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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  Dont Touch My Baby!!!!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By oldarmywife - March 16 - 8:07 am

  I love my 2009 Forester LL Bean Edition, we have gotten a consistent 25 mpg and have had zero issues in the almost 3 years weve had it. We have three reasonably big dogs who fit easily in the back with the seats folded down (and lots of rubber matting!!) and have driven for over 12 hours at a time with the dogs extremely comfortably! I love the "driving for dummies" addition of letting me know my tires are low which has eliminated the need for me to check them and the heated seats are a gem! The drivers seat is my favorite, I can raise it so I can have a panoramic view as I drive and its sleek design makes it easy to park even in tight spots.

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  You cant go wrong with the Forester XT! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By debred - March 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are expecting our first child and she needs something bigger. Looked at the mid-size SUVs (Honda, Toyota, Mitsu, BMW, & Land Rover) but nothing compared to Subarus financing. 0.9% for 60 months, you cant go wrong with that. Plus, AWD living in Utah. I will have to see how it will perform in snowy conditions.

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  Subaru Forester 2011 Lemon - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By yukon13 - March 5 - 6:48 am

  I suggest never buying a Subaru. I purchased my first one strictly due to their perceived reputation. The 2011 Forester is poorly built. Body trim pieces have fallen off. Their is piston ring slap and it burns oil like theres no tomorrow. Service at Northtown Auto in Amherst NY actually said that this was normal and that Boxer engines are known for burning oil. After recommended oil changes at 3500 and 7500 miles, I was on my way to my 15000 mile change and the engined developed a low-end knock at 13000. Turns out, nearly all the oil was gone and theres not a single leak. Poor quality engine and manufacturing.

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  Forester - A lousy excuse for a car - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Arty - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has average build and quality. With head gasket failures and oil leaks galore, how can you buy a vehicle with a reliability factor like that? Now that I own it, I find two other owners that have experienced at least one of the same symptoms/problems. Good bye Subaru, hello Saab 9/3.

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  Subaru is for YOU! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Alias378 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Good

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  I am so happy with my Forester!! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Surgigirl - March 2 - 7:13 am

  I have only had my Subie for 1 week and I just love it! This is my first Subaru. I took advantage of Cash 4 clunkers. I test drove the Rav, and the Rogue and really didnt consider the Forester because I never liked the older styles of them. Well they completely remade the body style and I just love it! There is so much room inside this car. I am 510 and have plenty of room. Totally love the iPod accessory. Stereo is decent, but I am sure some of the younger kids would think its lame, but I am not a kid anymore! Love all the safety features. It will tell you when your tires are low in pressure! Airbags all over! Compass in rear view mirror, love it. Automatic dimming adjustment of rearview mirror.

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  Soft Winshield - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Sam - March 1 - 6:23 am

  Purchased 2017 Forester in October of 2016 at Bob Moore Subaru in Edmond Oklahoma. Will never go back. RUDE. Heated seats do not function well. Either too hot or too cold. Drove an Outback loaner and big difference..much better. Drove to Denver in December of 2016 with snow and treatments on roads. My windshield has small chips and speckles all over it. The car grill, headlights etc have a few very light marks...the windshield is horrible...horrible. My two other cars, an X-5 BMW and GMC Yukon, which have over 100,000 miles, their windshields have nothing like this and have had much, much, much more exposure to harsh elements. Something is wrong with Subaru windshields!

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  Wish Id Bought Another Toyo Sienna - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Andy - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I researched and compared the Subaru Forester Premium with a Toyota Sienna, 2010 models. Because the Toyo was about $4,000 more I decided to go with the Subaru. Do I regret that decision! Ive taken my Subaru to the dealer three times already since I purchased it in August. The car is very noisy upon start-up, but fine once I drive. Every start-up is noisy. The dealer keeps saying its part of Subarus design, but Im not buying it. Also, after about a month of driving, I continue to hear the rear seats rattle. If I could return this car Id do so w/o hesitation. The ext/inter design is okay, but I certainly regret not buying the Toyota Sienna! Think twice before buying a Subaru.

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  An excellent SUV - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By viper118 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The Forester is a fun car to drive. It is smooth, quite and predictable. Gas mileage is difficult to measure. The gas consumption indicator in the dash exaggerates the mileage by about 1 mpg. I have never gotten the promised highway mileage but have always done better than the city mileage claim. For the first 6000 miles I got 23.5 mpg then it jumped to 24.5 mpg and at 17000 miles it jumped to 25.5 mpg. These figures are for city/highway mixed driving. At a steady 65 mph I get about 26.5 mpg. I have heard from several sources that it takes about 25,000 miles to break in a Subaru engine and drive system. My diving style average with easy acceleration.

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  2002 Subaru Forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Ac Cars - February 12 - 4:06 am

  Well I think it should REALLY have improved comfort/road noise!! Also it doesnt have good brakes or reliable cup holders. Mine broke in less than a year! Also those dark/light gray seats soak up way too much sun. I would not recommend it.