Overview & Reviews

The base engine is enhanced this year with electronic throttle control, and a new four-speed automatic transmission is available. An air filtration system is now standard on all Foresters. Also new this year is the 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, which includes a myriad of interior and exterior trim enhancements, rugged cargo area trim and a self-leveling rear suspension.

• Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.

• Price can be higher than some of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 134.00

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  2005 Subaru Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By lucasr - December 24 - 8:35 pm

  I recently purchased a 2005 Forester with 95k miles on it, and will be using it as my college vehicle. It had 2 previous owners and no accidents reported. It appeared to be mechanically sound. So far, it has been an excellent vehicle. The ride is smooth, and it handles nicely. Some complain about power on these vehicles - I have had no issues with power. I drive plenty both in town and in the country where I live. It is excellent in both settings. I have no issues with getting up to speed on the freeway. My gas mileage has been an acceptable 20-22 mpg, and I expect it to be a little better when I take it for my first long trip on the highway. So far, this vehicle has been a joy to own.

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  The perfect mix - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By TWBnMD - October 29 - 2:40 pm

  The LLBean edition Forester is the perfect mix of utility/performance/value! Its as roomy as a Pilot on the inside, but gets better overall numbers than the CR-V. Extremely comfortable interior, even for tall/large individuals - Im 63", 235 lbs.). Im already getting mpg in the 26-27 range, and its not even broken in good yet. This is an amazing vehicle that Im positive Ill enjoy for years to come. If youre looking at CR-Vs, stop looking, because Subaru delivers the ultimate SUV!

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  2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XS - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 99excell - October 23 - 11:23 pm

  Bought this new 22 months ago and have approximately 43,000 miles on it. I have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle, which is more than I can say for the new domestic models I have bought over the last thirty years. I average about 27.5 MPG and my annual maintenance costs run about $300. I service it regularly with Mobile 1 synthetic motor oil and have all other maintenance performed by the dealer. I take comfort in the knowledge that it is one of the safest and most reliable vehicles out there and fully expect to replace it, someday, with another one.

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  Great first car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By redrider05 - October 17 - 12:49 pm

  This is my first car, which I got for a steal, considering it has a shocking 192k miles. I was very weary about getting a car with that many miles, but it was the only Subaru available in my budget. Subarus have been in the family for years and I know they are reliable. Whoever had this car before took good care of it. Regular maintenance was done and I found nothing wrong. Ive had her for a few weeks and she runs great. I plan on keeping her maintained enough to get another 100k miles. I love my Forester and now Im making fun of my mother, who drives an Impreza sedan. My car is way cooler then hers.

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  subaru forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By epatrovs - October 16 - 6:36 am

  Great little SUV. Fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.

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  Noisy like a Jeep Wrangler - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By huhwuuuuut? - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My ownership experience was short, and for good reason. This vehicle is deceivingly small, slow to respond to driver input, and extremely noisy. The windows are prone to extreme wind noise, and there is no good fix for it. Autotragic transmission felt as if it was on life support at 50,000 miles. If you have to buy one of these, look for a stick shift. Gas mileage is decent for an AWD vehicle, I think that I averaged 22-23. If you are looking for a roomy family vehicle, keep looking. My old Honda Civic was bigger than this tin can.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By naomi1 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Subaru Forester 2005 for about one month. I was previously driving a dodge caravan which was not great in the snow. I love this car. Great traction, smooth quiet ride, great on gas. Lots of room with the back seats folded down. Easy to drive, I thought it might be slow but it is quite peppy!!

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  the little subaru that could! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By john - August 10 - 8:16 am

  i enjoy driving this truck very much, it has confidence-inspiring handling, great acceleration, and certain fun factor that is unexpected in a small suv. my other car is a 2004 corvette so i value driving fun when i consider a vehicle for purchase. and this subie doest disappoint! fit and finish is great. the wagon has a fine tailored look with supporting comfortable leather heated seats that truly warm your buns! there is plenty of cargo room for all,except perhaps large families going on a long vacation but there is a roof rack to help resolve that issue. ive had subarus in the past and the allwheel driving system is unstoppable in all weather conditions. this is a great car, forget about price points.

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  Great, safe car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By ??? - August 8 - 9:43 am

  This is my 4th Subaru. I need, and can rely on, its all wheel drive. Its very dependable. Nothing bad to say about it except I really dont like the Yokohama tires.

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  Good Value - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Jeferty - August 6 - 10:00 am

  You get a lot for your money with this car. In my price range, with my height, I narrowed the search down to the Subaru and the Nissan Altima. The Forester won hands down with a more solid build, better features, and tons of cargo room.