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 21 through 30 of 134.00

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  What a car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By jeeper16 - August 30 - 8:33 pm

  This car has got to be the best handling vehicle that I have ever purchased. It go through the turns like its on a slot-car track. Ive put 2,000 miles on it so far and am getting 28.5 mpg on the highway. City is about 23mpg. The leather seats are firm and comfortable and with the 8- way power driver seat, you do not tire on longer trips. The 6-CD player has decent sound and all of the driver controls are easy to read and reach.

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  It just keeps going! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Scuby - August 28 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car for its size, performance and reliability. I now have over 100K miles on it and it has had no issues and drives like the day I bought it. I will say the OEM tires had to go at about 15K miles. I also installed sport springs and stiffer sway bars. Those simple improvements greatly increased handling. The automatic has performed perfectly but could use a extra gear which would help in the gas mileage. I do get about 25 MPG overall as I do a lot of highway driving. The fits well in my small garage too.

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  Subaru will get you there and back... - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By LISA CARNAHAN - June 13 - 10:46 am

  Subaru Forester is an excellent car over all. However, in the 2nd month of ownership a fuse blew controlling the rear brake lights. This was unknown to the driver until pulled over by police, creating a very embarrassing & dangerous situation. Car would be better if it had a warranty like an Isuzu.

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  Happy Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By J - January 31 - 11:33 pm

  I used to drive a 2750lbs 175HP Nissan Sentra so my new Subaru with 3135lbs 166HP felt a bit sluggish at first. I also test drove an XT but decided to buy X because of the price difference and gas price. After the break-in miles, the car responds much better and I dont feel its slow at all. In fact, Forester X has more than enough power. The ride is great and the mileage averaged 27MPG so far (80% highway 20% city). The best mileage I got was 34MPG on a 100% highway trip with cruise set at 65MPH. I couldnt believe the mileage and I made sure I calculated right! I hope it improves further since I have only 4000 miles on the odometer.

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  Best suv for suv haters - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By New to Subaru - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The forester has been a great car so far. We have had it for about 2 weeks and it is getting about 29MPG on mixed driving. We needed more room for camping, bikes, dog, and eventually children and had a hard time buying a suv. The only thing that won us over is that it is as close to a car as you can get end gets better milage than most cars do. The car feels solid even when comparing it to the prelude we traded in for it. Still in the break in perid so we havent run it hard yet. We would recomend the car to anyone.

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  2 Fast 2 Furious - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Johannes - December 8 - 12:33 am

  After reviewing the CR-V, RAV-4, and Forester, we decided on the Forester. Not only did my wife agree, but so does Consumer Reports. It was rated their top small SUV. Once we decided on the Forester, I got prices from the internet. There were serious price ranges. Dealers were adding on options and trying to pass them off as necessary items. However, I have found that the only options necessary are the cargo tray, splash guards, and bumper cover. The above options come as a package. After much debate here are the following totals: price $26,100 plus tax & license. I took the $1,500 cash rebate. Bringing the total to $24,600. Seriously shop around to get best deal.

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  great all around vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mcbrunl - October 8 - 8:46 am

  This is our first AWD vehicle. We did a lot of research via web/word of mouth and were led to the Subaru Forester. We were not disappointed, it has performed in a very admirable manner since we got it. The ride is very comfortable, the gas mileage is very decent (around 24mpg). the handling is exceptional. We did have a couple of body discrepancies that came with the car, but dealership rectified them promptly. We are totally content with this vehicle at this time.

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  10,000 miles follow-up - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By kb - June 13 - 1:56 pm

  After 10,000 miles my 05 Forester XT Premium 5M is still wonderful. I average 24.7 mpg city/highway with a 5 day-a-week 100% city commute. So far best mpg 33.4, worst 15.2. The car is an excellent value, lots of standard features, great handling and excelleration. All better than its primary competition, like the CRV, Rav4, and Liberty. I looked at them all, including more expensive vehicles like X3, Touareg, and 4Runner (any anything else you can think of). Its a little difficult to pack all my gear into, including my dogs crate, but it can be done if you were any good at Tetris. I use a roof box, a Thule Cascade 1500.

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  nice vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mike - May 26 - 3:40 pm

  Great wagon, got this last year after selling our minivan. Gas mileage is better than expected with the manual. Gets 30 mpg easy on the highway. About 26 city. AWD is great. Solid, well made vehicle. Seats are firm and supportive.

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  An Excelleny Buy - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By NookysMax - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Best of its class. Great road car too. Very fun to drive.