Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 161 through 170 of 217.00

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  Very Happy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By J.W. - July 29 - 12:16 pm

  We have had our forester for one year now with 10,000 miles on it. Have not had any problems with it at all. Its every thing we expected and more. Getting good gas mileage, 23 to 24 in town, 27 to 29 highway. We love everything about it.

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  My First Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By hell_force - July 21 - 1:00 pm

  Just purchased this SUV for 2 weeks. Have about 500 miles on it. No major complaints here. The mpg is about 21 city and 27 hwy. The AWD and turning radius are great. One minor thing, you can feel a noticeable delay when it goes from a lower gear to a higher one sometimes. Overall, the ride has been great, especially on inclines, where new Forester truly separates itself from 2008 CRV. The interior is good, although I wanted a LL beans, but for the price, I have no regrets. The exterior looks much better than CRV and RAV-4. Also, it does not hurt to know that Forester is 100% Japanese from parts to assembly. It is my first Subaru, hope its reliability is as good as Honda and Toyota.

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  Wifes new toy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kman - June 27 - 9:03 am

  Just brought home a Sage Green Forester last week, wanted something very safe, reliable and user friendly. So far it has been a fantastic vehicle. Could not get the LL Bean or ex package in the color we wanted so have added the heavy duty mats, cargo mat and cover and will probabily add the fog lights. 600 miles on it and right at 28 mpg. Getting lots of looks as people try to figure out what it is from the side. I think its the best value out there

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  Great Ride... but - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By chelsea - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Nissan Sentra before this Subaru-expected big difference; cant compare with other SUVs like CRV and RAV4 because I didnt test-drive them (my mistake,just relied on reviews). Murano has more power (the price is too much though), but Forester is quieter. After about 2 weeks of use, I started hearing this annoying rattle by the dashboard. I also hear a "thug" in the back (right side) the moment it runs after parking. I will have the dealership look into it. Its frustrating to get stuck with the noise for years. Also, Ive been reading great MPG from owners; the highest Ive got so far is 18.3-based from the dashboard monitor, mostly highway 60-65 mph.

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  Transmission Problems - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Smitty - May 12 - 6:43 am

  I had less than 8,000 miles on my forester, and had noticed a whining noise. Took it to dealership and they tore down diff. and replaced bearings. Still made the noise. Took it back and they tore diff down again, and replaced pinion bearing. Still made noise. They FINALLY put new transmission in. Hopefully this is just an isolated incident. First Subaru Ive ever owned and feeling nervous if this is whats to come later after warrantee expires. I didnt lease this vehicle either. Other than this problem, Ive no problem with its handling and performance. While forester was in the shop (approx 4 weeks total between repairs) I had an Outback for a loaner and fell in love with that too.

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  My 1st Subie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JP3 - May 6 - 8:03 pm

  This is my first Subaru and based on what Ive seen so far it wont be my last. We had some pretty specific requirements for our next vehicle: A vehicle in which the whole family could fit including the dog. AWD (especially after this winter) Sunroof Manual. Not ugly. We looked at the Outback, RAV4 and CR- V and the Subaru beat the CR-V for real world driving. CR-V concerned me with part time AWD. RAV4 and Outback are more expensive with same options. The RAV4 actually has a 4x2 option? I also liked Subarus dedication to safety. Side curtain air bags, active head restraints, roll over sensors and VDC all standard. There are a lot of extras in this SUV.

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  Another 1st time Subie owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - March 11 - 8:06 am

  Tackling 45 degree potholed hills with no problems, this 09 Forester XTs practical (plenty of interior room given size, tight turn circle), and fun to drive (euro-style ride and handling). Turbo and SPORT A/T mode helps in passing, but some turbo lag remains (5 speed would better match power to wheels). No fuel miser (18 mpg mostly city) but may improve when broken in. Despite being 1st year car, is well finished (dash squeaks, clumsy rear hatch opening only irritants). Leather spices up decent if unremarkable interior. Good auto A/C, well laid out engine bay, other thoughtful touches. Huge ground clearance at 9 inches. A car offering practicality over style, and does it well.

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  2009 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By fred - March 3 - 2:43 pm

  Im used to full size pickup truck but with gas prices being the way they are decided to test drive the Forester. So far Im very happy with my purchase. Getting like 24.5 mpg combined according to trip computer, 27-28 highway. for a little car it has enough room for hauling a good amount of stuff. Im 6 foot tall and with the 09 I was able to adjust driver seat to comfortable position then got in the back seat and was still comfy at least for short rides. Havent had bad weather since Ive owned it but it feels nimble when driving. No its not a Hemi but does a great job for a commuter car and loaded even for base model. And lots of room.

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  No regrets - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By NiceBet - January 16 - 7:36 am

  I bought this vehicle 8 months ago with a healthy dose of skepticism about the Subaru brand. But after extensive review online and test driving it and my other top choices (CR-V and RAV4) I came to a decision that the Forester was the optimal choice to suit my needs. It provided everything I wanted in a SUV- reliability, fuel efficiency, AWD, reasonable cost and reasonable comfort level (leather seats and heating, 6 disc changer stereo system to mention a few). My vehicle has handled well in the sub- artic condition in which I drive it. I have slipped a few times this winter but my vehicle handled well (those experiences have reminded me that technology is no substitute for sensible driving)

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  Wow! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Frank W. - December 31 - 3:43 am

  After considering & test driving the Rav4, tiquan, Honda CRX, I choose the Forester. It is everything I expected and more. The visibility is fantastic, itss like driving a greenhouse, you can see everything. My mileage is going up, now about 24-26 mixed city/ highway. Not bad. Fit and finish are great with no real complaints. Parking is a snap!