Overview & Reviews

Changes are minimal for the 2008 Subaru Forester. Stability control is now standard on all turbocharged models equipped with an automatic transmission, and Subaru has shuffled the equipment among the Forester's many trim levels. One notable change is the L.L. Bean model's loss of its self-leveling rear suspension, which increased the pressure of the shock absorbers to compensate for heavy loads.

• Peppy base engine, seriously fast in turbocharged XT trim, carlike ride and handling, standard all-wheel drive, reassuring crash test scores.

• Scarce rear legroom, too much road and wind noise, automatic transmission is slow to downshift.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 34.00

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  Subaru Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By gerri - August 27 - 11:03 am

  I am so happy with my Forester. It is just as good as I expected it to be. Drives beautifully, albeit a bit noisy. It is a basic straightforward auto. No luxuries, just safety and a good old fashioned "able to see from all angles" car. Absolutely no blind spots... good for us height challenged souls. I adore my suv/car crossover. It fits my bill. My puppies also have plenty of room.

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  Accelerator Problem - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Sylvia Lucy - April 8 - 5:13 pm

  There is one annoying problem that spoils the overall positive driving experience. The vehicle speeds up and slows down constantly while I try to hold a steady highway speed. The dealership ship says all the newer Foresters do that because of the computer settings. Subaru has made a flash program change computer settings for Imprezas that exhibited this problem but havent gotten around to make a fix for the 2008 and 2009 Forester. I would suggest waiting until they have this problem solved before buying one.

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  2nd Subaru Forester for Me - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Michele - October 14 - 2:30 am

  I really like the premium package. My first Forester did not have it. The premium package makes it feel like a luxury car, but the price I paid for it did not! Since the Forester has been around for several years, the familiar technology made me feel more comfortable knowing I wasnt buying a new model or redesigned model that may have had problems. The other car makes I considered before purchasing the Subaru had too many recalls. The Subaru is fun to drive.

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  Great car. - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By cranky consumer - September 3 - 1:23 pm

  700 miles in. Seats are comfortable on 2hr+ drives. Cargo space is great. MPG is reasonable. Sunroof noise is fine at 65 and only gets annoying at ~80. The visibility is fantastic.

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  A good solid B+ - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By walorado - March 27 - 11:10 pm

  Had a Subaru or two along the way, and decided on the 08 Premium because of a value package. Great vehicle with a couple of small hiccups. Had a minor issue with the AC but was resolved under warranty. Replaced the drivers door speaker 3 times, also under warranty. In fact, the stereo is a real weak point in the car for me. Really lame speakers, and I paid for the "upgrade." Seats are comfortable and fit my rather copious rump easily. Plenty peppy even here in the high country of Colorado. AWD system is very good, but the 2008 model lacks stability control. Without it, the cars rear end can slip out if you arent careful in the snow. Id buy the car again, though.

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  Great Subaru - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Carter - January 11 - 9:23 pm

  Love this car. Right before the major 2009 redesign they were making the nicest Forester they could. Everything about the car feels tight and smooth. I had a 2002 Outback before this car, and this car is much better. The automatic and the 4 cyl. engine feel strong compared to the Outbacks weak, noisy 4 cyl. and jerky manual transmission. The interior feels premium, with just a few hard plastics to distract. Interior like a greenhouse with panoramic sunroof; bright and cheery in beige.

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  My first SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Jan - November 4 - 7:26 am

  I purchased my very first new vehicle ever just a couple of days ago and I think it is wonderful. I havent had it long enough to really comment on the gas mileage but my old car only got 15 miles/gal so this is a dream. The SUV handles very well and my children love it. It has plenty of room my husband is a very large man about 350 lb. And he fits in the vehicle just fine. I would recommend them to anyone.

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  Forester SXT after 600 miles - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Dan - May 6 - 5:43 am

  I have enjoyed the Forester over the first +600 miles. The Sports XT trim level changes the overall appearance of a Forester very nicely. Many cool STi features, like wheels, spoilers, pedals, etc. The turbo is a blast! I am getting 23 MPG using premium, but I also flex the turbo at every opportunity. Build quality seems good, the car runs pretty quiet overall, and reliability is rumored to be very good.

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  Cool blue - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By AC - August 1 - 2:13 pm

  First SUV ever owned, needed something versatile for small family. Went to get a 2007 leftover and got a good deal on a 2008. Drives very well, was pleasantly surprised by handling on winding roads during test drive. Has small exterior dimensions but has well designed and comfortable interior. Got the WR blue and realized that it resembles Thomas the train which my son loves.

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  Not Fancy but dependable - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Soyoung Chung - August 30 - 10:26 pm

  I waited for 2 years to review to avoid premature review. Finally, I feel comfortable to say "Yes, it is very dependable and reliable". I dont feel stylish nor luxurious, however very humble and sort of old friend. As other review, engine sounds a bit loud and when I accelerate, response is a little slow/hesitant. Although I am not driving the fastest car...I will be on time and safe! Thats all that counts!!! Thank you "SUBARU".