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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  Wont buy this again - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By julie - November 22 - 9:20 pm

  I went from a Toyota 4 runner to Subaru LL Bean. I am highly disappointed. The leather seats are very cold in the winter until they warm up. Because of the heater design, my legs are too hot in summer and too cold in winter. The air just doesnt circulate down there. It comes out at chest level only. Passengers in the back seat freeze. The exterior paint job is very bad. It scratches incredibly easy. The windshield takes forever to thaw. It handles well in small amounts of snow but not in anything over 6 inches.

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  the rattlemobile - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By canuck - November 21 - 2:10 pm

  the good - looks decent, good rear storage, lots of room for kids in back seat, decent towing capacity the bad - noisy engine, uncomfortable seats front, poor drink holders, well hidden heated seat controllers, stupid blue light over rear mirror, small controls for stereo and cruise. the ugly - the stereo is poor, but above all .... it RATTLES ! various cheap plastic components rattle under all conditions, the ceiling, the doors, the dash, the windows, the trunk, front heat deflector.

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  Better than I thought - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By cha ba - November 20 - 8:59 am

  the only down sides, passenger side gas cap and those head rests.

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  Early Buyer - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Bradley - November 18 - 6:33 pm

  I got one of the first 2010 Foresters available in my area, and have had nothing but great experiences with it. The interior is much roomier than the previous version of this model, and the controls are laid out attractively and logically. The Moon Roof is simply gargantuan, making the car more fun to drive than is the case with most SUVs. Power is sufficient for my needs (I havent tried to tow anything), and MPG is in the 23-25 range for combined suburban-&-highway driving. I wish Subaru offered the Forester in green (they dont), but thats a minor quibble. Overall, the 2010 Forester is every bit as fine as "Consumer Reports" says it is -- i.e., outstanding!

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  "It captures my youth again" - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Frank - November 18 - 3:56 pm

  It lives up to all its reviews and my review is that its an excellent car for todays driving with good mileage and excellent ride and a fun car!

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  7th Subaru, 5th Forester - 2013 Subaru Forester
  By subiedriver6 - November 17 - 9:48 am

  Obviously I am sold on Subaru. This is my 5th Forester and the first I have had with power heated seats and telescopic steering wheel. That makes all the difference in the world in comfort. None of my Subaru cars have given me any problems, and all of the dealerships have been excellent to work with. I appreciate the 7500 mile maintenance schedule and the self contained aspects which require no service at all. 2014 has a better transmission, but I could not pass up the 0% interest rate and great end of model year discounts. Fit and finish seem to be just average, but I have no complaints as I didnt pay a premium price for an Audi, BMW, or Lexus. Great small SUV!

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  More Cons than Pros - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Roger - November 12 - 4:20 am

  Updated 10k mile review Pros 1. Great storage space 2. Incredible visibility 3. Sound system really rocks Cons 1. Handling especially in high winds 2. Gas mileage expected it to be 26-28 and its 24-24 highway 3. Headlights are great but the bright lights only turn on when the ambient light is low. 4. Incredibly loud in a rain storm. 5. Resetting the clock even the dealer cant do it. 6. General ergonomics do not fit a person over 6 foot the door rest is too low and the window sill is too high.

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  Picked a Winner - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Clint Knight - November 11 - 11:10 pm

  I spent almost six months reviewing and analyzing every small and mid size SUV. I purchased every automobile magazine that was available and read all the reviews on the internet. I finally determined that with the price of gas escalating, safety being very important,and quality and reliability being essential the Subaru Forester was the vehicle that made the most sense to me. I purchased it in May of 2004 and have 6,700 miles on it. We just had over a foot of snow yesterday in MA and this SUV treats the snow as if it wasnt there. Clearly, I picked a winner.

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  Driving the Forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Frank Costanzo - November 10 - 2:40 am

  Its the perfect car for me. Short runs with an occasional long run. Good on gas. Fun to drive. Dashboard layout great. I like all the little amenities that come with this model such as storage spaces, seat adjustments, locking mechanism, etc. All well thought out and executed. Highly recommended for my type of driving.

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  On My Third Forester - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Qnique - November 9 - 10:00 am

  My 2005 Forester gave it up for me and protected me when a semi ran me into a cement median going 65 mph. I walked away with only bruises from the seat belt. The 2010 Forester replacement is 3" taller and 3" longer. It is very roomy and comfortable. I personally prefer the fabric upholstery (not hot in the summer and cold in the winter), AND the front seats are heated! Even though the car is larger, the tight turning radius is still very good. I have not experienced any issues with rattles or noise. In fact, this 10 is much quieter than the 05. More than anything, my Foresters have always been excellent handling, spunky, reliable and have risen to any challenge presented.