Overview & Reviews

Subaru's well-regarded Forester crossover sport-ute has been completely redesigned to be an even more enjoyable addition to your family. Engineers have given the tall wagon more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content -- all while keeping exterior dimensions the same and reducing the curb weight by 90 pounds.

• Standard all-wheel drive, availability of upscale features, high safety scores.

• Only one engine choice, price can be higher than most of the competition.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 163.00

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  Forester X - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Judy3115 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car 2 months and have about 4600 miles. I drove 1000 miles 1 way on a trip and didnt end up with a back ache or too much stiffness. Driving across western Minnesota caused arm stain due to wind although it didnt look like there was that much wind.

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  Be Careful with this one - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By ... - January 6 - 7:13 am

  I thought this car would be a great buy and at first it was. I love the way it handles, acceleration is good, gas mileage is fair. Now after owning it for not even two years, and still paying the sucker off I have not one but two count em two bad head gaskets, $1600 to fix, and it is a common problem. Just check msn autos reliability raitings. Bad head gaskets, its what makes a Subaru a Subaru. Do not buy!

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  Cant wait to buy another... - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jmonk - January 5 - 7:36 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned; responsive, fun to drive; reliable and comfortable during the long drives. The new styling is appealing and the improvements to the interior affords storage and accessibility without taking your eyes off the road. I bought my Forester in February, so I was able to test its AWD ability...I was impressed. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone young or old. The base model offers just more than enough options.

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  Strange little bugger - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By hboggs - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Originally purchased for my wife, it became mine when larger SUV was traded. Had only 1 problem, a leak in the engine, which took 3 trips to fix. No other problems. Generally a solid build. Overall very pleased. Look forward to keeping for many years. Recently, I purchased a Toyota Avalon for not many more $, much larger vehicle, get much better gas milage, more inexpensive by 1/3 to insure, makes me question, in retrospect, the Forester purchase.

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  Leak - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By rushtonsb - October 15 - 10:00 am

  While the whole package still is very appealing, I was very much surprised to find a leak from the roof rack in a new car - especially one with a very good reputation for quality like a Forester. Leak was there from the very beginning, and now, after split seam is supposed to have been fixed and lining of roof cleaned and dried, theres a distinct moldy smell. Does anypone have experience with this sort of thing? Can a leak really be fixed reliably, or will this just be a recurring problem?

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  Subaru #4 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Valdezer - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Subaru that weve owned. We had a 1981, 1986, 1991 until now. The only problems ever were on the 1986 overheating and the 1991 pneumatic suspension sagging. Beyond that, they have been great cars. As for the 2003 Forester 2.5X, it has been great so far. We only have 500ish miles on it. We live in the lake tahoe area and believe me; Subarus can handle any snow. They handle great and all with the confidence that AWD is constantly working-great for black ice. The two most popular cars in this demanding area are Subarus and Jeeps. There must be a reason for that. They are great handling, durable and reliable cars. reliable.

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  Dont Overlook Subaru Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Impostor - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Subaru Forester is probably one of the best values on the market today. Drive it and compare your feelings with it competitors. You will be sold. And you wont regret it.

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  The best car I have ever owned. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By lowman99 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This has to be one of the best cars on the market today, but also one of the most understated. The safety is unmatched in its class, and the all- wheel drive is amazing. On a recent ski trip into the mountains, while everyone was pulled over to the side of the road putting on chains, I just cruised right past them. While 4x4 F- 150 with chains were spinning out in front of me, I just glided over the snow. Extremely reliable- no problems whatsoever.

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  This is a great car! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By bigdanhall - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I am totally pleased with this car, its great. I am 64 and my wife is 56 so we were looking for a car that would fit us both. It had to be roomy to travel in and I have this thing about simplicity and sturdiness. This has been an excellent choice. I love the zippiness of the Forester, it really has a bunch of pick up. Definetly get the 5 speed Manual. We have about 10,000 miles on it and it has proven to be reliable and fun to drive. You can get this car for less than $18,000 if you wheel and deal right.Subaru should offer leather and sunroof on 5 speed manual.

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  Fun Drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By pmac - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a wise choice for a small SUV. It handles surprisly well on the road and has very good visability. I didnt expect as much quickness from a four cylinder. Decline the winter package and buy a remote starter.