- suv 259,093
- 3,003 below average
- 1,495 great
- Glassboro, NJ
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- autoshopper.com
- 3,003 below average suv 259,093 gasoline manual
2003 subaru forester review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. New design brings more room, better handling. introductionextensively revised for 2003, the second-generation subaru forester adds sports appeal and improved handling. The new forester is roomier than before and comes with new features that move its image slightly upscale. Yet it still combines fuel efficiency, cargo room, safety, and the foul-weather advantages of all-wheel drive. introduced in the 1998 model year, the forester mini-suv soon became a household word. Subaru's answer to the honda cr-v and toyota rav4 carved a niche and achieved respectable sales. The forester looked more rugged than subaru's impreza sedan and less like a wagon than the outback. Although subaru has sold the best-selling imported wagon in the u. For nearly 20 years, the brand has not been easily categorized. The forester attempts to combine the best of both worlds. It works well as a grocery getter, and excels as a backcountry runabout for family camping trips. The transmissions operate with two different all-wheel-drive systems: manual transmissions use what subaru calls continuous all-wheel drive; automatic transmissions use active all-wheel drive. new standard features include a 100-watt stereo with cd player, remote keyless entry system, 16-inch sport wheels and variable intermittent windshield wipers. Upgraded standard safety features include a dual-stage deployment front passenger airbag, front-seat head/chest side-impact airbags, active front-seat head restraints, and pretensioners and force limiters on the front seatbelts. An optional xs premium package includes monotone exterior trim and body cladding, a power moonroof and optional leather upholstery with automatic transmission models. An all-weather package is also available. walkaroundsubaru forester has undergone a headlamp-to-tailpipe upgrade for the 2003 model year. A sculpted new aluminum hood improves sightlines for the driver, while reducing weight for improved handling. the rear is significantly changed, with a unique hexagonal rear gate framed by triangular taillights and blister type rear quarter panels. The rear gate opening size is increased to aid with stowage of gear, and the effort it takes to close the gate has been reduced by 30 percent. Textured gray body cladding encases the lower third of base 2. 5x versions. The cladding is a contrasting steel gray metallic on 2. 5xs models, which come with larger gray metallic foldable, heated exterior mirrors. Bumpers have been designed to absorb impact up to 5 mph for reduced damage during parking lot dings. forester has a bevy of available factory-installed accessories that add to its versatility. A supporter of tread lightly! A trailer harness connector comes standard. interiorin both trim levels, the new forester adds increased comfort and functionality. A high seating point and adjustable driver's seat are aimed at improving visibility, with improved front seat bolstering and additional for/aft adjustment that increases seat travel. The driver's seat has increased height adjustment and the range of the tilt-adjustable steering column has been improved, as well. Back seat passengers get more leg and head room, with no reduction of cargo volume. remote keyless entry is standard. Also new are a 100-watt weatherband am/fm/cd stereo, a motorcycle-style instrument cluster (shared with the impreza series), a passenger-side stowage compartment, dual visor vanity mirrors with lids, dual sunglasses storage compartments, illuminated window switches on all doors, a rear window deicer and a remote release fuel door. Wiper blades are now larger, as is the swipe area to improve visibility in inclement weather. The inside rear view mirror is larger for improved visibility to the rear. And the rear wiper now wipes the high-mount stop lamp to keep it clear and more visible in bad weather. new passive safety features include active front seat head restraints and assist grips for all seating positions. A middle rear seat headrest tucks in for improved driver visibility. Three-point safety belts are standard for all five seats. Child-seat tether anchors are included. forester's cargo area is average at 32. 0 cubic feet but expands to 63. 1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Two 12-volt outlets are included, in the front cabin and the stowage area, and tie-downs for gear and groceries are standard. Additional stowage areas are provided in the center console. Power windows and locks are standard, as is a full-size spare tire. the higher-end xs adds leather accents and a six-disc cd changer. . driving impressionnot long ago, the notion of driving an suv or crossover vehicle on a race track was preposterous or, at the very least, boring. Bumped up it is, but not in the league of these more sophisticated (and more costly) models. putting the forester to the test at talladega, a superspeedway outside birmingham, alabama, i approached the five-story banking with caution and excitement. Easing the subaru forester's throttle on to full power, i climbed to the top of the 33-degree grade and was quickly traveling at a speed of 100 mph. Level ground was a long way away and a sharp angle to my current path of travel, and looking down gave me a feeling of vertigo. However, the feedback that i got from this crossover suv let me know that there was plenty of grip and good balance, and assured me that its speed and precarious perch were within reason in this controlled environment. Larger front brake rotors have been added to reduce stopping distances. here, i also found quick throttle response, as well as quick and easy gear shifts. Underneath the skin, forester has a stronger, yet lighter, body structure, which helps reduce the weight of this year's model by almost 100 pounds. In theory, lighter is better because it results in better handling and shorter stopping distances. A rigid chassis is a key element to responsive handling and a quiet ride. The forester boasts an impressive 7. 5-inches of ground clearance. Blocks of wood and other rough materials had been thrown down for us to drive on. The ride was surprisingly comfortable, a benefit of the forester's upgraded suspension. following the track time, we took a 100-mile-long drive through the talladega national forest and the motorways surrounding the birmingham area. Pluses were the all-new struts that help reduce noise, vibration AM/FM✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Climate Control✔ CD Changer✔ Passenger Airbag✔ CD Player✔ Sunroof/Moonroof
1,495 Glassboro, NJGlassboro, NJ at autoshopper.com