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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 41 through 50 of 217.00

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  Hooked on the Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Idahojeeper - May 27 - 5:40 am

  We were looking for a fun vehicle capable of easy off-road use with decent mileage and towable behind a motor home. Guess what: there arent many choices that meet all these criteria. After searching the few options available we discovered the Forester. Were glad we did. This vehicle does it all. Its fun to drive, very capable in the snow, OK off the pavement, and has good fuel economy. The cabin is comfortable and very roomy for a small vehicle. Fit and finish is excellent. As with most crossovers there are compromises. Its not a rock crawler and its not a sports car. However it does provide solid dependable transportation.

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  Surprising - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Pukfan - May 20 - 6:56 pm

  Long time Outback sport owner looking for a replacement - test drove this, Impreza & WRX. A new driving experience that the entire family loves. Moonroof and excellent visibility combined with solid AWD traction is something that just needs to be experienced. Interior well- designed but material seems cheap. Transmission a key addition IMO - manual setting perfect for onramps/passing, off-roads. Tip to buyers - agree on price then say you will buy if dealer throws in accessories (that used to be standard) like cargo cover & tray, nets, etc. Also read the manual - a lot of things can be adjusted that might not consider. Looking forward to another 180,000 miles like I got on my last subaru.

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  Good Value-and Fun Too - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steamloco76 - May 11 - 2:43 am

  The 2009 Forester in base trim provides a ton of utility, capability and safety for a fairly low price. I am a big-tall type and most vehicles dont fit me well-the Forester has plenty of room and big, wide opening front doors for easy entry. Excellent visibility and driver sight lines. Negatives- Seat cushions are too short, pedal space is tight for size 14E shoes and the seat cloth and carpet are cheap feeling. Biggest complaint INTERIOR RATTLES!! The clutch is smooth, but the drive-by wire throttle hangs revs-coupled with a notchy shifter makes smooth shifting challenging, however, the stick allows you to make best use of the high revving flat four. Handling is nearly sport car class.

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  In Love With A Car?? - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Annette - April 13 - 8:46 pm

  Only 1072 miles on her so far but have nothing but raves for this vehicle. Traded a 2007 Pacifica that I really liked. However this car is much easier to park, wend my way thru traffic and put my groceries in.

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  Three years of ownership - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By jassdsu - April 2 - 3:02 pm

  I recently sold my 2009 XT Forester. When I bought the subaru I was passionate about it like most Subaru owners. Love- that’s what makes a Subaru right… We recently sold the car after owning it for three plus years. Likes- the sleek design, fun to drive. Dislike- poor MPG, small fuel tank, and overall carrying capacity. With the Turbo model you have the same size fuel tank as the regular non turbo- the problem is your mpg is only 22 to 23 mpg, I’m not sure what the size of the tank is but its insufficient and requires filling up on a regular basis. Road trips would require extra stops to get gas- I’m not exaggerating- it’s a real design problem. The panels on the outside of the car

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  Best small SUV out there now! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Luis - February 17 - 5:06 am

  Weve had small SUVs/CUVs since the first ones came onto the scene. This time it was between newest CR-V, Outlander, or Forester. Didnt like weird styling which sacrificed utility/visibility on new CR-V, couldnt find right color/options/price combo on Outlander, but we instantly loved the simple, stylish, and useful design of the new Forester. Even in "base" trim, has the features you need and many youll want -- all at a great price. Peppier with manual shift, and improved in every way. Great interior room and visibility, nice style inside and out. More mainstream than ever, but better for it!

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  All I expected - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By mktdkt - January 26 - 8:16 am

  I purchased the car 14 months and 45,000 miles ago for several basic reasons. Price, AWD, interior Space and you wont see another one on every corner. I have been more than satisfied. The AWD is second to none, we have snow 6 months a year. Yes, the interior could be upgraded but considering the price I feel I received a deal. Mileage is never below 25 and never above 29. I drive 80% hwy. Performance is so-so but but more than enough for the driving I do. I highly recommend Subaru and will buy another.

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  So far so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By magman117 - January 8 - 7:26 am

  I bought the 2009 LL Bean w/nav to replace my 2004 XS premium. The 2009 is much quieter at highway speeds and the seats are more comfortable. I have only put 100 miles on the 09, but I did put 83,000 on the 04 (yeah I know, still new for a Subaru). Some pluses over the 04 are rear seat legroom, power driver seat, navigation, auto stick, VDC, side airbags, good looks, although I liked my ugly/unique 04. One problem, I cant understand why there is still only a 4 speed automatic. The vehicle is quiet enough but the RPMs are still high. I think the vehicle with a 5 or 6 speed would get gas mileage in the 30s. Imagine how many people would buy it. Gas in NY is over $3.45 (regular).

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  Impressed first time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By New to Subaru - January 3 - 3:10 pm

  I am a first time Subaru owner and have been very impressed with this vehicle. I drive an average of 30k miles per year and have not experienced a single problem with this car (knock on wood). PZEV is not noticeable and it is nice to be able to reduce emissions so effortlessly! 28mpg on average (20% city/80% highway) mostly at 75-80 mph in the mountains, goes anywhere (deep snow, snow packed roads and ice) and it is comfortable. The 5-speed manual is essential as the non-turbocharged automatics are sluggish. Have had it on mild off road trails and the clearance/traction combination is great. As long as you take it slow, it will make it with flying colors!

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  Buyers beware - another blown engine - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By SoxFan - December 6 - 12:33 am

  Ive owned 3 Subarus now but this might be my last. The engine blew on my 2009 Forester XT yesterday. Unfortunately this appears to be all-too-common with this years model. Its at the dealer now and everyone has been great so far with the warranty replacement. Still I cant help feeling remorse with a car thats not even a year old. If this is truly a problem across the model then Subaru needs to step up and address it proactively before they have more stranded motorists.