I've had two Outbacks in the past (a 1996 and a 2001), and the first was awesome, the second a dog. I also had Thule bike racks that fit both...and then I bought my current 2006 Forester. Unfortunately, the bike racks didn't fit it, but since my DH rarely rides and since I usually start my rides from home, I haven't worried about a bike rack yet.

I'll mention that a Great Pyranees fits fine in a Forester, as does my bike.

However, I'm a Personal trainer that does in-home training and my last Outback was much roomier and easier to cart my equipment from place to place. The newer Outbacks are much smaller and don't accomodate my equipment any better than my Forester does.

I've always had standard transmissions in the past but promise the husband I'd get an automatic this time so he could drive it too. (I personally abhor automatic transmissions...but love the hubby, so he won out...this time).

So far, no problems and I think, based on gas consumption and interior room (for bikes and dogs) the Forester is the better buy. Plus...according to consumer reports, one of the safest SUVs out there!