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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  After One Year - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By downsouth1 - March 3 - 10:17 am

  I have owned my 2011 Subaru Forester Limited for one year now. Here are the facts: Fun to drive Good gas mileage (getting around 22 in town and 28 on highway if not loaded down). My wife has the 2011 outback and gets even better mileage but it has the CVT transmission instead of the Foresters 4 speed transmission. Waiting for Subaur to change the transmission in the Forester. Rating: Consumer Reports (which I trust) rates the vehicle very high and is one of the reasons I purchased the Forester. The other influencing factor was the AWD. Ride: I found the ride to be good and I am satisfied with it. Quality: The interiors materials and the exteriors metal not so good.

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  Q Ship - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By REDNEB - March 1 - 2:00 am

  this is without a doubt the most amazing sleeper i have ever owned. handling is above average for a crossover and acceration im pressive particularly over 3500 rpm. the interior seems well concieved and of high quality. shift & clutch are smooth, making double clutching easy. overall a remarkable and practical vehicle.

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  03 Forester XS Auto Premi - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By gmginsfo - March 1 - 2:00 am

  At just over 9K miles, Im pretty happy with my Forester so far. The mileage continues to improve, and I enjoy driving it wherever I go. At times it seems sluggish, but thats probably just me driving too miserly!

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  Good, but not Great - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By taxguy - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Rides great, handles great, looks good. Handles rain and snow without a problem and is comfortable to drive or be a front seat passanger. Has decent amount of power (more powerful and quieter than CRV and RAV4). It also has a lot of cargo room. Whoever designed the interior should look for a new job. The back seat is cramped and cannot move back and forth or recline. The drink holder is in the worst spot possible (except if they put it in front of the instrument cluster). Also, the gas mileage, while not bad, is NOT what it states on the sticker. Overall a great car and a great value, just wish they would follow the CRV interior.

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  GREAT SUV TO DRIVE, BUY, OWN! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By D. Pysh - February 26 - 5:10 am

  I have only driven this car 4000 miles so far. We did take it up to Canada and had no problems. Handles great especially on curves and hills. Good gas mileage. I have always driven a v8 and this is my first 4 cylinder. For all you drivers out there with long legs this just might be the vehicle for you! The Forester really surprised me. This was one major plus for me purchasing this SUV. Ive turned down tons of vehicles due to front seat leg room. And the back seat leg room doesnt matter much anyway with me driving. The moon roof is huge, lots of storage, bells and whistles a plus. Only gripe is no auto door locks. Have to keep reminding myself to lock the doors. Ill adjust because car is great.

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  Not as good as I hoped - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By musiclvr1 - February 26 - 3:31 am

  6 months and 11k miles so far. own 3 other vehicles that are also driven on the same roads, parked in the same place, etc. only car with a cracked windshield? the forester. only car with hail damage? the forester. I almost 6 ft tall, and can not find a comfortable position. No telscoping wheel really sucks, as I have long legs and unless the seat is fully back, my legs are cramped if driving for any length of time, but then my arms are held nearly straight out to reach the wheel. I think the body is made of foil instead of sheat metal, recent light hail storm left 18 dents in the car. my other cars, not a single dent. radio is horrible, interior plastic feels cheaper every day.

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  A car with longevity! - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Aurelio - February 23 - 5:50 am

  Investigate options and incentives being offered, so you won’t be over charged. The Subaru Forester is a great automobile, excellent rating for safety, roomy, versatile, and back seats lay flat for large cargo. My last Subaru Forester lasted fifteen years and I just purchased a 2018 Subaru Forester I expect it to last another fifteen years!

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  Buy one you will love it - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Moondog - February 21 - 9:56 pm

  In the small SUV vehicles I found the Forester to be the best buy and it is very reliable. I have owned Subarus before and can vouch for this.

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  Best auto Ive ever purchased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By subfamily - February 19 - 8:40 pm

  I did a lot of research and test driving when my wife and decided to purchase a new vehicle. After months of searching I was at the end of my rope and about to settle on Ford Escape. Then I saw an ad for the new 2009 Forester, at first I thought who the heck drives a Subaru? Out of desperation I went to the Subaru dealership sat down in the LL Bean addition and fell in love! Right away you realized how much roomier the Forester was than other small SUVs and the lumbar support was great for my back. I took it for a test drive and was sold. It handled great (love the AWD) the moon roof was huge!

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  My 1st Forester - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By peteyg - February 19 - 3:24 am

  Im overall very happy, but truly not head over heals. Initial throttle is a bit too anxious; it launches forward just pulling out of parking spot or at a red light, so Im training myself to press lightly on the pedal. Front seats: comfortable but wish they were deeper, they lack side support. Biggest disappointment: sound quality; its a Limited so I thought it would have been better. Sound mainly comes from lower front doors; sounds tinny & the bass response is awful. I repeat my favorite songs & Ive loved how my tunes sounded in my previous Jetta & Sorento (with base audio pkg) deep base and balanced in mid to high volumes, w/ Forester bass gets weaker & speakers crackle as vol goes up.