Used 2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited Crossover SUV Review & Ratings

Initially launched in 1997, the Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited Crossover SUV was based on Subaru's rally winning Impreza models. Traditionally operating on an all wheel drive (AWD) system, the Forester's was designed to present drivers with a crossover between a generously proportioned family station and a SUV. In either setting, the Subaru Forester would provide it driver and passengers with both an even and secure ride combined with outstanding road handling abilities.

More than fifteen years ago when it first hit the streets of Tokyo to encouraging reviews, Subaru realized that their Forester was destined for great things. Based on the thinking that you never change a winning formula and backed up by the favorable reviews that they received, Subaru have more or less stuck to the same style ever since. The first Foresters came with a Subaru 2.5-liter, 165-hp flat-4 engine, generally regarded as the most powerful found in a mini-SUV during the Noughties. Combining that power with lush levels of interior comfort, storage that only an oversized station could offer and impressive safety figures meant that the Subaru Forester was soon claiming very upbeat reviews and a large market segment , leaving their main rivals, the Toyota RAV 4 and Honda CR-V far behind.

2002 saw the launch of the series two Forester with similar appreciation and success, according to sales and reviews. Subaru made just a few minor changes to their Series Two blueprint; in particular an upgrade of the car's interior. The Forester's engine remained the same although the torque was increased. The Series Two continued to earn positive reviews, although between the lines the feeling was that there was a certain atmosphere of stagnation creeping in.

Changes eventually did come, although they did take nine years, with the launch of the Series three Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited Crossover SUV in late 2011.

With the Series Three Forester 2.5X Limited Crossover, Subaru has made some considerable updates, with the most important of them being t the debut of Subaru's long awaited and much flaunted FB engine. The FB engine, a 2.5 liter double overhead camshaft FB25 version, is considerably more powerful than its predecessors.

As the first engine to be launched by the company in more than twenty years, Subaru are confident that their customers will agree that the FB 25 has been worth the wait. First of all the issue of fuel economy has been addressed while not at the expense of engine performance which has been extensively improved, thanks to a combination of reduced rpm and a considerably increased torque rate according to Subaru's trade review.