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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  Good Value - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Jeferty - August 6 - 10:00 am

  You get a lot for your money with this car. In my price range, with my height, I narrowed the search down to the Subaru and the Nissan Altima. The Forester won hands down with a more solid build, better features, and tons of cargo room.

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  Issues-Cold weather fuel smell - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mary W - July 9 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased the car used at 30K. With Subaru reputation I wanted one. Bought a turbo because I love to drive! Ive been disappointed with the fuel mileage, but felt it was a price to be paid for the performance, which I love! There have been minor integrity issues that are very annoying; fuel door latch and the dashboard glove box latch broken. Glove box expensive to fix...the entire unit has to be replaced, about $160, not nice. However what might take me to another mfg. is the cold weather fuel problem. Strong gas smell in cold weather; no recall on it, but because it is a turbo the fix is about $800!!! Very disappointed.

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  Fun Subaru - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By John_vree - February 28 - 7:46 pm

  Overall fun car to drive due to 200+ hp. Outstanding in bad weather (Des Moines in January) and lots of acceleration and good handling. We have hauled SUV loads of products from Sams Club, etc, so interior storage is good. I dont get the 20 mpg from a 2005 4-banger. Highway mpg is about 25. Interior legroom for a 62" guy is limited. I guess you cant have it all.

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  My Forester XT - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Stanley Andrucyk - November 10 - 8:56 pm

  Drives fast like a racing car. Great performance. Kinda small but thats just OK. There is no good storage space. Uses premium gas. Loads of fun to drive. It may be the best car that I have had.

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  Good functional vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By JS - August 4 - 4:49 pm

  This model year was not high on creature comforts or technology but very high on safety, visibility, handling and high ground clearance for areas getting a lot of rain. Excellent cargo capacity for this smaller size SUV.

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  reliable car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By bob - April 16 - 8:10 pm

  Very roomy and handles well for a wagon. The 4wd is awesome. I cant figure out why it doesnt have privacy glass, its ridiculous that they have not figured that out yet when virtually every other automaker has it. The sun is always shining in my kids face. And the keyless entry is way too sensitive.

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  Forester XT - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mike C - February 14 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased this auto wanting the performance of a sedan and the cargo capacity of a mid-sized SUV. I feel that the XT has the "sports car performance" and SUV attributes that are equal or better than other autos in its class. Similar to the performance is the quality of the powerplant and drivetrain. I feel that the Forester XT has the quality and longevity that will make it enjoyable for many years to come.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Drapley - October 12 - 12:40 am

  I owned a 1998 Forester, and when it went up at 150,000 miles I had no hesitation at buying another. I feel that the 2005 is not as good as my 1998. Already the carpet on the driver side has a big tear (thin carpet), the windows rattle, and the compressor in my ac just went up. And the transmission doesnt shift smoothly. Ill be shopping around for a new manufacturer when this one goes up.

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  Basic and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Joseph Goralik - July 18 - 10:40 am

  Always wanted to own one but there are hardly any used ones available in So. California. So went out and bought a brand new one. Although basic model, driving in the past 2 years was a pleasant experience. I like the easy self-maintenance, such as oil and filter (cabin and air) changes. Interior is simple and durable. Driving position is very good and handling is fine. Body integrity could be better - a rattle developed in the rear/left without being able to localize the source. The extras that do not come with the car are easily available from Subaru dealers and fairly simply to install. Quality and workmanship is excellent.

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  Good Value Overall - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Speedwagon - June 27 - 1:26 am

  This is the first Subaru Ive owned and it compares favorably to the RAV4 and the CR-V. Its a tremendous value for the money. However, the interior lacks the refinement of European counterparts - both in terms of materials and ergonomics. Road noise and wind noise are excessive. Although the engine has nice low-end torque, it has inadequate passing power on the highway.