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 31 through 40 of 134.00

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  It just keeps going! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Scuby - August 28 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for its size, performance and reliability. I now have over 100K miles on it and it has had no issues and drives like the day I bought it. I will say the OEM tires had to go at about 15K miles. I also installed sport springs and stiffer sway bars. Those simple improvements greatly increased handling. The automatic has performed perfectly but could use a extra gear which would help in the gas mileage. I do get about 25 MPG overall as I do a lot of highway driving. The fits well in my small garage too.

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  Basic and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Joseph Goralik - July 18 - 10:40 am

  Always wanted to own one but there are hardly any used ones available in So. California. So went out and bought a brand new one. Although basic model, driving in the past 2 years was a pleasant experience. I like the easy self-maintenance, such as oil and filter (cabin and air) changes. Interior is simple and durable. Driving position is very good and handling is fine. Body integrity could be better - a rattle developed in the rear/left without being able to localize the source. The extras that do not come with the car are easily available from Subaru dealers and fairly simply to install. Quality and workmanship is excellent.

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  Good Value Overall - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Speedwagon - June 27 - 1:26 am

  This is the first Subaru Ive owned and it compares favorably to the RAV4 and the CR-V. Its a tremendous value for the money. However, the interior lacks the refinement of European counterparts - both in terms of materials and ergonomics. Road noise and wind noise are excessive. Although the engine has nice low-end torque, it has inadequate passing power on the highway.

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  Subaru will get you there and back... - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By LISA CARNAHAN - June 13 - 10:46 am

  Subaru Forester is an excellent car over all. However, in the 2nd month of ownership a fuse blew controlling the rear brake lights. This was unknown to the driver until pulled over by police, creating a very embarrassing & dangerous situation. Car would be better if it had a warranty like an Isuzu.

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  Do these things ever break? - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By niclo - May 2 - 1:06 pm

  105k miles and still drives like new! never had a car with this many miles that didnt start to wander around the road or rattle or run bad or something...

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  05 Forester 2.5 XS - great in snow if... - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By James - May 1 - 2:20 am

  Our 2005 Forester replaced my old 1991 4WD Mazda MPV. My first winter with the car was a big disappointment as the car didnt handle well in the snow. Hang those wretched Yokohama tires! I replaced them with a set of Michelin HydroRangers, and this cars winter performance is greatly improved! The car has great visibility and entry/exit access for the front seat. Newer models have different option schemes, so Im a bit in a quandary on selecting a Forester for my wife. I like the power, heated cloth seats. It doesnt look like thats possible on the newer models.

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  Perfect for Petites - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By peggym - April 7 - 2:50 pm

  When shopping for a used car, I knew what I wanted. I had to have this car for one reason only. I am only 411" and have trouble with visibility when turning to see blindspots and out the back window. This is the ONLY car that I actually feel safe in (and I have test driven MANY!!). It was a toss up between this car and the Mazda3. This one definitely won out for performance and safety features. If you or someone in your life is petite, this is the BEST find for comfortability. My husband who is close to 6 feet tall is just as comfortable driving this car as I am. Its a win-win.

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  After 190,000 - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By zoneblitz - April 3 - 12:50 pm

  After 190,000 miles it runs great. Changed the oil every 5K, gone through 3 sets of tires and one brake job 2 weeks ago.

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  Happy Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By J - January 31 - 11:33 pm

  I used to drive a 2750lbs 175HP Nissan Sentra so my new Subaru with 3135lbs 166HP felt a bit sluggish at first. I also test drove an XT but decided to buy X because of the price difference and gas price. After the break-in miles, the car responds much better and I dont feel its slow at all. In fact, Forester X has more than enough power. The ride is great and the mileage averaged 27MPG so far (80% highway 20% city). The best mileage I got was 34MPG on a 100% highway trip with cruise set at 65MPH. I couldnt believe the mileage and I made sure I calculated right! I hope it improves further since I have only 4000 miles on the odometer.

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  Best suv for suv haters - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By New to Subaru - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The forester has been a great car so far. We have had it for about 2 weeks and it is getting about 29MPG on mixed driving. We needed more room for camping, bikes, dog, and eventually children and had a hard time buying a suv. The only thing that won us over is that it is as close to a car as you can get end gets better milage than most cars do. The car feels solid even when comparing it to the prelude we traded in for it. Still in the break in perid so we havent run it hard yet. We would recomend the car to anyone.