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 1 through 10 of 134.00

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  Pretty Blue Suub, color that is - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By forester - October 10 - 1:26 pm

  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.

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  Bad mileage! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Elizabeth - August 22 - 6:46 am

  I have had this car only two months and the mileage is very bad. It is lucky if it gets the 22 mph and it plummets from there if the air conditioner is used. Also, it hesitates on take off, leaving me waiting for VERY clear intersections before accelerating. Im told it might be better when it is more broken in. Too late. I wish I had gotten another Honda.

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  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 Automatic trans seems outdated and sometimes clunky.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.

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  Subaru not what they used to be - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mark33 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I thought that Subaru made good cars until I bought one! I have had nothing but problems with my Forester and even more problems with the company(Subaru) In my opinion I would buy a Honda or Toyota

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  8 Yr Review- My lemon is literally falling apart :( - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By truth_b_told - May 17 - 7:24 am

  It has taken me from point A to B and been reliable in that aspect..but Everything Else about it just sucks. Transmission constantly shifts and is starting to slip, Lack of power going through the Rockies, squeaks and rattles galore, horrible wind noise, will barely start in 20 degree weather, paint is chipping away all over the car, plastic interior is flimsy, speakers suck, and the list goes on. It hasnt been terrible, but it hasnt been good. I want to mention I have always garaged the car, maintained it since day one, here in CO we dont use salt on the roads so why the paint issue? It only has 78,000 miles on it. Check Consumer Reports, Im just waiting for head gasket to blow