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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 61 through 70 of 217.00

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  Solid car--not splashy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By slydog39 - May 25 - 1:28 am

  I bought this Forester used several months ago. I have driven 8500 miles. Here are a few observations: It is obvious the car is well built and, if maintained, will be around a long time. The mileage is fair. Hwy is 26.2 City is 21.5 The all wheel drive gives a nice feel in tight turns and in wet weather. The engine has some pep, but I do not use it as a sports car. The interior is somewhat spartan or utilitarian. It will not be mistaken for a luxury car. It is all functional. The seats are comfortable, but not for extremenly long travels.

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  Sorry I bought a Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By susancolorado - March 31 - 2:23 am

  This is my first and last Subaru. I bought it because of its reputation and the new design. Ive been driving it 5 months and as much as I try to love it, I do not like it at all. The road noise is excessive, I already have several rattles. You sit very low to the ground, even lower than some cars so if you are used to sitting higher up, beware. The acceleration is slower than I had hoped for. Also, the mpg isnt as good as expected either. The gas tank is small so I am always filling up... at least it doesnt cost too much to fill up.

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  Close to 19k miles in first anniversary - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Manny - February 28 - 3:56 pm

  First time Subaru owner; may go back to Toyota. Two months after the purchase felt like wheels were spinning on two occasions. Finally at 15k transmission is gone. Dealer wanted to charge $90 for transmission flush. Threatened them to call Subaru of America and only then they agreed to replace tranny for new one. A/C had intermittent problem that showed up shortly after I bought it. Had to get Subaru of America involved to get dealer to provide loaner car and keep the Forester overnight to try to duplicate problem. Disappointed with the service received at dealership for a fairly new car under warranty. Makes me wonder whats next? Wife thinks I bought a "LEMON". Have Subaru phone # on hand.

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  We love our Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By lisaandjason - February 19 - 12:00 pm

  We bought a Subaru Impreza back in 2005 and loved it. At the time, I tried to talk my husband into the Forester, but he really wanted the Impreza. As soon as we saw the new design though, he was sold. We absolutely love it! We went on a short road trip with my Mom and our Border Collie, Abby and it was the most comfortable drive Ive ever had. There is so much space inside. I was truly surprised at how roomy it is. There is plenty of cargo space as well. We have the Premium Package with the roof rails, tinted windows, etc and it was definitely worth the extra money. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for the convenience of an SUV, but the driving comfort of a sedan.

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  Nice, but I like my 2005 better - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By javan68 - February 17 - 9:07 am

  I have a 2005 Forester that is the 2.5X Manual version. I bought the 2009 for my wife, with the Auto. It is the Premium version. As a summary, I like the vehicle, but the fuel economy is crap. We get about 20-22 mpg on average, whereas my 05 gets 26-28 on average. If we really baby the gas and drive ultra conservatively, we may be able to get 25 mpg, but that is a huge IF. As for Snow driving, I will take the 09 over my 05, granted, my 05 is more fun to drive. The 09 is like a tank in the snow. We are in the market for a replacement for the 09. Our family is growing again, and the forester is just too small. Perhaps if it got better fuel economy, we would reconsider.

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  2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Celia - February 10 - 4:33 am

  I wanted a vehicle with AWD, more cargo space and good MPG. I narrowed my search down to the Rogue and the Forester. As for the Forester, visibility is amazing.The handling is great. Very car-like and corners well with the stability control. Im getting 26 MPG average so far. You cant beat that for an AWD SUV. The sunroof is huge! My biggest complaint so far is on the highway I was behind an 18 wheeler and I was pulled a bit from the wind difference. But thats it. I love this car and I am very happy with it.

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  It made me a fan - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ArcadeTom - January 16 - 5:13 pm

  Up until this June I have owned Jeeps. Always 4x4 or AWD and never figured I would drive anything "non- American". With gas going higher I had to get something newer and found this new Subie to be fantastic in MPG and fun. I never believed that anything could be so much fun to drive and still be a SUV. It has plenty of room, 9 inches of ground clearance, handles like a sports car and rides like a Cadillac. It has made me a believer and a fan. If everything I have read about this and previous Subarus is true, I will enjoy driving this one for a very long time.

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  Another Subaru for us! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Erik and Kelley - December 27 - 6:10 pm

  I just took possession of a 2009 Subaru Limited edition (non turbo). The interior space is far superior to my 2001 Subaru Forester. The "fit and finish" are a step up--still a little plastic, though. Engine is adequate to good, with some pep (but not extra- ordinary speed or handling). Nearly bought a Toyota V-6 Rav 4 which drove a little better, but the extra cost (nearly 3000 dollars) and the smaller interior for me (I am over 6 feet tall) made the Subaru the choice. Looking for 8-10 good years from this vehicle, a good choice for a safe, reliable, practical car that drives quite well in the snow and can handle two small kids and one dog. See you in the mountains of West Virginia!

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  Lovin the Subi! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kristin - December 26 - 3:33 am

  This is my first Subaru purchase and I love it! I also looked at the CR-V and Rav-4, and wasnt impressed by either. The Forester has a better build and a symmetric AWD that is untouched in the automotive world. Plus, I got a lot more car from my money. It is fun to drive, handles beautifully (especially in the snow), and has plenty of room but you dont feel like youre driving a bus. And it does come with heated cloth seats and a front license plate mount--I have them both! The cup holders are fine, too, and there are eight of them. Not sure what people are complaining about...

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  I Wanted to Love My Subie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By rkong79 - December 21 - 7:13 am

  The car was great in the beginning, but then it slowly began showing signs of poor craftsmanship. After 3-4 months, my brakes kept on squeaking. The engine is very loud at start-up. At my 1 year anniversary, with 20,000 miles on it, my engine gave up (rod knock). The engine was replaced, but Im now very hesitant to even drive it normally, knowing that it had already broken down with normal use (I dont race it... even if I wanted to, the "turbo" is not meant for that purpose). I dont think spending over $30k on a car with AWD, and a "turbo" that is not going to knock my socks off by any means is worth the money. Go buy yourself a Toyota or Honda V6 instead.