Overview & Reviews

Changes are minimal for the 2008 Subaru Forester. Stability control is now standard on all turbocharged models equipped with an automatic transmission, and Subaru has shuffled the equipment among the Forester's many trim levels. One notable change is the L.L. Bean model's loss of its self-leveling rear suspension, which increased the pressure of the shock absorbers to compensate for heavy loads.

• Peppy base engine, seriously fast in turbocharged XT trim, carlike ride and handling, standard all-wheel drive, reassuring crash test scores.

• Scarce rear legroom, too much road and wind noise, automatic transmission is slow to downshift.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 34.00

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  Truck to SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Lee - March 27 - 7:23 am

  Settling down doesnt mean slowing down. I had an 02 Tacoma Limited and traded up for this new toy and have no regrets. Great performance and power when you need it while its tame looks might suggest otherwise.

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  Great Subaru...if you can still get one! - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Matt - February 27 - 2:33 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a small SUV and new we wanted to look at a Forester. We started with a test drive of the new 09 Forester. We were really dissapointed. They just changed it too much. Luckily for us, the dealer still had a few new 08 Foresters on the lot. We snapped one up for $4K off of the sticker price. We love the look of the 08 better, and the front seats were much more comfortable. This car has plenty of power and good gas mileage for an AWD car. We couldnt be happier.

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  Initial reaction - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Rodmo1 - December 4 - 7:50 am

  I only bought the car about ten days ago so it is much too early to comment on the reliability or long term comfort level of the interior. However, so far I really like the car. It is fun to drive and performs very well. As everyone else has already said the backseats are very small but I will always be sitting in the drivers seat so what does it matter? This is my first car. I have always owned trucks before but with the cost of gasoline and me living half way up a mountain I needed an efficient AWD. The Subaru fit the bill. My only fill up so far has resulted in 25.97 MPG which I imagine will only get better come engine break- in and non winter blend gas. Great car for the money!

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  Fantastic Car! Buy it if you can! - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By luvmycar7 - December 2 - 12:55 pm

  This is a fabulous car! I have owned my 2008 Subaru Forester for about 2 and a half years now. It has been without a single problem the entire time. One of the things I love most about my Subaru is its versatility. It gets good gas mileage, but I have also used it for hauling huge items of furniture, kayaks, pontoon rafts, 5 people, all the luggage of a long trip for me and my entire family, and building supplies for my house. It is such as safe car as well. My wife was rear ended while in our in our 1998 Subaru Forester by a Ford F250 going fast when she was at a stop. The car completely absorbed the impact and saved her life. After that, we had to get another Subaru Forester.

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  Still a great little car - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By rickshift - May 11 - 3:50 pm

  I have driven my Forester 6500 miles, so it is broken in by now. The gas mileage for an all wheel drive was good from the beginning but now as the weather is warming, I got just under 29 MPG on mixed commuter driving, I have yet to do an all highway drive. I drive into Boston to work, mostly on state route type roads, but I work nights so the traffic is mostly going the other way, at least in the morning. I love this car. Good road visibility, nice sterio system, love the handling, smooth ride eats up the bumps, heated front seats are very comfortable, smoothest shifting manual transmission Ive ever driven.I was a little iffy about committing to always having to shift but now have no regret

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  Excellent value - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Minnie - March 6 - 12:53 am

  I never considered a Subaru until looking at all the others and not finding what I wanted. As soon as I sat in my LL Bean Forester I was hooked. Everything felt right. I love the AWD, the sunroof is amazing especially at night on our country roads with stars twinkling overhead, the heated seats are great, the wood accents on steering wheel and shifter make it look rich, and it handles like a dream. Youd never think this car is a 4 cyl as it has lots of power. Getting 26-28 MPG with just over 3500 miles on her. Ill never own anything else. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee I had for fourteen years and I hope to have this one as long.

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  Best For Business - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Computer Bob - December 9 - 10:26 pm

  Cant say enough good things about my Forester. 29 MPG city, 31 hwy, smooth engine, superb visibility, plenty of thoughtful features (except too-small and tightly cramped cup holders). Seats give great support and comfortable for short & long drives. Beautiful paint and workmanship. Easy to do maintenance (oil, filter, brakes, etc.). Love the tire pressure monitor, outside temp gauge, stereo, storage space.

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  Zippy, Fun, Safe Car - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By SK - June 21 - 11:50 pm

  This is my first Subaru and I love this little SUV. It has good pickup and it feels roomy inside. Its also easy to park. I was happy with all the safety features and feel secure on the highway in traffic. I cant wait to try it in the snow. I like the cup holders in the doors and the interior is comfortable. I have only had it a month so Im hoping its reliable. And where I live there isnt very many of them so its kinda special.

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  Best Looking SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Bob Kelley - May 6 - 10:06 am

  The lines on the car are classic, no swoops, triangular windows or forced styling gimmicks. Great visibilty and feelings of safety. Getting 28+ mpg on road. Replaced a Kia Sportage. Its like going from a tin can to a bank vault! Driving it is fun, and the lower center of gravity permits very even and contolled steering. All in all,a great car.

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  Wonderful Go Anywhere Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Awake in Seattle - May 2 - 5:43 pm

  Had my doubts as to how refined the Forester would be coming from an 02 Infiniti G20. But I was pleasantly surprised by the solidity and finish of this vehicle. The size is just right for our soon-to-be 3-person household and the volume of the trunk cargo area is very useful. The fabric of the seats seems very durable, interior plastics are of reasonably high quality, and the dark gray color us nice. Visibility is excellent and the turning radius is nice-n-tight for in-city driving/parking (trust me, this does matter). The stereo speakers could use a little more low end oomph, road noise is bit loud, and the seats are not as comfortable as our Infititi but otherwise we love our new Subie.