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:
Showing 1731 through 1740 of 1,789.00-
A really nice SUV - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Jake - May 8 - 11:30 amI am not new to the Subaru family; I traded in a 2000 Forester with well over 150K on the clock for a new 06. This vehicle is better then ever. Worth a look for sure..
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Beware the bearings - 1998 Subaru Forester
By Subieowner - May 4 - 10:00 amDrives well, great visibility, very safe. But the wheel bearings have had to be replaced three times!!
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Got my first Suburu and love it love it love it! - 2017 Subaru Forester
By Joy Bitzer - April 28 - 12:12 pmI have had this car about a month and have loved it since the first drive. So far the car has hit a high mark on every expectation. I had concern about making the change from a BMW sport sedan to a conservative SUV and took months of research, study and comparison to make a decision. I chose Suburu because of safety ratings and the excellent performance of the eyesight option. Changed to a SUV for comfort and a higher ride with better visibility, the Forester because it was the size I wanted, the 2.5 for fuel economy and regular gas, and got the 2017 after reading that this model had a quieter ride... and it does! Steering is smooth, handling is smooth and the turn radius is awesome. Controls are easy to comprehend. The eyesight option is worth whatever the cost although I paid invoice price of $1395. Overall, I got a perfect vehicle for me at a great price.
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Our familys fourth Subaru! - 2001 Subaru Forester
By billshoff - April 27 - 1:23 pmI bought our 4th Subaru to use in my work and it never fails me. I use this Forester to pick up and deliver computer equipment to the public schools. Its comfortable (Im 6 tall) and easy to get in and out of. The back seats fold quickly and the sound system is quite good. It had 56,000 miles when I bought it and so far Ive only done routine maintenance. I dont go to the Subaru dealer; he charges way too much ... $35 for an oil change. My independent garage charges $22 for oil change & tire rotation. We also have 3 Outbacks and I have to admit they ride better, but theyre harder to get out of. Reliability has been very good.
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Great Car! - 2003 Subaru Forester
By subarupal - April 27 - 2:00 amThis is my first Subaru, now I know why subaru owners are so loyal and enthusiastic about their cars. Considered just about every other same type suv and test drove most of them. The Forester was the clear winner. Fit, finish and quality is that of a car worth $1000s more. Proven reliability and advanced safety features just add to the package. Cant wait for the snow.
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Subaru Forester is a Good Buy - 2003 Subaru Forester
By gido gido - April 27 - 2:00 amThe visibility provided by the cars height along with the low rear window makes driving and parking easy. The engine has enough power for the freeway and around town. The car has a very solid feel. The seats are also very comfortable both front and back.
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Get You One - 2009 Subaru Forester
By Tonster - April 22 - 8:46 pmThis vehicle is by far my favorite Subaru owned to date. Just got thru this three day blizzard in Nebraska. This pony went everywhere at all times. In Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue and all points in between. What all wheel drive is about.
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First and last Subaru although saved my life - 2001 Subaru Forester
By Brendan - April 20 - 4:47 pmBought used in immaculate condition in 2013 with zero rust, completely undercoated, 134000 miles and mint, or so we thought. Same day I left the lot the check engine came on no more than 2 miles down the road. Dealer replaced head gaskets, two days go by, now needs a fuel filler neck, another day goes by, needed new suspension components and a catalytic converter, left shop with a migraine after shelling out $6700 for what was told to me one of the best used cars, no more than another week went by and it needed a brand new exhaust and rear bushings, finally it basically had been rebuilt then on Valentines day 2013 was hit head on by drunk driver, he was driving a newer Pontiac Vibe which hit frontal offset my Subaru, I walked away, Vibe buckled like a tuna can and their tranny dropped from their car as he tried pulling away (karma), my fiance at the time was injured but is still alive thank God. The Subaru was totalled and although it needed extensive repairs it was terrific in the snow and rain, best tires used on the car were Hankook H727s, they hugged the road! But figuring in the repair bills, I will never buy another. I guess the best part was its safety and the worst was reliability. My Honda isnt much more reliable just waiting for a truly reliable car and I meticulously maintain my cars.
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good value in its class - 2012 Subaru Forester
By health - April 16 - 8:19 pmLarge sun roof, alot of features for the money, gas milage has exceeded expectation. 5 speed is fun to drive.
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Forester 2016 - 2016 Subaru Forester
By Erin Lockwood - April 15 - 7:11 am
