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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 51 through 60 of 217.00

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  Never owned non-domestic - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By John In Denver, CO - October 12 - 2:40 pm

  Im the guy that would never own a foreign car; things change. I drove several small suvs, looking for the right combination. My nephew finally convinced me to test drive a Subaru. Im now a convert. The Subaru Forester was by far the best buy for the money and the type of vehicle needed here in Colorado. It drives better and is quicker than the GM Equinox, plus it gets much better gas mileage. Plus, you can get the all-weather package for only $400 which includes heated seats, wiper deicers, and outside mirror defrosters. All- wheel drive is also standard, perfect for the snowy winters here. The other domestics felt like driving tanks compared to the Forester.

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  A Winner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Gus - October 4 - 12:50 pm

  After suffering through 40 snow events in Chicago last winter, I decided that, while I loved my BMW sedan, I would not go through another winter without an AWD vehicle. I looked at and test drove AWD BMWs including the sedans, X5 and X3. I expanded to other brands, including Ford, Infiniti, Acura, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Audi. I had been trying to decide between a sedan (the Infiniti M35X) and an SUV (BMW X3) when an old tree-hugging friend recommended that I look at the new Forester. Indeed, that was the last vehicle that I test drove (an XT Limited). I was pleasantly surprised by not only the performance, but the comfort, convenience and utility.

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By J.W. - October 4 - 5:30 am

  We have had our Forester about 3 weeks now and I am very impressed with the whole vehicle. It`s very comfortable and quiet. It just feels solid when your driving and, has great response in steering and breaking. We love everything about it so far. Have had compliments on body style and color, (sage green). First tank of gas avg. 24.3 mpg. combination city and highway. Also pleased with that. I was also surprised with the pep of the 4 cylinder after driving V6`s &V8`s. No need for the Turbo in my opinion. If you are looking for a great compact SUV this is the one.

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  So far so good. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By gir - August 26 - 4:56 am

  We have had the forester for 7 months with no problems. Took it 900 miles round trip with 2 adults, my one year old, and two 80 lbs dogs without any issues. The ride was comfortable. No rattles. Interior is okay. We dont have any abnormal wear. We got the PZEV and we love the lower emissions. MPG is about 24 in mixed driving in Atlanta. I, like others, wish it had a 5 speed automatic trans., a better stereo, and round cup holders. If I had to do it all over again, I would buy the same vehicle at the same price.

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  Own Subaru since 1974 - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Michel - August 15 - 8:06 pm

  I lived in Canada, It is my third Subaru, The first was an Impreza bought in 1994. Bought another one (Impreza) in 2004. Subies are good cars and this one is the best.

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  There is hope. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Francisco - August 7 - 9:26 am

  I have been driving for the last 24 of my 39 years. I thought that car manufactures have their engineers to make profitable and funny looking cars with gizmos, flashy looks etc... But an enjoyable ride was always produced on my driving style because of the fact that you are never satisfied with your car. They are always or too bumpy, to narrow, to short, too big, too heavy, too lightweight, too uncomfortable etc... until now. This is the first car that produced such a nice driving experience that I will say that it was designed to be enjoyed by the driver.

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  Percussion section - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JW in SETx - August 1 - 6:06 am

  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. Now at 6K miles rattles in back end, right front door, glove compartment, dashboard, in the roof. Mileage at 18/23 is also disappointing and at 6k miles having power steering problems. It’s now on the market, live and learn! Wipers work great!

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  Lov my 2009 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By edwardo II - June 12 - 1:50 pm

  Just an outstanding Crossover and I had an 1999 Forester and what a difference 10 years makes. Getting much better mileage over the 99 and only thing I miss is the cup holder in the dash as no place to grab an 8 oz. coffee cup. Guess I need to look for something. Large moon roof super and enjoy driving the 2009. No issues.

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  Cant find a downside to this vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By subarublue77 - June 6 - 4:08 am

  Did not know SUV existed until I read Consumer Reports. They rated this #1 in small SUV category. I test drove also small SUV Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and the Forester out classed them all. I bought it used from the Subaru dealership (Jax, FL) and they had the Carfax. Took it to my mechanic and he said everything looked great! Wanted something that seats 4 & back seats go down so I can carry wood for my woodworking projects. Took it on a couple of long drives already and nice smooth ride. Car accelerates well given it is a 4 cylinder. I bought the SUV because of its reliability history and price. I read all the reviews on Edmunds.com and almost everyone liked their Subaru.

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  Saab Owner becomes Subie Owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kenny Steinberg - June 5 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this as a safe city car for my wife and teenage daughter to share. We are very happy with our purchase. I have read here about the imploding turbo engines on these. I have discussed this with my service manager. He said that early VIN versions did indeed have that problem, but that this has been worked out. Hope so! This is a perfect size for us, and fits four people very comfortably, with five in a pinch.