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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 21 through 30 of 217.00

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  My New Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Arthur - April 9 - 12:26 am

  We just bought the 09 Forester Premium, all weather package. We are very pleased with our decision to go with this fine vehicle. The deal maker for me was the value of the car compared to others. It has AWD, electronic stability control, curtain air bags, plenty of cargo space. I like how this crossover handles like a car but has enough ground clearance to see over midsize trucks and mini vans. My only advice is to educate yourself if you never had a boxer engine or AWD system.

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  Do not buy a Turbo! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Shelly - March 27 - 5:30 am

  Bought an 09 Forester XT limited. With only 900 miles, the car died going down interstate. Had it towed to the dealership to find out the engine was blown and the service people had seen 5 of these, all with less than 1000 miles!! Since they are new, it will be a minimum of 2 weeks to maybe get an engine delivered, probably a month. I owned 3 outbacks and loved them, but this is unacceptable. Save yourself the headache, time and energy and buy a different brand!

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By bak2subie - March 26 - 2:10 pm

  After exhaustive test drives and visits to a variety of dealerships, two small suvs stood out. The new Ravs are nice, especially the 6 cylinder, but the 2009 Subie XT was the ticket. Had to drive over 100 miles to get the color (sage green) we wanted. This car is fun-fun to drive. It will go fast, like changing lanes and passing 18 wheelers in a less than 3 seconds. Our 2002 Rav could only try. Fit/finish is up to the toyota standards and thats good. But the ergonomics are much better. All around visibility is great. Tight U-turner.

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  Best bang for buck - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By turnerrider - March 24 - 12:26 pm

  This is the best car Ive owned yet, hands down. Theres not a lot I can find to complain about. Some very minor things if I think hard I would like to have changed, but no car is absolutely perfect.

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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Seattle - February 28 - 8:03 am

  As a whole this is a great car. Family of 4. Went from a van to this car and are happy with the room and comfort. What I really like is the exceptional handling, gas mileage and vision available on the 09 Forrester. A big change from the Dodge Van. We currently have a lot of snow in Seattle and I can say this is the best car Ive ever driven in the snow.. it goes anywhere with no issues. My only issues with this car are the stereo. Its cheap and sounds terrible. Looked to replace it which is close to impossible. If you want a good stereo bargain with the dealership before you buy it. Second, it rattles excessively.. makes it sound cheap and is irritating.

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  Best choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Steeler fan - February 18 - 6:20 am

  Compared Forester to Rav4, Escape, Rogue. Glad I picked it. Have driven 1,000 miles so far. Ride is comfortable, visibility is great, fuel economy is great. Averaging 25 - 27 mpg in combo city, back roads, highway. No rattles, problems with cup holders or PZEV noise like other reviewers mentioned. Havent had snow usage yet, but based on the other Subarus Ive had - Im sure it will be great. In my opinion, the Forester is the best value in a small/medium SUV for interior space, fuel economy, price, comfort.

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  Dissatisfied - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Dissatisfied - January 26 - 9:43 pm

  This is the 7th Subaru that I have either owned or leased (5 owned and 2 leased) and this the worst experience I have had so far. The initial concept is good, but the end product definitely needs improvement. I drive 30,000 miles a year in MN. Poor windshield wiper design (front and back), build quality needs to be upgraded (had a water leak in the vent system and now I have major mildew problems. Poor placement of heated seat switches, auxiliary outlet plug, and IPOD plug. Heat is either off or on with poor modulation. Poor design on center storage/cup holders. Needs a five speed transmission; hunts for gears all the time. Buy an Outback. Forester missed the mark, at least for now.

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  Its always something new...... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By photosbymatt - January 23 - 11:50 pm

  From purchase at 117,000 miles to now at 134,000 miles, this Forester has needed: Oxygen sensor, new catalytic converters, re-wired transmission speed sensor, two sets of head gaskets (six months apart), timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and rear pads & rotors. The transmission in this Forester is jerky & extremely rough. I have records from the previous owner, and it was babied and taken care of very well. I maintain this car as well as I can, and I just hope that it will last another five years. The engine pings horribly while running up through the gears. Detonating or "pinging" is absolutely horrible for an engine, yet Subaru claims that this is normal. I love Subarus, but wow.......

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  Working Fine For Me - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By happysofar - January 19 - 4:20 am

  This is my first Subaru and so far Im pleased overall. However, the lack of lumbar support and position of the head rests do make this somewhat uncomfortable. They take some getting use to. (My petite wife complains even more than I do.) The console holds my travel mug just fine. The biggest plus for this is the sure-footedness I encountered in snow/icy conditions. The AWD really grips, and the handling is very responsive. I bought the manual because thats what I enjoy driving and wanted to get the better gas mileage. The throw into 5th is a bit of a reach. The first four gears are fine and smooth. Gas mileage 26.4 overall. Traveling over 65 brings MPG down quickly.

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  Ok but wont buy another Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kewe - January 14 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car a year ago b/c always wanted a Forester. I like the past models better. I usually get Honda or Toyota. Overall car is dependable, will try to drive until over 150k but will never get another one again. Gives decent gas mileage 25 avg for mainly city driving. Car has little power for accelerating on highway, which feels unsafe. Interior looks cheap, fabric on doors is a no no (who thought of that?). The power button on driver side for seat adjustment is too clunky and any slight touch moves the seat. Very annoying. Front passenger seat is too low. Good aspects is that it does well in the snow, great for hauling large items when seats are folded down.