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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  Forester XT Premium - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By jon - August 25 - 9:50 pm

  Great highway car. Here in CO, the altitude ranges from 5000 feet in the city to more than 10000 in the mountains, but this car handles all highways the same--80 mph. On straight-flats it gets about 26 mpg, and about 21 mpg in the city. Notice that these figures are about 2 mpg lower than EPA estimate. This is not an error, but I will get back to that in a minute. The vehicles appearance is plain, which can be charming, but it lacks some standard features, which make it feel cheap. Which it is, unless you upgrade to Touring. In that case the plain appearances and functionality mesh a little better. In my opinion, the car looks best when lowered 2.5", but then you lose "off-road" capability. Which brings me to the cars performance. As I said earlier, the car is a great for highway-driving. Its also pretty fun to drive in the city, too. It easily gets from 0-35 mph in about 4 seconds, and from 60 to 80 in about the same, If power-braking and/or flooring it, it can shave those times significantly. This accounts for the 1 to 2 seconds of turbo lag, which this car has a lot of, at lower speeds especially. The traction control is only okay. It cannot be completely turned off (doesnt really turn off at all), and is slow to react and sometimes over-reactive. The interior is decent with HQ LEATHER or leather/fabric seats, but once again lacking features: better dome lighting, electric passenger seat, push-button start, backseat charger ports, etc. The entertainment system is even COMPLETELY LACKING A FEATURE which has a grayed-out button. Its called MirrorLink, which allows you to connect your phones display to the head units display. This feature works on my phone when I plug it into the cars USB (rendering my phone useless), but does not light up the ML button. Turns out that feature is disabled in the U.S. This one bums me out. Remember how I said the vehicles mpg is lower than EPA estimates? Well, let me tell more about the cars technology. I have completely filled the tank 23 times since I purchased in Dec 15. Every time I filled up I divided miles driven by gallons filled, and every time I got a significantly lower than the EPA estimates of 23/25/28. For the 20 fill-ups that I calculated: miles since last fill-up divided by gallons filled, I got a range of deviation from -1.4 to -2.1 with an average of 23.3 mpg. This is a 7% average difference from 25 mpg, a somewhat significant value. And I know what this sounds like, but its not the effects of altitude, because there is a twist. The vehicle calculates and displays values fairly close to EPAs from virtually the same numbers... The altitude would have no effect on the vehicles calculation of mpg. Thats right the MPG CALCULATOR in your Forester is probably incorrect. Check it out. Overall, the car is really GOOD FOR SOMEBODY WHO LIVES AT ALTITUDE, that wants a reliable sport-SUV to get them from point A to B. However, it would be a much better vehicle with: an accurate fuel economy gauge, better UI on infotainment system, a way to completely disable TC and other safety features (such as roll-over airbags that can go off even when the is just on a steep incline). I would trade my car in a second for Forester that has these features plus a six-speed transmission. Add a slightly lower stance, and other STi traits, and I would pay anything.

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  Sleeper Hot Rod Forester XT - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Jack - August 21 - 2:17 am

  This car has lots of power, and handling, and once you get used to it, is superb. However, this car is extremely twitchy, with no slack or weighted steering right in the middle. The 02 Outback Eddie Bauer edition we had, was way better in the steering. This is a serious problem that Subaru should address: Please subaru, drive a German Car, a Mercedes, BMW, or VW, even an old one. You can see how cars should steer. You have to pay attention constantly when driving, good for the Zen meditation expert who wants to use the art of driving as a tool for addressing Life, but poor for the average person that has to text, pay attention to the phone, figure out the climate controls and the radio and has a passing interest in the art of driving. I do love this car, but wish it had more storage, a voltmeter (how come we dont get to know how the battery is doing?), and a little more luggage area in the back, although you can fold down the back seat. (Dont make it any larger!) The styling is sort of "me, too"; but Im getting used to it, and learning to love it because it is so average. A sleeper Hot Rod, the XT! The headlights are way good, and really shine down our deer laden roads in Wisconsin. I will write a more thorough review once Ive had it longer. Oh Subaru! You must address the twitchy steering!

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  Bad Drivetrain - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Chris - August 20 - 7:33 am

  Lots of head room, fairly fun to drive, but has a loud clunking sound coming out of the transmission when you take off. Also has some bad rattling sounds already coming from the hatchback. Stuff that shouldnt be happening with 12,000 miles on it. This is the second Subaru i have had with drivetrain problems. They are very expensive to fix! I wont be buying another one and will be trading this one off before the warranty runs out. It sure goes through the gas with city driving. I will try a Toyota next, or maybe a Honda.

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  Dont get the 170hp model - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Hank - August 19 - 11:46 am

  Sure, the cars fun to drive and looks good. With the 170 hp engine, I have to constantly redline the engine to merge with traffic. When it finally gets up to speed, its very responsive. Opening and closing the doors and you realize how cheaply made the body is. Like a coffee can on wheels. Driver seat must have been made for short legged people. Cheap radio has SAT button but you need to buy the extra satellite option. MPG drops because of the weak 4 cylinder 170 hp engine. My Dodge Caravan with a 6 cylinder had much better acceleration but had almost as good gas mileage because the engine didnt have to strain as much. Only good thing is that its a company car that Ill have2 years

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  My Blue Subie - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By TimothyFC - August 19 - 9:00 am

  Bought used in 02/2008 for $8500. 58K mi. Automatic. 09/24/2009 94500 mi. Severe Service. $268 03/2008 Front Passenger Axle Assembly. Alternator Rebuild 12/2008 P&L $150. $168 P&L Left Rear Wheel Cylinder and brake linings. No breakdowns so far. Rear Tires road noise noticeable. Excellent AWD performance on very bad wet and dry farm dirt roads 04 to 05/2009 Laurel Hill, Fl. City and highway driving nice. Bad weather performance good. MPG good. Regular maintenance cost high but, (AWD) understandable. Spark plugs, wires, K&N Air Filter, Radiator Fluid, Radiator Hoses, Belts, Oil Changes all done. Trans & Diff fluid, timing belt not done yet.

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  My Snow-Bunny-Mud-Car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By C. T.Dunn - August 18 - 2:00 am

  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.

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  Headrests and blind spot -- Lousy car, great value - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By John C. - August 17 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second Forester. Last one was an 03. The 2017 should fit most peoples needs, but is undriveable for me. Biggest complaint is the front headrests. I am 510" and the headrest pushes my head forward and down. I cant drive it for more than a few minutes without hurting myself. Blind spot at passenger side rear when looking at it from drivers seat is big, and made more so by body design: right rear window sweeps up towards tailgate, so body design gives you an idea that theres a car there when there isnt. You have to really look, not glance, to check that blind spot. I like the manual transmission, but think there should be some more spacing between the gears. Im constantly shifting from 2nd to 5th (skipping 3rd) or 3rd to 6th (skipping 4th) because the selections are tightly spaced. As I get used to it, that should change. Cabin noise is about normal for a low-20s priced car. Youre not going to get a Caddie. Fit, finish, steering, and handling, are good for a car in its price range. Acceleration is good. Subaru has never made seats for long drives for most people, and I knew that when buying the car (my problem is the headrest, not the seat). Ive had the car for 6 weeks now. Most of my driving has been city driving, so mileage is low and probably unfair at first glance. Update for the comment that asked about adjusting the headrest: Yes, both I and the dealer tried different headrest positions; no luck. My head gets pushed forward and down. Im going to have to spring for an interior customizer to modify the head rests. Cost unknown. Head rests in old 03 were fine.

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  Solid and easy to upgrade - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By ddev - August 16 - 8:40 pm

  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.

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  great car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By ocean1492 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had no difficulty or major problems with the car. The firstthing to go was a fuse within a few months of purchase. The second is a clogged rear windshield washer. I would definitely buy another one if some of my suggested improvements were made.

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  My first Subie - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I like the subaru forester-had over a year now only getting 24.3mpg highway. I dont like the cup holders or where the seat warmers are placed. Overall, the car is awesome in the winter-drove through 26+ inches of snow up the a 7% grade with no issues. I should have got the outback just because it looks like its a beast!