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 81 through 90 of 134.00

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  Mom-mobile (that Dad likes, too!) - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By susanw - July 24 - 5:23 pm

  My 1987 Volvo 240 died. Dilemma - how to replace a tank without going over to the dark side (SUV)? I did a lot of research to find the perfect car for my needs - top safety marks; enough room for 3 kids, backpacks, a dog and a trombone; great sight lines/no blind spots; good handling in winter and rainy conditions; and under $22,000. I did NOT want an SUV, as I consider them evil and everything bad America stands for. Ahem. OK, I know the Forester is considered a small SUV by most reviewers, but it uses the Impreza car base, so it snuck in under the SUV-dar. And Im grateful it did - this car is just about perfect for anyone for whom safety is key. Check out the crash tests.

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  EPA Mileage Joke - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bluepassion - June 19 - 11:53 pm

  I love my Forester, but the mileage is horrible. After several road trips I am lucky to get 22 MPG. This I find unacceptable. I have been driving like a Grandpa as well. I also find the performance to be sluggish at high speed. I can only muster 108 MPH top end from this car. Pathetic. I will drive it and I am going to start driving it hard. I had hoped for a more economical vehicle. At this juncture I almost should have opted for the Honda.The only reason I dont go back to an Audi is the arrogant price.

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  160k miles and still going strong - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 160kmiles - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this specifically for long distance commuting on the highway and its been a great car, 110k miles before I had anything break on it. Great highway mpg 25-26.

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  Perfect - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By enerl - May 28 - 9:50 pm

  Dealer delivered as promised. Driving easy, mileage excellent, and it lives up to its safety review. Moonroof is perfect size and easy to operate, as is sound system. Have LL Bean model and it is such fun to drive with all the bells and whistles. People comment on looks.

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  Kicken off road - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Going anywhere - May 14 - 7:36 am

  Great visibility, excellent handling, zips along at 70+ and still gets 27MPG or higher. The Forester is the real deal when it comes to all wheel drive, sand, mud, snow; you cant seem to stop this thing.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Michele - May 8 - 7:06 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Great handling and control of the road. We had much snow this winter and this vehicle can get through anything. Overall a wonderful experience.

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  Fast, Tough, and Versatile - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Nick - January 24 - 12:06 am

  With a little one on the way, we wanted something a little bigger with that still offered reasonable mileage. Went with the TURBO due to our high altitude (7200ft) and plethora of mountains. Very peppy with our AVG MPG of 22-24. On backpacking trips weve taken it on unmaintained roads that are difficult to walk much less drive over. Our Forester handles them amazingly well. No problems to report. We change the oil every 3K and wash it every couple of weeks, thats it. We bought a 15 cu.ft. Thule box for long road trips. Fits great on the factory roof rack. The ride is much quieter than the 05 CR-V and the climate control had no problem with 115+ heat of Death Valley. Were very happy with it!

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 4TIRES - December 19 - 7:16 am

  Ive had it for 2 months now and did some camping (therefore loaded it a lot) drove in hilly roads and so far, nothing to complain about! Great purchase, great handling, good power/weight ratio. Good feature too, the hill holder that prevent the vehicle from going backward on an inclined road (excellent when you are fully loaded in a very steep road at a traffic light).

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  I love this car. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Marcia - December 17 - 10:10 pm

  I have owned 8 Subarus since 1991. The 2005 L. L. Bean Forester has given me the greatest satisfaction for its practicality, fine interior, and SUV features.

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  2005 Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Traci - October 3 - 9:00 am

  We really enjoy our new car, we love driving Subarus. We had a Impreza Outback Sport and loved it also but just needed more room for the family.