Overview & Reviews

The base engine is enhanced this year with electronic throttle control, and a new four-speed automatic transmission is available. An air filtration system is now standard on all Foresters. Also new this year is the 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, which includes a myriad of interior and exterior trim enhancements, rugged cargo area trim and a self-leveling rear suspension.

• Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.

• Price can be higher than some of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 134.00

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  I love it! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By agesau - September 17 - 9:43 am

  We just bought a Subaru Forester XT and love to drive it! It turns on a dime, easy to park, and drives like a dream. Weve only had the car about a month but so far we are extremely pleased with our purchase.

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  The Subaru experience - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Forrester XS 2.5 - September 15 - 9:03 pm

  This was/is the car of my dreams. The price was right, and it drives like my dreams. No trouble in over a year, has all the bells and whistles and they all work with out a problem. I could wish for better in city mileage, but would not give this car up. I would buy it again.

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  Buy it! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By John - September 3 - 7:40 pm

  This car is great in snow , comfortable...gets great gas mileage and has ample horsepower. One of the best all around cars.....It weighs in at over 3000 lbs so is not dimunitive. Highly reccommend for safety, fun and value.

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  Bad Drivetrain - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Chris - August 20 - 7:33 am

  Lots of head room, fairly fun to drive, but has a loud clunking sound coming out of the transmission when you take off. Also has some bad rattling sounds already coming from the hatchback. Stuff that shouldnt be happening with 12,000 miles on it. This is the second Subaru i have had with drivetrain problems. They are very expensive to fix! I wont be buying another one and will be trading this one off before the warranty runs out. It sure goes through the gas with city driving. I will try a Toyota next, or maybe a Honda.

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  Wonderful Auto - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By a_bum - July 10 - 9:16 pm

  This is one well built car! Extremely solid feeling and it seems that everywhere you look, it is evident the engineers put a lot of thought into the design. Despite not being a turbo, I havent found myself in a situation where I needed more power than what this naturally aspirated engine puts out. Good low end torque gets you moving pretty quickly. Chose this over a Honda CRV because of the lower risk of rollover and a superior interior.

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  More fun than a WRX or Mustang - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By bellis - July 7 - 8:56 am

  Quicker from a standing start than our previous WRXs and our 05 Legacy 2.5 GT turbo. No serious turbo lag felt in the XT, as well as being stronger through the gears. Doesnt handle as well as the WRXs, but it is a lot more comfortable and versatile, especially on a long trip or bumpy gravel roads. Mileage of 24-25 mpg in mixed driving with generous use of the turbo is excellent for such a high performance vehicle. A trip with 4 people on board through mountains (6,000 to 10,000 ft) did not diminish its performance/fun factor. Not as cute as the V8 Mustang we had, but feels just as fast and a lot better handling (safer) in inclement weather. Actually fun to drive in the rain.

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  Subaru not what they used to be - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mark33 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I thought that Subaru made good cars until I bought one! I have had nothing but problems with my Forester and even more problems with the company(Subaru) In my opinion I would buy a Honda or Toyota

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  Great Deal - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By The Analog Kid - May 18 - 1:36 am

  This was my first car purchase, and for the money, gas mileage, performance, safety, and reliability I am very glad I bought the Forester. Great design, fun to drive, and great in the snow/ice/wet roads. The mountains are no match for this car and I have had no qualms or buyers remorse. Lots of space, good for highway or city commute. I would recommend Subarus college graduate program for it too. A lot of car for the money.

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  Wolf in sheeps clothing - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By JSBuck - April 23 - 2:40 pm

  After sampling other small SUVs, I was "sold" on the XT two minutes into the test drive. This vehicle is near ideal (for me): high performance (blazing acceleration, great handling), safety, exceptional build, roomy, well thought out interior, comfortable, good sound system and marvelous technology. Gas mileage is fair to middling: 20 in the city and 24 on the open road. Still ... a small price to pay for exceptional performance. After seven months, I still look forward every day to driving this machine. It is that much fun to drive! How many people can say that?

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  Fun Practical Sleeper - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Sleeperxt - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had this wagon for a little over a year now. It is one of the most practical vehicles I have ever owned. My wife drives a Sequoia. We use that truck to tow our camper and for long trips (200+ miles). Other than that, its almost always the Forester that gets the call. We have two boys and activities include Soccer and Baseball, both of which I coach, I cary lots of equip.and it all fits. Now for my payoff. I do not participate in or condone street racing!, but just up to the speed limit (50-60)this vehicle can be devistating to just about anything under the hottest offering of the Vette. AWD and a short 1st-2nd gear+250hp (Subaru understates its rating)=fast.