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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  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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  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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  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.

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  In a heartbeat - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Tebester - August 16 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Subaru. From the beginning there have been no significant problems. The check engine light has come on a few times due to the gas cap not being tight. From time to time the gas gauge reading is off, but it pretty quickly resumes a normal reading. It gets 26 mph on the freeway doing 75. There have been no fit and finish problems. I avoid dealers like the plague. Change oil every 3000 miles myself and have replaced the filters when needed. I just love this car and wouldnt hesitate to buy another after the reliability Ive seen so far in almost four years.

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  Exceptional All-Around Vehicle! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Ken Tong - April 27 - 10:00 am

  My Forester S+ has been a total joy to own the past year and a half. It excels in performance, utility, reliability, and recreation. I found it to be the best deal overall, confirming Consumer Reports yearly top ratings. Ive taken it thru heavy rain, 100+ deg. desert heat to Vegas, and snowy mtn. climbs, and it blows past other over-sized SUVs (several ran off embankments and got stuck or flipped over) and under- powered mini-SUVs. It has performed magnificently and instills confidence & security with its full-time all- wheel-drive. Reliability has been perfect with zero problems after 25,000 miles. Great for transporting family and friends and all your gear.

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  Great Vacation - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By musketball - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My 01 Forester L is all I expected,I had a 92 Legacy LS before so I knew I was getting a great vehical,I did all the research and read all the reports I could before I purchased it,its a pleasure to drive,my dog and I drove from central Florida to visit my son in Colorado,it was a real pleasure to drive on the road,we drove it up Pikes Peak to check it out at 14110 ft. elevation, it didnt know it was at elevation, it ran like it was at sea level.

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  My favorite car. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By hoofer - October 22 - 10:03 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned. I looked at a new Forester and found this S Premium on the used lot. It was a great deal. It was sporty but not a giant SUV. The ride is exceptional and the leather trim is excellent. I cant wait to try it out this winter in the Chicago snow. When my wife first saw it she called it the Pope-Mobile as it sits high. No problems to speak of so far; must have been owned by a family prior. Premium package comes with leather, heated seats and mirrors, front wiper deicers in the windshield and giant sunroof. The gas mileage is excellent on the highway and good in the city. Previous cars were Honda Civics and CRX. A step up in comfort, thats for sure.

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  The 2003 is awesome! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By redhooked - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just bought one of the first 2003 Forester 2.5XS models and it is better than I expected. I orginally wanted a 2002 but the dealer could not get one from another dealer. He made me an offer on the showrooms 2003 and I am glad I went for it. The interior is amazing with the in dash 6 disc w/ tape deck and very comfortable leather seats. I also considered the Honda CRV but I didnt fit in it to well being 63". I will highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Unique and Solid - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Marks - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Almost 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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  Im a walking Subaru advertisement - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Single mom - October 30 - 12:13 am

  Purchased 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.