Overview & Reviews

Subaru's mini-SUV/tall wagon gains three new standard features: a cargo area cover, daytime running lights and an intermittent mode for the rear wiper. Other changes include a new color for the Forester S' lower body cladding (from Titanium Pearl to Graystone Metallic) and the option of leather seating for S models equipped with the Premium package and automatic transmission.

• Highest offset crash scores in its class, car-like ride and handling with rugged SUV styling.

• Not made for serious off-roading.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 65.00

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  True love. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Goldencouple1 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  It puts the sport back in sport/utility. A blast to drive in the mountains. A reliable car to take to the ski basin. It turned the white- knuckle road up to Ski Apache above Ruidoso, NM into a fun drive. The Subaru Forester is in its natural element on an undulating, winding mountain road. And it eats up the Interstate miles with comfort and good fuel economy, while exhibiting plenty of power for hills and passing.

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  Shoulda bought a Honda - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By GPgurl - April 11 - 3:20 am

  I bought my Subaru after reading glowing reviews. Everything was great until I reached about 60000 miles. after an expensive $1800 head gasket replacement and 2 axle replacements, leaking bushings, and a check engine light thats been on since 80,000 miles - I feel robbed-like Im purchasing the same car all over again one repair at a time. Im torn between taking my chances with the check engine light and just driving it for a couple more years and getting a Honda. The dealers are no help at all.

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  Rational SUV - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By woodworker - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Reluctant SUV owner, but need space. Nice features. Drive 40 miles/wk on dirt roads for fishing. Better gas mileage than other SUVs, but wish for longer range (hybrid?). Drives with zip in fast lane. Every car a compromise, but this one does what it is supposed to do. Hope its as reliable as they say, cause I keep em till they die.

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  Perfect for Snowy Weather - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Newman - March 3 - 11:36 pm

  My Forester is great. It gets me where I need to go in any kind of weather.

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  Excellent commuter car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By eric Hvisc - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I drive 30 miles every day to work on one of the most aggressive highways in the New York metro area. and the ride is smooth and nimble. Oh and by the way Im 511" and weigh 280 lbs

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  seat problems - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By wickett311 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  It has been a good, dependable vehicle so far except for two things. First, there is some hesitation after a stop, and I have had the drivers seat covers replaced twice and it needs replacing again.

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  Safe as advertised - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By jkwt - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I was hit from behind twice while driving my forester. My rear bumpers had to be replaced both times but no other damage to my car. The cars that hit me had to be towed. This is a great automobile.

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  Very Disappointed Subaru Owner - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By pps - October 15 - 1:30 am

  I have owned several Subarus over the past 20 years and have been happy with all of then until I bought the Forester. From the research I read I felt it was well worth buying. I own a 2000 model and put alot of mileage on it. After it hit 50,000 it began to go downhill, I had to replace both rear hub bearings and Subaru would only reimburse the parts cost and not the labor charge. I have had problems with the brakes and the cables and spark plugs have worn out quickly, the fan makes noise and the locking anti theft system does not work properly. In addition, Needless to say this is the last Subaru I will ever buy.

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  First and Last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By roch_mn - October 5 - 2:23 pm

  Having driven mostly Toyota, this was my 1st Subaru. Currently at 70k miles. Disappointing quality even though I keep on top of regular maintenance. While under warranty the floorboard took on water and carpet was removed and dried, and the transmission was disassembled to replace bearings. Ive had two O2 sensors replaced at my cost. Interior feels cheap, seats are uncomfortable, and no LATCH system for car seats. Wind noise on the highway.

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  One of my familys seven Subarus (over many years) - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Customer Forever - September 24 - 7:09 am

  I only let my wife and kids drive Subaru. They may not be the fastest (not meant to be, never claimed to be) but they will go through anything. They handle perfectly in snow and rain, even in very deep snow. Maintenance costs are reasonable and far between. We owned a 4 cyl. 2.5L 2002 Outback sedan from new and got it up to just under 230,000 miles (under by about 1,500 miles). The six cylinders are bulletproof engines, the four cylinders are still very good. The only complaint I have is the head gasket issue (they wear out around 100,000 miles) and this is being worked on. My personal favorite is the Forester, I currently drive a manual five-speed 2002 forester. I can feel safe letting my kids drive knowing that if they mess up or another driver does they will be okay inside of their Subaru. They are also very easy to fix yourself if you know about cars or just watch some youtube.