Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester, released in the US in 1998, is a lightweight, small SUV based on the Impreza platform and drivetrain. It uses Subaru's trademark All Wheel Drive (AWD) transmission. Touted as "SUV tough, Car Easy" it has a large, somewhat boxy cargo area and more ground clearance than any other Subaru model. In 2003, a turbocharged Forester was released. Called the XT, this new model features a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine with a turbo system similar to that of the Subaru Impreza WRX. This combination produces 209 horsepower, which makes this the second fastest production SUV (the Porche Cayenne is the fastest). The 2004 model Forester features weight-saving refinements such as an aluminium bonnet and perforated rails and a hydro-formed front frame.