Overview & Reviews

Noting Forester fans' desire for more power, Subaru adds a turbocharged XT model to the lineup. The XT is essentially a loaded XS with a 210-hp engine replacing the 165-hp motor.

• Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.

• Price can be higher than most of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 101 through 110 of 161.00

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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Yunqiang - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Driving for half year and it is great.

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  Nice sleeper - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By xt-sleeper - May 1 - 12:53 pm

  The Forester XT is an overall very competent good all season car. I have put over 25k on mine in little over a year. Love the power, but brakes and suspension is only adequate for the power the car has. Warped rotors already and no, I dont always get on the throttle. My wife drives most of the time. Poor gas mileage and I have tried to get manufacturers claim for gas rating. Abrupt tranny shift from 1st and 2nd gears, jerky although not all the time. Overall I love this car.

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  Forester Turbo - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Carlos - April 30 - 1:33 am

  This is a very good and balanced combination. It is a real AWD, a wagon, a comfortable car, and a sportive machine. Its low center of gravity allow the Forester to have a very safe driving considering the performance of the turbo. In addition this turbo makes it economical (you do not consume much fuel when you do not need much acceleration or speed, but when you need it or want it you have it).

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  2004 Forester X - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Neal - April 29 - 12:13 am

  The Forester X is a wonderfully affordable, versatile everyday driver that is fun to drive. The gas mileage beats almost any other SUV, with the trade off being less power. If power is important, get the XT version. I took this car into foot-deep snow here without snow tires or chains and the X just plowed through it as stable and positive as you could want it. The handling is superb. What I really liked about this car was the price - for what you get, they practically give it away. With rear seats folded down, it handled 2 adults and their luggage for a vacation just fine. With a pet barrier, it takes my 70-lb. dog everywhere. In a nutshell: practical, reliable, versatile, fun, cheap.

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  Trade Up - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By fotd - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 03 X for an 04 XT. I loved the X and feel the same about the XT. The icrease in power is just what the doctor ordered. Plenty of power throughout the rev range. Hardly any turbo lag. Good tourqe for driving in the PA mountains. I never thought the fastest car I ever owner would be a wagon! (I know its an SUV) The 5spd is a great match for the turbo motor. Great saftey features. Great "stealth" vehicle. This is truly a "do-it-all" vehicle. Gripes: The Auto Climate control does not work well. No sunroof with a 5spd, what gives? I wish the rear windows were factory tint. All of theses are minimal complaints. Overall I rate this car a 10.

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  Safety First! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By paramedic - April 13 - 2:00 am

  As a paramedic buying a new car for my wife, safety was the #1 concern. I have seen it after an accident and the car / passenger held up quite well (even after rolling over 5-6 times off a freeway overpass at freeway speed!). With many included saftey features this car will protect you if you are involved in an accident and will also provide you with the means, through great handling, to avoid an accident. Of course it is beautiful, built like a tank, fun to drive, and it is not a dime a dozen car. This car has the safety of a Volvo with the reliability of a Honda, all for 20K. You cant go wrong.

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  Great allround vehicle - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By sneaux - March 5 - 12:40 am

  Bought this in October of 2008. Pretty fun to drive. Handles great on the road. Plenty of cargo space. Works great with rack on top. Leather feels good. Solid car inside with no squeaks despite all the compartments. Ive heard some people complain about the back seat. I dont think its that bad considering its a car. Have yet to really test the all wheel drive at my lake house. Cant wait.

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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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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Bob G - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This a solid easy to drive automobile. It handles well under all circumstances. I have driven it on snowy, icy, rain covered and dry roads. The dash instrumentation is accesible and easy to use. The instruction materials with the car are user friendly. The special storage areas are very useful. Seat adjustors make for a more comfortable ride. One can sit high in the car. The cargo room is larger than it looks like from outside. The all wheel drive,running lights, antilock brakes, de-icing, defogging features and side airbags help a great deal with safety. I wish they put better orginal tires on it. I replaced them immediately. No problems otherwise.

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  Raves for the Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By gmseaman - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Forester for two weeks and have driven under 500 miles -- but I love every mile. Just a touch of the pedal and this turbo charges ahead effortlessly. Although the turbo uses Premium fuel, I have no complaints about the poor economy in the low 20s. I only drive about 12K a year.