Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 217.00

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  Brilliant service people. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - December 29 - 12:30 am

  Well, to start I should mention I put reliability low because the service people are idiots. Brought the forester in for a checkup and oil change, comes back with 2L too much oil - we discovered after the engine blew. Car is good, interior is pretty nice although leather stretched quickly. Stereo pretty well stinks considering its premium - nice that it doesnt get scratchy at high volume, although its stupid that out of 40 knotches, its not reasonably loud until about 30. Also fuel economy is hardly a selling feature once owned, not good in city at all. I have a 310HP pickup that gets better mileage, although tank is 20L larger, still gets about 400-600km per tank, forester barely hits 400.

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  Sensible choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By 1stsubie - December 20 - 8:30 pm

  Upgraded from a 2003 Focus station wagon with leather and moon roof – I was looking for something practical, competent and reliable. Found it in the spacious Forester. Just would have wished road feel less SUV. Nevertheless, the Forester beats its competitors’ handling and demeanor. So far drove 900 miles in city and on a trip to Texas Hill Country. 3 adults plus driver very pleased with comfort during 5 hours road trip. Noise level remains low under 80 mph. AWD shines on wet roads. AC is more than sufficient for Texan heat. Lots of goodies for colder climates. Positively surprised by fuel consumption (comparable to old Focus).

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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Tom - December 11 - 5:36 pm

  Ive never owned a Subaru before and I can see why most people who own them think they are great. I cant say anything bad about it and with the snow that we have had in the midwest this winter, I am very impressed by how well it handles deep snow. I have owned several Jeeps and it is every bit as good in the snow as any Jeep I have ever owned, but with much better fuel economy. This is the best suv bargain out there.

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  One month, 2500 miles - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steve - November 17 - 9:33 am

  This is my third Subaru. Have had 05 Outback 2.5 and 06 Tribeca. My biggest complaint -- regulating the heat is virtually impossible! I dont like a lot of heat coming out but you either get none, or way too much. I also do not like the materials used in the interior, I am sure they will show wear and tare shortly. The seats are fine, I am talking more about the trim on door panels, etc. The center console is not the greatest either. Actual MPG since I purchased vehicle 24.2, per computer 24.4. I hope when vehicle broken in it will improve somewhat. Exterior is great, lots of room on inside. One more thing, cabin could be a little quieter. Too noisy on the highway.

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  New To Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Camrytimes2 - November 16 - 12:53 pm

  Decided to buy a Subaru after owning 3 Hondas and 3 Toyotas. Moved to the top of a very steep "second gear up" hill 2 years ago and wanted AWD. Have had the Forester for 2 months and the quality seems to be quite good. Snow season passed prior to purchase, but have driven my sisters 2007 Forester in the snow and it was a transcendent experience. Handles well in corners and on highway. Highway MPG is about 28. Engine isnt a powerhouse during hill-climbing around town, but no complaint here with such good MPG figures.

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  Forester - 4cyl 4 Speed?? - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ceejaymac - November 10 - 6:03 am

  Can a 4 cylinder (none turbo) 4 speed automatic do the job? Yes it can. 4 adults and luggage cruising at 120 km/hr without any effort. For the price the Forester is the best value in a 4 wheel drive SUV. For the reviewer who complained about lack of cup holders - there are 8 cup holders, how many drinks do you need?

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  Our First "Family" Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By surprisinglythrilled - October 27 - 4:50 am

  This car (more of a cross-over with the re-design)is beyond my expectations. Every person we know who owns a Subaru stands behind its quality and performance. I fell in love with the new look and the all-wheel drive for less than $25k. There is lots of room in back for the infant seat and my husband enjoys the all-weather package. I also treasure the car-like trunk as I found that mini-vans had a lot of vertical space but not enough horizontal space for grocery bags and trips to the home improvement store. Already getting better mileage than my former V-6 two door coupe!

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  Truly a fun car to own and drive - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By azn8tive - October 21 - 10:56 am

  Very pleased with our 09 Forester. Easy to drive impressive in winter conditions so far as AWD is even more impressive than the write ups have mentioned. Ride is smooth and quiet. Interior is functional and moderately styled. Only think I would do different with this is add the iPod interface. Other than that, truly a great car.

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  Smart Buy - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kent - October 17 - 5:26 am

  Good value, drives more car like than truck like. Car drives well and has good power with turbo. A person could get buy with out turbo,but may be a little under powered for some. Gas mileage avg 19-21 mpg back and forth to work. Transmission and all wheel drive work fine. Hood scoop and chrome like pedals and foot rest are a little kiddish on a Forester. People looking at Forester would want power passenger seat more. Good handling for SUV, seems nimble. Rear window overhang creates more dust and dirt on window and would be better without that design. Traded in BMW 325xi which is the most overrated car I have ever driven. Glad I purchased Forester over Toyota or Hondas equiv.

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  Subie Forester XT Limited - ROCKS! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Cap232 - October 12 - 2:43 am

  Looked at everything from the new Maxima, Ford Flex,CRV,CX9 etc., name it I probably drove it. Went to the Subie dealer about three months ago, test drove all the above after my Subie dealer visit and measured price per feature, performance,safety, durability and cost(overall value). Each time the Subaru Forester XT Limited came back to the top and I went to drive again. Having owned several in Colorado, and took them all over 200K this Newport Blue Pearl became an easy choice with Consumer Reports recommended list pushing me along. The Turbo is not push you in the back of the seat turbo, just an "oh my gosh" I am at 60mph already turbo. Traded my Honda in for it and never looked back.