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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  I love this car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Carol Bevis - June 24 - 1:06 am

  I did my research through Edmunds, looked at CR and made my decision to purchase the 2005 Forester LL Bean. It has been a fantastic car, small SUV, perfect for everything. Great sunroof, nice leather seats, all automatic heater/air conditioner, and perfect size cargo area. Fuel mileage city around 26mpg. Cant wait to try the windshield wiper de-icer (actually I could wait). Never had a Subaru before and feel that this one is a true winner.

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  2005 Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bryan - March 13 - 12:43 am

  I have had the ability to side-by-side compare a new CR-V against my new Forester because my mother-in-law bought a Honda two months before I bought the Subaru. She drove my Subaru a half dozen times & wishes she had got the Subaru in hindsight! She does love the fact tha ther Honda CR-V is known for excellent reliability. My opinion in comparison - both cars are practical and fun to drive. I feel the Subaru has a bit better finish and a more solid feel to it. The spare belongs in the car, Honda. Im partial to the aesthetic of the Subaru, but that too is subjective. Handling is another matter though, no subjective opinion here - the Subaru just handles better. Both need better MPG!

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  My first Subaru - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By bktoy97 - February 9 - 9:53 am

  This is my first Subaru; Ive always driven GMCs but this time, for the gas mileage, we went with this. So far there has been no real disappointments.

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  Traded in my Explorer - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Robert - January 30 - 5:13 am

  I traded in my Explorer for this Forester. Having now driven more than 14000 miles in 6 months, I have saved quite a bit on fuel costs, as well as having the comfort of a smoother ride. It has all the room I need, even when taking extended trips, and it looks good. I caught the dealer at a good time, and they took $4000 off the sticker before my trade.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Bob C - August 13 - 6:36 pm

  Trying to find my wife a useful non-barge wagon or SUV, looked at Outback, took a chance on Forester. Congratulating myself. Turbo is very quick, handles way better than most sedans, feels bulletproof, great build quality. Took it from GA to New England over holidays, got into big snow, AWD very confidence building. Highly recommend.

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  Zoom....Zoom - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Zoom....Zoom - July 15 - 5:16 pm

  After having the XT for four days...Im hooked. The power from the turbo beats most sports cars and the ride is comfortable. The heated seats are awesome on cold days and the climate control keeps the temperature nice and even. It was nice to fill up for $25 instead of the $45 I used to spend in my truck. Overall, I would say this is the best built, fastest, well featured car Ive owed. Hats off to the Subie.

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  Great for the money - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Kevin - March 13 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this car for the price/gas mileage rating and room for "work stuff" in the back. I did no background checking. Now with 111000 miles logged I have had no problems with this car. I do wish the gas mileage was a bit better but I live in the CO Rockies, lots of hill climbing. I like all the storage compartments but they took those out in the new 2010 model. Too bad. Over all a great car for this class, price & size.

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  2005 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By DAnderson - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Peppy little thing. Great excelleration and fun to drive. Glad they added more colours for 2005 and changed the color of the interior. I feel I got great value for my money and paid $60 under invoice. Everyone I talk to, who has owned a Subaru, raves about the minimal maintenance.

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  Quite the little power house! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Ruben Escatell - January 15 - 6:46 am

  This Subaru (my first!) exceeded my expectations of a mini SUV ... handles more like a sports car with its breathtaking acceleration and road-hugging suspension. With state-of-the-art sound system, this car as a highway cruiser year round has no peer, whether in snow, sleet, rain, or sun!

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  Forester Fan Forever! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Tom in FL - August 31 - 11:10 pm

  This is a small SUV that just loves you back with its performance, economy, and looks. I have never had a car before where people seeing it just stop and stare and then all nod their heads to their friends! And I thought the Outback was great; it is but the Forester L.L. Bean Edition is a luxury car with a good value price. And I dont want to forget the wonderful service by my Subaru dealer which is seldom needed!