An Influential Crossover SUV
In the fall of 1997 when Subaru delivered its first Forester, I doubt they had a true appreciation of the influence it would have in helping to establish the now tremendously popular crossover segment of vehicles.
While the Toyota RAV4 came two years prior and Honda CR-V a year ahead, Subaru's entry was more car-like than either.
The Forester grew out of a desire by Subaru to blend the attributes of a passenger car with those of an SUV. Subaru used its subcompact Impreza wagon as the root vehicle for the Forester. In its transformation, the Impreza's body was lengthened, widened and most noticeably heightened.
The roomy Forester continues to be powered by Subaru's highly reliable
4-cylinder boxer engine, which feeds torque to all four wheels through the Japanese brand's renowned all-wheel-drive technology.
Now in its eighth year, the widely popular and enduring Forester continues to win over the hearts and paychecks of many savvy buyers. Along the way Subaru has refined the little tough-guy SUV by improving performance and adding amenities, plus a facelift or two; the most recent of which applies to the 2006 model. A keen eye is needed to identify the Forester's subtly redesigned nose and restyled rear hatch and taillights. Let's just say the Forester's simplistic design and boxy shape has always been appealing and continues to be. Enough said.
In the fall of 1997 when Subaru delivered its first Forester, I doubt they had a true appreciation of the influence it would have in helping to establish the now tremendously popular crossover segment of vehicles.
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| The Forester grew out of a desire by Subaru to blend the attributes of a passenger car with those of an SUV. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Forester grew out of a desire by Subaru to blend the attributes of a passenger car with those of an SUV. Subaru used its subcompact Impreza wagon as the root vehicle for the Forester. In its transformation, the Impreza's body was lengthened, widened and most noticeably heightened.
The roomy Forester continues to be powered by Subaru's highly reliable
 |
| A keen eye is needed to identify the Forester's subtly redesigned nose and restyled rear hatch and taillights. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Now in its eighth year, the widely popular and enduring Forester continues to win over the hearts and paychecks of many savvy buyers. Along the way Subaru has refined the little tough-guy SUV by improving performance and adding amenities, plus a facelift or two; the most recent of which applies to the 2006 model. A keen eye is needed to identify the Forester's subtly redesigned nose and restyled rear hatch and taillights. Let's just say the Forester's simplistic design and boxy shape has always been appealing and continues to be. Enough said.