[David Cole]

The newer Ford Explorers are pretty sharp-looking and seem to have good reviews. Anybody have experience with that model?

[khrisxp]

Curious how a car-based SUV like Forester holds up "long term" to driving on rough roads compared to a more proper off-roader like Wrangler/4Runner etc. Anyone driving one for say 5~10 years had to endure much suspension repairs etc? I know you can certainly drive on much tougher terrain on an off-road worthy SUV but is there any advantage at all driving on regular forest roads vs a softer car-based SUV? Thanks!

[Opus]

I've been driving a 2006 Outback on forest service roads of all types for 8 years now, at least once a week. No serious problems so far. I did have a CV boot (the flexible rubber thing where the front axle meets the transmission) come loose but it was a cheap repair. (less than $100 for a new one and refilling with grease). I'd imagine a Forester would be just as durable. Previously I had a Mazda Protege5 wagon. I did bend a suspension arm on that car but their SUV should be tougher. I miss my Mazda. Much more fun to drive on good roads but their stiffer suspensions will make a rougher drive on FS roads. Basically, I think all the small SUVs should handle 99% of the FS roads just fine. The speed you drive would probably have a lot more effect on suspension damage.

[Foist]

Just mentioned this in another thread. I totally don't get the obsession with Subarus in the NW. I don't really question their reliability (although they are notorious for hemorrhaging oil as they get older), but I find them just absolute s*** to drive. I got a 2014 Maada CX5 and my parents who live in town got a 2014 Subaru, so I've been able to really continually test the two. I loath the Forester, I find it just miserable to drive. Mediocre handling, jittery ride, a jumpy accelerator without actually having better acceleration, a weird 3-second delay after switching from reverse to drive, an atrocious sound system and electronics (the bluetooth is essentially impossible to use and bugs out all the time), and uncomfortable seats. The CX5 meanwhile is comfy, a joy to drive (assuming you get at least the Touring trim with the 2.5 liter engine), and can handle anything the Forester can. The CX5 also allows the rear middle seat to flip down by itself, which allows for storage of long skis or other long stuff in the back even with 2 kids in the back seat; it's the only car in the class with this feature, last I checked. It has handled some of the roughest roads out there without incident, including the notorious road to Twin Lakes / Winchester Mtn. Of course most people around here have no idea how to drive either, so it might be related to that.

[khrisxp]

I haven't driven a Forester but I did see that the 2014 model got top SUV of the year from one of the car review sites so maybe the new models have the issues ironed out.

[kawi_200]

While not the same SUV as the Explorer, my first car was a 1987 Bronco II and I currently have a 2005 Expedition. I also used my parent's 1993 Ford Aerostar AWD after the Bronco was sold. All the Ford's AWD/4x4 systems have been great in the snow. I haven't had any issues. I wasn't a hiker back then so I never took the van or Bronco out to the mountains. The Expedition has been out there and has done just fine. My opinion of Ford AWD systems is that they know what they are doing and the Explorer would probably be no different. That being said, I also had a 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback. And that was a very good car in the snow It liked to understeer, but handled the snow just fine if you weren't driving like a tool. Sold it because I needed something bigger to tow/haul stuff. Otherwise I probably would have kept it. My wife has a 2015 Forrester and it is meh. Plain and boring. Hard plastics, uncomfortable seating position for me. My knees and legs hit the hard plastic corners of the door pocket and center console. But she loves it and is very happy. We have not had it in the snow yet, so can't comment on how the AWD does.

[Brucester]

One could tally up the one who posts the most TR's and see what they drive???

[ejain]

[Snowbrushy]

[FJES6]

This has served me well. 1993 Mazda B2600i 4x4

[Chief Joseph]

[forest gnome]

I have a 2wd FULLY restored 86 mazda.....with 600lb. pop-up camper... that 4x4 would be my choice for full re-build ...with some turbo motor...mayb even the Mercedes diesel? there was one on c.l. for 500$ no engine (trans.?)...suspension ball joints-4 tie rods, all brakes,hoses, upper controll arms, Exhaust, ECT..... AND YA GOT A GREAT RIG....

[FJES6]

Thanks ForestGnome, I love the truck. And I'm proud to mention it goes everywhere I point it.

[Spot]

Grand Cherokee gets me to most places

For the harder to get to places I use this. Sometimes I just go to harder to get to places to have an excuse to use it for what it was made for.

[Chief Joseph]

I just bought a 2003 Suburban with 180k and in great condition for 3400...I mainly bought it because I can still haul most thing that a truck can and I can also pull out the 3rd row seats and put an air bed in the back. So now I can drive to the TH at night and be set up for an early start in the morning. A Suburban is essentially a truck with a built in canopy. Plus I hear the 5.3 (327) Vortec is a very good and long lasting engine. Bose sound system too!