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2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Road Test

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Alexandra Straub

I had something close to a perfect day recently. It's not every week that I have a few days off from work and life's day-to-day complexities to retreat to one of North America's premier ski destinations, and then get to stay for more an extended period of time. Yes, the weekend excursions are fun, but all too brief.

Recently I had the chance to pack up the Subaru Forester 2.5XT and head to one of North America's premier ski destinations. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
The day started off with me sleeping in, eating a couple pieces of peanut butter toast, a banana, and some caramel ice cream. The sun was shining without a cloud in the sky and there was unlimited visibility. I was ready to hit the slopes with my boyfriend, best friend, and some other buddies. I packed my snowboard and my boyfriend's 198 cm long powder skis into the Subaru Forester 2.5XT without hassle and headed for the hills.

After a good half hour trek up the ridge of the back country mountains, we reached our destination at a vertical limit of 5,000 plus feet (1,500 plus meters), descended through virgin powder, only to traverse out for the next two and a half hours. It was a lot of work for the short amount of time we actually spent skiing and boarding but it was well worth it.

The Forester had ample cargo room for all my snowboard gear, plus head and legroom for the 6'4" boyfriend, and then some. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
I had a great cardio workout, spent time with my favorite people, and after the day was done, drove home in a Subaru. Life is good.

Having the 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5XT as my set of wheels during my week away was wonderful. It handled marvelously in snowy and slippery conditions, and gripped even better on dry roads. The ride (Subaru describes it best), has "sport-utility toughness and car-like performance," due to its fully independent suspension. It has ample cargo room for all my snowboard gear, head and legroom for the 6'4" boyfriend, and then some.
Alexandra Straub
Alexandra Straub
Automotive expert
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