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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  Replace The Tires! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By herrfish1 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The Forester is a pretty good little SUV, but could stand some improvements. The front cupholder position is terrible, as others have said. The original Bridgestone Duelers lasted less than 24,000 miles. I replaced them with Yokohoma Avid Touring tires from Tirerack.com and found a great deal of improvement in ride and handling! And apparently, all Subaru service dealers are trained the same way. Nothing is ever wrong with these vehicles that isnt "normal for that model!" When my lease is up, Ill be looking at the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4 as a replacement.

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  1 year later - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By mrstjk - June 14 - 5:14 pm

  wrote a review 8/10 after 1 mth ownership, gas smell was a mouse who had eaten the gas line! fixed-no repeats. 5/11-leaking from rear shoulder harness after a few days rain. seal on sunroof pulled loose & drain not connected. okay until this week - again leaking. two days in shop and they cannot recreate leak. my concern is about mold/mildew/rust in future. thinking about getting rid of it if dealer or Subaru wont do something. otherwise, I do love the Forester. great in snow/handles well/has improved to 22-23 MPG, mixed so not too bad. little "rough" til it warms up but after that, is quiet. seems to hold value in resale - at least at dealer.

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  Best All Around Vehicle!!!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By rwilcauskas - June 12 - 5:00 am

  Recently traded in our 1997 Ford Explorer due to age and recent repairs. Researched all vehicles in the compact/midsized SUV Class. Drove the Nissan Rogue ,Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4. Then drove the Forester. The Forester has an exceptional amount of cargo and passenger room for a "small" SUV. The vehicle handles great due to standard all-wheel drive. We did have leather installed because the only drawback was the cloth seats did not feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend this vehicle because of the great gas mileage (27 > on highway, and 26 combined) and the multitude of safety features. The Swiss Army Knife of all vehicles! Great value, performance, and reliability!

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  AMAZED! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By pfriday68 - June 6 - 5:21 am

  AMAZED! Took delivery on Friday and put on 378 miles going to the coast. Over mountains, up grades, in rain, got 34 MPG on the first tank! On the hwy with cruise set at 60 was getting 36! More power than expected. No power loss up hills or plenty of power for passing. Comfortable with terrific visibility! Traded 2010 Xterra OR due to horrible mileage (14/18). Gave up towing power but that is all! This easily has the pep of the Xterra in the mountains! Eric D at Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR went above and beyond and I had a terrific sales experience! I love this car. It does it all for me and Ive been looking for this for a long time! Maybe there is something to this Subaru Love stuff!

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  My First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By CB - June 5 - 11:13 am

  This is my first Subaru. To date I am very satisfied with the SUV. Handles well and is fun to drive. Certainly meets all of my needs from shopping, golfing and traveling.

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  Subi - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - May 25 - 8:30 pm

  I love to drive the Forester in the city, it is peppy, turns on a dime, and has great visibility. I hate to drive the Forester on the highway, noisy and wanders all over the road in a moderate wind.

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  AMAZING CAR & GREAT BANG FOR BUCK! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Abi - May 24 - 2:47 pm

  Ive owned the 2017 Forester XT for about one month now. Here are come quick Pros and Cons: Pros: I get drove several cars before deciding on this vehicle. Basically, you cant touch a car with a similar size, performance, value, resale value, engine, comfort, with any car in the price of 35K. The only other car I as excited about was the Mercedes GLC (Which was 60K out the door). The gas mileage is roughly 23mpg. Car handles well. It doesnt sit as low to the ground as my 2014 WRX, but I feel good around sharp turns and I have confidence in the car and its suspension (although I would have liked to the suspension to be 15-20% tighter). I like the infotainment system. The screen is big and its easy to use. I didnt go with the Touring model instead I chose the premium and added a few things. The price point of the Touring for me wasnt worth it. I enjoy how high the car sits, I like it has plenty of room in the back seat and especailly for my German Shepherd in the Trunk area. Overall, super happy with my purchase. CONS: Subaru could have done a slightly better job with the CVT. Its nice to drive when in sport mode but in economy mode the engine/transmission gear change lags big time. My biggest pet peeve though are the corn seats. I feel they could have been more ergonomic and better fitting. Im not a big guy, 58 and 160 lbs. But i feel the seat could do a better job keeping my in place instead of moving side to side around sharp turns. Other people I ride with say its comfortable, so maybe Im being picky. I really hope this review helps and Gluck hunting!

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Susan - May 24 - 8:43 am

  I have 98,000 on my Forester-11 years old. I have a 5 speed manual and had my clutch adjusted once. I had a couple other problems early on but nothing since. I think the problems were from it being the first year this vehicle was made. At first I was not enchanted as I did have problems but since then it has been great and very dependable. For whatever reason my tires do not wear out. It is important I think to take it to a Subaru Dealer to do all maintainance and do the suggested maintainance that is suggested for Subaru Foresters. It is very important. I love my vehicle and when I think about getting a new vehicle I just cant do it. I love my automobile, very dependable and great in snow

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  Not a Happy Camper - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By lexi209 - May 22 - 2:22 am

  I have a Forester 2010 that has less than 60,000miles. The leather seats are showing wear, especially the drivers seat. Contacted Subaru and have been told it is normal wear! Seriously?? This was to be my retirement car. Got the leather so it would stay nice. Guess I was wrong. I feel this is inferior material, but the company wont stand behind their product. Very disappointed! Close to $2,000 to fix both front seats. I love driving this car, but wont be buying another Subaru because of low quality interior.

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  Best overall small SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By AndreyM - May 21 - 8:50 pm

  Ive had my Forester for about 1 month. Im very satisfied with my purchase. I love the exterior styling, internal (and cargo) space is great. Leather seats are very comfortable. Handling is precise (feels more like a sports car) and pickup is very decent for a V4 engine. The build feel is solid so far, no rattles of any kind. I get about 22 mpg in mostly town driving with some highway - again no complaints here. I love rear visibility and the size of sunroof - this thing is huge!