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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  Got it in September; got rif of it in December - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By CBTman - December 8 - 10:19 pm

  I bought the 2018 Forester 2.5i to replace my 2010 Honda CR-V 2WD. Compared to the CR-V, the entry level Forester 2.5i is just that: an entry level car for college students or young people. The 2018 Forester 2.5i has great acceleration when the CVT does not hesitate or when not changing from Reverse to Drive (you might wait several seconds). As per the dealer, the vibration you feel when stopped at a traffic light is caused by the CVT trying to go. The vehicle has great turning radio when the steering mechanism does not start making growling noises during a close U-turn. Its steering is agile on regulars streets, but it has a mind of its own on the highways. Driving the Forester 2018 on the Interstate or Turnpike is an exhausting and stressing experience. The vehicles steering is too sensitive and the small steering wheel does not help. The vehicle shakes when a car or SUV passes it on the HW and tries to escape away when a truck does so. Changing lanes on uneven asphalt requires maximum concentration or you may end up crossing the whole lane (it did happen to me). Driving with cross wind on the HW proved to be a very unpleasant experience. I think that it is too high and too narrow to be really stable on the HW. The interior is fine for a short drive, but the padding on the seats is not enough for long trips. The central console has a deep box with a lot of capacity, which has a conventional cigarette lighter socket, the auxiliary audio jack, and a USB jack. It also has a tray for coins and other stuff that mostly gets in the way. The cargo area light is too small and is located too low on the right side to be of any help. In fact, Subaru could have saved some money by not including it at all (keep a flashlight handy). The space under the cargo area floor is great and it comes with plenty of room to accommodate your little things, which prevents them from rolling from side to side while driving. The rear gate does not open all the way up, which leaves it exactly at 5 feet 4.5 inches, and I am 6 feet tall (you guessed it). The vehicle comes with two sets of floor covers (cloth and black plastic), which is also great. The Forester 2018 also comes with rails on the roof, but you need to buy the crossbars to complete the roof rack. In general, I was so disappointed with the vehicle that, after less than 3000 miles, I traded it for a Subaru Outback 2018, even if it cost me a hefty $8000 depreciation. Yes, it was that bad, at least for me.

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  Made me a believer! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By goyanks - December 7 - 3:03 pm

  Loved the car from day 1. I have rescued a number of people stuck in the snow with larger SUVs. A bit noisy in the cockpit but has never left me stranded. After close to 150K miles I think Ill get a new one :)

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  Excellent Drive - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By VEHarlan - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Subaru Forester for about 6 weeks and I am so impressed with its performance. I dont see many on the road in El Paso and I think that everyone should own one.

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  Great all around - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By 47Apost - December 6 - 4:44 am

  Need improvement on the headlight. But overall, its a great family car.

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  Small SUV with Spunk - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By ERM - December 1 - 8:36 am

  Good power on steep hills while rather smooth ride for an SUV. Great value for the cost.

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  I Love My Subaru! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By mbarie - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Although Ive only had this car for 4 months I LOVE it! I also drive an Escape. To compare my Forrester to the Escape is like comparing apples to raisins. This is my 5th new car, but its the first car Ive ever been totally excited about. Ive never owned a Subaru before, but Im sure it wont be my last. It rides well, handles well, and is very comfortable. I also like knowing that it is highly rated when it comes to safety. Its culture shock on the days I have to drive the other car! If my early experience is any indicator, Im hoping to be driving this car for many, many years to come.

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  Love it! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Tillie - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The Foresters size was exactly right for me. I heard only good reports from all the Forester owners I questioned before buying. My Forester S Premium was bought as a winter driver, dog car & to transport horse equipment to the stable. With the huge open sunroof, I dont miss my summer sports car! It has been everything I hoped for, & then some! It is comfortable & safe in the winter & on trips. It is the perfect ski car, & tows my Sunfish to the lakes in the summer. The sound system is icing on the cake.

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  Why buy this subaru forester? - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Jessica - November 28 - 12:07 am

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  Drive it in the Snow & youll buy it... - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By lynn - November 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 98 Subaru Forester and love it so much were planning on buying a 2003 model to replace a sedan. Living in Buffalo, NY the All Wheel Drive is a feature I cant believe I ever lived without. While other cars get stuck in the snow, I am able to get across town without a problem. Everytime someone asks us how we like our car, we tell them we love it and my husband always throws in "take it for test drive in the snow and youll buy it". It also satisfies a need of having a car and a truck all in one which is great since my husband makes many trips to Home Depot.

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  Subaru for ever. - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Josef Goralik - November 25 - 2:00 am

  After thorough research on Edmunds, talking to friends and comparing with RAV-4, CR-V, Audi and Escape, Subaru came out clear first for the money spent and buying experience.