Reply #23: Outback vs Forester kind of depends on what you're doing with it.

[Xithras]

The Forester was designed to compete with the SUV crowd, and has more ground clearance and a heavier duty suspension. I DO have to drive dirt roads, occasionaly snow covered to boot, so the lower, lighter suspension in the Outback kind of ruled it out. The Forester also has more cargo room, and has a spare well that accomodates a full sized spare (again, important if you're off the beaten track a lot). The Forester is also the only model with the awesome 3 foot sunroof, and it can tow one ton without a problem.

I do think the Outback is a more attractive car, and is probably better suited to suburbanites who only occasionally have to face any road conditions more difficult that rain (they're great for skiers). When my city dwelling friends ask about Subarus, I usually steer them toward the Outback.

My Forester seats 3 kids in the back just fine (one in a booster), can carry a huge amount of cargo, and will hit 30MPG if I take the crossbars off the roof. It replaced a 4WD Dodge Durango, and I have NEVER missed a single feature on the Dodge. My Subaru matches everything it did, with more than double the fuel mileage. If anything, I just kick myself for not buying one sooner.