What Changed for 2008:

• Five models available


• Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) standard


• Premium package available


• Optional stability and traction control


• Optional moonroof, automatic climate control and heated seats

Overview
While some consider crossover utility vehicles to be a relatively new automotive phenomenon, Subaru actually pioneered their development, the automaker says, with its Forester launch in 1998. For 2008, the Forester returns with five models as carryover from 2007. All are equipped with Subaru’s well-known, symmetrical AWD technology, ABS, and front and side air bags.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Subaru Forester is available in 2.5X, Sports 2.5X, 2.5X L.L. Bean, Sports 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited models. All are equipped with symmetrical AWD technology and 4-wheel ABS. The 2.5X includes the 173-hp 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission with hill hold system, while an automatic transmission is optional. Other standard features include 5-spoke, alloy-look steel wheels; 100-watt, 4-speaker audio system; cloth upholstery; 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat; keyless entry; foglights; roof rails; and a 4-wheel independent raised suspension. The Sports 2.5X adds a 120-watt, 7-speaker audio system; perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel; automatic climate control; silver painted roof rails; aluminum alloy pedal covers; auxiliary audio jack; and Sirius satellite radio capability (subscription and hardware sold separately). The 2.5X L.L. Bean model adds a standard 4-speed adaptive shift electronic automotive transmission; 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat; heated front seats; power sunroof; wood/leather-wrapped 3-spoke MOMO steering wheel; L.L. Bean-embossed leather-trimmed upholstery; and 16-inch, 5-split spoke gray finish aluminum alloy wheels.

The Forester Sports 2.5XT has a 224-hp engine; manual transmission with hill hold or optional 4-speed automatic; standard traction and stability control (with automatic transmission); 17-inch, 12-spoke STi aluminum alloy wheels; STi front-lip spoiler; silver finish roof rails; aluminum alloy pedal covers; 155-watt, 7-speaker premium audio system; and Sirius satellite radio capability. The 2.5XT Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-stage heated front seats, sport seats, sport instrumentation, and a power moonroof.

A Premium package is available with leather upholstery; leather-trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel, shift and parking brake handles; power-adjustable heated front seats; heated side mirrors; moonroof; 16-inch, 8-spoke aluminum alloy wheels; 4-wheel disc, ventilated front brakes; and body-color mirrors/door locks. Most items are also available as stand-alone options.

Powertrain
The 2008 Subaru Forester is powered by one of two engines. The 2.5X, Sports 2.5X and 2.5X L.L. Bean models get their power from a 2.5-liter, 16-valve, single overhead cam (SOHC) 4-cylinder engine that produces 173 hp at 6000 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. Standard transmission is a 5-speed manual with hill hold system and clutch pedal-controlled starter interlock. The L.L. Bean model has a 4-speed adaptive electronic direct control automatic transmission. The Sports 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited both have the 2.5-liter, dual overhead cam (DOHC), intercooled, turbocharged, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that delivers 224 hp at 5600 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. A manual transmission is standard while a 4-speed adaptive electronic direct control automatic is optional. Stability and traction control are standard with the automatic transmission in the L.L. Bean model and optional in others. ABS and AWD are standard on all Forester models. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2.5-liter, SOHC 4-cylinder engine are 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (automatic transmission). For the 2.5-liter DOHC engine, the estimates are 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway (automatic transmission).

Safety
Forester’s standard safety features include dual-stage driver/front passenger air bags; front-seat-mounted head/chest side-impact air bags; height-adjustable active front-seat headrests; 3-point safety seat belts for all occupants and front-seat pre-tensioners and force limiters; Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system for child safety seats; rear child safety door locks; daytime running lights; anti-theft security system; ABS; symmetrical AWD; traction and stability control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Subaru Forester receives a 5-star rating for frontal- and side-impact testing and a 4-star rating in the agency’s rollover tests.

Technology
Three audio systems are available in various 2008 Subaru Forester models, ranging from a 100-watt, 4-speaker audio system with single-disc in-dash CD player (2.5X), to a 120-watt, 7-speaker system with subwoofer, 6-disc in-dash CD and MP3/WMA player (Sports 2.5X and L.L. Bean), to the 155-watt, 7-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer, 6-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3/WMA player (Sports 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited). Sirius satellite radio capability (subscription and hardware are sold separately) is available in all models but requires the Premium package in the 2.5X.