2012 Nissan Rogue SV FWD: RideLust Review
2009 Subaru Forester being put through the paces by MotorTrend
Beating out both the BMW X6 and the highly-praised Ford Flex, the 2009 Subaru Forester has recently been awarded the coveted distinction as MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year. While I’ll admit I wasn’t aware the sporty little wagon was technically classified as an SUV at all, it’s still a relief to see that hollow hybrid technology and a few green misnomers aren’t enough to sway the tech-savvy gearheads of MotorTrend.
Said ‘Trend’s Edward Loh of the pick:
“Sure, our Subaru Forester 2.5XT contender posted the best observed fuel-economy numbers (16.0 mpg) for an all-wheel-drive SUV in this year’s competition, but that’s not the whole story.” What the whole story does consist of is the Subaru Forester’s laudable fuel efficiency (19 mpg city/24 mpg hwy) still allowing it the throw down on the track. The Forester’s off-road capability was also found to be above par, performing just as well off-road as on the asphalt. Summarized MotorTrend Editor-At-Large Arthur St. Antoine, “It takes only a few miles to begin to appreciate the Forester’s many virtues. It does everything most SUV buyers need-with more off-road capability than they’ll likely use-yet remains friendly and carlike [sic] in its character. In many ways, the Forester represents the new SUV paradigm; it’s the right vehicle for the times.”
Source: MotorTrend
We did a review on the Forester a while back (haven’t posted it yet) and I was shocked at how good it was. Nothing fancy, but you got good fuel economy, good fit and finish, power enough for what you need, and it drove very nice. I actually suspected that it was a ringer car at first (a car send to the press with a “fake” quality, sort of) but it wasn’t. Very impressed.
[...] Vehicles like the Forester don’t usually leap to mind for being the object of automotive affection; particularly around these parts. Especially when Subaru offers such a capable and exciting car as the WRX. But there are some very good reasons why those contemplating a new car purchase would be well-served to give the new Forester a look. Not least of which is that it is Motor Trends 2009 SUV of the year. [...]