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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  No more Subarus for us - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By j8509 - June 16 - 11:31 pm

  I am writing this just in case someone is thinking of buying a new Subaru. This 2007 is my wifes second car and we have had major engine problems with both. Not only are they expensive to maintain but they do not have the long life they had in the past.

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  160k miles and still going strong - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 160kmiles - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this specifically for long distance commuting on the highway and its been a great car, 110k miles before I had anything break on it. Great highway mpg 25-26.

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  Wanted one for 20 years - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Mark Piggott - June 12 - 2:10 am

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  Love it so far - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By DtotheR - June 12 - 1:16 am

  Had the car for about two months already and love driving it. Turning radius is awesome and it handles very well. I have two large dogs and love how Subaru has a gate to keep them in the back. The overall appearance inside and out are great. Power for a 4 banger is good. Overall am very pleased with this purchase.

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  SUV for Nor Cal - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By German Silva Jr - June 8 - 10:20 pm

  My first Subie - love it. Every morning I cant wait to get behind the wheel and slam the RPMs near red line. By the way mine is non-turbo. Took it off-roading today in the Marine Headlands and handled perfect in mud, wet grass, gravel, and pouring rain. Im planning on putting winter Blizzacks for winter driving to Tahoe to fully appreciate the AWD. Added a bra, cargo box liner, Weathertech floor mats (a MUST), synthetic oil after 1K. This will not be my last Subie. Bring the Forester STI to the States!!

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  car - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By sickwitit - June 8 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive. handles good stuff like that

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  Annoying rattle and Awful tires - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By bvf925 - June 6 - 11:04 pm

  1,500 mile review: Traded-in my 10 year old CR-V with no complaints or rattles other than fishtailing in the snow without beefy tires. I had a 1998 Forester that was fantastic in the snow. My 2015 is 100% scary to drive in the snow with the factory Geolanders. Been thru a blizzard and several storms all white knuckled, sliding, stuck going up driveway. Tires will be replaced asap. I also have an annoying rattle coming from the moonroof since 24 hours of ownership. Dealer cant figure it out. The heater is weak and is impossible to regulate. Otherwise, the ride is smooth, beautiful exterior, roomy interior, comfy seats, no blind spots, and MPGs are great even in the frigid northeast.

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  Solid Performer - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By brianm - June 4 - 1:33 am

  Moving from a Lexus SUV to the Forester made me a believer. Solidly built and this car handles like a champ in inclement weather. Living in New England, this car runs up hills in snow and cruises wonderfully on the highway. My 06 has 30,000 miles and basically still runs like new. Heated seats are great in our cold winters although if Id buy the leather next time around as my tan cloth seats stain easily. Gas mileage is fantastic coming out of a gas guzzling SUV. Visibility is also great, love the huge sunroof. Id buy this car again in a second. Its a great value and such a common sense vehicle.

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  Sadly disappointing: CVT and rattling dash - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Sad Subaru Owner - June 3 - 11:17 pm

  Ive owned a 2015 Subaru CVT for one year and have put 10K miles on it around Denver, Colorado. I am extremely disappointed, and look forward to replacing it soon with a real car. I chose the Subaru Forester for very practical reasons: Great visibility, reliability, road clearance for the occasional offroading, and all-wheel traction in the winter. These elements, however, do not offset the downsides. 1. Most annoying has been the constant rattling of the vent and speaker grills on the dashboard. Turns out that this problem is well documented on the Internet, yet the dealer acted surprised when I brought it in for repair. Twice now they have failed to fix the noise, and I have an appointment to take it back a third time. 2. The CVT, in combination with the slow-to-warm-up Boxer engine, is so bad at accelerating that you must pro-actively plan your route to avoid the need for quick speed. For instance, until the engine is warm, I have to leave extremely large spaces when going from my residential area to merge onto a two-lane thoroughfare. And it takes the engine 10 minutes, or 2 miles to warm up (when the blue light goes off). So dont plan to jump on the freeway and hope to accelerate to match the speed of traffic - aint gonna happen. Worse, the CVT is quirky, and not in a good way. Sometimes a touch of the accelerator causes it to lerch forward. Other times, it wont move. I HATE HATE HATE the CVT. 3. In the center of the dash is an information screen that shows your average mpg. This number -- usually around 26 mpg -- is 2 and 3 miles greater than what Im actually getting (calculated by miles driven since last refueling). Im beginning to wonder if they have programmed the onboard computer to deliberately do this - ala Volkswagon misrepresenting diesel emissions. 4. The ride can be kidney-jarringly bad. There is a stretch of I-25 through south Denver where the combination of road surfacing, the cars short track, and traveling at normal freeway speeds will cause the car to continuously shudder in a very uncomfortable manner. (This happens with the factory installed tires inflated at proper psi). 5. The wheel-wells are unacceptably tight for an SUV designed for winter travel. Shortly after I bought the car in Winter 2015, I smelled burning rubber while driving on a snow covered road. I was the only car on the road, so I knew it was my Subaru. Upon pulling over and inspecting the car, I discovered that the snow accumulation of 2-3" in the back wheel-well was rubbing the back tires and causing the smell. Now when it snows, I have to be constantly vigilant that this doesnt happen. I can see how an engineer designed the very tight wheel-wells to reduce wind drag and improve gas mileage, but in so doing, they have seriously impaired the cars ability to travel safely in the snow. Before purchasing the Subaru Forester, I did extensive research via Edmunds and Consumer Reports. Both love the Subarus and failed to mention the problems Im experiencing. Not only am I disappointed with the Subaru, but I am also profoundly perplexed that after all my research, test drives, and talking to people, I made this expensive mistake.

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  BEST CAR/SUV/WAGON EVER - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Josh Evans - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE VEHICLE!