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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  05 Forrester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By garyd3 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Have the car for a few weeks now and enjoy driving it. Had a 94 Legacy before, and like the workmanship that goes into the Subaru line. Car is peppy, drives like it should... not a comfy as a sedan, but not as choppy as a SUV. Consumer rating was 8.7 when I wrote this, but rating should be higher if you add up the ratings. Mistake here I think. Make sure if the offer you an extended warranty/service plan that you negociate HEAVILY or dont get it at all. Watch out for the "scare technique". Overall I am very happy with the purchase. These cars can get expensive but if this is close to the 94 Legacy I have, well worth the investment.

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  Im officially a "Subie" now. - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ohio State Buckeye - May 19 - 7:16 pm

  We just purchased a 2006 Subaru Forester X-Premium (Champaign Opal Gold) - loaded. We absolutely love this vehicle. I had 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V-8) before this vehicle, which was a gas guzzler, needless to say. We love this car, fun to drive, peppy with 173-hp and 0-60 in about 8 seconds. Also, 23 city and 29 highway, not bad at all for a car with that kind of pick-up. With a lower center of gravity (boxer engine), the car handles like a sports car in the corners; you dont get the tilt in the turns as you do with other vehicles. Quality is top notch on the same line as Toyota and Honda. The resale value in very good as well. I would again purchase another Subaru.

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  Delightfully Surprised - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By dbrothers - May 18 - 2:42 pm

  Have 1,000 miles on it in three weeks and its getting as advertised gas mileage and thats with blasting the air conditioner. CVT is not loud like a lot of people complain about. I owned a Honda CRV for 4 years and the Subaru is quiter, faster and get better gas mileage. The 2014 body style is smooth and Im actually looking forward to driving it in the snow this winter.

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  I love my Forester and all of the other Subarus Ive owned. - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By jbunting82 - May 18 - 1:04 pm

  My Forester has been great since the day I bought it. Its never once ever left me stranded and gets me where I need to go every time. I dont ever have to worry about if it will let me down even with the 140,000 miles it currently has on it. I have had to replace some things here and there along the way, but thats normal on every kind of car. I see these people on here complain about Subaru and it makes me laugh. Subaru builds some of the most reliable vehicles on the road and dollar for dollar there is nothing out there that beats their overall value. Im convinced that if youve had nothing but problems with your Subaru, the real problem is probably you, not the car.

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  great car - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By aucat - May 15 - 2:15 am

  I have had this car now for six months and am thrilled with it. I previously had a 2006 Outback, and this 2011 Forester has more interior room and gets even better mileage than the Outback did. I consistently get 32 mpg and have gotten as high as 35 mpg. I attribute this to the manual transmission. This is amazing since it is full time AWD. I live in Montana so this is absolutely necessary. I tried to seriously consider other brands, especially those by Chevy and Ford, however, I could not get within several thousand. The Nissan Rougue has come out with a similar price since I bought the Forester. I try to buy American when I can, but I just couldnt find a competing model.

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  It makes you equal to the big SUVs - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By 2008 Subaru Forester - May 13 - 5:00 pm

  I loved this car immediately for the feeling of being equal and "up there" with the big SUVs. It has the small car handling with the bigger car space. The gas mileage is adequate. I feel good in this car.

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  Very good car! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Andeas - May 10 - 3:16 pm

  My experience has been very good. We used the car for a cross-country trip and had no problems.

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  Best Looking SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Bob Kelley - May 6 - 10:06 am

  The lines on the car are classic, no swoops, triangular windows or forced styling gimmicks. Great visibilty and feelings of safety. Getting 28+ mpg on road. Replaced a Kia Sportage. Its like going from a tin can to a bank vault! Driving it is fun, and the lower center of gravity permits very even and contolled steering. All in all,a great car.

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  Wonderful Go Anywhere Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Awake in Seattle - May 2 - 5:43 pm

  Had my doubts as to how refined the Forester would be coming from an 02 Infiniti G20. But I was pleasantly surprised by the solidity and finish of this vehicle. The size is just right for our soon-to-be 3-person household and the volume of the trunk cargo area is very useful. The fabric of the seats seems very durable, interior plastics are of reasonably high quality, and the dark gray color us nice. Visibility is excellent and the turning radius is nice-n-tight for in-city driving/parking (trust me, this does matter). The stereo speakers could use a little more low end oomph, road noise is bit loud, and the seats are not as comfortable as our Infititi but otherwise we love our new Subie.

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  sun roof - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By mrstjk - May 2 - 1:33 pm

  wondering if anyone out there is having issues with the sunroof on 2010 Forester? mine has been in the shop 6 times for leaks while raining. Dealer even replaced the sun roof last time around and still leaks. really getting tired of this and concerned about possible problems-rust, mildew, mold-down the road. Subaru offered me extended warranty but that just isnt enough anymore. Either fix the problem or give me new car. did alot of research/test drives/talks with car owners before purchasing first subaru. Likely to be my last if this isnt resolved to my satisfaction and soon.