We tried to do it all, from taking up to Snoqualmie Pass to shopping downtown. In the end, the Forester handled it all like a champ. It was very comfortable.

I happened to park next to an elderly couple at the grocery store who owned a 2008 version of the Forester. They noticed the newer version was bigger and asked me about it. In turn, I asked them what they liked about theirs and the husband summed up the Forester in a nutshell:

“It’s not the most exciting car in the world, but we didn’t want an exciting car. It [the Forester] does a lot of things well, and we love it because of that.”

My thoughts exactly!

Handling 

The first thing I noticed was how well the symmetrical all wheel drive system works. A run along Interstate 5 didn’t tell much, but taking it through some steep downtown Seattle hills in the rain had the car begging for more. You really do feel the Subaru Boxer engine and the power it delivers to all wheels. For a SUV, it handled much better than I thought it would. Whether it’s city or long distance driving, the Forester’s handling is crisp and outstanding.

Power

The Forester feels like a V6 with it’s 224 horsepower turbo engine. In actuality, the power comes out of a surprising 2.5 liter 4 cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. In fact, it’s one of the more powerful 4 cylinder I have ever driven. The Forester had no problem going up a steep hill with a fully loaded car with passengers, as well as accelerating past smaller cars on I-90.  Unofficially, it went 0-60 in about 7 seconds, and that was without redlining. 

Cargo

The 2009 Forester has a total of 63.0 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. While it can hold a load of groceries in the trunk, it wouldn’t necessarily do well with moving furniture. So for for day to day tasks, the trunk provides more than adequate space. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Features

The dashboard and seats are somewhat plain, but they get the job done. The car we had offered Sirius radio –  which was nice – but like all satellite radio, cuts in and out when going thru tunnels and heavily wooded areas. The steering wheel transfered inputs well and offered easy to use buttons for the cruise control and stereo system. The red/blue color scheme on the display was unique and easy to read.

Motor Trend named the Forester the Sports Utility Car of the Year for 2009. Does it live up to that billing? Yes and no. No, in that there are more luxurious and more fuel effcient vehicles out there. Yes, in that it performs well in just about every other area. So for the do-everything Seattleite, the Forester may truly be the car of the year.

2009 Forester 2.5XT Specifications

Engine-2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Active Valve Control System.

Power - 224 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Fuel Efficiency - 19 City /24 Highway MPG (EPA estimate)

Chasis- 4-wheel disc, ventilated front. 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Wheels - 17 x 7.0-inch 5-Spoke aluminum alloy

The President’s plan would force the production of smaller, hybrid, and advanced fuel saving technologies into the US auto marketplace.

He told the Associated Press:

“I want to be clear from the beginning of this administration that we have made our choice: America will not be held hostage to dwindling resources, hostile regimes and a warming planet,” Obama said. 

The change in policy could also make things bit more expensive in the short term for consumers. New technologies generally cost more. These fuel efficient vehicles could cost thousands more. However  President Obama believes this is more of a long term fix.

“It falls on us to choose whether to risk the peril that comes with our current course or to seize the promise of energy independence,” Obama said. “And for the sake of our security, our economy and our planet, we must have the courage and the commitment to change.”

If new emission standards get passed by individual states, it would require auto makers to boost fuel standards by 40 percent and by 2020, cars will at the very least get 35MPG.

The President also said that the US dependence on foreign oil “bankrolls dictators, pays for nuclear proliferation and funds both sides of our struggle against terrorism. It puts the American people at the mercy of shifting gas prices, stifles innovation and sets back our ability to compete.”

Lofty goals and high demands made by the new president. But ultimately, it comes to changing American habits. Luckily for Seattle drivers, we’re ahead of the nation when it comes to this.

See the full AP article in the Seattle Times.

Locally, word of the 2010 Prius is already at loud buzz, with many potential buyers waiting for this new Toyota hybrid rather than saving thousands now on the 2009 version, by using the Washington state tax exemption. Lets consider the numbers on that, people would rather pay a premium price a new hybrid technology car(maybe $27,500 loaded), rather than save thousands of dollars(over $2500) on a new 2009 Prius.

“People are excited about it(2010 Prius),” claims Matt Page from Toyota of Bellevue. ”The people who asking about the 2010, are sure they want to buy it. It’s supposed to be more efficient and they want that new hybrid technology.”

The 2010 will supposedly get better mileage than the older generation model, by 4-5 miles per gallon. If that’s true, that will be close to 50 mpg. The 2010 is reportedly bigger than in years past as well, 3-4 inches longer and an inch wider. Even with the increases capacity and efficiency,  the 2010 will also have more horsepower, rumored up to 160hp from 110hp.

But of course, Toyota didn’t just stop at the 4-door sedan. News out of the Detroit unveiling, is that later in the year, the Prius will come in a wagon and/or mini van model. There will also be newer upgraded versions(think iPhone) where buyers will have the option of buying the Prius with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, that would allow drivers to plug-in their vehicles.  

In the Seattle area, the 2010 will be available around spring time, expect the price tag to start around the mid-$20,000 range. But you’ll just have to wait and see on everything else.

“Unfortunately I have to be vague about them(2010 Prius’), ” says Page. “They’ll be here no later than May, but other than that, all I can tell you is there are plenty of people asking about them.”

Being that they’re reportedly bigger, stronger, and saves more in fuel, it’s no wonder that Toyota’s Prius is the world’s top-selling hybrid. From all accounts, the 2010 version will do things even better and thus, living up to the hype.

According to Consumer Guide Automotive here are the preliminary specs for the 2010 Toyota Prius

Drivetrain
Drive wheels: front
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with battery-driven electric motor
Horsepower: 100 gas engine, 160 combined
Torque: NA

Recently at the Seattle Autoshow, mini vans made a small and brief impression. Maybe it’s just the sign of the times and what local car buyers are looking for.

“They just seem past their prime,” explains Dan Wheeler who was looking at an American made mini van with his two sons. “They put a lot of stuff into them, but most of it is unnecessary and I wouldn’t want to spend that kinda money on something like this. I don’t like the way it looks. I like the Ford Flex or the Volvo(XC90) better.”

Automakers like Volvo, Ford, and Mazda have other family vehicle options these days. Considering the price and fuel efficiency, the mini vans are not the first option for many family buyers anymore, there’s just more to choose from.

A list of mini vans at the Seattle Autoshow

• Volkswagen Routan SEL  17/25 MPG-Approximately $39,000
• Toyota Sienna 17/23 MPG-Approximately $29,000
• Chrysler Grand Caravan 17/25MPG-Approximately $38,000
• Chrysler Town and Country 17/25 MPG-Approximately $43,000
• Chevy Traverse AWD 16/23 MPG-Approximately $45,000
• Honda Odyssey 17/25-Approximately $29,000

These were just the mini vans observed at the Seattle Autoshow. Some had more bells and whistles than others, thus the price differences. However they all received attention, people still looked at them, but the consumer observations were eye opening.

“It just seems like they’re trying to cram a motor home into these,” says a mother of three from Bellevue.  “If I were buying today, it would be something else.”

A list of popular mini van alternatives

• Ford Flex
• Volvo XC90
• Mazda CX9
• Honda Passport

It wasn’t just the unique cars that caught our attention however, as we spent hours at the show interviewing both dealers of all types, from startups like Zenn Motors, a Washington based all-electric car manufacturer, to the possibly soon-to-be-gone Chrysler reps. With hundreds of photos, video, business cards and frantic scribbles, we’ll be gunning out quite a few articles in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, here’s a quick round-up of some quick observations we had during the 2009 Seattle Auto show:

Cars to Make Your Head Turn
Park Place LTD always has an impressive collection of exotic autos and this year was no different. This is where we found the eye-candy Lotus Exiges and an army of expensive Aston Martins, including the 007’s famous Aston Martin DBS. Audi stepped up to the big boys league with their rubber melting R8, while Mercedes drew a constant crowd with their raw meets refined CL 63 AMG. Oddly, the Maserati section was a ghost town, as if people suddenly realized these and the other head turners cost more than what most people make in year. That’s why we also nickname these the “museum cars” – great for looking, but no touching unless you can afford it!

The Big Hit: Green Cars
Not surprisingly, the green machines are getting a lot of love this year. In past seasons, most of the electric and alternative fuel vehicles would be stuck in the back or in some lonely (and probably inexpensive) corner.

Not this year. In fact, some of the big boys are pushing their fuel efficient autos, while it seems most automakers have a hybrid of some type in production or development. Surprisingly, Chevrolet has one of the most prominent green displays in the whole building, pushing their hybrid SUVs and prototype hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

Being stuck in the corner didn’t seem to hurt Mercedes owned Smart Car, which drew oohs and aahs from guys and girls alike. The Green Car Company, based in Bellevue and various other electric car companies were getting a good share of attention. Ferrari won the competition for most photographs, but the green cars were the winner in popularity it seemed.

Subaru’s Gran Turismo Simulator
With three monitors and a seat that makes you feel the experience along with every bump, Subaru’s Gran Turismo Simulator will be popular with kids of all ages. The wait may be long, and everyone sees you crashing all over the place, but it’s a fun diversion when you need a quick break from the propaganda machines.

Things to Keep an Eye On
There was a constant buzz surrounding the Toyota Venza. The sales reps were constantly busy fielding questions on when it would hit the market for sale (early 2009) and how much it would cost. Those kind of questions are usually indicators of serious consumer interest. If the Seattle Auto Show is any indication, the Venza will sell well when it’s out of hush-hush mode and in production.

It might be hard to keep an eye on, because it makes almost no noise. We’re talking about The Bad Boy Buggy, which is an electric off road vehicle built in Mississippi. Will the off-road crowd buy (literally) into a plug-in ATV is up to speculation.

Potential Disappointments
Chrysler has one of the coolest looking concept cars in the Akino. With a space age looking exterior, Scion xB style frame, right-side steering wheel, curved back seats and rear-facing passenger seat, it made for one heck of an impression.

But, despite this all and despite being displayed smack dab in the middle of the event center, the Akino remains a the big mystery. None of the Chrysler people were allowed to comment on it, or give any type of information. They wouldn’t even tell us the fuel efficiency of this futuristic vehicle. While automakers have every right to be secretive about their concepts, this felt like yet another routine Detroit ploy to build up intrigue.

Lastly, in a world of green and hybrid cars, there is the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Visually it’s still a monster. And looking at the specs, it only offers 20MPG. Seriously, a 20MPG hybrid? We were hoping for more from the American automakers in the green category, but Lincoln and Dodge didn’t really go green at all. They kept with the big car, big horsepower approach that has worked well in the past. But if observation is any indicator, they sorely missed the spot with this crowd.

How much emphases will there be on fuel efficiency in this years show?

What exhibits will get the most attention?

Of the new vehicles, which ones will stand out?

Here’s a list of the things to look for at the Seattle Auto Show

The New Toyota Venza-Toyota has always been successful with their family vehicles i.e. the Sienna, Highlander, and Prius. The newest member to the family brings a different body style than their traditional SUV’s. Where it actually fits into their fleet and will consumers respond? Those questions are still unanswered.
 
The Smart Fortwo-You can’t help but notice the small compact energy efficient looks, but what about inside the car itself. There aren’t that many out there, so to get a look and sit in one should be interesting.

The Latest Hybrids- Besides the Prius, and Civic Hybrids, it will be interesting to see if any of the other automakers steps up to the plate in the hybrid category. It’s a constantly emerging market, so I would say there should be something.

The Super Cars-The super cars are the biggest draw. These are the Lamborghini’s, and Bentley’s of the world that most people can’t afford. It’s why a lot of people even go to auto shows in the first place. The Lotus Elise SC, the Ferrari F430 , and the Bentley GTC Convertible are in the Seattle Auto Shows Top 10 in Super Cars.

The Bad Boy Buggy- It’s almost a contradiction in terms, a “green” off road vehicle. It’s the first of its kind and the Seattle Auto Show website says it, “saves 75% on fuel costs. Travels 25 miles on one charging. And its sound rating is 0 dB, compared to 87 dB for most gas utility vehicles.”

Now if we can only get the Qwest Field people to let us test it in the stadium. It’s the most action the football field has seen all year Seahawk fans!