Looking to buy a new Forester with an Auto. There seems to be a strongsentiment (bias?) for manual trannys. Is this just a preference or does theSubaru Automatic not perform well?ThanksLT

There are in general three different types of AWD systems that Subaru has.The AWD system on the base automatics is quite different from the one in thebase manuals, which are different again from the high-end automatics andmanuals.(1) The system in the base manuals is all-mechanical. It is a refinement ofa classical 4WD system that's been around in similar forms since theearliest days of automobiles. The mechanical system is considered muchsmoother and predictable than the base automatic system (#2). It's alsoconsidered to be lower maintenance, more rugged, and a faster-reactive AWDsystem than #2. The system attempts to distribute torque evenly betweenfront and rear wheels at all times, even while reacting to slippages.(2) The system in the base automatics is best describe aselectro-mechanical. It uses sensors at the wheels to measure wheel slippage,and a computer calculates this, and sends orders to an electronicallyactivated clutch pack to increase or decrease the amount of torque...

I'm very happy with my 2000 Forester AT. I would like a 2d Forester with AMT for my fun driving.that occasionally

Owners manuals are good to people who read them.

Why not Automatic?

Jul 19, 2003 43 Replies

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Edward Hayes 22 years ago

that occasionally

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Dan Duncan 22 years ago

I'm sorry to hear your car was built without parking lights or dome lights.

-DanD

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L D Jones 22 years ago

Change Lights to headlights in my post. The others were discussed elsewhere

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Edward Hayes 22 years ago

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