2004 Subaru Forester Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
161 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Price can be higher than most of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 161.00
  • Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    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.

  • Small SUV with a HUGE Attitude! - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    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.

  • Excellent Car! - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    This car is a 10 all round. It may seem strange that I gave all 10s but this is purely in consideration of the type of car it is. For performance for example, some may say that it is slow, especially for 165 hp. However, in any conditions with poor traction, it is absolutely essential for good performance (ie not sliding off the road) that power delivery isnt snappy and immediate. Handling is surprisingly good for the type of car it is and this must in part be due to the low center of gravity of the boxer engine.

  • Not Reliable - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Even before our first oil change (1200 miles) it left us sit. It would crank but would not start. Towed to dealership which proceeded to take 2 full weeks to repair it. Just got it back today. Dealer says the problem was that there was a fault in the engine wiring harness that caused a short circuit in the electrical supply to the fuel pump. Blew a 30 amp fuse that prevented the fuel pump from working. Luckily it did not happen while driving or impact could have been much worse.

  • Great Car - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    After riding in a Forester with my partner for the last four years, I decided to buy my own. I love it for its comfort and driving nature, but also for its fuel efficiency. I actually got 32mpg on my last tank. This is really a smartly designed car!

  • STi in disguse - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Overall, this is the best car I have ever had. You have all the utility of a station wagon/SUV, but the guts of a sports car. With a little bit of tuning, this car competes with a stock STi. Without a doubt this is the wolf in the sheeps clothing.

  • DUMB-BAR = PAIN IN THE BACK - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    BEFORE YOU BUY THIS CAR, CHECK THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. YOU CAN ZIP OPEN THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE LUMBAR IS A STEEL ROD WITH A PEICE OF PLASTIC ON IT. IT WILL CAUSE YOU MAJOR BACK PAIN AFTER ABOUT 1500 MILES. YOUR SPINE WILL REST ON THIS BAR AND YOU WILL BE SORRY YOU BOUGHT A $27,000 CAR WITH 27 CENT LUMBER SUPPORT.

  • BEST CAR/SUV/WAGON EVER - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    I LOVE THE VEHICLE!

  • First Impressions XT Turbo - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    This our second Forester. Our first, a 98, was essentially trouble free for 118K miles. When the turbo came out and I drove it, I wanted it. This is the stealthiest high performance vehicle on the road. The XT version is seriously quick, gobbling up hills and unsuspecting large SUVs or pickups that are inclined to play games.

  • Sleeper - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Most people think of this vehicle as a soccer moms grocery getter. If youre looking to impress people at first sight, then this is not the car for you. This car is very practical. Plenty of room for almost everything including 4 adults. Great visibility and very maneuverable in town due to its small turning radius. Excellent comfort. Cabin layout and seats are perfect. Car is very stable, especially for something so high off the ground. 5speed has relatively short throws and the entire shifting process is very smooth. MPG: worst-18 best-26 city-20 hwy-25 mixed-23 Car is geared low for acceleration. At 70mph youre at 3K rpm. Could use a 6-speed for hwy gas mileage

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