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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  Great Ride... but - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By chelsea - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Nissan Sentra before this Subaru-expected big difference; cant compare with other SUVs like CRV and RAV4 because I didnt test-drive them (my mistake,just relied on reviews). Murano has more power (the price is too much though), but Forester is quieter. After about 2 weeks of use, I started hearing this annoying rattle by the dashboard. I also hear a "thug" in the back (right side) the moment it runs after parking. I will have the dealership look into it. Its frustrating to get stuck with the noise for years. Also, Ive been reading great MPG from owners; the highest Ive got so far is 18.3-based from the dashboard monitor, mostly highway 60-65 mph.

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  NO REGRETS - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By VOUGHNE - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time buyer and a new driver as well. It takes me months of researching which vehicle to buy. Finally I found the one which met my expectations- Subaru Forester XS. For safety , car like handling, reasonable price and fuel economy, Forester top them all!

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  Great! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By VV - May 30 - 2:00 am

  A great car! I absolutely got the value of every dollar. Too many to be mentioned.

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  Perfect - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By enerl - May 28 - 9:50 pm

  Dealer delivered as promised. Driving easy, mileage excellent, and it lives up to its safety review. Moonroof is perfect size and easy to operate, as is sound system. Have LL Bean model and it is such fun to drive with all the bells and whistles. People comment on looks.

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  Sold On Subaru - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Julia Blum - May 25 - 3:42 pm

  This is my first Subaru purchase which was encouraged by rave reviews of other Subaru owners. I love my Forester and look forward to many safe, comfortable, eco-friendly miles ahead.

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  What does awd do - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By sad sad awd - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Forester, L version. It had less than 60000 miles on it, and it has been a really good car. However, can someone explain the wonders of the awd system. I am from SWeden and have driven in nasty weather conditions and snow/sleet all my life, and I fail to see the grsatness of the awd system. Tell me, if my front tires are slipping and spinning what would make the rear ones to grip when they are activated by the awd system. Im already slipping down the road! Give me a switch so I know when all four wheels are engaged, that way I at least know that.

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  9 months after purchase - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jbeckr - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car that we like better all the time. Utility and ease of use are high points. Surprsingly good handling.

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  works for me - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By practicalfun - May 20 - 10:00 am

  boght the forester used and have had for a year now. no problems, fun to drive. I live on a steep, winding canyon road - the car handles the curves great. Lots of room in the back for stuff. Ive bought 72" bookcase and carried it home no problem. Gets 24 mpg. I needed a basic, reliable car that could tote around a lot of stuff, with AWD because of where I live, and this was it. Happy with the purchase.

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  WARNING!!! Make sure to check your Oil!!! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By looney3 - May 18 - 4:52 pm

  If you own a 2011 or newer Forester with the new engine requiring synthetic oil, Check/add oil frequently! Mine requires 1 qt added every 1800 miles on average. I read an account of another 2011 Forester owner who went just over 10,000 miles without checking or changing the oil, and the engine ran out of oil, seized and was destroyed. You will need to add 3-4 qts in between oil changes. Engine rattles loudly at startup for a few seconds. Subaru needs to fix the problem of oil use. Most people are not diligent about checking and topping up their oil. There will be many unhappy owners.

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  Great handling - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By KimNota - May 16 - 1:40 am

  Ive had my Forester for 10 years. Love it. Especially its handling in the snow. At 5000 miles I had several oil leaks that I know I had from very early on because there was a strong fuel odor. The mechanics had told me at the time it was just how the car ran. Subaru said it wasnt a covered service. After $1800 for engine work, it still wasnt completely repaired. I was given the proper advice that the remaining small leaks might never change or cause any problems. This was 5 years or 35000 miles ago. Subaru kept giving me the run around, asking for more and more info for a possible payment. They wore me down but its been fine. No other issue.