DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Melissa In Blaine

Q: Hi Melissa. Tell us about your Subaru Forester. Why did you buy it?

A: I had previously owned a 2003 Chevy Caviler that I was looking to replace. When I learned I was going to have a baby, I knew I needed something a little bigger than my Caviler. I started looking at smallish SUVs. We were initially thinking about a Honda CRV or a Toyota RAV-4. After reading some consumer reports on SUVs, we thought it would be worth checking out the Subaru Forester.

Q: Where did you buy it?

A: We went to the auto show. We learned that the Honda CRV didn't have enough towing power to tow a pop-up tent camper that my in-laws owned. We kind of counted that one out. After the auto show we really liked the Forester and got the most help from the guy from Morrie's. We did go test drive a RAV-4 after the auto show and there were things I liked about it, but the ride was kind of bumpy. After we finally got out to test drive a Forester, I knew I liked it the best.

Q: Do you have a favorite memory that occurred in your car?

A: I'd have to say bringing my son home from the hospital. He was so tiny in his little car seat.

Q: What is your favorite feature?

A: I really like the size of my car. I needed something bigger than a sedan and the small SUV is perfect. I don't really enjoy driving big cars. I was nervous about getting a larger SUV, but the Forester is a really nice transition from a smaller car to an SUV.

Q: Have you gone on any road trips in your Subaru Forester?

A: We've been up to Duluth a few times since buying the car. It handles really well on the hills in Duluth. We've also taken it out to Wisconsin a few times. I really liked the family vacation we took out to Duluth. We spent a half a week there and our car went with us everywhere we went. It was really nice just driving along the lakeshore, while my son was asleep in the backseat.

Q: That sounds sweet. So any rules for passengers?

A: I don't like any messy food to be eaten in the car.

Q: If your car had a human personality, what would it be?

A: I'd have to say it would just be a laid back, go with the flow type of person.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about your car?

A: The heated seat warmers also heat your back. It's very nice when you have any kind of lower back pain, even in the summer months. The side mirrors are not higher than parked car mirrors. They will hit and likely take off the parked cars side mirrors. The moon roof is cool, but the sun shines in your eyes too much. And it gets too noisy when you have it open and you're on the freeway. The garage door opener on the rear view mirror is actually really cool!