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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  Good for the money - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By kw_co - May 30 - 8:47 pm

  I have the 6 speed manual and got about 30 mpg on the highway with average speed of 75 mph. Put 3500 miles on it in the first two weeks (road trip). Drove down the Pacific Highway (CA 1) and it handled pretty well. It was a little underpowered going up steep hills in the Rockies (had to change down to 4th), but thats not why I bought it, as I will do 99.99% of my driving on the flat. It did OK in San Francisco though, with a lower speed limit in 2nd. Its mainly intended as a runabout which will get me through the odd snow day. It serves that purpose extremely well.

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  Love my Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By thetibetan - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Having been a Mercedes M-class owner, I traded for a Subaru 2004 Forester this past August. I have nothing but positives to say about this vehicle! It is far more fun to drive than the M- class, is equally well-built, and very comfortable. The only thing that my Subaru lacks is a built-in control for programming in the garage-door opener. For the price difference, I think I can live with that small failing. I actually am looking forward to a nice snow so that I can try out my go-in-the- snow power. This is no lie-- I have to remind myself to drive my Mercedes C- class and my classic Porsche!

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By DM - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got mine in Feb 2001, It handles great, the features are terrific and also at a great price. Heated seats, heated wipers, 6 CD Changer etc. The AWD system is excellent and gives one a lot of confidence while driving in any kind of weather. Once I had very low fuel and left the vehicle in snow for 2 complete days, and the Forester started after a little chugging at an outside temperature of 2 degrees Faranheit !!!, I was impressed. A definite Value for Money vehicle

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  From Volvo XC70 to Subaru Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Denver D - May 28 - 8:53 am

  Just 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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  Ill never buy another Subaru! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By lizlubee - May 26 - 2:33 am

  My Forester was purchased new and always received scheduled services and oil changes. It had very low mileage (<97,000 miles) and was in terrific condition (or so I thought). I recently learned it had a leaking head gasket (a notorious Subaru problem), 2 bad rear wheel bearings, and leaking oil pan. It also needed a new catalytic converter according to my mechanic. Well, any car that disintegrates before 100,000 miles is not worthy of my attention so I (in very short order) traded it in. I now have a 2014 Mazda CX 5 which is ten times the car my old Forester ever was!

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  SERIOUS WORD OF WARNING REGARDING FORESTER - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By gedmage1 - May 24 - 7:33 pm

  Take my word for it, the VERY worst thing about this vehicle, at least in SW Ohio, is: YOU CANNOT GET ONE. Kid wrecked my car (2006 Escape) 3 weeks ago. Immediately went to a Subaru dealer to look (first time owner), the dealer had 12-20 on the lot, every color, option, etc. Went back 8 days later ready to buy: There were ZERO on the lot, 5 in the back fresh off the truck, couldnt buy those cause they were already sold. At another dealer: Stopped because we were in the area. He had three: One in showroom, one new on lot, one 4000 mile demonstrator on lot. We were there 1/2 hr., while there: He sold the one in showroom and new on lot. BEWARE!

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  A safe vehicle, fun to drive - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bayview6 - May 23 - 11:56 pm

  Just got back from a 3000+ mile road trip. The Forester cruises easily at 75+ mph and the seats and interior cabin are comfortable. Good reserve power for passing on 2 lane country roads. Plenty of cargo space. Good handling and brakes. Average mpg was 25 would be higher if I slowed down to 60 mph. Im glad I bought the vehicle. I havent driven it in really bad weather yet so Im waiting for winter to arrive.

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  A good update for Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - May 19 - 5:13 am

  For 09 Subaru showed it listened to its customers and Endowed the 09 Forester with many enhancements improving functionality, drivability and all around usefulness. The ride and handling match that of many Euros (which would be helpless on roads the Forester devours), and the interior flexibility make it roomy and versatile. The interior shows budget limitations w/ hard plastics, etc., but is better than before and NVH is substantially reduced. If you value functionality over style, the Forester outdoes its CSUV competition by a wide margin!

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  Fun, Frisky Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Martin Roberts - May 18 - 10:00 am

  After considerable research among VWs Passat, Volvo wagons, Saabs even Audi we settled on the 04 Forester XT with the Premium Package. The performance reviews and the numbers were so compelling that we didnt even test ride the car prior to purchase. When we drove it off the lot we were all smiles. The turbo is awesome, the moonroof expansive, the ride feels Teutonic in its quality damping and feedback, and its just a blast to drive. Be sure to familiarize yourself with "Fighting Chance" before you fork over your hard-earned cash. We saved hundreds by doing the deale

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  2007 Forester Subaru--- LL Bean - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - May 15 - 3:03 pm

  Big fan of Subaru for over 20 years. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Living in Maine was quite the experience with the harsh winters. It would be 60 below zero in January and my Subaru would start every time. Also, excellent traction and control in the snow.