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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  Things They Missed - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By gram - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for over an year, here are my comments and thoughts about it. 1. The Visor is too small, very inconvenient when driving with the sun on the driver side. 2. The cargo cabin window (passenger side) should have had the defroster too (would help in seeing blind spot better). 3. Jiffy Lube can do the same service at 15,000 miles for $50, subaru dealer (John Elway Subaru) charges $250.00 for an an oil change. 4. Seats are very hard. Lumbar support is useless. 5. Temperature guage cannot display temperatures below 0 degrees (shows the number with out the minus). 6. Temperature guage does not show inside temperature (no options available).

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By 4TIRES - December 19 - 7:16 am

  Ive had it for 2 months now and did some camping (therefore loaded it a lot) drove in hilly roads and so far, nothing to complain about! Great purchase, great handling, good power/weight ratio. Good feature too, the hill holder that prevent the vehicle from going backward on an inclined road (excellent when you are fully loaded in a very steep road at a traffic light).

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  Second Forester - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By windsurfer - December 18 - 5:23 am

  First one went 180,000 miles, then head gasket leaked. Decided to trade in. Did the RAV4, CR-V, Forester loop, and returned to the Forester. The dealerships were the most professional of any brand. I will take it on long dirt roads for fishing, and love the better clearance. No longer a "small" SUV! At least not on the inside. My priorities are value, reliability and gas mileage. Two out of three aint bad, but I havent taken long trips yet, so maybe mileage will improve. Its got a miles-per-gallon display, which is nice. Same giant moonroof. Styling is sharper, and Im glad they didnt slope the roof any more.

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  I love this car. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Marcia - December 17 - 10:10 pm

  I have owned 8 Subarus since 1991. The 2005 L. L. Bean Forester has given me the greatest satisfaction for its practicality, fine interior, and SUV features.

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  A disappointment. - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By phil_from_cal - December 17 - 1:30 pm

  All-weather package is the only feature of touring trim I found worthwhile. Navigation and infotainment systems are half-disabled when the car is moving. The CVT responds well in sport and sport# modes, but its horrible in the "intelligent". So while the gas mileage is close to specs if I drive in the "intelligent" mode only, those numbers have little relevance in real life. Actual fuel efficiency is a lot worse - I get around 20 mpg on the average. Steering feels a bit artificial. The ride is quiet at constant speed, but gets very noisy with even modest acceleration. The cabin is reasonably comfortable except for an awkwardly positioned arm rest that I keep bumping into with my right elbow

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  Another love-hate relationship - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Stacey - December 15 - 1:06 pm

  I am in love with my little Forester. Its a fun drive, great on gas, can carry all my stuff with room to spare, and gives me lots of headroom (and Im pretty tall, too). However, I hate that I have to keep putting money in for repairs. I just did the math and found Ive had about $2,300 in major repairs over the last year and a half, including: head gasket, alternator, combination switch, rear wheel bearing, and most recently the catalytic converter. If this keeps up I will have to get another car, which will make me quite sad indeed.

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  Expected Better Quality From Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By 1st Subaru for Me - December 13 - 6:23 am

  Based on everything I read about this vehicle, I expected a quality, problem- free vehicle. Driving it is enjoyable, but Im finding out that the quality of some of the parts and pieces is cheap. The seat upholstery is kind of thin. The clear plastic on the engine gauges cover squeaks. A piece of rubber under the hood is loose in one spot, etc. One of my windshield washer sprayers stopped working. I have only about 1050 miles on the car so far. I never expected all these annoying things with a Subaru.

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  Great car, but sold it after one year - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By danwatson - December 11 - 10:32 pm

  I purchased a 2010 Limited when a job caused me to relocate to Mammoth Lakes, CA. We live at 8000 feet and we got oveer 50 feet of snow. With snow tires, the Forester never let us down. Its great turning radius, relatively high ground clearance and AWD handles the snow well. But, at this elevation, with only a 4 speed automatic, its missing a couple of cylinders. Transmission downshifts regularly on hills. And, it was a little small for my wife and me. Its great around town, but not great as a road car. This was our first Subaru and we traded it on an Outback which fits our needs. And, we traded it in for $2500 less than we paid after 18,000 miles!

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  Best Small SUV-Outback is Better Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Gary - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  Previously owned four Outbacks. They are a more substantial vehicle with many more standard feature details such as lighted vanity mirrors, bumper cover, cargo tray, cargo cover, fog lights, all weather package, etc, Outback has better seats, quieter ride, better handling, power drivers seat, better interior materials, more solid construction. Outback has a higher sticker price but Forester is about the same when similarly equipped. After 3-years Outback is rattle/squeak free and solid. Forester already has suspension noises and dash rattle over rough surfaces after only 800 miles. Tried all the competitors before buying this one and overall its the best of small SUVs but Outback is better.

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  Excellent all around - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  This is a lot of car for the money. You will be pleased with the performance of the engine, the handling and tight turn circle, heated seats, enormous sunroof, creature comforts, automatic climate control, visibility and other features. The car is fun to drive. No rattles after 3500 miles. CR rated very high (top) in small SUV category. I definitely agree.