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-
From Volvo XC70 to Subaru Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
By Denver D - May 28 - 8:53 amJust let my 04 Volvo XC70 go off lease and picked up an 08 Forester and am very happy with the decision. Where I drove the Volvo, the Subaru I just drive; Im much more in tune with the road, and quite happy with less mass to maneuver (especially parallel parking). My daughter drove it yesterday and commented "Its like driving a go cart!" My wife is on her second of two Foresters, so I knew what I was getting. Hers have been the base model; I am SO glad I spent the extra $1500 on the Premium package. Shes already put dibs on the 08 when I move on in two years! Its a no nonsense, supremely competent runabout, with the carrying capacity of a small van.
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Great little SUV, most everything in one - 2008 Subaru Forester
By Rickshift - January 5 - 9:50 pmI have 500 miles on my new Forester, so far I love it! Good power, 25 MPG mixed driving before break-in period, quick & sure handling and that hill holder function is seamless when I use it. The clutch and shift are hands down the smoothest Ive ever driven, pleasant, easy manual to drive.The ride is comfy, heated seats are nice, the moon roof is awesome, stereo wth 6 CD is nice. The ride over washboard pavement is just a little hard but it floats over RR tracks with comfort and control and takes corners and clover leafs like a bear. Its an undercover sports car dressed up like a little SUV, winter ready. The PZEV rating is a nice plus for global non warming. Will rerate 5K,10K.
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Subaru For Life!! - 2008 Subaru Forester
By Subaru For Life!! - June 16 - 8:23 amWOW My first AWD. Loving it more & more everyday. I am hooked on Subaru for life. I really dont know why I didnt look at Subaru earlier in life.
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I love my car - 2008 Subaru Forester
By Audrey - August 2 - 11:50 pmMy husband and I really love this car. It is the first Subaru weve owned, and well probably keep buying Subaru cars forever if they are like this one. Weve had it for 2 years, I love the turning radius on it (I can make u- turns on really narrow streets). Its easy to handle.
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Great Car but get the Turbo - 2008 Subaru Forester
By alan akselrad - April 9 - 3:10 amI have had some great cars, but, never one that was so perfect on all fronts. The turbo is great for city driving and fun on the highway. The car from 0-60 in 6 seconds/ and has great brakes. Btw-that speed is my old 1995 BMW M3 speed. The cost/ safety factor/ reliability is great. It had not let me down ever. And costs little to maintain. It has a really good sound system/ great visibility/ great on gas/ great on interior storage. I am never afraid of getting stuck in the snow.
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Cant get this car any more; too bad - 2008 Subaru Forester
By osvolant - January 8 - 6:10 pmI love the turbo engine. Getting 24 mpg routinely in suburban/highway driving. Leather seats in Limited trim very comfortable and main reason I didnt buy the Sport. Noisy at highway speeds. Very practical for light off-roading, trailer towing, hauling bikes, dogs, etc. with enough zip to make it fun (more sports car than SUV feel). Good in snow and mud, even towing trailer. Manual trans not available with turbo in 09- glad I got mine.
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On my radar since 98 - 2008 Subaru Forester
By B Noble - October 1 - 4:03 amFinally, my 95 manual VW Jetta got tired and I could finally get my dream car, that I first saw debuted in 98 at the NYC auto show. It fit me like a glove. Im (52") and the drivers seat can be raised significantly with a touch of a power lever. Last April when I went looking to buy, I almost had a heart attack when I realized that the design of the 09 was seriously changed (not for the better) and it was bigger I didnt need bigger. I went hunting and had to purchase MY 08 a state away to get the one I wanted. I now have 3,000 miles on it and get 26+ mpg avg. It rides like a dream and I love the style of the dash board above all other new cars (including the Forester 09s).
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Best Car Ever Owned - 2008 Subaru Forester
By Michigan Winters - July 25 - 6:40 amThis car is absolutely fantastic. My Wife and I were looking for an AWD or 4x4 vehicle that could handle our tough Michigan Winters. Along with that, we LOVE to travel. This car fits the bill - it can outhandle snowy roads/ slushy roads/ muddy roads better than any truck or sports utility vehicle I know of. Add the fact that I average around 28 mpg and its quite the vehicle. Its built with extreme quality, which in itself makes it look expensive. It doesnt need the fancy bells and whistles.
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Subaru Newbie - 2008 Subaru Forester
By SubaruMum - May 9 - 5:23 pmDrives like a dream and holds to the road well. Drove the WV mountains back roads and had a blast. Many curves and a lot of up and down hill travel. Good mileage, 29 mpg on this trip. Hope to do better on flat ground. Still breaking the car in.
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First Time Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
By pico - March 20 - 3:30 pmBest driving "small SUV" of the RAV4, CRV bunch, even with base engine. There is no comparison. Even in base X form the handling is awesome, confidence inspiring. Turns are crisp, stopping/starting all great. Drove both XT and normally aspirated and was pleasantly surprised with the pull of the base engine. Interior is also roomier than expected, back seat is roomy enough if the front seats arent pushed all the way back but even if they are I feel I have just enough legroom with front seats at maximum travel. Love the height of the cabin plus the tall stance. And in terms of AWD systems, there is no comparison (especially with these Colorado winters weve been having).
