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 11 through 20 of 134.00

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  Forester 2.5 X - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Peter - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  Have had several Subarus over the years as I live in snowbelt country. Car gets you there with its AWD. Have had very few problems in the past, thus the purchase of a new Forester. I didnt need all the frills so I got the plain X model, but it has all the stuff I need. Great so far.

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  Issues-Cold weather fuel smell - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mary W - July 9 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased the car used at 30K. With Subaru reputation I wanted one. Bought a turbo because I love to drive! Ive been disappointed with the fuel mileage, but felt it was a price to be paid for the performance, which I love! There have been minor integrity issues that are very annoying; fuel door latch and the dashboard glove box latch broken. Glove box expensive to fix...the entire unit has to be replaced, about $160, not nice. However what might take me to another mfg. is the cold weather fuel problem. Strong gas smell in cold weather; no recall on it, but because it is a turbo the fix is about $800!!! Very disappointed.

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  The Perfect SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Andrew - July 3 - 12:13 pm

  Wanted to get a small SUV, but not too small. I test drove everything in the market (RAV4, Escape, Liberty, Tuscon, Equinox etc.) The Forester beats them all. Picked the car up from the dealer and the next day packed it up with a wife, two kids, two small dogs and a weeks worth of luggage and beach equipment and hit the road. Tons of room, very comfortable and a great drive (all for the base X model). Drives like a car (unlike the other small SUVs I tried) and just feels huge inside. Love the handling and cant wait to battle the winter. Grabbed a 2005 because loved the Green (which they dont have in 2006), below invoice price and huge rebate. Surprisingly great car for the price.

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  I love this car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Carol Bevis - June 24 - 1:06 am

  I did my research through Edmunds, looked at CR and made my decision to purchase the 2005 Forester LL Bean. It has been a fantastic car, small SUV, perfect for everything. Great sunroof, nice leather seats, all automatic heater/air conditioner, and perfect size cargo area. Fuel mileage city around 26mpg. Cant wait to try the windshield wiper de-icer (actually I could wait). Never had a Subaru before and feel that this one is a true winner.

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  2005 Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bryan - March 13 - 12:43 am

  I have had the ability to side-by-side compare a new CR-V against my new Forester because my mother-in-law bought a Honda two months before I bought the Subaru. She drove my Subaru a half dozen times & wishes she had got the Subaru in hindsight! She does love the fact tha ther Honda CR-V is known for excellent reliability. My opinion in comparison - both cars are practical and fun to drive. I feel the Subaru has a bit better finish and a more solid feel to it. The spare belongs in the car, Honda. Im partial to the aesthetic of the Subaru, but that too is subjective. Handling is another matter though, no subjective opinion here - the Subaru just handles better. Both need better MPG!

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  Fun Subaru - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By John_vree - February 28 - 7:46 pm

  Overall fun car to drive due to 200+ hp. Outstanding in bad weather (Des Moines in January) and lots of acceleration and good handling. We have hauled SUV loads of products from Sams Club, etc, so interior storage is good. I dont get the 20 mpg from a 2005 4-banger. Highway mpg is about 25. Interior legroom for a 62" guy is limited. I guess you cant have it all.

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  My first Subaru - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By bktoy97 - February 9 - 9:53 am

  This is my first Subaru; Ive always driven GMCs but this time, for the gas mileage, we went with this. So far there has been no real disappointments.

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  Traded in my Explorer - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Robert - January 30 - 5:13 am

  I traded in my Explorer for this Forester. Having now driven more than 14000 miles in 6 months, I have saved quite a bit on fuel costs, as well as having the comfort of a smoother ride. It has all the room I need, even when taking extended trips, and it looks good. I caught the dealer at a good time, and they took $4000 off the sticker before my trade.

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  My Forester XT - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Stanley Andrucyk - November 10 - 8:56 pm

  Drives fast like a racing car. Great performance. Kinda small but thats just OK. There is no good storage space. Uses premium gas. Loads of fun to drive. It may be the best car that I have had.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bob C - August 13 - 6:36 pm

  Trying to find my wife a useful non-barge wagon or SUV, looked at Outback, took a chance on Forester. Congratulating myself. Turbo is very quick, handles way better than most sedans, feels bulletproof, great build quality. Took it from GA to New England over holidays, got into big snow, AWD very confidence building. Highly recommend.