2009 Subaru Forester Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.31/5 Average
217 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.
Cons:
  • Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 217.00
  • Great all round package - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Just got my first Subaru Forester last month. The acceleration is fantastic for an SUV. A bit disappointed in 4 gear transmission, would have expected 5 fwd minimum. Great overall comfort and performance; I would highly recommend.

  • Just picked it up....so far so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Just traded in my 2007 on a 2009. My wife wanted automatic and I wanted her Civic for commuting, so quick pro quo was we keep a subie in the family if I get the new Forester, fair enough for me the subie can be our family roadster. Decided to lease, because I think diesel, hybrid and other technologies are going to be preferred in a year or two. Im really impressed by the new design, big step forward. If I believe the gas mileage meter its definitely better than the 2007, even before breaking it in. Ill test it in the moutains soon!

  • Be careful of hard, hard, hard seats - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    After countless research on this size of vehicle, we felt Subaru was the only way to go. Love this car, Except for the extremely hard seats (leather). Test drive was short and sweet so we didnt notice how uncomfortable they were. I have severe back trouble and this has put me in a horrible flare-up, after only driving 6 miles home from the dealership. Called the following morning and told of medical situation, and could we please bring the car back as I will have to stay with a mini-van. They would buy the car back at at $7000 loss (pretty steep for 6 miles). So, we are having the seats rebuilt, if this is of no help, then the car will have to go. Please beware of seat comfort.

  • 2009 Forester LLBean - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    This is my 1st Subaru purchase and, having only had the vehicle 2 wks, I can say that Im impressed thus far. Ride quality is superior to the Honda Accord that I also own. Mileage so far has been around 26-28 combined highway and city; mostly highway. Im expecting better MPG once the engine has been broken in.

  • Fun, Fun, Fun - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Only 300 miles, but here are first impressions. Would rather have V6 than turbo due to premium gas. Arm rest are very low on left side, unsecure on right side. Would love better seat adjustments. Move panic button from back of key to front, I always seem to hit it when Im unlocking the hatch. It is fun to drive. Road noise is pretty loud at hwy speed. Love the room! Much better than others After test driving almost everything, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, MBenz Mclass, Acura, this was the best choice. The Acura has more comfortable seats and armrest for tall people like me, but cost $15K more. Just couldnt justify.

  • Fun and Functional - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Looks great, controls well laid out, incredible visibility, love the panoramic sun roof, comfortable and feel safe, sticks to the road like glue, good storage capacity, fun to drive. Turbo is a must, the standard 4 cylinder is underwhelming.

  • Overall a fun and capable Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    I purchased this car used for about $8k with just about 161K on the odometer to replace a totaled grad present thanks to an inattentive freeway lane-changer. I loved it the moment I saw it, but dreaded the notch-y first gear. For being a younger male driver, I want something practical and safe, yet fun but wanted some comfort for occasional long drives and never could find a car i liked that didnt cause minor back aches even on a short test drive, except for this one. If only it had a few more inches of trunk space and more factory stereo options as the 80w preamp is barely enough for the 4 main, let alone the opt 6 speaker set, and Ive read the NAVI is not at all user-friendly

  • Love my Forester! - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    It was time to replace my 95 Legacy Sedan with 225K plus miles on it. This vehicle was indestructible, but I fell in love with the new Forester. I also considered a new Saab 93 XWD Turbo and Volvo Cross Country. Both vehicles are absolutely beautiful, but it seems like different parts of these vehicles are made in different parts of the world. I love my new Forester with a turbo engine. Its a dream come true.

  • So far, so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    My first Subaru and first AWD vehicle. Build quality, fit and finish seem very good. Comfortable ride, great on snowy roads but the factory tires will need to be replaced eventually with more wintry all-season tires. The factory ones are really better suited for dry pavement, in my opinion. When I picked this car I primarily liked the cabin size and volume. I felt I was getting better value over the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV (and cant stand rear-door mounted spare tire!). Radio has nice features but sound quality is only fair. Comfortable ride. Combined city/hwy is 22.5 MPG in this hilly area. Only 1700 miles on car at this point. So far, a real pleasure to drive and own.

  • So far, so good - 2009 Subaru Forester
    By -

    I bought XT Limited this primarily for my wife, who had been nursing along a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Laredo with 130K+ miles. The new Subie is a pleasant driving experience! The turbo provides a distinct but not overpowering reminder that this Forester is no longer a narcoleptic Sunday drive with Aunt Millie and Uncle Olaf. Plenty of room. Im 6-2, and theres still headroom. Our 2 boys like the moon-roof. The 09 Forester is wider, longer, and taller, making it larger than other "small" SUVs, and very close to what I expect from mid-SUVs I have to laugh - the coffee-cup holder is still flimsy and cheap looking - just like in all Subarus, including our 99 Sub Outback wagon.

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