Thanks for the replies. So far, it looks like those who drive Subarus love them; those who don't say they're for sissies and liberals. About par for the course....

I think we've identified a key difference between the Forester and the Outback: towing capicity. Looks like the 4-cyl. Outback can do 2700, while the Forester only goes to 1500. Granted, for the boats I'd be towing, both would probably do it, but it looks like the Outback might enjoy a longer, happier life under the stress.

Time to start pricing Outbacks.