Subaru’s history and think a sport utility is just an all-wheel-drive station wagon with a tall roof on it anyway.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.