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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  Super handling machine - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Alex Povolotski - March 13 - 2:13 am

  Drove this vehicle today. Super handling machine indeed! All wheel drive standard on all Subarus. I took it to the unpaved roads of the park and was making circles and other maneuvers at high speed. And that all was after rain. Not a hint of a wheel slip or something. Loved the car! Plenty of head room and leg room (Im 61). Steering is light, gas pedal is very responsive, power is aplenty, brake pedal feel is a bit mushy though. Rear seat legroom is good, cargo area is very accommodating. Pedals are nicely apart from each other, so you wont hit both.

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  Great SUV - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Stacie - March 10 - 8:20 am

  I think this is a great smaller SUV. Plenty of room in the cargo area for various activities. I have enough room for groceries, packing up for long camping trips and even moving wood and materials for home projects. Seats and ride are extremely comfortable even with the sport tuned suspension. Great power and I love the option for S#/S/I modes. Itd be nice to have a digital speed readout like on my husbands WRX but you can read the speedometer just fine. The steering is responsive and hugs the road well around corners. I wish it had a higher tow rating but 1500lbs is enough to tow a trailer with a atv and few dirt bikes so it fits my needs. Im happy with the gas mileage. I really enjoy the upgraded infotainment system, Bluetooth connection is great and the touch screen is really responsive. I love the look of this vehicle, its aggressive looking with a very comfortable ride. I actually got my mother in law to buy one as well. I would recommend the forester to anyone looking for a smaller SUV with a good amount of power, comfortable ride and reliability and reputation of Subaru.

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  wow, best in class by far -- must drive! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By VJ - March 9 - 12:16 am

  We bought ours yesterday and were sold from the minute we sat in it. We were comparing between a CRV exl a BMW x3 and a lr2. The Forester handled the best, had the most options for the most reasonable lease price and our sales rep at irvine Subaru was second to none. We ultimately chose to go with the Subaru because of the overall quality of the vehicle and the person we dealt with.

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  05 2.5 X is dreamy - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By jeremy in AZ - March 7 - 3:36 pm

  I feel I got a lot of car for the money. Has been great in all conditions: highway, snowy weather, muddy backroads, rough and loose jeep- type trails. Lots of cargo room. A nice balance of performance and gas mileage. Yes, the upgraded models have a plusher interior...but the X is bomber as is.

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  2nd Forester and more to come - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By patton4457 - March 6 - 4:33 pm

  Just bought my second Forester by trading in my 04 gem. She had close to 100,000 miles on her already and had never had one simple thing go wrong with her. Hated to part with her but love my new forester even more. Didnt think that would be possible. Also, didnt think I would get as good of gas mileage as I have so far. Avg. 25mpg both city and highway and it is nowwhere near broken in. Extra room is awesome. Ride is awesome. Would recommend one to anybody.

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  Great little suv - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Doug - March 6 - 11:36 am

  I drove 2 Lexus RXs for 6 years before this little suv. I wanted better gas mileage at $3 per gallon. I am surprised at how pleased I am. Great handling. Much more fun to drive. And still pulls my boat adequately.

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  Excellent value - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Minnie - March 6 - 12:53 am

  I never considered a Subaru until looking at all the others and not finding what I wanted. As soon as I sat in my LL Bean Forester I was hooked. Everything felt right. I love the AWD, the sunroof is amazing especially at night on our country roads with stars twinkling overhead, the heated seats are great, the wood accents on steering wheel and shifter make it look rich, and it handles like a dream. Youd never think this car is a 4 cyl as it has lots of power. Getting 26-28 MPG with just over 3500 miles on her. Ill never own anything else. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee I had for fourteen years and I hope to have this one as long.

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  Expensive parts, noisy on highway, worst car I ever had. - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By whatwhatwhat1 - March 4 - 2:28 pm

  I bought this car used in 2009. In three years, I spend $2400 in repairs (rear bearings on both sides, head gasket, rocker bars in the front that were recalled, air conditioner compressor) and when I traded it in today for a 2012 Camry, the turbo was smoking and the transmission was on its way out too. It had 140K miles. Parts are hard to come by, none of the charging ports worked on it and the check engine light was always coming on, which turned off the cruise control. in three years, I got to use the cruise control once. It was a nightmare to own. It was almost impossible to talk on speakerphone on the highway due to the road noise. and the backseat doesnt have any legroom.

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  My Forester is a lemon - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Paul - February 28 - 2:53 am

  We love the way the Forester handles on difficult roads (we lived in MN and ME with it). We are very saddened by the horrible maintenance issues weve had. In the last eight months (starting at about 103,000 miles) weve sunk $4700 into the car hoping to keep it going, but were now looking at another $1800 in repairs. The killers have been that weve had to replace the clutch, the head gasket and both front axles. Now we have to replace the drive shaft. We will sadly dump our Forester, and will not buy another Subaru. The two cheap Chevys I owned before getting the Forester had better repair records than this! Were headed out to get another Honda.

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  2010 forester is impressive! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By jbparker625 - February 27 - 10:00 am

  We decided to buy a subaru forester after checking out all the major competitors - Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav4, Nissan Rogue, etc and the Forrester was the cheapest, best gas mileage, best warranty, awesome panoramic sunroof, AWD - great car at a good price The backseat is roomy and even reclines like an airplane chair! Very comfy and spacious - would recommend to anyone.