2001 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2001 Subaru Forester S Mini-Sport Utility Wagon AWD Japan The 2001 Forester receives slight alterations to the front and rear fascias, a new Premium Package, and upgrades to the interior. SUV style, car-like ride and handling, functional interior. Limited rear-seat room, not a true off-roader. What do you do when sport-utility buyers won't drive home in your all-wheel-drive station wagon, which is dressed up like an SUV, because it looks too "wagony"? If you're gutsy like Subaru, you put a taller, more squared-off body on your wagon chassis, and call it good. The Forester is a Subaru parts-bin exercise, and since the parts bin is rather small at Fuji Heavy Industries, which owns the upstart all-wheel-drive automaker, the car is cobbled together from a mixture of Impreza and previous-generation Legacy bits. Based on the rally-proven Impreza platform, the Forester uses the same popular all-wheel-drive system found in other Subaru models. The 2.5-liter boxer engine comes from the Legacy Outback, and makes 165 horsepower in the Forester. And, thanks to its hunkered-down stance, low center of gravity and car-based foundation, the Forester handles better than its primary competitors: the Chevrolet Tracker, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota RAV4. The trade-off is lower ground clearance and less capable off-road ability, but you weren't going to go too far off the beaten path anyway, were you? (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.) Automatic transmissions are available on both models for an extra $800 and feature a hill-holding setup that detects the inclination of a road surface and holds a gear to maximize torque or provide engine braking. Inside is room for four adults, with a rear center position marked off for a fifth rider in a pinch - he even gets a headrest for the new year! Though the Forester offers an accommodating rear seat, low step-in height, and a cavernous cargo area, the interior fabric looks and feels like terrycloth stretched over old cardboard, some secondary controls are placed illogically, and the stereo controls are difficult to operate. Two Forester models are available this year: the L and the high-end S. Air conditioning, roof rack, rear defogger, tachometer, power windows, tilt steering, rear wiper/washer, cassette stereo, antilock brakes, power door locks and cruise control are standard on the L. Included for the 2001 year are an in-glass antenna and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. The uplevel S adds a toothy chrome grille, alloy wheels, bigger tires, rear disc brakes, and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. You can opt for the Premium Package on the S which will get you gold accents on the wheels, side air bags and a huge power moonroof. While we are partial to the Impreza Outback Sport and Legacy Outback models, the Forester will attract buyers who want an inexpensive, functional, all-wheel-drive vehicle that looks like a truck and drives like a car. As long as Subaru keeps a lid on pricing, the Foresters pick up right where the Outback Wagons leave off. Chevrolet Tracker Honda CR-V Suzuki Grand Vitara Toyota RAV4 336,000 560,000 336,000 5Unlimited 9.1 sec. 131 ft. 0.74 4 2.5 liters Horizontally Opposed 165 hp @ 5600 rpm 166 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm 63 cu.ft. 1035 lbs. 2000 lbs. 175.6 in. 68.3 in. 65 in. 3140 lbs. 99.4 in. 34.7 ft. 7.5 in. 40.2 in. 39.6 in. NA NA NA NA 43 in. 33.4 in. 5 Standard Standard Not Available Optional Not Available Not Available Not Available Rating = Good Rating = Good Not Tested Not Tested Good Marginal 15.9 gal. 21 mpg / 28 mpg 22 mpg / 27 mpg 334 mi. / 445 mi. 350 mi. / 429 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $20,776 $22,895 7.35% $495 N/A 3% of the Total MSRP L (5M): 2.5L H4 SOHC SMPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 356 amp battery; 75 amp alternator; full-time 4-wheel drive; 4.44 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum brakes with 4-wheel antilock brakes; 15.9 gal. capacity fuel tank; front and rear mud flaps, side impact bars; liftback rear cargo door; trailer harness; roof rack; front and rear black bumpers with rear step bumper; black bodyside cladding, rocker panel extensions; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen auto off headlamps; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote black folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" silver styled steel wheels; P205/70SR15 M&S OWL tires; full-size steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear/ACheat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 4 speakers, fixed antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, valet key, child-safety rear door locks; 2 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low brake fluid, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar, trunk ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function, fixed 1/4 vent windows; fixed interval front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, driver's seat includes 8-way adjustment, lumbar support, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; 55/45 split folding bench seat with removable and adjustable headrests; height-adjustable front seatbelts; cloth seats, cloth door triminsert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats; interior lights include dome light with delay, front reading lights; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, driver's and passenger's front and rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo tie downs, cargo light, concealed cargo storage; black grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding and black door handles. S (5M) (in addition to or instead of L (5M) equipment): Viscous limited-slip differential; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; power remote black folding driver's heated outside mirror; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/60HR16 M&S OWL tires; window grid antenna; heated variable intermittent front windshield wipers; heated-cushion/seatbacks front bucket seats, center armrest with storage; premium cloth seats; vanity mirrors; 2 seatback storage pockets and chrome grille. -- 6 Pair Ski Attachment (OE Cross Bars) $81 $125 -- 6 Pair Ski Attachment (Round Cross Bars) $81 $125 -- Acadia Green Metallic Rear Spoiler $160 $246 -- Acadia Green Sport Grille $156 $240 -- Air Filter $26 $40 -- Anti-Slip Mat $13 $20 -- Aspen White Rear Spoiler $160 $246 -- Auto Dimming Mirror with Compass $107 $165 -- Battery Warmer $19 $30 -- Beige Armrest Extension $57 $88 -- Beige Luggage Compartment Cover $77 $119 -- Bike Attachment (OE Cross Bars) $149 $230 -- Bike Attachment (Round Cross Bars) $149 $230 -- Bike Carrier (Trailer Hitch) $130 $200 -- Black Brush Guard $260 $346 -- Black Diamond Pearl Rear Spoiler $160 $246 -- Black Diamond Sport Grille $156 $240 -- Blue Ridge Pearl Rear Spoiler $160 $246 -- Blue Ridge Pearl Sport Grille $156 $240 -- Car Cover $65 $100 -- Car Cover Bag $6 $10 -- Cargo Bin $75 $115 -- Compartment Separator/Dog Guard $107 $165 -- Custom Tail Pipe Cover $22 $34 -- Engine Block Heater $19 $30 -- Extended Roof Cargo Carrier $338 $450 -- Fender Flares $108 $166 -- Full Front End Cover $81 $125 -- Gauge Pack $446 $595 -- Gauge Pack $446 $595 -- Gray Armrest Extension $57 $88 -- Gray Brush Guard $260 $346 -- Gray Luggage Compartment Cover $77 $119 -- Hood Deflector $38 $58 -- Hood Front End Cover $32 $50 -- Kayak Carrier (OE Cross Bars) $83 $127 -- Kayak Carrier Set (Round Cross Bars) $83 $127 -- Lighter Element $3 $5 -- Primed Rear Spoiler $192 $295 -- Rear Bumper Corner Molding (2 Pair) $38 $58 -- Rear Cargo Net $21 $33 -- Rear Differential Protector $45 $70 -- Rear Window Dust Deflector $55 $85 -- Roof Cargo Basket (OE Cross Bars) $84 $130 -- Roof Cargo Basket Set (Round Cross Bars) $84 $130 -- Roof Cargo Carrier $296 $395 -- Round Cross Bar Kit $104 $160 -- Rubber Floor Mats $32 $50 -- Security System Upgrade Kit $106 $163 -- Sedona Red Pearl Rear Spoiler $160 $246 -- Sedona Red Sport Grille $156 $240 -- Side Underguard Bar $190 $293 -- Sierra Gold Metallic Rear Spoiler $160 $246 -- Sierra Gold Metallic Sport Grille $156 $240 -- Silverthorn Metallic Rear Spoiler $160 $246 -- Silverthorn Metallic Sport Grille $156 $240 -- Sport Grille $156 $240 -- Stabilizing Brackets (4) $26 $40 -- Subwoofer/Amplifier $150 $230 -- Trailer Hitch $158 $243 -- Tweeter Kit (Pair) $58 $90 -- Upgraded Speakers $117 $180 -- Wheel Locks $16 $24 -- Woodgrain Trim Kit - Automatic Transmission $118 $182 -- Woodgrain Trim Kit - Manual Transmission $118 $182 4AT Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic $719 $800 DEST Destination Surcharge for Alaska $190 $190 DEST Destination Surcharge for New York/New Jersey $40 $40 DWA Upgraded Speakers $127 $195 DWB Subwoofer/Amplifier $169 $260 DXB Tweeter Kit (Pair) $65 $100 F22 Protection Group (Black) $454 $654 F23 Protection Group (Gray) $454 $654 F24 Interior Upgrade Group (Beige) $345 $529 F25 Interior Upgrade Group (Gray) $345 $529 F26 Interior Upgrade Group (Beige) $345 $529 F27 Interior Upgrade Group (Gray) $345 $529 F32 Premium Sound Package III $361 $555 F3E Feature Group III (Beige) $345 $529 F3F Feature Group III (Gray) $345 $529 F40 Exterior Appearance Group (Red) $315 $484 F41 Exterior Appearance Group (Black) $315 $484 F42 Exterior Appearance Group (Silver) $315 $484 F43 Exterior Appearance Group (White) $315 $484 F44 Exterior Appearance Group (Green) $315 $484 F45 Exterior Appearance Group (Blue) $315 $484 F46 Exterior Appearance Group (Gold) $315 $484 F4C Feature Group IV (Beige) $125 $191 F4D Feature Group IV (Gray) $125 $191 IWG Woodgrain Trim Kit - Automatic Transmission $137 $210 IWH Woodgrain Trim Kit - Manual Transmission $137 $210 J1A Beige Leather Seats $975 $1,295 J1B Gray Leather Seats $975 $1,295 K1A Air Filter $36 $55 KWB Beige Armrest Extension $61 $94 KWC Gray Armrest Extension $61 $94 KYE Auto Dimming Mirror with Compass $119 $183 LWB Custom Tail Pipe Cover $26 $39 LWC Rear Window Dust Deflector $75 $115 LWG Trailer Hitch $192 $295 MSV Wheel Locks $25 $38 MWA Rear Cargo Net $28 $42 O1A Beige Luggage Compartment Cover $80 $122 O1B Gray Luggage Compartment Cover $80 $122 OV Premium Package $896 $1,000 P1B Hood Deflector $38 $72 P1D Black Brush Guard $284 $379 P1E Gray Brush Guard $284 $379 PWD Side Underguard Bar $228 $350 PXB Rear Differential Protector $57 $88 Q1C Fender Flares $123 $189 Q1D Blue Ridge Pearl Sport Grille $175 $269 Q1E Sierra Gold Metallic Sport Grille $175 $269 Q1F Acadia Green Sport Grille $175 $269 Q1G Silverthorn Metallic Sport Grille $175 $269 Q1H Aspen White Sport Grille $175 $269 Q1I Black Diamond Sport Grille $175 $269 Q1J Sedona Red Sport Grille $175 $269 R1C Security System Upgrade Kit $120 $185 S1A Sedona Red Pearl Rear Spoiler $192 $295 S1B Black Diamond Pearl Rear Spoiler $192 $295 S1C Silverthorn Metallic Rear Spoiler $192 $295 S1D Aspen White Rear Spoiler $192 $295 S1E Acadia Green Metallic Rear Spoiler $192 $295 S1F Blue Ridge Pearl Rear Spoiler $192 $295 S1G Sierra Gold Metallic Rear Spoiler $192 $295