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 31 through 40 of 65.00-
My first Forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
By Casey - May 2 - 10:00 amThis is my first Forester. I have a complaint about the back doors: it would be so much easier to get in and out if the doors would slide from the middle of the side (see mid-80s Stanzas). My older friends have trouble getting in and out. The front seats need to be able to be more upright,not reclining for driving. I have had to add a pillow to keep my back straight. Unfortunately I did not notice this problem in test driving, only when doing my regular driving. The car handles well, but needs to be 2 inches higher for ease of getting out for these old knees. I love the quiet engine, and it handles traffic well.
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Unique and Solid - 2002 Subaru Forester
By Marks - March 2 - 10:00 amAlmost 2 years of driving my first Subaru have sold me on the brand. This is a great little car. One might wish it to be a little longer, with more legroom front and back, but I picked it out and I knew what I was getting, so no complaints there. My 62" height just barely fits the drivers position - a taller person would have trouble. I have been very impressed by the smooth quiet engine. I would say it has not merely adequate, but "plenty" of power for average driving. And the brakes are the best I have ever driven. So far, there has been not one problem requiring dealer attention. A great car for driving in inclement, snowy weather!
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A few problems, but a great little daily driver - 2002 Subaru Forester
By Eric - December 23 - 5:05 amI bought this car with 99k on the clock for $6000. Ive bought several used cars over the last 20 years and have had pretty good luck. But this has been the best little car! I have a long drive to work, so I need a no-frills, comfortable, car with basic amenities (power locks/windows/mirrors, etc) that can eat miles no matter what the weather. I also own a sports car and a MINI, so I need cargo space. The little Subaru hauled me, my family, and my crap over 85,000 largely uneventful miles through rain, snow, ice, grass, and mud over the last 6 years. Ive been through deep water and snow up to the bumper. You cant get this car stuck. I have had a few problems, most of which are related to fact that the shady dealership I bought it from turned off the check engine light. Used oil analysis showed that there was coolant and oil in my oil, so I had the head gaskets done along with the timing at a cost of $3000. I also spent a grand on a new catalytic converter, which was fouled by burning coolant. The rest of the maintenance, other than routine brake and suspension upkeep, I did myself, including oil, filters, lights, belts, hoses, plugs/wires, new alternator, etc. One of the best things about this car is that its easy to work on (even for a novice like me), which saved me thousands. Despite the head gasket, this little car was as reliable as a metronome. Every time I turned the key, it started and ran perfectly no matter what. Its compact and easy to maneuver, has a TON of grip for the little tires (AWD), and gets 25 mpg. Crash ratings are 4-star, so I felt good teaching my kids to drive in it. The interior is pretty crappy...the seats are uncomfortable, the back seats have limited leg room, the interior materials are terrible, and the interior ergonomics dont make any sense. But I love it. I get the Subaru thing now. Theyre ugly ducklings and theyre not that nice inside, but they inspire so much confidence through how they start, run, feel, and drive that they just get under your skin. Im trading this car today for a 1999 Legacy Outback with low mileage and look forward to more of the same.
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Im a walking Subaru advertisement - 2002 Subaru Forester
By Single mom - October 30 - 12:13 amPurchased new 2002. Not a single days problem. No recalls, reasonable insurance premium, great gas mileage, normal maintenance. Handles like a car. Quick response, great power when needed. Comfortable, roomy, reliable, lots of standard features. I still own it and feel safe with my teenagers driving it, esp. in winter snow and rain. Excellent safety rating. Far exceeded my expectations for a compact SUV. Cargo room with seats down is a blessing! Its going to take a lot to get me away from purchasing a new model. Over 35 years, this has been the BEST car I have ever owned. Cup holder placement has been improved.
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Love this Car! - 2002 Subaru Forester
By avezan - October 19 - 9:30 pmI love this car. I bought it new in 2002. Traded a micro Toyota for it because I was pregnant with my first child. I didnt want a mommy-mobile, but knew I would need more room. This car exceeded my expectations! Super fun to drive. Amazing handling in snow and rain. I live on a mountain and drive up a steep dirt road to get to my house. If it hadnt been for this car, I would not have made it in the winter. I am sadly selling it now to move to an even bigger car. I have 2 toddler car seats in the back, and the kids feet are right up against the back of the front seats. Also, what seemed like a lot of cargo space before I had kids has been shrinking with each passing year.
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Great mini-SUV - 2002 Subaru Forester
By simon_dedalus - September 11 - 11:43 amAn all-around excellent small-SUV: Positives: Handling Performance AWD Fuel economy Negatives: A little more room would be nice (both storage and in back seats) Only provides front airbag on base model
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love my forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
By labno - May 30 - 10:00 amgreat car, good handling and plenty of interior room. Would definitely recommend to others.
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Dream car - 2002 Subaru Forester
By Emmacat - May 30 - 10:00 amI bought the Subaru because I wanted a reliable car that could handle getting through the streets during heavy winter snows, and sitting in daily gridlocked traffic for hours on end. So far this car has been up to the task, and is fun to drive as well!
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Buy one you will love it - 2002 Subaru Forester
By Moondog - February 21 - 9:56 pmIn the small SUV vehicles I found the Forester to be the best buy and it is very reliable. I have owned Subarus before and can vouch for this.
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Ill get another one in 10 or 15 years. - 2002 Subaru Forester
By Stubb - December 25 - 10:00 amThis is the only car Ive ever owned that I feel happy owning. I have never regretted buying it. I look at other cars, and they might be more popular or cuter, but I just like this one. Theres just something about it. When it finally dies many years from now, I hope theres something similar to replace it with.
