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 41 through 50 of 65.00

• 

  May 2002 - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By CJ Coffey - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Wish there was a bit more room when you have kids. Back seat is a bit too close to the front seats. Next time I am buying the Forrester but with leather. Seats could be a vit more comfortable, but plenty of "cubby" holes to stash stuff... Tilt steering is very poor!

• 

  Great car. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By theairman - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Subaru I have puchased.The comment I find myself making to anyone who asks, is; I love the car, I just wish there was a little more leg room up front. If the drivers front seat track would slide back a least another inch or so, I would be completely satisfied. It is the only thing that comes up short for me. I am 61" and anyone that is any smaller than this will probably not be affected. In all other respects, I am a very satisfied owner. It holds a lot more cargo than you think with outstanding visibility all the way around for the driver. The auto transmission is smooth and predictable. The engine has great pickup and economical as well. I typically get 26- 27 MPG.

• 

  Love my Forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By carolyn - June 19 - 4:43 am

  I bought my 2001 Forester in April of 2000. I drive many miles for work and have about 55,000 miles on it already. Other than tires and oil changes, we have not had to do a thing to this car! I love the pickup, the way the car handles and the sound system. I never know what kind of weather I will need to drive through and always feel safe in my Forester. I dont know why anyone buys an SUV when they could do this instead. The Subaru beats my old SUV hands down.

• 

  Piece of Crap - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By brainstrains - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for 2 years and have had to take it in 7 times because the Check Engine light keeps coming on. They told me it was my fault for not tightening the gas cap. The 3rd time, I figured Id just ride with it on-but it suddenly lost power and I started rolling backward. I now have to make sure I take it in, since I never know whether its more serious. In the past 3 months it happened 3 more times. Each time, they tell me what I did to cause it. This time, they said they found the glitch- its happening with all 2002s, and they know how to turn it off. NO MORE! I am sick of the runaround. When I get it back, I am saying goodbye forever.

• 

  Great car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By chadGO5 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Subaru Forester for use as my wifes vehicle...however, it is our primary car for family excursions...so I am "allowed" to drive it sometimes....and I love it. For the life of me, I cant figure out why they decided to put the cupholder where they did on the dashboard. While drinks are in the cupholder, you cant see, or access some of the dash controls. The drink sits right in front of the air vents, so if you have a cold drink and the heat on, the drink is lukewarm in minutes and vice versa...anf finally, if your drink is full and you hit a bump, it spills all down the dashboard over all of your stereo controls.

• 

  Bought used in 2011 - my 6th Subaru - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By sstevek - January 13 - 9:30 pm

  Had a 2002 Outback automatic - a great car but wanted to go back to a manual transmission. Really enjoy driving this Forester - somehow it rides better than the Outback with a shorter wheelbase. Excellent visibility, easy to get in and out of. Geared lower than my 98 Outback which turned around 3200 rpm @ 65mph, the Forester is around 2750. Engine has enough torque to handle moderate hills in 5th gear. Never feels under powered. A lot of room for its size - cargo capacity very close to an 02 Grand Cherokee. Feels like a sports car with high seating. Bought it at 98k, have about 104k now. Not a concern since I have a company vehicle.

• 

  Great car, if youre kidless!!! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By bird family - December 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car because we wanted a small SUV and didnt like what other car makers had to offer. We got the S premium package, which had many extras!!!! We added a few things to make it sportier, like fender flares and rear spoiler. Great car, but when you put infant and carseats in the back seat, its a VERY tight squeeze, in both the front and back!!! Love the extras, like the heated side mirrors and auto dimming mirror, but what were they thinking with the cupholders? Awesome sound system and great in snow and mud, a plus in Minnesota!

• 

  2002 S+ Auto - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Nova Tony - October 12 - 10:00 am

  After two years/20K miles of driving this car, I can say its been the best value car Ive owned -- 100% reliable, very comfortable and reassuring to drive in all types of weather and any road conditions. Hairpin curves on mountain roads to interstates, the car is quick and responsive under all conditions (including the record snow in February). Were buying a 2003 to replace our other car. I test drove the 2004 Turbo, but Ive found that the normally aspirated engine gives pleanty of power for mountain and highway passing, and for me the additional turbo power is not worth the extra complexity and premium in gas consumption.

• 

  My fan-freeking-tastic Subaru Forester L - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By goldencouple1 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Great in the snow. Great in the mountains. Great in the desert. Fun in town. Comfortable on the Interstate. Nimble, quick, fun. Linked S-curves, up and down hills. Just perfect.

• 

  This car stinks - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By buyacamry - June 26 - 10:00 am

  When we brought the car we were initially happy. After about 5k miles we noticed a problem with surging. At 10K there was a recall on the parking rod. At 16K we had an accident as a result of the surging problem. Struck vehicles front and back. Complained but Subaru does not acknowledge the problem. NHTSA had similiar complaints. Now we dont want to drive the car because its not safe. I dont recommend this car and Subaru of America does not care about your problems.