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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  Built for all terrain! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By 2nd Subaru - June 17 - 9:26 am

  This is my 2nd Subaru (other was 1998 Outback) and like it as much as the first. The interior is comfortable and exterior is sharp. I read other reviews about rattles and other annoyances and only have this to say: "If you want a quiet luxury car, spend $50,000 and shut up. If you want a very capable, fun to drive SUV that is an unbelievable value, give the Forester a shot". Firmness of the suspension lets you know that it is truly off-road capable. Engine has enough horses to get you to highway speed quickly. Sure a 5-speed transmission would be great for a little more mileage, but getting power from the engine to the wheels is more important to me than 2 to 3 miles per gallon.

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  Not your fathers Forester - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Ken Schory - June 15 - 6:48 pm

  I have long thought of the Forester as a rather frumpy-looking car with inferior interior materials and ergonomics (my basis for comparison is my beloved 2005 Outback 2.5 XT Limited with a manual transmission). But my 2017 2.0 XT Touring edition of the Forester (with EyeSight) blows away those perceptions. While the exterior design is more purposeful than elegant, it is not at all objectionable, and the interior is a pleasant, rewarding place to pass the miles. In fact, I opted for the Forester over the Outback 3.6R Touring because I prefer the Foresters interior design and ergonomics as well as its performance and handling, which are more responsive and lively (the Outback is nice, but its comparatively sedate). I find the build quality of the Forester to be excellent and its aesthetics appropriate to its go-anywhere character. Ingress and egress are excellent and outward visibility is superb, in contrast to competitive vehicles that have huge blind spots in the rear quarters. The Harmon Kardon audio system is very pleasing, and EyeSight does what its designed to do, very well. The front seats are comfortable, but I wish they had a little more lateral support (because the Forester handles so well) and I wish the passenger seat provided adjustability of height and lumbar support -- significant shortcomings in a vehicle of such overall quality. Also, the tailgate opens and closes rather slowly automatically, but its quick and easy to do so manually, which I usually do. Having owned vehicles with manual transmissions for most of my adult life, I had serious reservations about going to a CVT. Those reservations were confirmed when test-driving competitive vehicles, but Subaru has implemented this technology extremely well, and Im very happy with it, in conjunction with SI-Drive. I highly recommend this vehicle for anyone who values function and usability over style, and people of all ages (Im a "senior") who lead active lifestyles and appreciate a vehicle thats versatile, fun to drive, well built and safe. Yes, the price of this vehicle (loaded, with an extended warranty) approaches $40K, which might strike you as a lot to pay for a Forester, but forget your impressions of previous models; a lot of improvements were made for 2017 (sound deadening, torque vectoring, front-fascia design, steerable LED headlights, interior materials and appointments, etc.), and I consider the 2.0 XT Touring edition of the Forester to be a good value in comparison to competitive offerings. Note that I am still quite new to this car, but after some 1,500 miles, I am so enthusiastic about it that I couldnt wait to post a review. I plan to update this review at a later date if anything changes, although I believe these comments are pretty solid.

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  Forester: Still learning - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Dale Prohaska - June 13 - 11:06 pm

  We had several car choices to tow behind our motorhome. We chose the Forester for quick handling, solid and quiet driving, power and interior room. We have 1000 miles on the vehicle now, still happy with the purchase.

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  AWSOME - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By JPINGY - June 13 - 10:00 am

  AWSOME CAR, AWSOME DEALERSHIP

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  2004 Forester Junk on Wheels - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mike Foley - June 10 - 1:23 am

  This car was rubbish from day one. Brake noise. Faulty converter, hard starting, and the cam shaft and one lifter failed after 12000 miles. For $24K. Do not believe Consumer Reports.

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  Still rolling thru Snow and Ice! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Goldie Dreyer - June 1 - 6:17 pm

  Sally my subaru has been a trooper. I bought at her in 2010 with 115,000 miles and now have 215,000 miles on her. We go everywhere from freeways to off road. My mechanic patiently fixes her oil leaks, a common problem with Subarus, I understand. I make sure I check the oil every fuel fillup. Engine works great, mileage is roughly 21 mpg, combined highway and city. I have replaced brakes, all 4 axles-its a necessary maintenance item with AWD to have them checked periodicly. I bought really good tires at 185,000 miles since I plan to drive her until 300,000. Some rust developing around rear wheel wells, and rusty under carriage. This year I had to replace front shocks at 210 K miles. Overall, a fantastic buy. I will buy another Subaru and keep Sally for my grandkids.

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  love my forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By labno - May 30 - 10:00 am

  great car, good handling and plenty of interior room. Would definitely recommend to others.

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  Dream car - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Emmacat - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Subaru because I wanted a reliable car that could handle getting through the streets during heavy winter snows, and sitting in daily gridlocked traffic for hours on end. So far this car has been up to the task, and is fun to drive as well!

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  My First Subie - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By stsai - May 30 - 12:16 am

  Great car, reliable, handles corners like a sedan, excellent cargo room. Sometimes wish it was a little faster. I am getting more around 21-22 mpg but I do climb a steep hill to go to work every week day. Seats were a little hard for long road trips so we re-upholstered the leather seats with 3 inches of memory foam and it has made a huge difference. Rear door speakers are laughable. Drive smooth, never had a problem. Huge moonroof.

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  The swiss army knife of cars! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By problemcat13 - May 28 - 1:16 am

  Want a wagon to haul stuff? Want to do some light off-roading? Want to smoke that 350Z sitting at the light next to you? The Forester can do it all! I am on my second Forester and am now a die-hard Subaru fan. My 04 XT is a nicely put together vehicle with nice materials, but most importantly, smoking performance. I smile just thinking about pushing my Foz through the corners and speeding away from lights. I like it, my kids like it, and even the wife likes to take it out for a spin! Reliability, style, utility, performance... you cant go wrong!