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 21 through 30 of 65.00

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  Love this Car! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By avezan - October 19 - 9:30 pm

  I 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 am

  An 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 am

  great 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 am

  I 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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  Ill get another one in 10 or 15 years. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Stubb - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This 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.

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  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!

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.