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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 11 through 20 of 217.00

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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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  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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  All good! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By domo2880 - December 8 - 10:16 pm

  I decided on the Forester after seeing the new platform for the 09 model. I leased an Impreza in the past and have always had a thing for Subaru vehicles, but hte look of the older model Foesters had always kept me away. This new style is just what I needed to get me in the Forester camp.

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  A Balanced Solution - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Snot-Rocket - September 13 - 2:06 pm

  We needed a platform that would accommodate a family of 4 for day trips, camping, daily commuting, Home Depot runs and just a general all-rounder so that we can keep the gas guzzling van in the car port as much as possible. The new Forester is turning into the most useful/loved car Ive ever owned. It can easily accommodate a family of four. The seats fold down smartly and easily (no removing head rests) to provide a large cargo capacity. Visibility is excellent from all position for negotiating traffic and the size is perfect- big enough for a family of four, yet small enough for easy city driving and parking...all the comforts of a car w/ a bit of off road capability to boot!

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  Great Ride - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By cosailor - September 5 - 10:13 am

  After 3 months of driving, Im pleased to say this is a great vehicle. The ride is smooth, cabin noise is low if you remove the rack crossbars. The turbo really adds to the experience once you get used to the surge as it kicks in. Effortlessly cruises at 75 MPH. The AWD is sure footed and the heated wipers, mirrors, and seats are wonderful during the CO winters. Actual mileage is good, 22 around town, 25 on the highway though if you drive aggressively in town you can easily drop the city mileage to mid- teens. Its a turbo after all. Coming from a Volvo S60 AWD, I find the Forester similiar in many ways. Well maybe not the dash materials but its just fine, I didnt pay S60 prices.

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  My experience - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Robert L. Ayers - July 27 - 6:13 am

  I found my 2009 Subaru Forester to be a very good vehicle. It is roomy and easy to get in and out of, I dont have to duck or crawl. I bought my vehicle last June and have 18000 km on it. At 6 ft tall and 250 lbs, I found the Forester a very comfortable fit, as it is larger than the 2008 version. The steering is positive but is not twitchy. The vehicle holds the road well in all seasons. Snow and ice have not been of a problem, even though we had more snow this year than previously. Any time we go anywhere, we have to cross a summit, yet have not had any concerns with the Forester. I researched vehicles on the net and Subaru was the best vehicle, so I bought it.

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  Nice vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Happy with Subaru - July 18 - 3:16 pm

  Read many reviews before purchasing our 2nd Subaru, saw many great plus several poor ones but purchased anyway. We are very pleased with the Forester; great ride, rear seat wide and deep enough for our 3 growing boys, fuel economy much better than advertised (24 mpg city so far even with less than 100 miles on it) with MT. Seems to me that most complaints involve the turbo models and the 4AT transmission so avoid those and this is a GREAT vehicle. Looks very sharp equipped with the rugged package. Invoice pricing at start nice change from most dealers even in this economy who still think they can ask for sticker!

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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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  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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  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!