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 41 through 50 of 134.00

• 

  2 Fast 2 Furious - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Johannes - December 8 - 12:33 am

  After reviewing the CR-V, RAV-4, and Forester, we decided on the Forester. Not only did my wife agree, but so does Consumer Reports. It was rated their top small SUV. Once we decided on the Forester, I got prices from the internet. There were serious price ranges. Dealers were adding on options and trying to pass them off as necessary items. However, I have found that the only options necessary are the cargo tray, splash guards, and bumper cover. The above options come as a package. After much debate here are the following totals: price $26,100 plus tax & license. I took the $1,500 cash rebate. Bringing the total to $24,600. Seriously shop around to get best deal.

• 

  great all around vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mcbrunl - October 8 - 8:46 am

  This is our first AWD vehicle. We did a lot of research via web/word of mouth and were led to the Subaru Forester. We were not disappointed, it has performed in a very admirable manner since we got it. The ride is very comfortable, the gas mileage is very decent (around 24mpg). the handling is exceptional. We did have a couple of body discrepancies that came with the car, but dealership rectified them promptly. We are totally content with this vehicle at this time.

• 

  Ok, but lacking in certain areas. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mister R - July 19 - 5:16 am

  I needed a AWD SUV and didnt want another monster (I had a Tahoe) and had options that were a must. The Forester seemed like a good compromise. Or so I thought. I bought it sight unseen based on reviews and comparisons. BIG mistake. The suspension is such that you feel every pebble in the road as if it were a boulder. Driving noise invades the interior and the gas mileage is no where near what I had expected. At 64 and 250 this is clearly the wrong vehicle for me. My right leg rubs against the console and steering wheel. I have to put the seat all the way back and down to accommodate my height - but then have to lean forward to reach the steering wheel. Under powered and transmission slips.

• 

  Simply The Best Small SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By CC Rider - June 20 - 9:50 am

  Weve had our Forester XT Turbo for 5 years now and it has over 130,000 miles. It sees hard daily use for both business and personal reasons. In comparing this with other small SUVs which we test drove, like the RAV4, CR-V, Liberty, Highlander and Pilot, there was simply no comparison. It easily out accelerated, braked and handled all the others. The interior has lots of neat little compartments to store everything from pens, pencils, cups, change, glasses, map books and more. The H4 engine performs very well, but tends to use more oil than most fours weve had. Problems at 100,000K have been a new radiator, cam timing belt and power steering pump. Gas mileage is mediocre at 20.

• 

  10,000 miles follow-up - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By kb - June 13 - 1:56 pm

  After 10,000 miles my 05 Forester XT Premium 5M is still wonderful. I average 24.7 mpg city/highway with a 5 day-a-week 100% city commute. So far best mpg 33.4, worst 15.2. The car is an excellent value, lots of standard features, great handling and excelleration. All better than its primary competition, like the CRV, Rav4, and Liberty. I looked at them all, including more expensive vehicles like X3, Touareg, and 4Runner (any anything else you can think of). Its a little difficult to pack all my gear into, including my dogs crate, but it can be done if you were any good at Tetris. I use a roof box, a Thule Cascade 1500.

• 

  nice vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mike - May 26 - 3:40 pm

  Great wagon, got this last year after selling our minivan. Gas mileage is better than expected with the manual. Gets 30 mpg easy on the highway. About 26 city. AWD is great. Solid, well made vehicle. Seats are firm and supportive.

• 

  An Excelleny Buy - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By NookysMax - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Best of its class. Great road car too. Very fun to drive.

• 

  Good All-a-round Car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By kdburnsforester - April 10 - 10:00 am

  The Forest XT provides excellence in almost every category w/o much sacrifice. The turbo provides excellent acc + other recent improvements produces enough power at 2200rpms to climb a 5% grade in 5th gear w/o engine "lug-down," resulting in better gas mileage. So far, my combind highway/city gas milage has been 27.4mpg - highway almost 29. The XT /w premium adds luxury to a practical car. The "competition" (Rav4/CRV/Liberty) does not offer comparable features, performance, or handling: more comparable to an X3/Touareg/Freelander. More car for the $$.

• 

  Nice vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By COOL - March 22 - 9:10 am

  The AWD is great in the winter. Wife doesnt have to worry about putting the vehicle into 4WD like the Tahoe.

• 

  Big Fan - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Ronnie Stanton - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Amazing motor car, luxury features are brilliant- rde and performance unbeatable