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 11 through 20 of 134.00

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  Do these things ever break? - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By niclo - May 2 - 1:06 pm

  105k miles and still drives like new! never had a car with this many miles that didnt start to wander around the road or rattle or run bad or something...

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  05 Forester 2.5 XS - great in snow if... - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By James - May 1 - 2:20 am

  Our 2005 Forester replaced my old 1991 4WD Mazda MPV. My first winter with the car was a big disappointment as the car didnt handle well in the snow. Hang those wretched Yokohama tires! I replaced them with a set of Michelin HydroRangers, and this cars winter performance is greatly improved! The car has great visibility and entry/exit access for the front seat. Newer models have different option schemes, so Im a bit in a quandary on selecting a Forester for my wife. I like the power, heated cloth seats. It doesnt look like thats possible on the newer models.

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  Perfect for Petites - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By peggym - April 7 - 2:50 pm

  When shopping for a used car, I knew what I wanted. I had to have this car for one reason only. I am only 411" and have trouble with visibility when turning to see blindspots and out the back window. This is the ONLY car that I actually feel safe in (and I have test driven MANY!!). It was a toss up between this car and the Mazda3. This one definitely won out for performance and safety features. If you or someone in your life is petite, this is the BEST find for comfortability. My husband who is close to 6 feet tall is just as comfortable driving this car as I am. Its a win-win.

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  After 190,000 - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By zoneblitz - April 3 - 12:50 pm

  After 190,000 miles it runs great. Changed the oil every 5K, gone through 3 sets of tires and one brake job 2 weeks ago.

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  Ok, but lacking in certain areas. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Mister R - July 19 - 5:16 am

  I needed a AWD SUV and didnt want another monster (I had a Tahoe) and had options that were a must. The Forester seemed like a good compromise. Or so I thought. I bought it sight unseen based on reviews and comparisons. BIG mistake. The suspension is such that you feel every pebble in the road as if it were a boulder. Driving noise invades the interior and the gas mileage is no where near what I had expected. At 64 and 250 this is clearly the wrong vehicle for me. My right leg rubs against the console and steering wheel. I have to put the seat all the way back and down to accommodate my height - but then have to lean forward to reach the steering wheel. Under powered and transmission slips.

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  Simply The Best Small SUV - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By CC Rider - June 20 - 9:50 am

  Weve had our Forester XT Turbo for 5 years now and it has over 130,000 miles. It sees hard daily use for both business and personal reasons. In comparing this with other small SUVs which we test drove, like the RAV4, CR-V, Liberty, Highlander and Pilot, there was simply no comparison. It easily out accelerated, braked and handled all the others. The interior has lots of neat little compartments to store everything from pens, pencils, cups, change, glasses, map books and more. The H4 engine performs very well, but tends to use more oil than most fours weve had. Problems at 100,000K have been a new radiator, cam timing belt and power steering pump. Gas mileage is mediocre at 20.

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  Nice vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By COOL - March 22 - 9:10 am

  The AWD is great in the winter. Wife doesnt have to worry about putting the vehicle into 4WD like the Tahoe.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Nanc - September 16 - 10:40 am

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

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  Practical with a twist - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By NewSubieFan - August 11 - 8:13 pm

  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.

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  Fun, Safe and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Giantomaso - July 16 - 1:20 pm

  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).