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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 1 through 10 of 217.00

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  Two years to decide - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By djones - December 26 - 4:46 am

  We compared the CRV, Rav4, and Torrent. Subaru was in 3rd place until 2009s redesign. After checking out the available features, it was our top choice. It was the best car for my wife in terms of entering and exiting. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. Drives great. Average 26 mpg, only 1000 miles so far. The climate control system is great, set it and forget it. This is our first AWD car and our first Subaru, but Im sold. It drives like a car. There is plenty of space, and according to friends who rode in the back seat, we made the right choice. We have had a number of compliments on the car since we purchased it. It was the right choice for us.

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  Excellent Utility Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Jeff - December 25 - 2:03 pm

  Ever shrinking budgets for clearing winter roads convinced me I needed an AWD vehicle. Was looking for something with good gas mileage, AWD, large cargo capability, and smooth ride. The Forester does all these things very well. All weather package is nice for us Michigan folks. Heated wipers, mirrors, and seats plus all weather mats came in handy already this year. Planning many road trips this summer. Forester has very smooth ride on rough and/or dirt roads. Huge moonroof is nice as is the reclining rear seats. Rear seats pop down very easily. Fuel economy has been good at around 25mpg, mostly city. Gets close to 28 on highway. Not super flashy or fast but so far, I love it!

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  Second Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Suzanne - December 4 - 9:56 am

  I Loved my 2005 Subaru Legacy Sedan, but after my son totalled it (oops) I knew I wanted a second Subaru. Spending more than I ever expected, I purchased the L.L. Bean edition 2009 Forester. I do love the car, but have three concerns. The plastic panel which covers the radio is not clear. It makes the numbers sl. blurry. Also, and of greater concern is that I experience a slight sideways motion when going over bumps. Will contact the dealer. Gas mileage not as good as I hoped for. 22.2 mpg. Sounds like I dont like my new car, but I love the reliability of Subaru. Its a beautiful car. As impressive on the outside as a Lexus.

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  Excellent SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Alberto - September 16 - 12:43 am

  In Oct 08, I bought an 09 Forester 2.5X with the premium package. I am very happy with this vehicle. It is very comfortable, very roomy interior, smooth, handles very well. There is not a blind spot to block your vision like other vehicles in its class. Im averaging around 25 mpg in city and hwy driving. If you are thinking of buying a CR-V, Rav4, Outlander, Vue, or any other smaller SUV you must check out and drive an 09 Forester. You will be pleasantly surprised how nice the Forester is.

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  My 5th - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Rob - August 17 - 9:43 am

  This is my fifth Subaru, and I am very happy with it. With the M5 transmission, I am averaging 26 mpg in a rural setting. It has preformed well in snow [8" with drifts], and it has given me no problems. The added room in the back seat is a plus, and the general style is well suited. I do miss the quirky looks of the old Forester, it was unique and readily recognized by other Subaru drivers. The mechanics of this model seem to be better than the old though, it has a smoother ride, sits higher, and has a more solid feel to it while on the road.

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  2009 Subaru Forester ,Hearts Delight!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Pat B. - May 8 - 1:10 pm

  I love my Subaru Forester. I havent been this happy about purchasing a vehicle in a long time. I truly love the new design of the Forester and the panoramic moon roof is the best. I get the best gas mileage with this car, and I feel very safe in this car. I am sure that I will keep this car around for a very long time. I feel good about my purchase.

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  First Subaru "Love" the Sage Green - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - April 26 - 11:43 am

  Vehicle is only one week old, not sure how many miles will be put on during the first years travel. I am 68" had to wait for the 09 to get extra height. Love the head room even with the moonroof feature. Its mainly my wifes car. See all of you on the road.

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  First Subaru divorced Honda after 25 yrs - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Sam - April 9 - 10:03 pm

  After driving 2 CRVS (98 & 03) fo 10yrs. I was waiting for the Honda Element redesign, it looks like 2009 isnt the year. So I checked out the Scion XB not impressed. I saw one of these on the road and their TV commerical. Decided to check it out. Took a test drive and was sold. What a difference from driving CRVs. I had forgotten how much fun driving could be. My first AWD all I can say is wow

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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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  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.