What is CR's problem with the gated transmission? That was a selling point, when I bought my 2004 Forester XT, and I in practice, it is one of the better features of the car.
If anything, the stupid automatic climate control is the Forester's greatest weakness. (To be fair, it does a stellar job when I have defrosting problems, but is horrid when it comes to heating.)
Niels
For the life of me, I don't understand the "gated shifter" complaint either.
You're right, the automatic climate control is the main (only?) wart on this car. I didn't realize heating was a problem. Fortunately, here in SoCal, that's not an issue; very rarely (and even then, very briefly) do I have the system pumping out heat.
HW
I have griped about this before. The temperature control is set in fine enough increments. I have to alternate between turning off the heat completely, and the first notch on the dial. Even when the temperature is in the mid-teens, I have to turn the heat off for a few minutes at a time, otherwise I would bake.
But like you & others have mentioned, the Forester is an exceptional car. It has out-manuavered sports cars on the PA Turnpike, and gives me the power to get out of trouble. Recently, I gravel truck ran me off of an interstate, onto a snow-covered grassy medium. The Forester not only didn't loose control, but allowed me to get back on the highway without incident. AND it makes a great kayak carrier!
Niels
I have a solution to the heat problem that probably no one else would agree with, but I'll throw it out anyhow.
I don't care how cold it is, but once the heat kicks on I lower the driver's side window an inch or two. That way I get to breath cool/cold air and yet my body stays comfortable. I don't remember when I started doing it, but it has probably been my practice since the 80's.
Heat on full directed out the floor vents, windows partly open, is a great way to enjoy a ride in the country on a nippy day.
Heat on full blast in the floor wells, and sunroof open is my preferred approach, barring ice and snow on the roof.
A duh! Why didn't I think about that? But wouldn't the passenger-side or a back window be better? (No, or minimal draft, especially at highway speeds.)
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