Subaru Forester Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
1,789 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1691 through 1700 of 1,789.00
  • excellent car - 2004 Subaru Forester
    By -

    ive been a ford man all my life. this is my first car other than one of the big 3... simply the best car ive ever owned

  • Forester Review - 2002 Subaru Forester
    By -

    The Forester is an excellent vehicle. Handles like a dream and is the best value for the money. Its also the safest vehicle of its kind on the market. I love it

  • Dont be a fool, like I was - 2011 Subaru Forester
    By -

    It took me about 30 days to realize how uncomfortable my Forester is. I guess I was still hyped up to have a brand new car. First of all, it is not a cheap car by any means. Limited Edition is about 26k. I love the exterior and interior looks, the reliability is great as well, BUT the car is automatic transmission is EXTREMELY jerky and the suspension leaves A LOT to be desired. It literary feels as if you are riding a carriage from 18th century. It is really sad that such a beautiful car inside and out has such poor driving characteristics. The most unfortunate thing is that Subaru RUINED Forester 2014, it looks hideous, just as ugly as Impreza. HIDEOUS, how could then destroy such beautifu

  • 1st time Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Forester
    By -

    We tested the Honda Pilot and Toyota 4- Runner and ended up with the Subaru! Our second choice was the Honda Pilot. Thumbs down for the 4-Runner.

  • A great muli-purpose vehicle - 2003 Subaru Forester
    By -

    The Forester is my daily commuter as well as my weekend get away vehicle. After one week of driving in all conditions from long, mundane highway trips, to blizzard and unplowed roads, I came to the conclusion that I made an excellent decision when purchasing this car. If you are considering any SUV, take a Forester for a test drive!

  • Overpriced piece of cheap plastic- lipstick on pig - 2016 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Not only was I taken on the lease, I am shocked how cheaply this car made compared to previous 2006 Forester i owned. The interior is all cheap hard plastic, the car sides bend with pressure of one finger, like a cheap car i had in 1990’s not like previous Subaru. This one already has bad scratch on back because rear has no real bumper but cheap plastic, last one had hard rubber there which showed nothing after hitting garbage can. I got it with all the expensive “safety’ features, but it lacks the most important one, blind spot monitoring. Over all paid fortune, cheated by dealer, and wound up with car that exemplifies cliche of lipstick on pig

  • Perforated Rust on a 2+ year old Subi - 2007 Subaru Forester
    By -

    After doing careful research on the internet and speaking to some Subi owners I decided to buy my first Subi. Everything was going well until I found perforated rust on the rear hatch door and on all the door bolts and in other places under the hood. While Subaru replaced the door and changed all the bolts, I no longer feel that this vehicles body had integrity. What about the rust that may exist in the door panels? Will the rust rear its ugly head after the 5 year warranty? This rust problem existed on cars 20 yrs ago, not today. This uncertainty has led me to trade in my Subi for a different car make altogether. I can no longer trust a Subaru, which is too bad.

  • SOLID & RELIABLE ALL WEATHER COMMUTER - 2006 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Ive driven this car now for a year and a half. During that time Ive put on 35,000 miles. I should add I downsized from a Toyota Landcruiser. The biggest question any prospective buyer wants to know is: "would you buy it again?" My answer would be a resounding YES. This is a super little vehicle. I dont know where some of these reviewers learned to drive in inclement weather, but we live in New England and ours flys in the snow. Never a hint of slipping. Creature comforts are average. I wish the cloth seats werent so prone to wearing and staining. But ours has over 50K miles on it and weve done nothing but change the oil. This is a great AWD vehicle with very good mileage.

  • Great - 2007 Subaru Forester
    By -

    The car has served me well. Outside of the normal maintenance I have not had any problems. The car is dependable.

  • After 4 Years of ownership, I still get excited to drive it. - 2007 Subaru Forester
    By -

    Best car Ive owned hands down. Very nimble, sporty, lightweight, and AWD is awesome

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