Subaru Forester: Big, Rugged, and Economical

04/08/2008 23:44. Early indications are that Subaru's (SBUOF) redesigned five-passenger Forester will be a big hit, with U.S. sales soaring 49% in April, 66% in May, and 41% in June. It's not hard to figure out why. The new Forester is bigger, roomier, and has a nicer interior than the old one, yet its gas mileage is about the same, and its starting price is nearly $1,200 lower than the old model's, even though it comes standard with traction and stability control.

With a five-speed stick shift, the entry level '09 Forester 2.5X starts at just $20,660 [add $1,200 for a four-speed automatic transmission]. That's quite a bargain, considering the Forester's standard all-wheel drive. A fancy L.L. Bean Edition Forester starts at $26,660. And, if even more sportiness and luxury are priorities, the... // Yahoo