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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  Go Everywhere and anywhere car - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By Seeingsienna - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car doe sit all. It is my commuter car, my sporty ride car, my soccer/baseball car and my landscaping car, and now even my camping car. Other than 3 repairs to the rear wheel bearings {see other owners reporting same problem and local serviceman saying it is common for the car}, it has been trouble free. Mileage drops to 21-22 in winter - I suspect bad oxygen/gas mixture b/c tires are kept well inflated. In warm weather I get 25- 27 overall.

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  UGGGH - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - December 22 - 9:00 am

  NOthing but problems with this one. Its to bad because I loved the (260,000 miles) outback I had previously. The forrester has been a nightmare. Wheel bearings, every seal the thing has. Now the head gasket. I will be giving up on this one.

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  Love it, fun to drive, but some problems - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pip3 - December 17 - 9:16 am

  We love our Forester, for the most part. It is the perfect size. I dont have to sink down to get in and better yet, dont have to yank myself high up to climb into it. Driving it is fun, very responsive and great turning radius. Visibility is excellent and parking is easy. However, we have 2 strong complaints and a minor one. First, the radio is terrible! The fm sounds like hollow am radio. Next, the passenger seat is highly uncomfortable, non adjustable, and sunk down so low its hard to see over the dash. The minor complaint is storage. Glove box is tiny, cup holders are square and bottles routinely fall over. In-door cupholders are also flawed.

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  Love My 2006 Forester Premium - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Kathy - December 12 - 5:53 pm

  Im very, very, happy with this vehicle. Great handling and no problems with the snowy backroads of upstate NY due to AWD. Getting about 23 MPH on average - more would be be nice. Armrest/cup holder setup leaves a lot to be desired. Replaced the tires and added tint to the windows straight away. Love sunroof and CD changer. MP3 outlet would be a nice touch. Hate that seat belt chime - would like to turn off while just sitting with the car in park. Excellent crash test reviews - love the side curtain airbag feature. Would buy this car again in a heartbeat.Wish there was a closer dealer. A great deal for the money - holds its resale value well. Overall very satisfied. Highly recommended!

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  Its about love - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By tarsier - December 11 - 4:10 am

  I could have paid less for my Forester if I had been more patient but its about love and the extras I might have added for the same price were not terribly interesting or involved trade offs (standard, turbo) I wasnt willing to make. I have no problem with stereo volume but the plastic/felt interior, goofy high chrome exterior trim, engine high speed rev and blind spots exist. I am not thrilled with the armrest, but my dog likes it and I have issues with the ipod integration kit. But thats it, other issues are more industry-wide technology-style issues than Subarus fault. 15,000 miles, 6 major road-trips from the snow to the desert and its still all about love.

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  1st time Subaru owner - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By nkaena - December 9 - 2:13 am

  Always wanted a AWD car. I was impressed with the Forester and I went for it. Im really happy with the choice.

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  All good! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By domo2880 - December 8 - 10:16 pm

  I decided on the Forester after seeing the new platform for the 09 model. I leased an Impreza in the past and have always had a thing for Subaru vehicles, but hte look of the older model Foesters had always kept me away. This new style is just what I needed to get me in the Forester camp.

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  pretty nice but a few interior problems - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By phuntley - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I like this car a lot overall, however, there are few problems with the interior design that I take issue with, especially the placement of the drink holder. The car drives well (handles really well on muddy roads), it holds a lot of cargo with the seats down, and the gas mileage is really good. Plus, all the compartments hidden throughout the car are really fun. I havent had any problems with the engine or anything functional, and Ive put 30,000 miles on it in little over a year.

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  Be prepared to visit the dealership often!!!! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Loves to drive - December 6 - 4:23 am

  I have to say I want to love this car but in less than 1 month of owning it we already had problems. The interior is comfortable and the drive is very nice. We bought this car for the safety ratings. Its our 1st time venturing away from Toyota. In week 1 the engine lights started going on when you turned the car on. Multiple lights were on showing different issues. My husband took the car back to the dealership and the sensors were replaced. We were told this was a known issue and the problem was fixed. Yesterday we received a letter from Subaru saying the CTV transmission was not filled with enough fluid. Guess we are going back to the dealership. This is a total disappointment! Be forewarned.

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  2015 XT Touring - Day 1 - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By evanworld - December 5 - 3:14 pm

  Full disclosure: the cars been in my driveway for a day and these are first impressions with more to follow. I obsess on research before I buy and in this case started with a crush on an Acura AWD which quickly faded before I moved on to a BMW 3-Series Xdrive. The idea of a Forester came out of left field and became viable after a test drive. I fell in love with the excellent visibility, easy access and turbo engine (I owned an 05 Legacy wagon GT manual and it was a rocket). The hook - 20K less than a Bimmer and better AWD than its competitors.