Overview & Reviews

Subaru's mini-SUV/tall wagon gains three new standard features: a cargo area cover, daytime running lights and an intermittent mode for the rear wiper. Other changes include a new color for the Forester S' lower body cladding (from Titanium Pearl to Graystone Metallic) and the option of leather seating for S models equipped with the Premium package and automatic transmission.

• Highest offset crash scores in its class, car-like ride and handling with rugged SUV styling.

• Not made for serious off-roading.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 65.00

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  Best small SUV out there - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Amandrew in MI - August 24 - 1:50 pm

  Bought new Nov. 2001, 100K miles as of today. Pros: Im 64" and fit fine, but barely; 25-27 mpg in mixed city/hwy; replaced clutch at 90K miles, which is pretty good; AWD is awesome; have driven in my grandmas sandy-soiled Michigan pasture off-road in all 4 seasons without getting stuck! Cons: auto-dimming mirror failed at 20K miles but was not covered under warranty, not worth $250 to replace; check engine light has come on 4 times between 30K and 100K - vacuum hose, emission control module, air/fuel sensor, and a 4th problem to be found at shop this week. None expensive, but none under warranty.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By DM - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got mine in Feb 2001, It handles great, the features are terrific and also at a great price. Heated seats, heated wipers, 6 CD Changer etc. The AWD system is excellent and gives one a lot of confidence while driving in any kind of weather. Once I had very low fuel and left the vehicle in snow for 2 complete days, and the Forester started after a little chugging at an outside temperature of 2 degrees Faranheit !!!, I was impressed. A definite Value for Money vehicle

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  Perfect Car/SUV - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By ahc - March 6 - 3:10 pm

  I bought my car brand new. It was absolutely the best car. It went through anything, snow, rain, etc. It was 10 out of 10 reliable. Never gave me any trouble. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is reasonably priced, a super, super deal, and I loved it.

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  Better than a Caddy - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Sue Shallow - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Subaru. Everyone else in my family owns one. I thought it was about time. After one winter I knew it was the best car I have ever owned. I will never buy anything else.

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  100K meltdown - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Paul - February 26 - 7:23 am

  Our Forester was golden for 100,000 miles, but within 1K of passing into 6 digits we started to have problems. Most were annoying little things like the clock stopped working, the compass became wildly inaccurate and the low fuel light failed to go on. There were major problems with the front wheels. The paint job seems to easily scratch.

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  Good Ride for the Buck - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Dj - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am a first time subbie driver.My last car which lasted 9 yrs. was a Camry. I was less than enthusiastic about the care intially. But it has been a reliable safe vechile which handles excellently in rain.The tires grip the road during a rainstrom and Im happy to be driving my subie. Recently the dealer added a fuel enhancer an my milage has increased upto 28miles/gallon.The seats are comfortable. I bought the S-Premium with the leather option. Its a good all around town vehicle. Recently it hauled all our family "stuff" to my sons recent swim meet and had great gas milage. Its a plain jane among cars but reliable, safe and comfortable.

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  Going for 300K! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Vern - August 25 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my Forester in Feb of 2002. It was one of only a handle of vehicles around that fit my requirements: storage room for my dj equipment, AWD, great fuel economy, and manual trans. I just went over 250K last week and my goal for 300K is within reach. Once I hit 300K, then I will be shopping for a new Forester. Vehicle handles well and is very reliable. I replaced original clutch at 190K! May not need another one before 300K.

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  Bulletproof - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By kaye132 - August 20 - 2:06 am

  My first Subaru, I am pleased with this little used car used mostly for commuting in the city. The quality and reliability on a car with over 100,000 miles is impressive for what I paid. My wife and kids use this car constantly and although we have 5 vehicles, this is the one constantly in use. It feels safe and solid especially in mean city driving.

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  Subaru Forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Sabre - July 14 - 11:23 pm

  The Forester performs exactly as I anticipated. It is easy to drive, handles well and the visibility is better than any other vehicle I have every own , except for my motorcycle. The all wheel drive is great. The vehicle was designed realistically for the reason most people buy an all wheel drive vehicle. The forester does it and it does it exceptionally well I am pleased as punch.

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  Sensible Mini-Ute - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By RangerRon7 - June 28 - 9:50 pm

  Although we only have had our Foreseter S+ just 6 months, it is great fun to drive and is a sensible, practical alternative to the typical SUV. The safety ratings coupled with AWD give us a greater comfort level than other vehicles we looked at in this class. We also look forward to Subarus historically high reliability.