2004 Forester Advice...

[Steve Almond]

First one was a 1999 Forester and now a 2002 Forester S.
I can see myself driving a 2006 model. Never a problem, best vehicle
I've had in 30 years of driving hadns down.

I thought those hadns were protected by law these past 30 years? I hope you
made some attempt to avoid them.

Steve

 

[H. Whelply]

I've had my '04 Forester XT for about five hours as I write this, and I've
driven it about 16 miles, so I can't speak based on long experience. But,
first impressions, this is a fabulous car! Though I'm not pushing it yet
(for proper break-in), it clearly has plenty of power on tap. Very stable on
the road. I'm pleasantly surprised at the quietness, especially at freeway
speeds. Yes, there's no power seats, and no HomeLink (handy garage door
opener button built into the car). But the car's other virtues more than
compensate. Excellent build quality--everything lines up, small/thin cut
lines (between fender and door, for example), everything is tight and
rattle-free, everything works just as it should. I'm still figuring out what
does what and where controls are. So far, everything makes sense.

I was going to get a standard XT, but found that for not much more I could
move up to the premium model (leather, huge sunroof). Got a good deal on a
hot model not much discounted.

My first Japanese marque other than Toyota and a long line of Hondas, and
I'm very, very happy!

HW

 

[Guest]

My XT recently went over 1200 mi. I traded in my 2003 Camry for it, because
I needed a car that was suited for car topping sea kayaks. Last year, when
I test drove the 2003 Forester, I found it severely under-powered; my 1989
Camry could whoop it. Test drove the Toyota RAV4, and could NOT test drive
the CRV because the dealer couldn't keep in them in stock. So with all of
this in mind, here's what I found:

+: Best handling of any car that either owned or test drove.
+: Despite the listed 30 extra HP, the Nissan Altima can over-power the
Forester . . . just try to park it! However, it is more than sufficient for
my needs. It's acceleration is most noticible on the highway.
+: Luxury-packed --> Heated seats, 6-CD changer, nice stereo, Weather
band, heated outside mirrors, heated wipers, etc., etc.
+: Smarter gated automatic transmission. EVERY aspect is automatic,
with no manual controls; my Camrys had some manual aspects.
+: Nice flat, long roof, that is lower to the ground that other SUVs.
Easy to get stuff on and off.

-: Gas pig. I'm averaging 18.2 mph, but part of that was my
side-loading Talon roof rack, plus the carrying of kayaks on any long-range
trip.
-: Tiny 15.9 gal gas tank. Coupled w. above, this kills the cruising
range. My 2nd full day in the car included a 365 mi round trip to CT. With
a Camry, I fill up before the trip, and after I get home; not with the
Forester.
-: 91 or higher octane gas required. Along w. numerous trips to the gas
station, they are expensive.
-: Stiffer ride than a sedan. However, it seems to be getting smoother;
most likely I'm adapting to it, but it be due to a break-in period.
-: No power seats.
-: Not as much total cargo space as a 2003 Camry, but it can handle much
bulkier objects.
-: Even with the arm rest extension, there is not as much storage space
as 2003 Camry up front. Not by much, but the Camry still wins.

 

[H. Whelply]

OK, we're slightly beyond 50 miles now, at not even 24 hours. More
impressions:

1. Still, overall, a wonderful car. My face is frozen in a grin.
2. I agreewith nielskistrup's observations in his post below, mostly. An
Altima can "whup" it? Sure. With 260 HP, and about the same weight, no
surprise there.
4. Acceleration best on the highway, yes, though off the line it's not too
shabby.
5. There's a bit of hesitation on the 2nd to 3rd shift (I have the
automatic).
6. Gas tank too small, yes, even though I haven't had to fill it. I've been
spoiled by our '01 Volvo S60, which holds nearly 22 gallons. (I don't think
the '04s do.)
7. Premium gas isn't all that much more expensive, if you do the math. I
figure about the cost of one stop at Starbucks per week.
8. We have small grooves in the freeway concrete in some places here in So.
Calif. (to help prevent hydroplaning when wet), and the tires seem to want
to go with them, making it ever so slightly squirrely. But it's a very minor
effect and complaint.
9. Brake pedal feel is a bit indefinite, takes too much push before you
start to feel the car slow. However, I'm getting used to it.
10. What's with the really, really cheap-feeling keys and key fob??!!! I've
never seenn keys that seem so obviously stamped from thin sheet metal. I
haven't had a car in 20 years that didn't provide two equivalent keys with
the rubber end grips. Subaru gives only one of these "master" keys.
11. I'm going to miss audio system volume control, and cruise control
switches, on the steering wheel. Also, no loss to me, but the sun visor
mirrors have no lights!?! Oh, well, I've never seen any of those that put
out more than about 2 candlepower anyway.
12. I've ordered the air filtration system (it's on my "due bill" for later
installation), and I noticed in the manual, if I read correctly, that this
requires removal of nine (9!) screws in the glove compartment to access the
filter holder!?! Dealer must charge quite a bit of labor for that operation,
that's suggested every 7,500 miles or it could affect heat/air conditioning
operation! Have to study that more. Seems odd.

HW

 

[Guest]

With 260 HP, and about the same weight, no surprise there.

Sounds like you are referring to the V6; I referring to the 4-cylinder 180
HP model. It was very light AND fast. The extra weight & AWD of the
Forester, reduces not only gas mileage, but power as well. To be fair, the
Forester should be compared to other mini-SUVs, such as the RAV4, CRV, and
Vue.

Depends on where you live. In central NJ, the difference is about 30
cents/gal (compared to regular), which is amounts to under $4 per fill-up.
(There is no 91 octane; the next highest is 93 octane.) Yeah, more sour
grapes over having to trade in a Camry, but it's still an annoyance.

I agree, but more annoying is if I do not have the fob, the key will not
lock all locks at once. (Or did I miss something?)

Don't get me wrong. The XT is a great SUV; perfect for my needs. But after
having 4-door sedans for the past 17 yrs, it is not the most comfortable
touring car.

 

[Richard Jones]

Hi,
I just got a demo 04' Forester XS vehiclel from the dealer for my test
drive/evaluation... I am interested to hear any existing owners of the 2004
model.... Recommended, Average or lemon?

I am planning to retire my 1989 Civic which deserves a life time achievement
and low maintenance awards.. considering either CR-V or Forester... wonder
any comments ?

Thanks..

will
B.C. (Canada)

Will.

I was a long time La Sabre loyalist and just (three months ago) bought
a 04 Forrester XT following a great deal of research and test driving.
To say I am impressed with this lttle bullet is an understatement. I
am a big overweight man and I am not exaggerating to say that this
little dynamo is far more comfortable than the La Sabres I have owned.
I am most impressed with the finishing, inside and out, the smooth
ride the quietness etc., etc., etc. It goes like a bat out of hell
and has more power that I will ever need. Consumer Reports rated it
highest in the small SUV category.

Richard

Ontario, Canada