RAV4, Forester, or Outback

[theycallmered]

Does anyone own any of these cars? I am looking to buy one of these in the new future. A new 2009 model. Any opinions would be GREAT!!

 

[daisax]

Love my Forester. And my Subaru dealership keeps one each of the newest RAV4 and Outback right on the property so people don't have to leave to test drive them to compare.

It appears to be working for them.

 

[Golf4food]

Are you limiting yourself to only those two options or have you already checked everything else out and narrowed it down?

 

[Deb in IA]

We have a 2007 Forester that is just great. Handles well, fairly fuel efficient, and great traction with the AWD.

Foresters have consistently been highly rated by Consumer Report.

 

[theycallmered]

Are you limiting yourself to only those two options or have you already checked everything else out and narrowed it down?

I've narrowed it down to these three. After reading Consumer Reports this afternoon, the Outback might see itself eliminated next. The smallish back seat and its fuel efficiency might be its demise.

 

[1LuckyMom]

If you are concerned about the back seat make sure you sit in the back of the Forrester. As a family with 3 teen/tween children we found they could not fit in in comfortably. Ended up with the Rav4 and we love it!!

 

[OctMtnWoods]

A recent thread from those that LOVE their Subarus & Foresters.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2147995

Love my 2002 Forester.

Just 2 weeks ago, we were car shopping for DH. He's done the Nissan, Honda & Toyota thing in the past, and honestly, he just doesn't have good luck with them. We seem to always be repairing expensive things on his cars.

Talked him into looking at Subarus at least. Test drove a 2009 Forester which he liked better than my older model, but he didn't want to have matching cars. LOL He bought a Subaru Tribeca. He was originally looking at Nissan Muranos which I think are ugly. I'm glad he stuck with Subaru. They have great track records. He loves his car.

Also, my dad hates every car I've every bought. He's was an engineer and always finds faults with products. He liked my Forester so much, he bought my mom one. Now THAT is an endorsement.



Forester has YEARS of awards. You won't go wrong.

BTW, we are picky people when it comes to purchases and we also research things to death too.

 

[EdiePA]

Love my 2005 Rav4. I have driven the Forester and thought it was like driving a station wagon. I like sitting up higher, especially for long distance driving.

My Rav has nearly 70,000 miles on it and the only major expense has been new tires.

Edie

 

[theycallmered]

Gah! Great endorsements for each car! I guess which ever I choose I won't be making a bad decision. Now just to make that decision...

 

[bumbershoot]

This is both my own question for my own purposes, and, depending on the answer, maybe another idea....how do these cars compare with the Kia Rondo? We've had our eyes on the Rondo for awhile...it's not the right time yet, but we also love the looks and record of the Forrester and Outback as well (MIL has a RAV, we don't love it at all except for how well Toyotas hold their value).

But I don't know if it's accurate to really compare the two Subarus and the Rondo.

 

[Mandychelle79]

My parents have a forester and while I love to drive it, and my dads pushing for me to get a Subaru the next time i get a car, it would not work well for my family. Car seats are a pain in it, but we will be taking their car to florida this winter. A little cramped for what we are used to.

 

[MJMouse]

I love my Outback... 2.5 liter engine! I had a 2002... sold it to my sister and bought a 2005. I normally get about 26.1 MPG during normal driving... 30.1 on the highway. It has great pick-up... great storage... seats 5 comfortably.

Both times I bought the Outback, I test drove all three you're considering. The Outback just drove better for me.

Enjoy whatever you choose! Love that new car smell!