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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  Where are the cup holders - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dockhawg - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2003 for my wife in Dec. She loves. Great in our icy,snowy climate. Wish gas mileage was better considering a 4 cyl. Needs better cup holders. Nice ride and handles great. This is out 1st Suby, will let you know more later as it only has 1300 miles at this point.

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  2015 Forester 2.5i Premium - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By soysauce - February 2 - 8:37 pm

  We have had our new Forester since late April and have almost 6,000 miles on it. We narrowed our choices down to this Forester and a 2014 Toyota RAV4. The selection boiled down to the dealer giving us a good straight up price as compared to the Toyota dealer wanting to play the negotiation game (e.g., pay cash, it will cost you more). This is our third Subaru. The build quality seems a little less than previous years, but still good.

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  1st Subaru! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Sperguy - January 30 - 5:00 am

  Ive had the car a little over two months. Love the SUV-ish design. Car handles well. Very good mileage. The 5-speed manual is the way to go until they upgrade to what the Outback has for an automatic. Only negative is an overhead rattle. Being a pick-up driver for 25+ years, I was ready for some rattling, but this one IS ANNOYING. Im currently working with the dealership to solve it. Waiting to see what Subaru will pay for. A local body shop can fix it no problem.

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  Just Not Good Enough - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By 1rudepuppy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Forester has been a dissappointment. The engine is the weakest link. No power on hills or with a load, noisy and rough at idle, and MPG is pathetic for a 4. If you value performance at all, wait for the turbo.BOTTOM LINE _ we were spoiled by our MAXIMA and Forester is definitely a let down.

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  The car I really wanted to love - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By crr40 - January 22 - 4:24 am

  I decided on a Subaru Forester after extensive research, and bought a 2009 model new. It had flaws in the beginning- the ipod adapter didnt work well; the stereo in general was not very impressive, the drivers seat was uncomfortable, the mpg was consistently on the low end - but I didnt regret my purchase until the big problems started at just 29K miles, within weeks of the bumper to bumper warranty expiring. Between 29K and 38K miles the car has had the engine coil replaced, the brakes replaced and now the transmission. Its not my driving, either - my last car went 9 years and 80K miles without a single repair and Ive never spent this much in repairs on any car in 20+ years.

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  Was Not Looking For an SUV - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Gary 1009 - January 17 - 4:16 pm

  For the last couple of years we had been looking at sedans. We even rented an altima for a trip to Florida. We then changed our minds. Reading reviews, listening to current owners (two in the family) started us looking at the Nissan rogue and the Subaru Forester. We gave up the nice soft and quiet ride of our Camry, for the safety and all wheel drive. We love the leather heated seats, however, the controls are located in an awkward spot on the console, under my elbow. We wish the hatchback had a "pop open" feature on the remote. Little too much road noise and the gas mileage could be a little better with the 4 cyl. Other than that, we love the car.

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  Former Chevy Owner - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Lynne - January 15 - 3:13 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Chevy Equinox for a, hopefully, more reliable Subaru Forester. I love that the car isnt fancy, but drives like a decent sedan rather than a truck-like SUV. The visibility is fantastic, and there is more than enough room for 2 car seats in the back. This is meant to be our second vehicle, but I am confident that we wouldnt mind using the Forester for our family car in many situations. Looking forward to leaving the "American car" behind.

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  Dont carry your family in this SUV - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By rpanek - January 15 - 1:21 am

  Very unstable SUV when you carry more than two people including yourself. Sways on every turn with speed over 50mph like is ready to overturn. Looks like Corporate Subaru of America dont care about safety of car owners and passengers by dismissing open cases about car safety and works with World Government and Banks on decreasing population. Downshift on sudden acceleration (when you try to pass other car on the freeway) goes a way to low making engine reaching 5K rpm. Has very low quality sound system. Interior finishing quality - less than any other car or SUV, need a lot of improvements.

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  another solid car - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By credto - January 13 - 4:26 am

  This is my third Subaru, our first one and still housed is a 2000 2.5 RS 2- DR, then a 2004 Outback Sport, now our 2007 Forester.

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  Wolf in sheeps clothing - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By DonE37 - January 11 - 11:40 pm

  I bought my Forester new and now with 44,000 plus miles on odometer it has not stumbled once nor had any mechanical problems. My purchase was based mainly on its practicality, power,and sleeper demeanor. It seats 4 comfortably. Can hold loads of cargo, and is fast as a whip. Its 4 wheel drive capability helps put all those turbo ponys to the ground and you giggle with a menacing glee as you rocket forward out of stoplights. Nobody knows that this car screams and that is pure joy. Doesnt look much different than the lesser non turbo foresters, except for hoodscoop and XT badging. I loved pulling away from my brother in his beloved Hemi Dodge Magnum. Priceless, he never saw it coming!