2003 Subaru Forester Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.51/5 Average
163 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Subaru's well-regarded Forester crossover sport-ute has been completely redesigned to be an even more enjoyable addition to your family. Engineers have given the tall wagon more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content -- all while keeping exterior dimensions the same and reducing the curb weight by 90 pounds.

Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive, availability of upscale features, high safety scores.
Cons:
  • Only one engine choice, price can be higher than most of the competition.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 163.00
  • Like the All-Wheel Drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Ive never owned an all-wheel drive vehicle before. The first trip we took after purchasing the car it snowed 7 inches. The all-wheel drive feature was great. Other vehicles we passed had traction problems. The vehicle also has surprising acceleration when passing on a two lane road.

  • My Snow-Bunny-Mud-Car - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    I bought a Forester after my 2 WD Avalon crashed on a mountain ice patch. I have affectionaltely named it my Snow-bunny- mud-car. It has never been stopped by snow, rain or mud, but has its own personality that "senses" possible trouble, and literally takes over for me! It seems to want to say, "Ok mom, let me handle this!" I moved here from Southern California,and had to get used to driving on ice. The day after my Avalon died, friends of mine in Colorado did a car ratings check that put the Forester on top. I now feel safer driving in winter mountain conditions.

  • Solid and easy to upgrade - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    This is my 2nd Forester. Traded in the 2000 because I got tired of the manual. When I got the 2003 XS, I also had a 1999 Audi A8 Quatro (315 HP, all aluminum, etc.) and remarkably, the Subo was more fun to drive -- and light years better mileage. I do wish they had a turbo diesel, and Ill probably keep this car till they do and then trade in.

  • 2003 Subaru 2.5X auto - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    My lease was up on my 01 Honda CRV EX auto. The Subaru has much more power, better transmission, tons of standard features, drives like a sports car, does not lean much in curves compared to the CRV, great grip, great steering feel, brake pedal soft but stops well, well made, easy maintenance with directions in manual. About 2 miles per gallon better fuel mileage than CRV. Has more room than older Forrester I had looked at a few years ago. I like it much better and was same price I paid for my old CRV when new.

  • A winner for affordable compact SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    I was shopping around and a friend told me about her Forester. She was right! The Forester has an excellent safety rating, which was important to me, and living in the north, AWD is ideal. However, it rides like a car which is also a plus. Id recommend to anyone.

  • 2003 Forester X 2.5 GREAT CHOICE for SUV - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Great size, excellent interior design and appointments. Very good standard sound system. Easy operating folding seats, good passenger and drive head and leg room. Good fuel economy average of 23 MPH. Nice ride and handling.

  • EXPERIENCE, MINE - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    SUBARU IS THE MOST RELIABLE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. WE HAVE HAD SUBARUS IN OUR FAMILY SINCE 1985, AND I HAVE NEVER EVER REGRETTED IT. THEY ARE A 100% QUALITY VEHICLE, FAR SUPERIOR TO MOST CARS ON THE ROAD. (I HAVE NEVER HAD A LIGHT BULB INSIDE OR OUTSIDE BURN OUT) RIDE

  • My favorite car - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    This car has got it all. Its fun to drive, reliable and great features. The 160hp engine is capable enough but I wonder how the XT with turbo would feel. It feels quick and sharp when turning. With routine maintenance I have never had any trouble or need for repairs. The only thing I have replaced have been fluids and tires. Our XS model came with leather seats which are much easier to clean with kids, and the cold weather package: heated front seats, front wipers and side mirror defrost. Pretty nice when my wife was driving it to class and she could sit inside while the car heated up instead of standing outside scraping the car off in a bad neighborhood.

  • WE LOVE SUE!!! - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Being that we knew nothing about Subaru 2 months before we bought our Forrester, my wife and I are incredibly pleased. Its a wonderful SUV that makes us feel safe, provides excellent fuel economy (relatively speaking), and is a hoot to drive. Weve taken it from San Diego to the Rockies and bag, and the V4 didnt miss a beat.

  • Forester 2003 in PA. - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    My first Subaru. Driving in the snow enjoyable. Body style is a great improvement over previuos models. With 10K miles in 2 1/2 months, the Forester is "Fun to Drive", better than my previous Ford Explorer.

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