Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 141 through 150 of 217.00

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  No Regrets - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By TayTay - July 31 - 1:50 pm

  Had the Forester for 1 year and had no complaints. Manual version cannot get stuck in snow. I drove it 60 miles in three feet of snow with the wife and son. only time I stopped was to help a guy in a Jeep (not joking). Others have complained about 23 MPG. Get real, remember its an SUV and its AWD. My wife and I have had 2001 Forester, 2002 Forester, 2001 WRX, 2006 LGT and 2009 Forester. 2009 Forester has twice as much room compared to the 2001- 2002. Great design and made of quality parts.

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  New Forester- Very nice re-design - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Runnin - July 1 - 7:13 pm

  Compared to the old design, this is much larger, more quiet, smoother, substantially more comfortable, higher up. More mainstream look. More SUV then jacked-up wagon now.

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  Great ride/handling balance - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Ordered one - May 24 - 5:00 am

  We test drove an X model with the Premium package, and then an LL Bean model with NAV. Both were impressive, but we liked the perforated leather so we opted for that. The GPS was not set up for our region, but it didnt seem very intuitive so we passed. Ride is quite good and it corners very flat. It drives smoothly and SportShift is quick, completing shifts in a fraction of a second. This vehicle has the best visibility in its class, others have wide D- pillars and high rear windows and then try to up-sell you on a rear backup cam that is a cash cow for them, so you pay for their poor design. Cant wait to take delivery.

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  Want to love this car, but... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By deserthillsman - May 10 - 8:24 pm

  I like this car, but cant get excited about it. Overall handling is very good and the turning radius is the best of any small SUVs that Ive driven. Its a very stable drive, and its been good on rough roads and in the rain. I have no problem with the sound system as many others seem to have, but Id love to have more power, the lack of which is sometimes downright dangerous when trying to enter the freeway or pass slow cars on the two lane roads in the desert where I live. The car has been fairly trouble free for three years, except for the A/C going out last summer in 100+ weather here. But Subaru took care of the problem and I have to say that theyve been very good overall.

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  Best Subaru yet!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By sitkayid - April 24 - 10:30 am

  Quieter and more refined than the previous model. My immediate family has owned 12 Subaru vehicles over the past 15 years. Yes, 12 vehicles between 5 people. This new 2009 Forester is by far the BEST Subaru to date. It combines all the important features of its predecessor, but now in a modern and eye-pleasing package. The VDC feature is now standard, and is worth trading in early for.

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  Sounds like percussion section - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JW in ETx - April 21 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car after extensive research and what a thrill to have after almost 10 years. Everything was great for about 450 miles when back end started rattling. Dealer had it 5 days and couldn’t fix it or trade, Subaru wouldn’t cover it because it’s a “normal condition” of this vehicle but thanked me for bringing it to their attention so that "even though this is of no comfort to you," others may not have to experience the same defects. At 6K miles began rattling in back end, right front door, glove compartment, dashboard, in the roof. Mileage at 18/23 is also disappointing and at now having power steering problems. It’s now on the market, live and learn! Wipers work great

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  One month - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steve - March 27 - 10:40 am

  Wanted to respond to recent comments. I have only had this vehicle one month, having owned both 05 Outback and 06 Tribeca and, combined, put on 105k miles over a period of approx 3 years. I am somewhat disappointed with the "road noise" and the not too soft ride. mpg about what expected, averaging 24 mpg so far.

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  First Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By outpost05 - March 15 - 5:26 pm

  I had planned on getting a 4Runner until gas hit $4 a gallon. I decided to downsize but wanted something I thought would be good in snow and occasional rough dirt roads. I have been getting 21-22 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg highway so far! Better that I had hoped. I think I made the right choice.

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  My Second Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By cruadin - March 6 - 12:53 pm

  I traded in my 03 Forester (which I loved) for an 09 and Im very happy I did. The 09 has a quieter highway ride and much improved interior room, both front and back. It has a slightly higher stance which makes it easier to get in and out of as well as improved visibility in traffic. It has a sportier looking dashboard -- I like the blue gauges. Clutch and transmission have a much smoother feel, and the Incline Start Assist is a big improvement over the old hill-holder function. The double wish bone rear suspension gives slightly better handling and a much smoother ride in most road conditions.

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  Best auto Ive ever purchased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By subfamily - February 19 - 8:40 pm

  I did a lot of research and test driving when my wife and decided to purchase a new vehicle. After months of searching I was at the end of my rope and about to settle on Ford Escape. Then I saw an ad for the new 2009 Forester, at first I thought who the heck drives a Subaru? Out of desperation I went to the Subaru dealership sat down in the LL Bean addition and fell in love! Right away you realized how much roomier the Forester was than other small SUVs and the lumbar support was great for my back. I took it for a test drive and was sold. It handled great (love the AWD) the moon roof was huge!