dergreicher

Yes, I should have taken your advice. I was under the impression that the LL Bean was equivalent if not better than the 2.5 X model I test drove so I didnt demand that I test drive the LL Bean. I dont believe they even had one available. Any way, now that I have lowered the air pressure to the manufacturers suggested pressure, the ride is so much better. No matter what any one says, the Foresters handling is more SUV than car, especially if you compare it to an Outback Wagon. We traded in a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo (my wife's car which was absolutely a piece of junk) and that ride is comparable to the 06 Forester.

I have ~ 82,000 miles on my 97 Outback. It rides just like my 04 Outback which has ~ 9,000 miles. Lowering the air pressure on my 06 Forester really helped smooth out all of the stuff we were feeling each time we hit a bump. The Outback has a much better feel to it but my Forester is the most luxurious car I have ever owned. I just feel bad for any adult passengers who have to sit in back.

Yes, the tire pressure on my new Forester was at least 6 psi higher than it should have been. There is a big difference now but it still doesnt feel as good as my 04 or 97 Outback Wagon. It feels more like a SUV ..... Thanks for your assistance!

No, we test drove the 2.5X. We assumed the Bean model would have the same ride or better. By firm, do you mean we are suppose to feel every single bump? When I get my 97 back from the shop, I am going to keep on driving it as it feels so much better. My sales person told me that vanity mirror is the #1 complaint! I am sure they will fix this for 07.

I just bought a 2006 Forester LL Bean. I also own a 1997 (in the shop for a blown head gasket) and 2004 Outback (bought it for my mom). The Forester is the most luxurious vehicle I have ever owned (cost ~ $25.5). I agree that the rear leg room is MINIMAL. Its actually very uncomfortable for any adult that is 6 feet or taller. The heated leather seats, HUGE moonroof and exterior styling is what attracted us to the Forester. We now have 350 miles on it and the strangest thing is that the ride has been extremely disappointing, so much so that we think there is a problem with the suspension. Every article we read indicated that the new suspension actually cushions crater like roads, yet we feel every bump, small or large. My 97 Outback has a much better feel to it! I called my service department and told them how unhappy I was with the ride and they told me to bring it in. The weirdest thing is that the Forester we test drove had the most amazing ride. You never know with new cars!!! Any one else ever buy a new car with a suspension issue? p.s. another extremely weird thing is that this car appeals to women, yet they decided not to illuminate the vanity mirrors. My wife chose this vehicle over the Outback and she wants the illuminated vanity mirror. Are you reading this SoA?