Overview & Reviews

Subaru's well-regarded Forester crossover sport-ute has been completely redesigned to be an even more enjoyable addition to your family. Engineers have given the tall wagon more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content -- all while keeping exterior dimensions the same and reducing the curb weight by 90 pounds.

• Standard all-wheel drive, availability of upscale features, high safety scores.

• Only one engine choice, price can be higher than most of the competition.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 163.00

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  Good Car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By billreed63 - December 21 - 9:06 pm

  The car has had excellent reliability. The gas mileage could be better based on the cars size and engine performance. The carpet is very poor. We already have a hole in the carpet from wear.

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  Highly recommended. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Martind - November 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought new due to a dearth or nearly- new Foresters; glad we did now. Love the car. Feels rock-solid and unbreakable. Surprisingly quiet and comfortable with excellent features such as climate control, heated seats, etc. Dealer was very patient (I took my time deciding) and helpful. Handling is confidence-inspiring and new design tasteful. Would definitely recommend the car to anyone who has pets or needs a car with utility and not the price/fuel consumption of the larger SUVs.

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  looks tougher than it is - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Jimmy - July 23 - 8:30 pm

  Nice ride, good mileage and easy getting in and out. Not too quiet from the outside. The steering was off a bit after 500 miles because I went over a 2 foot high pile of dirt. A side view mirror cracked cracked in half on a winter night. The back seat is for little people only. The brakes didnt last too long either, it pulled to the right every stop after 10,000 miles.

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  2003 vs 2002 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Nova Tony - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Weve had a 2002 Forester S Premium for a little over two years; and like it so much that we recently replaced our other car with a 2003 XS with the premium leather package. Both are auto trans. Drove the 2003 from Virginia up to Acadia Maine and spent a month driving in Maine and Western Massachusetts (3000 miles). No complaints, very similar to the prior model (which is an excellent vehicle) except for a flaw in the drivers seat adjustment mechanism.

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  Totally reliable, but a bit spartan. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Jon P - July 21 - 11:03 pm

  I did a great deal of research on mid-size SUVs and narrowed my choices to the 2003 CRV or the 2003 Forester. After 4 years and 45K of driving I think I may never buy anything but a Subaru again. The car handles any weather condition you can throw at it with ease. Snow, rain, ice, sub-zero temps. The car behaves well in any element. Most importantly though the car just runs well with no major mechanic or electrical problems to date. Certainly there are some minor, mostly aesthetic and comfort changes I would welcome. However this car has earned my trust and has been an excellent ambassador for the Subaru line-up. The best vehicle purchase I have ever made.

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  2003 Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dan Stosuy - April 18 - 4:50 pm

  Generally happy with the comfort, driveability, economy, and utility of the vehicle. However, three complaints in order of severity: 1- In the winter, once the cabin has warmed to the selected temperature, the climate control system blows cold air on your face and hands, and super heated air on your feet. Subaru has not acknowledged that this is a problem. 2- Wind noise around the drivers window, and 3- the tires wear fast, have poor snow traction, and are noisy. Also, their size results in a speedometer and odometer error of nearly two percent. Think about that when your warranty runs out 700 miles before it should.

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  Wow - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By StevieB - February 2 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Ive had it for 3 weeks and have been averaging 34 mpg on the highway! Fun to drive, MONSTER sunroof. Very nimble on the road. Used to own a Loyale wagon; reliability was great. Safety ratings are very good. Check it out.

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  I like - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Ala - November 22 - 1:33 am

  My ex was an 86 Tarago GLI van that can get bogged on a football field, yet I was able to force it to go into 4WD territory mainly cos of the ground clearance. Subaru AWD is awesome, and the comfort level is a huge step for me in all respects. Being an 03 model the head gasket was done before I purchased it at 160K. Its is a manual with lo-range. Tearing off in lo-range there are no wheelies, just a rocket forward up a steep slope. Handling in the dirt or on the tar is impeccable. Anti-lok brakes are a welcome novelty. The 2.5 L boxer is edgy and free-revving making this a drivers vehicle. Handles like a well mannered car, better than the cars I drive. Love it

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  Very nice vehicle - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By EWG - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Test drove and priced several other comparable models, but none matched the Forester for features and overall performance. I drive mostly highway and it has lots of pep for a 4 cyl. Anyone in the market for a small SUV/crossover should test drive the Forester.

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  Piston Slap - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Duke - May 23 - 1:00 pm

  Bought the Subie a month ago with 62K on the OD. The boxer engines are prone to piston slap and mine was no exception. I bought it stipulating that the piston slap would be remedied and it was (valves were adjusted).The car does what its supposed to do - gets you around with decent gas mileage and sure-footedness in inclement weather. This suv is 6 years old and I am confidant I will still be driving it 6 years from now.