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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  Dont do it! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By g green - December 14 - 3:33 am

  Car is awful. Had to replace wheel bearing, 2 head gaskets, clutch at 55,000 and am told my transmission is going, emailed Subaru about concerns and was told that is normal and I could purchase an extended warrantee-- yeah that will help after the fact. I have the hill hugger feature that freezes up and wont let you move.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By XCCoachLou - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. I have 4000 miles on it since I bought it in June. First, it is extremely comfortable. All the controls are logically placed. It is very easy to change the radio, or adjust the temperature. The visibility from the Drivers seat is incredible. Secondly, the ride is incredible. In heavy rainstorms, it felt like most other cars on dry pavement. It was sure and steady. The gas mileage has been better than EPA estimates. On a recent 250 mile road trip, I got over 29 MPG and that includes being stuck in traffic for an hour. Finally, it is quiet. It is quieter at highway speeds than any other car I have owned, including sedans.

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  Faultless - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - December 12 - 7:43 am

  I have put approximately 2000 miles on this car and it has performed flawlessly. The upgraded interior and features remind me of a Volvo (I have owned 4). The performance and handling is like my old BMW 530i. It gets 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city, and uses regular unleaded. The car is well designed inside with lots of convenient features. The ride is very smooth. This car is a great alternative to a Honda or Toyota. Dollar for dollar it has more value, in my opinion, and it also drives better than a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4.

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Provocyclist - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car! Its a sports car in baby wagon guise. Subaru actually under-quoted the horsepower rating by 30hp. 3 weeks after we got it, my dad and I drove from Utah to Ohio and back, and Roo performed flawlessly. The view from the drivers seat is great, and all-around visibility is super. The only thing i can say bad about this car is how small the back seat is. Im pretty short, so i fit fine, but if youre normal size, its tight.

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  Suburus are LEMONS - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By unhappyowner7 - November 30 - 11:02 pm

  Quite frankly, were returning to Ford ASAP. We purchased a 2010 and it started leaking gas while on vacation in Colorado. It was towed to a dealership where the gas valve, gauge and tank have been replaced. It still leaks (1 1/2 weeks later) and they dont know how to fix it. Buyer Beware!!!

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  Excessive oil consumption - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pardosa - November 30 - 12:13 am

  Like many others on this site, weve been plagued by excessive oil consumption, beginning with the light coming on unexpectedly, and the dealers telling me that all Subarus use oil between changes. I have never, ever, experienced this with any other model car Ive driven, except late into its life, like 185,000 miles, and then only a quart between changes. This is much worse. I would happily join a class-action lawsuit, and will certainly never buy another Subaru

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  Fair - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Skip - November 29 - 6:33 am

  This vehicle has been dependable and good in the snow. However the engine noise is very annoying. The dealer calls it " piston slap" and says it is normal for Subaru and would not do anything under the warranty. Because of this I will probably not purchase another Subaru

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  Small SUV with a HUGE Attitude! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dr. Nutty - November 21 - 10:00 am

  A great car to drive! Instant power for passing, and a AWD system that keeps you glued to the road in all weather conditions. This is the most enjoyable car i have ever owned. The XT has plenty of room, plenty of creature comforts, including an awesome stereo! I drive 80 miles roundtrip daily to work on a two lane country road, and needed a car that could safely get around logging trucks, etc and handle the snow and ice we get during the winter. After 18,000 miles, i think i picked the perfect car for living in northern Idaho.

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  Solid as a rock - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By cskyun - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Current employer bought this car on my request, for the work that requires me to drive 48K miles a year. I have not had a single problem with this car and got me out of many sticky situations (some were intentional, just to see how it performs). Drives sure-footed way in rain or snow of Kansas. Descent gas mileage and with that price and safety rating, this is the best value out there. Currently own Chevy Sub and Lexus ES300 but I prefer and feel safer to drive this car in any weather, qith the family. The brakes also deserve a praise. I remember a reviewer compare the handling as if it was running on "rail", and I can not find a better description

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  Were so happy - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Jeff - November 21 - 9:50 am

  With our new White satin Pearl Forester ltd. Have had one month now and very pleased. Ride is "tight". Car seems solid. No rattles ( I was a little concerned about this after reading reviews before we purchased-but so far so good). 4 speed trans is better than expected as "sport shift" mode makes for crisp shifting and even in normal "drive " position the spacing between the gears is such that the final rpm at highway speed is not too much higher than a 5 speed might be.