Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 171 through 180 of 217.00

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  New Turbo Subie Owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By TLH - December 29 - 6:23 pm

  7 mo/7000 miles, so far so good. Almost bought a RAV4 V6, but didnt like paying extra for accessories and hated RAV4 looks. However, would have bought a V6 Forester if available vs turbo-4cyl. While the car is fun, sometimes it seems it cant decide whether to downshift or use turbo, so performance is jerky with some lag at times. Could be due to 4spd auto tranny (or my driving style, which is avg to a little aggressive). MPG is ok, 20-23mpg avg, with up to 25 seen during a recent 1000 mile trip. I installed aftermarket oil temp and turbo gauge b/c I like to be more informed about engine status vs silly idiot lights. However, I still think its the best small SUV on the market, no regrets.

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  Excellent choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Excellent choice - December 26 - 9:36 pm

  After the first 3 months, I can say this was an excellent purchase. You cant go wrong with the vehicle entirely made in Japan. I had to wait 8 weeks for the vehicle to be made and delivered. I love the turbo.. incredible acceleration. So far no speeding tickets. The interior leather is beautiful and everything is nicely finished, including the metal/racing pedals.No rattling noises so far, may be because of the Limited version. It makes some of the expensive competitors look silly.

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  Best Small SUV-Outback is Better Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Gary - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  Previously owned four Outbacks. They are a more substantial vehicle with many more standard feature details such as lighted vanity mirrors, bumper cover, cargo tray, cargo cover, fog lights, all weather package, etc, Outback has better seats, quieter ride, better handling, power drivers seat, better interior materials, more solid construction. Outback has a higher sticker price but Forester is about the same when similarly equipped. After 3-years Outback is rattle/squeak free and solid. Forester already has suspension noises and dash rattle over rough surfaces after only 800 miles. Tried all the competitors before buying this one and overall its the best of small SUVs but Outback is better.

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  HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By dena - November 10 - 11:46 am

  Dont even think about buying this car! I have had it for about 6 months & absolutely regret buying this car. The exterior is great but the interior is cheap & poorly designed. The fabric on the doors already looks worn, the electric seats crack the plastic covers around the legs every time I move the seat back, the rubber seal around the back passenger door fell off... The position of the seat heater knobs is unreachable while driving. Plus, my factory installed remote start doesnt work unless the car is already warmed up. The dealership says there have been other complaints about this happening but nothing is being done to fix it. Subaru customer service is terrible. Dont buy this car!!

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  Engine Failure - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By MJU - October 6 - 8:33 pm

  I had my Forester XT limited for about 4 months and had driven it about 6,000 miles. I really liked the car, but the engine died on a family vacation. It now needs to be replaced. It is all under warranty, but it still is an inconvenience It also makes me feel uneasy about the engine from now on, even if it is brand new. I had heard and read so many positive things about the Subaru boxer engine that this shocks me.

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  Great car, but... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By St.Paul - September 19 - 4:46 pm

  The 2009 Forester is a re-design. Bought Topaz Gold (hides the dirt) and love the huge moonroof. No one told me that the premium package had been seriously downgraded since the previous model year. So, do your research on this car, things have changed. Drives nice, steering is a little light at low speeds, basic cloth seats are cheap w/no lumbar support, tons of road noise with this model, could use a little more power, moonroof not tinted, reclining rear seats are a joke. Go top of the line and get turbo and power leather - youll be happy.

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  Great Little CSUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Terry C - August 28 - 1:50 pm

  Stopped at the local dealer to just to look at the new Foresters but after a brief test drive I was hooked. I traded in my full size pick up a day later on the new 09 Forester 2.5X with the premium package. The handling is sporty and the ride is smooth. The fit and finish impeccable, much better then the truck. The headlights are very bright on high and really light up the road. The automatic transmission shifts smooth and is well geared. Theres tons of interior space and very comfortable seating. The huge moon roof is a nice feature it nearly extends all the way to the back seats.Power windows and key less entry are standard even on the base models. Oh and the gas mileage is awesome!

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  Not worth giving up the room for mileage - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By SubaruAdmirer - August 8 - 8:56 am

  No problem with it so far except gas door release level falling off. Decent acceleration from stop but no power at all on highway especially with ac on, need to drive in "power" mode or else difficult to pass or climb hills. 50/50 mileage averaging 21mpg with the 4spd auto. Will not get the 28mpg+ some claim unless going below 60mph. Not sure about you, but I dont drive on all stretches of country road. A small v6 with a 5 or 6 spd auto would have been better. Interior much smaller than mid-sized SUV with no 3rd row seating. Frankly the only slight increase (15%) in fuel economy was not worth giving up the space and seating option. Overall build feels a bit cheap. Liked our Outback better.

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  2 year update - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Red Herring - August 7 - 9:36 am

  Have owned now for almost 2 years, and still am impressed by what a sound, competent SUV this is. Through 2 winters now, tracks like a goat-no way to get it stuck, and rain is irrelevant due to great visibility, wipers and traction. Body quality is high also-survived a nine inch wide, 12 foot long tree branch falling on it and grape sized hail without a dent or scratch. Plenty roomy (Im 64" and comfortable front or back) and practical (carried everything I ever asked it to, much more than CR-V or RAV). Turbo makes it a VERY competent performer, and I think the handling is a great compromise between comfort and performance. Critics need to keep in mind that this is a Subaru, not an Audi

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  Luv My New Subie Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Daveknight - July 30 - 11:50 am

  I researched several comparable models and chose a 2009 Forester having consideres Forester for a couple of years, The 2009 model is a step forward from the excellent previous Forester. This car handles beautifully and is a joy to drive. It has more room than the previus model yet maintains the Forester image. Gas mileage has been as high as 32 highway at 60 mph. Fit and finish is excellent. I am thrilled with my new 2009 Forester. Would recommend the Rugged Package which includes side moldings, fender moldings, roof rack bars and rear bumper protector.