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2009 Subaru Forester unofficial research page by Joe Spitz, Internet sales, Seattle, Wa looking for:  2010 or 2008 Forester? other Subarus sitemap ******** On This Page... a few photos (many more photos) I  Updates - New for 09 overview  I  Dimensions, Measurements, Cargo space  I  Price  I  Safety features  I  Maintenance and Warranty info  I Window Stickers I Standard features: X, Premium, Limited/LL Bean -  XT turbo - Summary Chart  I   Specifications, Mechanical details (PZEV, VDC)  I  Options Packaged  I Options Individual  I  accessories I  Color chart I Magazine articles, speed tests  I Fine print scroll down for a few photos or click for other Forester pages more 2009 Window Stickers, 09 Forester Exterior photos, Exterior Options page, Interior Photos Turbo maintenance requirements ***** Please read- this unofficial independent Subaru research site by Joe Spitz is designed to help you learn about Subarus.  It is not sponsored, authorized,  supported or approved of by Subaru or any dealer and is not connected to, or affiliated with, any dealer.  Always contact your local dealer. Information always subject to change, correction. **** camellia red 2009 LL Bean/Limited Forester. Note the new rear privacy glass Buying in Seattle, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho,  Alaska, Hawaii, Canada or the Northwest? Call Joe Spitz, internet sales in Seattle, Wa. Contact. comments, corrections, tips welcomed all photographs, text, formatting ©joe spitz :: unauthorized reproduction prohibited  you are here http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2009.html  v 1.5.13

09 LL Bean (Limited), new sage green color shown. The Limited name replaces LL Bean name stating with early April, 2008 production.
It's the same car with a new name, and no LL Bean badging.

Premium model window sticker with the All Weather Package which was not available on early models, and standard on all Premiums starting May, 2008. PZEV emission model shown.  Note the destination is $665, later raised to $695. More 2009 window stickers	window sticker from a Limited. This name replaces the LL Bean name starting with early April production. It's the same car but there is no outside badging indicating it's a Limited, and the LL Bean logos are gone from the rear gate, cargo tray, and seats. ***************** 2009 Forester photo pages Exterior photos, Exterior Options page, Interior Photos 2009 Window Stickers
Subaru's corporate Forester travels to various events.	Premium with optional sport grill
steel silver Premium, shown with optional wheel arch moldings	2009 Topaz Gold
Camilla red pearl XT turbo	newport blue, LL Bean (Limited) shown, with fog lights
The cargo floor is flat, with lots of hooks and tie downs and a 12v power outlet. Cargo floor is only 27" off the ground so very easy to lift things in.  More measurements below. LL Bean/Limited shown	note the twin tailpipe tips, standard on the LL Bean and XT Ltd..  If you look, the PZEV logo is barely noticable on left, pval LL Bean logo on right. No optional rear underguard
.  new blue lit instrument panel close-up of the blue dashboard engine temperature warning light on when the engine is first started and still cold.  Blinking Red means the engine is getting too hot, app 235F, steady red means stop, at app 248F!  more dashboard photos	new for 09 Laser cut immobilizer keys
sunroof Large glass sunroof, hand measureD 28'W, 31.5 L, shown open. Has sunshade.	Factory Monroni window sticker optional navigation, DVD
the manufacturer VIN plates, in English and French, are on driver and passenger door	X model optional factory roof rack carrier base kit (above) fixed position. Designed for quick on/off. Aftermarket rack below. factory and aftermarket rack on a base Forester attach at the same places
All Weather Package front windshield wiper deicer melts the snow, warms the rubber blades. Also includes heated front seats and defrosting outside mirrors	Forester reverse sensors are in the back bumper
lots of room in the back for strollers, golf clubs and more. It's only 27" high so easy to lift things in (more measurements below). And who's that looking at me... ?	excellent rear and side visibility -  nice big windows means no blind spots

Forester front doors have an easy place to hold to help you get in or out. Great for seniors and others who need support!

high seats and tall, wide doors with a place to hold on to make the Forester an easy choice for those who need help getting in and out.

2009 model UPDATES  and Forester News

1/5/13 recall Optional puddle lights (small outside lights under each door that illuminate the ground) may short circuit when exposed to saltwater, which could lead to overheating and possible fire. Models involved have the optional puddle lights and are the 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback, 2009-2012 Foresters sold before January 2012, and 2006-2012 Tribecas sold before January 2012. Reportedly around 54000 car in the US could be involved. According to online reports, the problem has been known for years with various fixes failing to solve it. The latest repair will be new wiring with a fuse. Recall #WQE-41

3/13/12 recall- The rear center seatbelt on  Foresters built between November 26, 2007 and March 13, 2012 might not work correctly with some child safety seats (CRSs) that require a short belt routing configuration. The center seatbelt has an Automatic Locking Retractor that may not lock when such a configuration is used. It's necessary to replace the rear seat center seatbelt assembly. Recall code #WQA-37. Call Subaru 800-782-2783, or NHTSA at 888-327-4236 about campaign #12V099000.

10/13/09-  large rental fleets can special order vehicles with different options that are not for sale or available to Subaru dealers or buyers. I just saw a used 09 Premium with model code 9FZ that was a normal Premium except with a power cloth driver seat that was not otherwise available.

9/13/09 iPod interface upgrade part available so latest model iPod, Touch Nano will recharge. See your local dealer

3/24/09 New crash test new roof strength rating system from IIHS. The 09 Forester gets top rating. more below

3/2/09 New lower (yes, lower) installed price on the reverse assist sensors (back-up beepers)

2/25/09 New accessory SPT Turbo Boost Gauge for all all 2009 Forester Turbos (and 2008-2009 Impreza WRX, 2.5GT and STI). The Turbo Boost Gauge displays engine vacuum as inHG and PSI. The dial is red lit when the car is on, matching the WRX and STI dash lighting. Available as a stand alone option, or part of a new option package which includes the SPT Turbo Boost Gauge with the STI Automatic transmission leather and aluminum shift knob.

12/5/08 New accssories- Reverse Assist sensors (backup beepers) and Interior Illumination soft blue or red front footwell lights available starting 12/08.
Both available installed from the factory or by your local dealer. See the Illumination Kit here interior photos

11/19/08 iPod interface recharge function doesn't work with new Nano 4th generation and iPod Touch 2nd generation. Other functions still work but they don't recharge. Subaru is working on a new version of the interface. 9/13/09 iPod interface upgrade available. See your local dealer
10/15/08. Forester is MotorTrend's SUV of the year! More here
9/16/08 Destination price increase. Destination starting late September 2008 will be $695 (up $30, from $665). Alaska will be $845.
8/21/08 Incomplete window stickers Some 09 Foresters with a -lot- of options may have more options than fit on the window sticker.
As a result, the MSRP price on the sticker may not make sense because it includes options -not- shown on the sticker. Click here for photos of the sticker
8/08 Consumer Reports, August issue-  Forester comparison to other similar vehicles in the August issue of Consumer Reports. Also kitchen appliances, countertops, flat screen TVs etc. On newstands or consumerreports.org.
7/1 option package update
7/2008. Invoice increase. $25 effective on cars arriving late July, 2008. Does not effect MSRP. These prices already include that increase.
5/21/08 crash test results: 5 Star front and side impact crash tests  NHTSA Crash Test Results
5/1/08: All Weather Package Premiums arriving early May. They were supposed to be in June but are early.
4/17/08 Crash Test: 09 Forester is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and gets good performance in front, side,
and rear tests and standard electronic stability control. Front crash test, side crash test results.
4/7/08: End of L.L.Beans. Subaru and LL Bean ends their partnership June 30, 08. and the LL Bean name will be dropped. 2009 Forester LLBean production ends the first week of April, vehicles produced after that will be the same car but called the 2.5X Limited with new model codes.
Canada: the 09 Forester is importable into Canada

Cars.com  '..recently reviewed a number of small SUVS, and the overall winner was none other than the all-new Subaru Forester..' read more.
Edmunds Inside Line '.. The redesigned 2009 Subaru Forester has unseated the 2008 Toyota RAV4 as the top-ranked small SUV' more

March- 2009s start arriving at dealers mid March 2008 09s expected at dealers, estimated starting in late March, 2008. Orders accepted in early February 2008.

The completely remodeled, all new 2009 Forester is a slightly larger car than previous models, with a 103" wheelbase (3.6" longer than previous years). The light beige interior is finally gone! New double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and the same time providing crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The car is expected to start arriving in late March-early April with customer sold pre-orders arriving first of course. Pre-orders are accepted starting in early February. Now considered a light duty truck by Subaru, it is allowed to have privacy tinted windows.
PZEV (partial zero emission vehicles) are now required on all non-turbos sold  in CA, WA, CT, MA, ME, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT.
Standard features now include 6 airbags (dual front, dual front side, and front and rear side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor), VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) electronic stability control and TCS traction control system, Immobilizer key, power windows/locks/mirrors, ac, CD player, 4 disc anti lock brakes with Brake Assist, and much more.
Models are similar to the previous years but some feqatures have been added and dropped. The models are the 2.5 X, X Premium, X LL Bean, and the turbo XT and XT Limited. Engines are the same, Xs have the 170hp 2.5L 4 cylinder, the turbo XTs get the 224hp 2.5L 4 cylinder turbo version. There are new colors. Interior choices are light Platinum or Off Black cloth or leather depending on model. Again, no more beige!

this info subject to updating and change. corrections welcomed.

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2008 summary: available starting late May 2007. Prices much the same, drops on X Premium . X Sports now with new 10th Anniversary package including 16" 6 spoke alloy wheels, turn signals in large size outside mirrors, also CD changer, Climate Control, aux stereo input, leather steering wheel and shift knob. All models have tire pressure monitoring (TPMS).  X Sports and XT Sports now with black painted headlight surroun and C pillar, silver painted roof rails. X Sports gets leather wrapped steering wheel, XT Sports loses the sunroof, gets STI-type front lip under spoiler, 17" 12 spoke alloys, rear spoiler with brake light. XT Sports and now XT Limited with automatic transmission get VDC. LL Bean now with 7 upgraded speakers, standard Homelink, LL Bean logo floor mats and rear cargo tray. Delete shock senor, load leveling rear suspsension, hard cargo floor (now carpeted). PZEV logo on rear gate on PZEV vehicles. New colors
2007 Summary. Available early July 2006. Models: X, X Premium, X LL Bean, XT turbo. Only minor changes for 2007. Prices on certain models are lower, especially the X model. X $600 price drop, X Premium $450 less, LL Bean $200 less. New 'California Spec' PZEV (partial zero emission vehicle) 4 cylinder for sale in California, Mass, Maine, NY, Vermont only. There are new colors and combinations, new front door panel trim with large cup/bottle holder (see photo page), the X model gets the EBD (electronic brake force distribution) upgrade that has been on the other models, X Premium has audio (iPod) input plug (see photo page), and is Sirius satellite radio ready (first 3 months free). The LL Bean gets gray colored alloy wheels, XT turbo gets 17" alloys, upgraded stereo. XT horsepower has changed due to a testing method only.
2 new models announced 11/1/06, late November availability, X Sport and XT Sport with new front bumper, black mesh grill, black fabric, and deletes roof rack cross bars. Limited color selection. X adds CH changer with auxilliary plug, XT Sport automatic adds the VDC all wheel drive with traction control system and is the only Forester with VDC. The XT Sport is available in a few colors including WRX Blue (rally blue) This is the 1st time this popular blue Impreza color has been offered on any Forester. See full details below in the individual model area.
2006 Models: X, X Premium, X LL Bean, XT Limited. Discontinued models: The XS and XS with Moonroof models have both been combined and replaced by the new X Premium model.
The cloth XT turbo is discontinued, and the XT Premium is renamed the XT Limited.
Ground clearance increased X, Premium, LL Bean:  8.1"; XT Limited  7.9", More horsepower! X now has 173hp from 165hp. XT turbo 230hp, from 210, due to higher compression and redesigned intake manifold. The turbo meets Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) regulation, goes 0-60 mph in under six seconds. New strengthened rear crossmember, new retuned suspension enhance ride smoothness and handling response in all Forester models; new improved braking feel on all models; Redesigned advanced airbags:  front passenger airbag now with On-Off indicator light by clock. Redesigned center console with armrest and cupholders. Standard rear seat fold-down armrest,  security system; new front grille, headlights with 4 bulbs, new clear taillights, map pocket on back of the front passenger seat, bright trim strip on middle of rear gate, painted bumpers and side moldings now on all models. Integrated turn signals on new larger outside mirrors (all except X) see photograph page for images of many of these new features
2005: Available starting in May 2004. October: new options now available: Short shifter on XT models, Auto dimming mirror/compass with optional Homelink on all models. September Price increase on all cars delivered to dealers starting 9/04. All 05 models get air filtration, the driver's airbags is now dual stage deploying as the passenger airbag has been, there a new remote keyless entry, new black sidewall tires. New model: XS LL Bean replaces the XS Premium with Leather model, which was included in early printed brochures. The LL Bean has new load leveling rear suspension, hard finish cargo floor, comes standard with auto dimming mirror/copmpass & etc. Power driver's seat is finally on the Forester, it is on all XS and XT models. Turbo XT gets new immobilizer (chipped) key, and the XT Premium with leather/sunroof is now available with a manual transmission. There are a few new colors and etc....
2004: Turbo XT model introduced.
2003: Major remodel: 2nd generation Forester available mid-May 2002. 1st major re-design since introduced in 1998. L and S models renamed X, XS.
Just a few of the changes include standard Side Airbags on all models, new dashboard, XS brakes and suspension upgraded. New grill, tailgate, hood, seats ..
2002 model has a few minor upgrades, including factory leather (S Premium only), daytime running lights etc
2001 Minor re-design, available early, in February 2000. New: front, rear lights, dashboard, rear seats, S Premium model added
1999 model body was stiffened and strengthened and did very well in crash tests.
1998 1st year
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start dimensions

09 Forester cargo area measurements, hand measured always subject to change and correction
	Hand measured cargo area dimensions A: Cargo door width at bottom of door opening 39"  B: Cargo floor length to back of rear seat 35.5" C: Cargo floor length to back of center console 70" (updated 3/15/08) D: Cargo door height in middle of door 34.5" E: Cargo floor width between wheel wells 42.2" F: Cargo floor maximum length from rear to front console (stereo) 102" G: Rear seat maximum width, seats folded flat from door to door 55.5" 60/40 split rear seat width: Rear Passenger width 24", Rear driver width 15.5" H: Cargo door width at middle of door 44"  I: Cargo height, floor to roof, with sunroof: 32" J: Cargo door width at top of door 39"  Maximum width of cargo floor from inside of the side storage bins 62" Ground to cargo floor -  27" ground to cargo floor. Its easy to lift things in. Ground to top of rear bumper- 25.5" Seat and Leg room measurements  see photos below Leg room, Front seatto brake pedal: 15"- 23.5" Leg room, rear seat to back of front seat 8.5"-18" depending on front seat position. Driver door opening height is 59" from ground to top weather strip,  Driver seat height range is app 24-26" high. All hand measured. see photos below Sunroof measures 28" W, 31.5" L all hand measured and subject to change and correction
2009 Forester under floor storge bin. The spare tire is below. The optional cargo cover will stow away on top of the bin.  Hand Measurements:  storage bin length 26.5", compartment depth app 4"	2009 Forester temporary spare tire and jack with tools is under the cargo floor.  Notice the silver jack crank on the left side fits in a recessed slot.
with optional cargo tray and cargo cover	Seat measurements Driver seat height  range is app 24-26" high. Driver door opening height is 59" from ground to top weather strip,
Seat measurements all are hand measured and subject to change and correction Front Seat-to-brake pedal distance 15"- 23.5". Manual seat shown on X, Premium
Rear seat to back of front seat leg room distance: 8.5"-18" depending on front seat position many more 09 photos always subject to change and correction

Accessories, Performance upgrades, and fun parts with suggested retail prices, part only. These are not available factory installed, More parts are available, contact your local dealer.
Ashtray $19.95; requires ashtray adaptor $12.95	Car cover M001SSC000, $99.95; car cover bag $9.95
Dog Guard, compartment separator, with moonroof F551SSC300; no moonroof  F551SSC400, $299.95	SPT battery hold down, $39.95, blue SOA3991030, or gray SOA3881000
Block heater, A0910AS100 $39.95	SPT oil filler cap,  $39.95, Blue  SOA3861040 or Gray  SOA3881010
Battery warmer, J6010FS000, $29.95	SPT front strut tower brace, all models SOA8431130 $229.95
Valve stem caps: $14.95 STI SOA342L114 $14,95; Subaru  SOA342L128;	License plate frames: WRX polished stainless SOA342L106 $28.95;  WRX matte black SOA342L107 $32.95; STI  polished stainless SOA342L112 $34.95;  SPT polished stainless SOA342L121 $34.95;
Ski attachment 6 pair E3610AS790, $165 requires mounting clamps	Roof cargo basket $169; Heavy duty basket $359
Cargo carrier box E361SAAG200, $335, req. clamps	Cargo carrier extended box E361SAG300, $425, req clamps
Kayak carrier $150 req. clamps	Bike attachment, 2 bikes $$299, 1 bike $150, req. clamps
New option Feb 2009. SPT turbo boost guage. 2009 Forester turbo and all 08/08 Impreza turbos. Displays engine vacuum as inHG and PSI. The dial is red lit when the car is on.. #H501SFG500, $239.

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end options
start 2009 color
always subject to change, correction

2009 Colors and Interiors for illustration only, it's hard to get accurate color photos. See photos above and also my exterior photo page for pictures of the cars subject to change and correction New 2009 exterior colors: Camelia Red Pearl, Sage Green Metallic  New 2009 interior colors: all interior colors are new for 2009 spark silver metallic sage green metallic Camilla Red Pearl steel gray metallic topaz gold metallic Newport Blue Pearl Dark Gray Metallic satin white pearl obsidian black Interior Cloth and Leather see my interior photos page for photos of the cars **** X, X Premium XT (not Limited) LL Bean/Limited, and XT Limited Limited name replaces LL Bean  starting May 2008 production.  Same car, new name. the seat Aurora Platinum Cloth ***** Aurora Black cloth ***** Platinum Dune cloth Black Dune Cloth Platinum Perforated leather Black Perforated Leather aurora black cloth shown all information subject to updating, change and correction
COLOR (code)	X	X Premium	X Limited (was LL Bean) w/ Navigation Limited name replaces LL Bean starting May 2008 production	XT	XT Limited, XT  with Navigation
Newport Blue Pearl (NBP)	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Platinum Leather	Platinum Dune Cloth	Platinum Leather
Obsidian Black Pearl (BLK)	Aurora Black Cloth	Aurora Black Cloth	Black Leather	Black Dune Cloth	Black Leather
Steel Silver Metallic (SSM)	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Platinum Leather	Platinum Dune Cloth	Platinum Leather
Spark Silver Metallic (SSK)	Aurora Black Cloth	Aurora Black Cloth	Black Leather	Black Dune Cloth	Black Leather
Topaz Gold Metallic (TGM)	Aurora Black Cloth	Aurora Black Cloth	Black Leather	Black Dune Cloth	Black Leather
new Camilla Red Pearl (CRP)	Aurora Black Cloth	Aurora Black Cloth	Black Leather	Black Dune Cloth	Black leather
Dark Gray  Metallic (DGM)	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Platinum Leather	Platinum Dune Cloth	Platinum Leather
newSage Green Metallic (SGM)	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Platinum Leather	Platinum Dune Cloth	Platinum Leather
Satin White Pearl (WHT)	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Aurora Platinum Cloth	Platinum Leather	Platinum Dune Cloth	Platinum Leather