Overview & Reviews

The Subaru Forester debuted in the late 1990s as an option for consumers interested in the emerging segment of compact SUVs. Essentially a tall station wagon with all-wheel drive (AWD), the original Forester offered buyers the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but because it shared its basic platform architecture with Subaru's Impreza, it had the ride and driving characteristics of a small station wagon. That meant it was pretty nimble for a utility vehicle, yet it could still handle inclement weather and the occasional trip to the trailhead.

The more recent Subaru Foresters, including the newest generation, are more in line with established crossover SUV design. They're larger, roomier and less wagonlike than earlier Foresters and have nicer interiors, though the design is still fairly utilitarian compared with some of the trendier cabin decors in this class. New or used, though, the Forester offers buyers strengths such as easy maneuverability, sure-footed handling in slippery weather, available turbocharged power and solid build quality. It's worth considering if you're shopping for a small crossover SUV.

Current Subaru Forester
Redesigned for the 2014 model year, the Subaru Forester (now in its fourth generation) is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV. Compared to the previous generation, this Forester is slightly roomier and nicer-looking inside. It's also more fuel efficient.

The Forester is available in six trim levels that are split into 2.5i and 2.0XT models. The 2.5i models use a naturally aspirated horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower. Shoppers have their choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive is standard. For more performance the 2.0XT models use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 250 hp. All 2.0XT models come with the CVT.

Standard equipment on all versions includes cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an iPod/USB interface with an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium trim levels add alloy wheels, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, an eight-way power driver seat and a six-speaker sound system. Limited models add automatic headlights, a power rear liftgate, automatic climate control (single-zone), leather upholstery and reclining rear seats.

Top-of-the-line Touring models come standard with a navigation system (optional on most other trims), upgraded gauges, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker sound system. An optional Driver Assist Technology package adds adaptive cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, xenon headlamps and Subaru's EyeSight system, which integrates lane departure warning and frontal collision warning/mitigation systems.

The newest Forester stays true to its roots, with a roomy cabin and ample cargo space. The seats are soft but supportive and the ride is fairly plush, so it's comfortable whether you're commuting to work in town or going on a lengthy highway road trip. Forester 2.5i models provide respectable power and fuel economy, though the engine does get a little raucous at high rpm. The 2.0XT, meanwhile, is one of the quickest small crossovers in its class. Above-average off-road ability is another plus to the Forester. As for downsides, the main ones are lackluster on-road handling abilities and the optional touchscreen system, which we've found slow to respond and difficult to navigate.

Overall, however, the latest Subaru Forester stands up well to best-selling competitors from Ford, Honda and Toyota.

Used Subaru Forester Models
The third-generation Subaru Forester was introduced for the 2009 model year and was produced through 2013. Bigger and roomier than the previous Forester, it officially became a crossover SUV whereas before it was often considered a tall wagon. Though the engines and transmissions were little changed from the previous generation, this Forester offered a higher-quality cabin.

It came in multiple trim levels split into 2.5X and 2.5XT models, which denoted the engine under the hood. For power, the 2.5X models featured a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with 170 hp. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission were offered. The XT models got a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine rated at 224 hp. All XTs came with the automatic, and all Foresters were all-wheel drive.

The base model was decently equipped with full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and Bluetooth. Stepping up to the Premium trims added items like alloy wheels, a sunroof and reclining rear seatbacks. The upper Limited and Touring trims were equipped with such items as xenon headlamps, a rearview camera, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, a navigation system and an upgraded stereo.

We liked this generation of Forester for its crisp steering and tight turning circle, which made it surprisingly maneuverable in close quarters. It also benefited from basic off-road abilities that are typical among Subarus and one of the most comfortable rides in the segment. The 2.5X models had unremarkable acceleration at best, while 2.5XT models (with the turbocharged engine) were rather swift. Both had below-par fuel economy, though.

The second-generation Subaru Forester was produced from 2003-'08. Although it didn't look much different from the previous version, improvements included more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content.

Performance for the second-generation Forester ranged from adequate to exciting. Most Foresters sold from 2003-'05 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 165 hp, while the 2004 and '05 XT models featured a 210-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. This model was a hoot to drive, especially when fitted with the five-speed manual gearbox. From 2006 and later, the standard Forester engine made 173 hp, while the turbocharged XT version swelled to 230 horses.

Originally, this Forester came in base 2.5X and upgraded XS trims, with the XT (later XT Limited) arriving for 2004 and the XS L.L. Bean trim for '05. The latter was a bit fancier thanks to some extra features and special styling details. The XS was replaced a year later by the X Premium Package, followed for 2007 by new models known as Sports X and Sports XT. Despite all these trim name changes and additions, the XT never wavered from being the more powerful and better equipped Forester.

In reviews, our editors praised this Subaru Forester for its peppy performance, classy cabin and sharp handling. Consumer comments were mostly favorable as well, with many owners noting the vehicle's comfortable seats, the sure-footed nature of the AWD system, generous stowage and large moonroof. Downsides to this model include sluggish response from the automatic transmission, more road noise than expected and a stiffer ride than many competitors of the day.

The first-generation Subaru Forester bowed in 1998. With SUV-like styling cues on its tall wagon body and the confidence-inspiring grip of its all-wheel drive, the original Forester was an instant hit. Performance from Subaru's 165-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was snappy for the time, and back then, it packed the most power you could get in a small SUV. Other strong points for the original Forester include comfortable seats, plenty of storage options, impressive crash test scores and composed handling that shamed its rivals of the day, including the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

As this generation ran toward its end point (2002), it received improvements such as upgraded engine performance (the torque rating went up) and additional luxury appointments (including leather seating). The lack of major changes required to keep the first-generation Forester viable underscores the fact that Subaru got it right the first time.

User Reviews:

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  New Forester- Very nice re-design - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Runnin - July 1 - 7:13 pm

  Compared to the old design, this is much larger, more quiet, smoother, substantially more comfortable, higher up. More mainstream look. More SUV then jacked-up wagon now.

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  5,000 Mile Update - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By fandango - July 1 - 2:27 pm

  Now that Ive had my Forester long enough to be well acquainted, I thought I would leave an update. So far Im impressed with the overall performance, ride, quality and features. Im averaging just over 30mpg in 80/20 highway driving and I am quite impressed by the performance of the CVT transmission -- and I was always a manual transmission driver before this. Its no sports car (like my old Impreza), but it is generally comfortable, smooth-riding, relatively quiet and it handles pretty well for the SUV that it is. Its an excellent family-sized vehicle and a great value.

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  2001 Forester - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By P J Tramdack - July 1 - 12:43 am

  The car just went over 160,000. So far the head gaskets have had to be replaced (this was the subject of a recall) and the front axle was replaced. The check engine light has been on since 60,000. Apparently this means nothing. The Forester is excellent on the icy roads of NW Pennsylvania. It feels very well made. Overall the car has been very good and I will probably buy another one. I think I got my moneys worth.

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  Will know more in 5 years - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Alfred Letellier - June 30 - 5:55 pm

  Weve owned the car for less than a month, so we cant rate any reliability categories, but it is comfortable with nice features and an almost reasonable price compared to other new vehicles in its class... of course, theyre all overpriced. Sure would like to see a warranty that matches the claims of reliability, like a 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper.

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  Oz Subaru experience - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Martin Berry - June 29 - 10:16 pm

  The Forester is great, traveling nicely on a recent trip to Cairns [about 3000 miles]. Gear shift is easy to use, the 2.5 petrol engine has plenty of grunt and the reinforced suspension is much stiffer than the old version. I like the versatility, storing lots of stuff in the back, carrying canoes on the top, driving long distances listening to CDs or the stereo etc. It is nearly as good as my wifes Outback, so that is saying something!

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  Dont buy this car with automatic transmission - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By vladikt - June 29 - 4:08 pm

  I am extremely disappointed with the ride quality. Ive owed my 2011 Forester for 5 months now and I could never get use to the disgusting clunky transmission. It is unbelievable how in 2011 Subaru still cant supply a nice smooth transmission. Before this Forester I owned Impreza with manual 5 speed and I could shift smoother than Forester with Automatic. Its a joke, it down shifts when it doesnt have to and upshifts when it shouldnt. Like right before the full stop, all of the sudden it upshifts and it feels like it skids. Completely retarded! I was all hyped up when I test drove the car and everything felt perfect.

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  Biased on subarus, but lessons learned - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Cautious fan - June 28 - 8:26 pm

  I learned to drive on a Subaru and am somewhat biased. What I have learned is that Suabarus in general can be reliable cars most of the time. I bought my 98 Forester w/ 125k miles and had minor mechanical issues, 2 CV joint replacements and a new thermostat. However, a year ago many major issues popped up, including major repair on the front end and rear rotors. Now the automatic transmission is shifting hard into and out of 1st gear plus a bent rod makes a lot of noise during start-ups. The handling is sound and AWD works beautifully, many chances to hydroplane but the wheels caught the road instantly. Low profile feels like youre driving a car but with twice the cargo room.

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  Fantastic car, but needs rear legroom - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Mike - June 28 - 6:40 pm

  We bought this car because we needed extra room for a new baby which would be born a few months later. When we bought it we loved just about everything about it. The ride is terrific, the moonroof is the biggest Ive seen, the climate control is great. Once we had our baby, we were in for a big surprise - the rear seats are terrible for infant car seats! I tried putting the new infant seat in behind the driver seat (our older daughters seat is behind the passenger) and the only way it would fit was if I moved the seat so far forward and so far upright that it was no longer comfortable to drive. So now the infant seat is behind the passenger so the passenger will have to suffer.

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  Safe and Sound - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By college dad - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Car handles like a champ. Quiet and roomy enough to travel with a college student. Decent power and fuel economy

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  A Swiss knife of car - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Bilbo Baggins - June 17 - 7:33 pm

  Versatile, reliable & reasonable in every respect. It will get you there in safety & comfort if not necessarily in style.