Overview & Reviews

Noting Forester fans' desire for more power, Subaru adds a turbocharged XT model to the lineup. The XT is essentially a loaded XS with a 210-hp engine replacing the 165-hp motor.

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

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

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 161.00

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  Love this car! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By happyferret - November 19 - 10:40 pm

  We bought our first Subaru three years ago and loved it. When we needed a second car we knew we didnt need the size of another Outback so we checked out the Forester. Its great to drive and fantastic in the snow. My aunt bought a Forester in 2000 and an additional one a few months ago. Our family is committed to the bu.

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  My Forester Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TotalBlank - September 30 - 10:00 am

  First time owner of an SUV/4WD vehicle. Selected the Subaru Forester for its looks and safety record. Really am impressed with the way it handles and the way it hugs the road. Love the way it drives.

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  A superb vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By lamar14850 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  My Subaru Forester XS is totally a thrill to drive! The ride is great, acceleration is more than ample, & it is very comfortable to drive on long trips. I simply love it!

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  Fun Car with Lots of standard features - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By bhamdriver - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We needed a car with power locks and windows since we have small children. We love the safety rating and side impact airbags We went with the Base X and then added on leather and heated seats aftermarket at the local seat shop. much cheaper this way and better quality materials.The pickup is great for a 4cyl and the car sits up much higher than the old Accord which this replaced. Dont hesitate to buy the base model.

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  Love my Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By thetibetan - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Having been a Mercedes M-class owner, I traded for a Subaru 2004 Forester this past August. I have nothing but positives to say about this vehicle! It is far more fun to drive than the M- class, is equally well-built, and very comfortable. The only thing that my Subaru lacks is a built-in control for programming in the garage-door opener. For the price difference, I think I can live with that small failing. I actually am looking forward to a nice snow so that I can try out my go-in-the- snow power. This is no lie-- I have to remind myself to drive my Mercedes C- class and my classic Porsche!

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  An uncovered gem - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By dcisive - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The handling was superb and I enjoy not having the nose dive when braking. The heated seats and entire defrosting system is outstanding in bad weather (even wiper defrosters...who would have thought?) The car is just a blast to drive and I cant wait to get into it in the morning for my commute. When I need to get in front of someone I dont even have to give it a thought..it gets done in a second. The boost of power is simply stunning. The wind noise is lower than my premium Toyota Avalon XLS at highway speeds, and the seats offer more support. All in all I am one happy camper.

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  XT Premium - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By xtpremium - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Traded an 01 Outback for the 04 XT with the Premium package. The vehicle is very comfortable to drive in. The power is amazing. There is nothing I dont like about this car. It handles with precision in all elements, including ice and snow. No other SUV in this class came close to the offerings this has. I also very much like the safety rating based on crash test results. Excellent buy.

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  Tow Beast - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Kavoom - October 30 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had it a year now and gone 24K miles with about 7k of those on camping trips with a small pop up camper running around 1800 lbs loaded. I have a manual transmission. I have been in mountains plains and it drives like a dream, 22 mpg pulling as fast as 75 mph across Nebraska (29 to 31 mpg w/o trailer). I am on my third Subaru and the Forester is the best so far and thats saying something. Best small tow vehicle in U.S.

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  Happy at 5000 miles - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Bill Fitz - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Researched competing models and found Forester to be best value for the money. Bought it as a second car and now it is our favorite. Great for highway and around town. Pulls our boats with no problem. With a luggage box on top carried all our gear, two adults, two kids and a dog across four states and back. Subaru reliability was a big decision factor, being fun to drive cinched the deal.

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  Class Leader - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By drjeff - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one well designed, carefully engineered vehicle. For those who dont need a truck or a sports car, the Forester does everything well. In bad weather, there is nothing safer or more stable under 3 tons! It tracks smoothly in slush, when big SUVs are fishtailing. Reliability is outstanding. Storage compartments are abundant. The seats are comfortable because they are shaped right. The only credible competitors are in the Outback line.