2005 Subaru Forester Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.58/5 Average
134 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Price can be higher than some of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 134.00
  • 2005 Forester Ultimate Crossover - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Subaru Forester was cross-over before cross-over was cool! The 05 Forester XS fits our needs perfectly. A sturdy blend of wagon, car, and SUV makes this offering a super value. Excellent safety and gas mileage also make this an attractive buy. The Forester wipes the competition in handling. It can out-corner and out-slalom anything else in its class. The ride is unbelieveably smooth and quiet. Honda CR/V and Toyota Rav4 were noisey and handled terribly. The Forester won our business due to its low center of gravity and total lack of body roll. Seating position is optimum and the most quality and comfortable seats I have ever felt, and heated too.

  • Fuel saver safe fun - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Just purchased 2 weeks ago and already have over 2000 miles on it.Im getting 30 plus on the highway and Im looking forward to the snow.Handles well.I never drove a stick before but picked it up quickly on this model.

  • Pretty Blue Suub, color that is - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Very poor interior quality! Bright color looks nice when brand new and after one year only when its wet! No leg room in back seat. Sad. if only they would put quality exterior paint and finish and quality material inside I would say this was the best vehicle around. Back seat lacks comfort for adults and if you have one car seat theres only one more seat comfortably available.

  • So far, very good - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    My pregnant wife and I bought a new Forester 2 months ago. Shes been eyeing Foresters for a while, but I always thought they werent "tough enough" for a big guy like me. She finally talked me into it, and Im glad she did. We just had our first big snow of the year and the Forester was awesome! We felt safe, comfortable, and confident that the Subaru would get us around safely. So far, Ive been impressed by the sportiness, handling, engineering, reliability, and fuel economy. Were getting about 24 mpg. After two months, Im considering buying my own for my next car too, something I thought I would never say. We feel like we made a very smart decision and we highly recommend it.

  • Forester Fun - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    This is a very comfortable and fun car to drive. Plenty of power when needed even though fuel mileage is not that good. Fit and finish exceptional.

  • I love this car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    I wanted an SUV for my sports, and a safe and reliable vehicle to transport my family and grandchildren. This car is wonderful!

  • Practical with a twist - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    How often do you find a practical vehicle that is tons of fun to drive? This car is my first Subaru and Im very happy. The cargo compartment holds things I didnt think would fit (I fit an entire Charbroil smoker in there once!). Acceleration is lively. Get the cargo tray - makes cleanup of messy cargo a snap. Mileage on premium fuel (I get about 20 mpg in mixed driving) is a little disappointing but thats what you give up for the HP and the AWD. Mileage is significantly better (22 mpg mixed) with more conservative driving, but thats hard to do in this car. Great dog car with the leather seats and easy access. Impress your friends with the monster sunroof! No problems so far.

  • Fun, Safe and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Very car-like. Extremely responsive for what is considered an SUV. Fuel ecomomy is good considering it is on all-time AWD. CR-V is only part-time AWD and has similar MPG. Excellent fit and finish. Most extras included in price, whereas Toyota and Honda get you with the extra options (resulting RAVs and CR-Vs more expensive than the Forester with the same options).

  • forester feedback - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    My 2003 s forester has consistently handled all road conditions at high speed as well as bumper to bumper trafic.

  • Subaru # 7 - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    This buggy replaces my wifes 2004 Forester that was hit TWICE while stopped in traffic. An incredibly safe vehicle. We walked away both times with very few injuries. Both times we were plowed by much larger trucks; you should see the other guy:). My wife prefers the zero hip entry height of this over my slightly lower Outback. The Turbo adds zip and a feeling of "lightness" during acceleration and the "smart" airbags front and side are a great comfort. The seat heaters and the climate control system are perfect for the local climate, where an hours drive may take you over a 40 degree temp change. If it wasnt for the outside temp display, you might not notice the difference.

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