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 71 through 80 of 134.00

• 

  Great Sleeper - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Corkfish - July 14 - 5:40 am

  With 10,000 miles on the clock, Ive had no problems. The car was just what I was looking for because I wanted something that was fun to drive and offered serious (not just spirited) performance, but in a plain jane package. Im 45 and conservative so I did not want a sports car, muscle car or anything else that would attract a lot of attention. There isnt anything out there that offers so much versatility and performance for the money. AWD, 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds, and you can carry a big TV in it. No, you wont be blowing the doors off of Mustangs or 350Zs, but its pretty amazing that they wont blow your doors off either.

• 

  Safe and Sound - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By college dad - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Car handles like a champ. Quiet and roomy enough to travel with a college student. Decent power and fuel economy

• 

  Engine leaks and crappy transmission - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Camelot - May 3 - 8:50 pm

  I bought my Forester L.L. Bean from the original owner and got a very good price on it, but for most people I think Foresters are over priced and over rated. Made an annoying high pitch whistle after I first got it, that went away after a few months. Recently the head gasket blew so its burning anti-freeze which smells awful but runs OK once warmed up. When its cold it makes a chugging sound. Also leaks oil. Im told this is common with old Subarus. The Boxer engine is expensive to repair. The whole thing needs to be pulled out of the car, and new gaskets put in. Not worth it to me. Ill just keep adding oil and anti-freeze. Automatic trans seems outdated and sometimes clunky. Has to down shift a lot because the engine doesnt make enough power.

• 

  This SUV is versatile - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mickey - April 26 - 1:43 pm

  We purchased an XT in Jan 05 and the biggest problem is keeping our eyes on the road. It is so quick I keep taking my eyes off of the road to check the speedometer. I researched vehicles for over a year and test drove a few and narrowed it down to the Honda Pilot and CRV, Volkswagen Passat and Toyota RAV4 and Highlander. All are acceptable choices but Im happy with the Subaru. This XT is as fun to drive as my early version of the Toyota MR2 and and my wifes Audi A4 and hugs the road like a true all wheel drive vehicle. It handles like a car and is versatile. We didnt want a huge SUV that couldnt fit in the garage but a fun to drive car. It is perfect for me. I highly recommend it

• 

  Want to love it, but cant. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By scoobiephobe - March 25 - 12:56 pm

  Like the car, the look, the capabilities. We are very disappointed with the early head gasket leak. This weakness, as I later found out, is a common problem to this engine model. Keep in mind this car only has 9,000 miles on it. The transmission is also a weak spot. It seems to hunt constantly and will hesitate to engage. We will not be keeping this car past warranty. There are websites devoted to the problems weve had, I wished we had done a little more research before we bought. Most reviews for this car were excellent. We have had good dealer treatment so far regarding our concerns. We really like the car, too bad we cant keep it the 10 years we wanted to.

• 

  GREAT SUV TO DRIVE, BUY, OWN! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By D. Pysh - February 26 - 5:10 am

  I have only driven this car 4000 miles so far. We did take it up to Canada and had no problems. Handles great especially on curves and hills. Good gas mileage. I have always driven a v8 and this is my first 4 cylinder. For all you drivers out there with long legs this just might be the vehicle for you! The Forester really surprised me. This was one major plus for me purchasing this SUV. Ive turned down tons of vehicles due to front seat leg room. And the back seat leg room doesnt matter much anyway with me driving. The moon roof is huge, lots of storage, bells and whistles a plus. Only gripe is no auto door locks. Have to keep reminding myself to lock the doors. Ill adjust because car is great.

• 

  Great small SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By aquapong - October 25 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased the Forester while looking for a small SUV. I thought about a Forester several years before, but passed on it. When I came back for another look, I knew it was for me after the test drive. Personally, I love the interior and the I4 engine is good enough for it. Its not going to go roaring down the interstate, but its got more pep than many other I4s seem to have. Ive had it for a year and Im completely satisfied with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a moderately priced small SUV without all the frills. All the usual convenience features are there.

• 

  Fun Crossover SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By BTR - September 17 - 1:33 pm

  The Forester is an awesome crossover SUV. While slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, considering what is included makes it a superior value. This is a truly FUN car / SUV to drive; its peppy engine (largest standard engine in its class) and excellent handling (aided by AWD technology) make it a winner! Lots of room inside, and plenty of storage nooks. A great all-around vehicle - enjoy!

• 

  Too much of a compromise. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By kdburns - August 27 - 9:00 am

  Rattles, rattles everywhere, so lets go trade it in. This car rattles so much I almost drove it straight to a dealership to trade-in on several occasions. Overall, the Forester is too much of a compromise, it does a lot of stuff okay, but nothing very well. The XT accelerates fast, but doesnt corner to match. The all wheel drive does well on slick roads, but the cheap plastic skid plate will tear off on the first snow berm it finds. 7 inches of clearance is nerve-racking on rocky roads; I was constantly asking myself, "is that rock over 7 inches?" I averaged 25 mpg from a manual XT over 60000 miles. I saw several tanks over 30 mpg, but several tanks well under 20 mpg in city traffic.

• 

  Great Compact SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Ed - July 25 - 6:33 am

  Fabulous acceleration. Handles and rides like a sedan. Subaru AWD is excellent. Slippery conditions are handled like they do not exist. Plenty of compartments for storage throughout the vehicle. The cargo area is large and very well designed. Drop the flat folding rear seats and the area is cavernous. Very comfortable and we love the power seat and the upgraded audio system that is standard. Turbo engine is really powerful and there is no turbo lag. Overall, a great compact SUV. Kudos to Subaru.