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 Value for $$ - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Readzalot - July 28 - 8:23 pm

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  2006 Forester first impressions - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By mack - July 26 - 12:16 am

  2006 Forester XT, compared to our 2003 Forester XS. Sleek and sporty. Minor visible changes all for the good. Much quieter, and car-like ride, yet very controlled. No wind noise. Engine is very quiet since it doesnt work hard to sprint off the line. Great power. No mileage check yet. The automatic transmission is very responsive, shifts the instant you need to accelerate. Has auto sports mode. Had to get it with leather and moonroof, part of the XT package. They are great. Seat is a little too hard for me. Climate control is great. New side mirrors are taller for better side and rear visibility. No flaws at all. Very well built. Great safety features and past safety record.

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  Low-Impact Driving Machine - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By dnealv - July 23 - 5:23 pm

  This is a good car. In California, its a partial zero emissions vehicle. As pollution free as a Prius. It handles well. The ride is a bit harsher than a Camry, which Im accustomed to. Fuel economy, after only 1000 miles, has been about 23 mpg average. It holds the road well, has enough room for four and groceries. I can tow a small boat and drive on marginal roads. The dealer had an excellent price. $19,000, after the $1500 rebate. This included options of rubber floor mats, mud guards and rear bumper non-skid.

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  2003 Subaru 2.5X auto - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Glock88 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Best car ever! - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Ron Gerbing - July 14 - 11:34 am

  Take your time to go through the process in making your decision. The Subaru dependability and Forester Touring Model is a great combination! We really like this car!

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  My Best Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ray - July 14 - 12:40 am

  This is my best car buying experience to date. Found my 2006 Subaru Forester XT2.5 on the web. My sales "lady" was the best. Too bad she no longer works for the same dealership. Now I know why Subaru owners are very loyal. Car performs and handles like a race car.

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  Missing my Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By 2001subaru - July 13 - 11:44 am

  Boy do I miss my Subaru! I bought my 2001 Forester about 5 years ago and I do a lot of driving. It has served me well and I was well on my way toward the 300,000 mark (just crested 266,000) when I hit a deer a few days ago. I walked away without a scratch, the windshield didnt break and the bumper is still intact but the rest of the front of the car is totaled! If you could see the pictures you wouldnt believe I didnt get hurt. I had my seat belt on and was cruising along at 55 on the expressway. The huge 8 point buck destroyed the front end of my Forester, but nothing jolted the interior space. Amazing!

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  Like it but I Do Not Love It - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Craig - July 12 - 3:36 pm

  First off I should have bought the turbo. At the time I was concerned about gas and reliability. The turbo takes premium fuel and is usually less reliable. Dont under estimate the importance of FUN. The basic four cylinder does not have enough power to have fun, the acceleration is weak.I also like the aggressive looks of the turbo, the X is bland. If your looking for a basic commuter/hauler the forester is a good car but if you want some performance and luxury get the turbo or look elsewhere. I bought the forester because I needed some cargo space. They gave me a good price for my trade in. My last car was a Audi A4 so its been a hard adjustment, I feel the down grade.

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  Wonderful Auto - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By a_bum - July 10 - 9:16 pm

  This is one well built car! Extremely solid feeling and it seems that everywhere you look, it is evident the engineers put a lot of thought into the design. Despite not being a turbo, I havent found myself in a situation where I needed more power than what this naturally aspirated engine puts out. Good low end torque gets you moving pretty quickly. Chose this over a Honda CRV because of the lower risk of rollover and a superior interior.

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  Quality problems - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By asdf - July 10 - 5:33 pm

  I have now had the XT newer version for a little over two years. At 9k miles the engine seized up! I had poor customer service until I called Subarus US headquarters and tried to talk to president to complain about the quality of their cars. In the end; Subaru fixed the car. I have had LED puddle lights short out each winter (one time I actually witnessed smoke!) Now, I need to take back to dealer again with separate electrical problems. I would be satisfied with this car if I didnt have to take to dealer so much. The XT engine is nice, and the cargo space is just right for a small family. The fake color plastic bits by door window switches scratch very easily.