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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  Great Car. Run Forrest Run. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By run_forrest_run - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the AWD excellent handling. Premium package has all the amenities; leather, heated seats, heated mirrors and wipers, fog lights, mudguards, 6 CD stereo (spring for the speaker upgrade), climate control, and a huge sunroof. I added the deflector and took off my roof rails to cut down on noise. 4-cylinder engine is zippy - has great highway acceleration - more get-up and go than the 6 cylinder Buick I traded. Handling and parking are a dream. Now I know why so many Subaru owners buy again. Before you buy check-out their website partners. They have discount deals when you support their trading partners.

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  So far, so good - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By AustinFromBoston - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car about 6 months ago for my wife... it was by far the best driving small SUV we drove. Ours had 24,000 when we got it and it has about 30,000 now... no real problems to speak of, except some annoying rattles with interior body parts. I had a 18 year- old BMW that never had any rattles!

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  Glad I waited for this vehicle! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Very Happy! - April 11 - 4:10 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle. I went from a Jeep to the Subaru and couldnt be happier. The utility of this vehicle is incredible and its most important function. The vehicle rides, drives, operates great. I have averaged no less than 28 mpg in mixed driving (50/50). I would recommend anyone needing something more than a car, but less than a giant SUV take a look! The turbo would have been nice, but out of my $ range, and sacrificing efficiency may not have been worth the performance - I can buy a motorcycle for those days. That said the non-turbo does great!

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  Best Vehicle I ever had - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Michael - April 9 - 10:10 am

  I bought it from the dealer in 2002, haven’t been back to that dealership for any work. I just put gas in it, change the oil and air filters. Gets awesome gas mileage, awesome performance, great at towing, does just fine at off-road and I feel safe in it when racing along with traffic. I towed 6,500 lbs of trailer from NH to TN (1300 miles) with no problems getting up hills or accelerating down the Interstate. Vehicle has been the best one Ive ever had. Previous vehicles were 2000 Toyota Camry, 1998 Kia Sportage, and 1986 Volkswagen Jetta. None were close as good as this vehicle has been to me.

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  great value and best in snow - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By gib2011 - April 9 - 7:04 am

  This is a great SUV especially for Harsh winters and off road driving. The 2010 /2011 Forester is easy on the eyes in my opinion. This car has the best value for money in its class. The leather interior is very nice but not luxurious. The blue tooth and Navigation work well, and the touch screen is very convenient. I really enjoy driving my Forester. The handling is better than I thought it would be. The sound system in the limited edition forester is good. I was quite impressed with the video quality of the DVD player. I watched Avitar in my Forester, and the surround sound together with the visual quality was great! I really love this car!

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  Sport & Luxury - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Karen - April 7 - 10:00 am

  The Forester XT is definitely a luxury SUV to me. It is sleek, but practical. It handles very well, hugging even fast turns nicely. It makes you feel confident. Im never afraid to merge. It has plenty of power. The heated seats are great. It is quite roomy and does pretty well for gas mileage as far as SUVs go. I love the leather interior. It is easy to clean and the overall appearance to me is just classy, but at the same time it is very practical. I feel really good about my choice. I honestly think it is my favorite car Ive ever owned. No regrets here.

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  2006 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited Turbo - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ron - April 3 - 7:40 pm

  This is my fourth Subaru Forester. I cant seem to get enough of them. Each new model that I purchase seems to be better than the last. This has got to be the best of the bunch, particularly the acceleration, speed and overall comfort and convenience. I dont know how this one can be bettered except for having an interior dome light for the moonroof model(s)

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  versitile vehicle - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Penny - April 3 - 6:54 am

  Ive owned jeep wranglers for the past 12 year which I though was an ideal vehicle except its small interior. The Forrester is a brilliant upgrade. The moonroof is huge and a great alternative to a noisy convertible. Folding back seat lends to great storage capacity and a good area when traveling with pets. The touring model looks and feels sporty in all whether conditions. It drives very well on wet and snow covered roads. My only complaint is the rough gear change between reverse and drive. That could be a bit smoother. If you like jeeps (all models) but hate their gas miliage, a subaru is a good substitute. Enjoy!

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  Ill keep going back to Subaru! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By JP - April 1 - 10:40 am

  My second Forester was the 2004 and it was such a good, solid car. Ive listened to so many "regular car" drivers complain about snow, ice, etc. I never had those problems with this Forester or the one I traded in to get this one (1998). Just traded it in for a Legacy which I love, but I do miss all the storage cubbies in the Forester! I really love the Subaru line - so many things that are "extra" in other brands are "standard" for Subaru, such as carpeted mats, keyless remote, etc. Between that, the AWD, and a good dealership, Im a Subaru owner for life!

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  Always Wanted This Car - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By John Greene - March 29 - 7:52 pm

  I have wanted a Subaru Forester since they first came out. But every time we went looking for a new car, a different dealer was willing to give us a better price, or different make of car came with more bells and whistles or better fuel economy. But this time we got the Forester and are very pleased that we did. We have an excellent view or the road, we feel safe, the car corners and handles quite well -- albeit not like a roadster -- the trim level has the features we wanted but not features we didnt want, and at least so far, fuel economy is better than advertised. Be warned, however, that you will find what you are looking for in the owners manual only by accident.