The '90s family wagon with the heart of a rally legend
The automotive world has always been fascinated by the allure of adventure and the spirit of exploration. And when it comes to cars, naming them after careers is a tradition as old as the motor car itself. From the Ranger to the Wrangler, these names evoke a sense of assertiveness and glamour. But today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to the Subaru Forester, a vehicle that combines the practicality of a family wagon with the thrilling performance of a rally legend.
The first Forester, introduced in 1997, was marketed with a simple yet effective slogan: 'SUV Tough, Car Easy'. It was a tall, all-wheel-drive estate car with an unexpected aural character, thanks to the rhythmic beat of its flat-four engine. While it wasn't a groundbreaking innovation, it offered a similar experience to Toyota's 1984 Tercel estate, albeit with a conventional motor.
However, the Forester's true secret lies in its connection to the Subaru Impreza, a dull little saloon car that became a rally legend in the hands of Colin McRae, Ari Vatanen, and Carlos Sainz. The Forester shared the same chassis, boxer engine, all-wheel drive, and low center of gravity as the Impreza, making it a capable and fun-to-drive vehicle.
The Forester's robust-looking two-tone bodywork and cabin didn't give away its athletic nature, but it was still capable of delivering a grin-inducing performance on twisty roads when turbo-boosted. The late 20th-century Subaru workhorse, with its 50 shades of grey plastic and diagonally striped upholstery, was a far cry from the luxurious interiors of today's SUVs. Yet, it was still a lot of fun to drive and offered a unique blend of practicality and performance.
While the Forester has evolved over the years, with the 2002 model sticking to the same recipe and the 2008 model drifting towards a full SUV, the original Forester remains a nostalgic favorite. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the rally legend within the family wagon, and a reminder that sometimes, the most thrilling experiences can be found in the most unexpected places.
