2006 Subaru Forester LL Bean review from North America

Not a thing, unless you count the cracked windshield I suffered within a week of getting the car in November. However, in Montana, one rarely makes it through a winter without a trashed windshield.

I thought my '01 Forester (S) was a good car - make that great car - but the '06 LL Bean model is fantastic. It may look like one of the original Foresters, but it's much better. More power, more rear seat leg room (very welcomed), a stain and wear-resistant cargo compartment floor (LL Bean model only, I believe), better gas mileage in my new auto transmission model than with my former five speed.

The new lights are great and, along with the driving lights, really light up the night and brings out the shine in the eyes of the deer that are ubiquitous in Western Montana.

The leather seats are very comfortable and look nice. The paint and fit of panels and interior bits are first rate. However, the ride's a little harsh - it may be the Yokohama tires, but I doubt it. I think I read in a review before I bought the rig that the suspension was made a little stiffer. The good news is, it doesn't lean so much in turns as my old one did.

I suspect this car will be as trouble-free as my '01 and that's a blessing. After owning about ten cars through my lifetime, I found the '01 to be the best car I've ever owned (and that included an Infiniti G20 which I did not get along with). I think the '06 is going to be an even better friend.