DRIVEN + VIDEO: So, What's The 2019 Subaru Forester REALLY Like?

DRIVEN + VIDEO: So, What's The 2019 Subaru Forester REALLY Like?
It wasn't so long ago that Subaru was largely considered an obscure, niche auto manufacturer. Sure, it built rather durable vehicles but they just didn't move the needle for many buyers.

And then something changed. By convincing consumers that they absolutely needed all-wheel drive and by shipping more attractive vehicles, people started taking notice.

NOTE: Attractive is a relative term.

Although it is still a small volume automaker, the company has made tremendous headway in the growth of its business and product portfolio. As of today though one of its big sellers is the Forester.

While it's not a vehicle I'd want to put in my driveway, it is something that connects with volume. Why, you ask? Well, see Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2019 Forester and have some light shed on the matter.



Subaru's fifth generation Forester might not look a whole lot different from the previous model, but that doesn't mean there's not a truck-load of great stuff going on in this latest edition. Kelley Blue Book's Micah Muzio walks us through all the new goods from Subaru.



MDarringerMDarringer - 12/24/2018 5:01:38 PM
0 Boost
Wukka thukka boring


skytopskytop - 12/24/2018 5:20:30 PM
+1 Boost
Just another ecobox Subaru 4 wheel box. I had two of Subs and regretted buying them. Step up a little to a purchase far better vehicles.


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 12/24/2018 6:40:20 PM
+1 Boost
Purchased manual WRX's for sons' first cars and they were fun but recently drove a friend's new Subie...the CVT transmission was a horror.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/24/2018 6:51:33 PM
-1 Boost
The CVT is also fragile as heck.


atc98092atc98092 - 12/24/2018 10:32:45 PM
+3 Boost
There's a world of difference between the 4 cyl and 6 cyl CVT. There's no way I would have been happy with the 2.5. The 3.6 is great, and I rarely notice it's a CVT.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/25/2018 11:21:25 AM
-1 Boost
"I rarely notice it's a CVT" is still too much to put up with. Then factor in the reliability issues with CVTs and it's a non-starter for me. Subaru has too many CVT failures and they quickly and quietly fix them to keep their reputation intact, but their CVT is a money drain.


Section_31_JTKSection_31_JTK - 12/24/2018 9:44:35 PM
+4 Boost
IMO Subaru made a mistake by eliminating the turbo engine from the Forester. The normally aspirated 4 cyl is a dog. Make the turbo avail on a Premium Package level with the cloth interior. Watch it sell.


atc98092atc98092 - 12/24/2018 10:31:04 PM
+4 Boost
I went from an Audi Q5 to an Outback. Had it for 13 months now and haven't a single regret.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/24/2018 10:46:40 PM
-3 Boost
wukka thukka leaky leaky


atc98092atc98092 - 12/25/2018 2:13:04 PM
+3 Boost
????


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/25/2018 3:33:27 PM
-2 Boost
I hate the sound of the Super Beetle engine and I dislike cars that leak oil.


atc98092atc98092 - 12/25/2018 3:53:20 PM
+2 Boost
My wife loved the exhaust sound (and it was her car), and it never leaked oil. Drat, another stereotype down the drain...


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/25/2018 4:35:24 PM
-2 Boost
Not a stereotype. A data pool of ONE does not refute Subaru's warranty claims. Next thing you'll tell me is that you live in Seattle and love the tax rate.


atc98092atc98092 - 12/26/2018 9:53:35 AM
+1 Boost
Nope. When I retire we have to move. Can't afford to live in the Seattle area because of local and state taxes.


pcar4evrpcar4evr - 12/25/2018 7:19:06 AM
+3 Boost
With looks that Clark Griswold would love.


TruthyTruthy - 12/25/2018 7:19:54 PM
+1 Boost
I sat in one once. Will not do it again. It us ungainly to look at and the interior looks like a Toyota from the 90s.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/25/2018 8:19:06 PM
0 Boost
Subaru love is kind of like Portland love. The true believers think that a case of everything wrong is "character" and "brilliance" when really it's spagacked.


MrEEMrEE - 12/25/2018 9:44:01 PM
+3 Boost
Tops in safety, neutral styling, and sales success is impressive.


ricks0mericks0me - 12/26/2018 7:52:09 PM
+1 Boost
MD said >> but their CVT is a money drain.

Rick said >> you could be correct but .... Subaru recently sent out letters to CVT owners extending the warranty past 3/36... I believe it is now 5/50


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/26/2018 8:37:29 PM
+1 Boost
Subaru has had their asses sued to hell and back over the CVT. It's fragile and was failing with regularity.


ricks0mericks0me - 12/26/2018 9:19:05 PM
+1 Boost
MD Said >>> Subaru has had their asses sued to hell and back over the CVT. It's fragile and was failing with regularity.

Rick Said >>> That would explain the letter that extends the warranty on the CVT

Rick asks >>> Does any mfg. make a reliable CVT?


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/26/2018 10:50:29 PM
+1 Boost
All CVTs have durability issues to one extent or another. Nissans are especially terrible and Honda is having headaches too. The basic design of a CVT cannot be made to me as durable as a conventional automatic nor do they give any appreciable real-world MPG advantage. CVTs are SOLELY about laboratory testing results and nothing more.
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