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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  XT HEAVEN - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TURBOHEAVEN - January 11 - 2:00 am

  JUST PICKED UP OUR NEW TURBO FORESTER. THIS CAR LIVES UP TO ALL OUR EXPECTATIONS.HAVING LESS THAN 200 MILES ON CAR SO FAR HAS KEPT US FROM REALLY OPENING IT UP, BUT JUST WITH THE FEW BLIPS INTO THE THROTTLE SO FAR, WERE SURE TO BE THRILLED WHEN MOTORS BROKEN IN SLIGHTLY.HAVING A CAR LIKE A PORSCHE IN THE FAMILY ALLOWS US TO REALLY APPRECIATE HOW MUCH PULL THIS THING HAS, ESPECIALLY ON THE HILLS WHERE WE LIVE. ABOVE ALL OF THIS IS THE SENSE OF WELL BEING YOU GET WHEN BEHIND THE WHELL. THE CAR REALLY MAKES ITS OCCUPANTS FEEL SAFE. HOPEFULLY THIS ENGINE WILL HAVE THE RELIABILITY OF SUBARUS OTHER CARS.

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  99 Subaru Forester S - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By JoeB - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Excellent very dependable all purpose vehicle. I have 72000 miles and have done only normal maint. Has needed no repairs. Still on first set of brake pads and bought 3 new tires. Is quick to drive, hauls small boat ok. Gets 23- 24mpg at constant 80mph. Highly recommend to anyone. Full time 4wheel is great in FL downpours and for boat ramps!

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  Great SUV with Good MPG - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By ehrendog - January 9 - 4:26 am

  Drive Car West Coast , Canada. Great car in Snow/Ice. SAFETY....Only SUV that passes the off-set Crash test...and that alone is enough to buy this car after my recent ( non fault) Subaru write off crash. Great Mileage! I get 32 us mpg on highway(over Mountain passes) and 34 us mpg on flat highways ; 25 us mpg in City...so I dont know why the Lead foot drivers complain of "poor" mileage.I had a CRV & Nissan and this car is superior....and I would buy this SUV again and again.

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  This ride rocks - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By unknowncomic - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I chose the forester over many other SUVs because of performance and incentives.(I got mine at 1.9% at invoice) This has it all! Since I had to get a family car I wanted something fun to drive. My wife hated it at first, but she took it yesterday morning and has been hooked ever since. Also even though its not much competition at least I can hang with my brothers STI. Only thing I dont like is the rear seatbelts are hard to get to if there is a car seat in the back!

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  My Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Marsha - January 4 - 3:46 pm

  I love this car. I bought it in Nashville, TN prior to a move to Tucson, AZ. Comfort, style, handling...it has it all. I love the way it looks, and people stop me all the time to ask about it. Great ground clearance and headroom. Expansive cargo space and incredible comfort inside. Ill never own anything else.

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  Better Than Expected - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Ed Walker - January 3 - 10:12 am

  After reading the reviews and then driving several makes of small SUV (We also have a Honda Fit), we found the Subaru Forester to be a great fit for our needs. We tried and drove the Chevrolet Equinox, the Hyundai Tuscon, the Toyota RAV 4, The Honda CR-V, and looked but did not Drive the Ford Escape, Jeep Wrangler, Mazda CX-5, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, and maybe a couple more that I forgot. The Subaru and CR-?V were the top two choices, but the roomier cabin in the Forester won us over. The two things that bother me a little in the Subaru is the lack of room for my large feet. The wide console hits the heel of my foot when driving but I get used to it after a few miles. One the passenger side, I twist a little to the outside to avoid hitting it with my foot which makes it uncomfortable. I think that there is too much travel in the brake pedal, but my wife says its fine. We now have had it for 5 weeks and have averaged 30.3 MPG over 1400 miles, which is at the high end of my expectations. We got 32.5 on a recent 600 mile trip. We do get better milage than many drivers simply because its a fairly long drive at 45-55 mph when we travel into town to go shopping. That raises our average quite a bit.

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  stealth dad - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By subie-daddy - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My kids enjoy it as much as i do. The two boys have the knack of closing the door with just enough force to get that solid german door sound (they are 3 and 4 yrs old)interior design appealing and comfortable, engine healthy (the engine growls nicely), sound sys. nice n clear, handles nimbly at reasonable speeds, more than sufficient power for a 4 cyl, after 2K miles i still walk around my forester the "long way" and drool

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  Best sport car ever!!!! Great for hiking trips!!! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By lyn - December 28 - 4:29 pm

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  Nice, but areas for improvement - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By board_jay - December 27 - 9:53 am

  Overall I like the vehicle and the dealer where I bought it was great. Got the Premium AWP in 5sp manual. Shifting is touchy on it compared to my VW which is more forgiving, but Ill get used to that over time. Pretty decent MPG - 25mpg around town on the 1st tank of gas. Looks nice, Id recommend the front and rear spoilers to make it look different. I am 65" and fit in it fine with the moonroof and with my toddler or infant in a car seat behind me. There are some things to improve upon such as stock radio which is horrible until you add the sub and the tweeter kit and then it sounds pretty good. Also wish they had window rainguards and there is some whistling w/all windows open.

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  Great Car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By ForesterAccord - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Only have 3000 miles on it but it is perfect! Over 30 mpg in city; great shift. Very comfortable. Dealer was great.