In 2001, there are stylish and distinctive new front and rear bumpers, headlights and taillights, a new chrome grille, alloy wheels on the S, and the in-glass radio antenna. But it's the moonroof that comes with the Premium Package that's the marquee item. It measures 31.5 inches long by 33.5 inches wide, extending past the back of the front seats. To keep all that heat from the sunlight out, it's tinted green and coated with a UV protectant.Despite these touches that spruce it up, the Forester remains utilitarian in appearance. Because it isn't as tall as a sport-utility (it's 2.5 inches lower than a Toyota RAV4), it's easier to load a kayak, skis, sailboard, duffels or other gear onto the roof. The body was reinforced substantially for 1999 to improve side-impact protection, and along with the S's front-seat side-impact airbags, the security level is high.
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