From the logbook: Subaru Forester

I think it's fair to say that the Forester is a model many of us recommend to friends and family. For years, it has consistently ranked among the best small SUVs and, as my colleague Tom Mutchler pointed out, is one of the most searched vehicles on our website. The non-turbo versions also have years of better-than-average reliability, making them one of the better used car choices.

Our $25,720 2.5X Premium version--the most popular trim-line--has a few thousand miles under its belt and is in steady demand as the winter months creep in.

Since there seems to be a lot of interest in this model, to be charitable in this holiday season, we thought it would be decent of us to give up a little more of what we know about the Forester.

Here's a look inside the logbook:

"Bit too much body roll to be sporty, but rides very nicely."

"Engine feels like it has more reserve than our family's 2002 model."

"Automatic transmission is not smooth and can be considered primitive by today's standards."

"Comfortable and smooth ride, but a bit noisy."

"Quick seat heaters are especially nice on cold, 35-degree morning."

"Seat fits me really well…230-mile trip in one go with no body aches and stiffness."

"Fit and finish might not be fabulous, but what $25K small SUV is?"

"Maybe the worst stock sound system I've heard in 20 years. Radio reception is awful and the speakers sound flat, lifeless and muddy.

"Super practical and easy to live with."

"Simple and easy to drive."

"Handy size with a big, well-shaped cargo area."

"I usually love the Forester, but it feels rather cheap these days."

"I think I'd take a RAV4. The Forester is nice, but the four-speed automatic transmission belongs in a museum."

So while it's clear that the Forester still has its fans, the small SUV is showing its age. Even with the new base engine for 2011, we're not sure the car has improved all that much. But it still has lots to offer and does many things well. Stay tuned for more--including a full road test--on this popular vehicle.