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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  Everything - Including The Dog - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dave_in_CA - February 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have been driving the XT for about a month. Just as the first reviewer said, I also bought this car for her and can now hardly stand to drive my car. We have been very pleased by this ultra- sensible sports car. Dog, kids, groceries and a sub 5.7 0-60 time. What more can you ask for? We looked at many wagons (Passat, Outback, Saturn) and chose the Forester for its comfort (her) and performance (me). The sound system is great, fit and finish are excellent (on par with Acura, better than Toyota IMHO) and the car just feels rock solid. No opinion on the reliablity but with regular service it should be fine.

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  great car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By chris - February 22 - 9:40 pm

  My wife and I love this car! We have the base 2.5 x and it has all of the basic features plus many safety features we wanted and is surprisingly quick. Performs really well. Only regret not getting a sunroof and the clutch is a little rough but overall a really solid, good looking SUV that is easy on the wallet.

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  Forester XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Tate - February 18 - 10:00 am

  The Forester XT is a fantastically fun vehicle. It shares many components with the 300 hp WRX STI, and it shows. With the 2.5 turbo, the turbo lag is minimal- -a fantastic engine and suspension. Some components feel a bit cheap, like the seats and the doors, but they evidently are better than they feel given the crash test ratings. Up at the higher elevations in Colorado, power is still plentiful, and the auto transmission is well matched, allowing for easy kickdowns and running the engine to redline when needed. Overall, its great fun to drive with good reliability so far--a real sleeper in station wagon guise.

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  Dont waste your money - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By jackie w - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Never waste your money on a Subaru! After the 60,000 warranty went up we had transmission failure twice!!! The dealer never could seem to fix our car and we had difficulty finding anyone to work on Subarus and those who do have said they have had problems and one mechanic even said they were complete junk. Also the Forrester was not as good in the snow as we anticipated. Dont waste your money. Go with a Toyota or Honda!

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  So far so good - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By M Mosely - February 13 - 2:29 am

  Shift slips from drive into other gear too easily. Otherwise, works well. Visibility is FANTASTIC. I am short and the car seat raises me up high so I can see over front bumpers, and the blind spots are almost eliminated. Safety devices are GREAT. All work well and easily. Quality of inside looks a little cheap. Driving seat is not well padded. When back seats are collapsed forward, the cargo floor is not flat. The heater and fan controls are poorly designed. The computer features require study to learn. On the plus side, besides the amazing field of vision is the great handling, tight turn radius and smooth breaking. Acceleration is better than adequate. Parking is easy. The safety features work extremely well. Parking is easy. All I all, a wonderful car

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  More than OK - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Chris22 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Handles great, especially in snow and on ice though I did put on dedicated winter tires. Replaced my Ford Explorer due to rising gas prices. Drive 50 miles or more per day, no problems in over a year. Accceleration OK, gateless shifter a plus when getting up to speed in a hurry. One issue, auto setting on temp controls not very useful in extreme cold or heat, takes too long to compensate. Works well the rest of the time.

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  Just what I wanted - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By car37 - February 10 - 11:50 pm

  I am very pleased with my Forester XT. It is fun to drive, just the right size, nicely designed though not flashy. The right price/value for the overall package. I will upgrade tires, battery and brakes when the time comes to replace for better performance and on battery for stronger starts in cold weather. I have gained a number of paint chips on the front (in 5.5 months which Im not happy about and need to get fixed. I wonder if I should install a "clear bra" or some other type of paint protection. I also wish Id purchased the cargo nets for the back to hold basics like extra washer fluid. Id buy another one for sure!

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  Fun to drive do everthing vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By peter james - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be more pleased with my Forester XT. Two features stand out for me. One, the cars performance exceeds my expectations every time I drive it. The acceleration is outstanding and it holds the road better than many sport sedans. The second feature is the build quality. This is a very solid car. Ive taken it off road twice now. The forester is very solid with no extraneous shaking and the all wheel drive tracks very well in loose dirt. Im actually looking forward to winter. The car also has nice features like the "no role back" breaking for hill starts. It isnt a beautiful car unless your into form following function.

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  Fourth Subaru in a row - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Steve - February 5 - 12:10 am

  Two Legacies-- a 1990 and a 1997 (still great at 140K miles) and this is my second Forester. Bigger than the 2004 Forester (especially rear seating) and the styling is much nicer. Looked at all the rest of the bunch but loved the four wheel drive and the Premium comes with the gigantic moonroof, heated seats and a bunch of other nice things for not all that much more than the Base model. Very happy overall with Subarus (my first replaced a Camry that was ready for the junk heap at 95K miles).

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  Update from Brunte - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Brunte - February 3 - 8:10 am

  Now at 29000 miles my earlier review still holds - no problems at all, and fuel consumption improving, now never below 27 and on long trips above 33 (if I stay at 60-65 mph).