[RWebb]

drove the '09 Forester (on a familiar road, back to back with a Ford Escape; same 'course' as I drove the '07 on, tho there were no Bicyclers or women in Volvos to scare that time)

it might have felt better than the '07, hard to be sure

it was miles above the Ford Escape on bumpy roads and much quieter in terms of engine noise

on the fwy, it just does not have much passing pow-pow

salesboy also told me the '09 has 1.5" more gnd. clearance than the '07

they got rid of the timing belt (in favor of a chain), so that $$ maint. item is gone

unfortunately, they have few on the lot and are trying to tack on $3,000 to the retail price