Overview & Reviews

Subaru attacks the mini-SUV market head-on with the Forester, which actually constitutes an SUV body on an Impreza platform with a Legacy engine under the hood. The most carlike of the mini-utes, Forester is also the most powerful. Airbags remain the full power variety, despite new rules allowing lower deployment speeds.

• Handles like a car. Accelerates like a car. Rides like a car.

• Travels off-road like a car.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 65.00

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  positive on balance - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By astjarne - March 23 - 10:10 am

  If you are looking for a car that will safely take you anywhere and back without breaking your back or the bank, this car will deliver without surprises. In fact, after 4 years of Canadian east-coast driving conditions, we have never been stuck in snow, ice, mud, or sand. The only negative aspects recorded to date are: an uncomfortable back seat, limited warranty relative to other brands, and overpriced parts.

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  well designed car with issues - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By michael - February 13 - 4:03 am

  The major systems were above average in quality and reliability. My problem with the car was the electrical system. Door-open lights wouldnt turn off until the car was started. Remote locking malfunctioned. A lot of items stopped working after several years: radio, lighter, cassette, clock, rear window defroster. Checked fuses; mechanic said too expensive to trace problem. Average city/hwy. combined gas mileage (after a full tune-up) was only about 20-21 mpg. Trunk latch started to fail. Had same problem with our 92 Legacy wagon.

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  Dont miss the Jeeps at all - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Subielvr - September 6 - 1:33 am

  I bought my Forester just over two years ago and its one of the, if not the, best purchases that Ive ever made. Even with the recommendations of friends who own Subies I was nervous about buying a car whos odometer had just passed over the 100,00 mile mark. It was much ado about nothing as in the last forty thousand miles the only expenses (aside from routine maintenance) Ive had are; replacing a cracked coil, new tires (would be necessary on any car), one rear wheel bearing, and the relatively expensive replacement of the timing belt which is really part of routine maintenance anyhow. Gas mileage is about 25 mpg around home and 30 using cruise control when traveling. I love this car!

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  Subaru Forester -- great car - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Brian Dines - April 16 - 8:26 am

  Bought the car 2 years ago from a friend for $7500. Its been an excellent, reliable little SUV. Ive put about 25000 miles on it and the only maintenance thats been required was to replace a couple of CV boots ... and that was cheap. Best used car Ive ever owned. I get about 27 mpg driving 65-75 mph, about 300 miles a tank.

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  I LOVE My Car - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By eieio - March 28 - 5:33 am

  I am horrible on cars, but this one is still kicking. It is terrific in the snow and off-road. The wheel bearings need to be replaced every few years. If you are looking to buy a 98 Forester, then make sure the head gaskets have been replaced. These cars either die at 120K or they live forever. I would love another Forrester in the future.

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  1998 Subaru Forester S AWD - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By T-Bob - March 19 - 3:06 am

  This has been the best car we have ever owned. We have taken it everywhere - offroad, on beach, long trips, and everyday commutes, and it has never had a problem.

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  A great compromise - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By TallahasseePete - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car to replace a Bronco II. It was great in Buffalo snow, on the interstates, and in the Adirondack woods. Seriously sorry to trade it, but we need a pickup truck and cant justify two vehicles.

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  Some good but wheel bearings a killer!!! - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By s cristaldi - March 9 - 5:10 pm

  The car was purchased new. Has good features like paint/body quality. However have needed to replace wheel bearings almost every year. This is a 350 to 400 expense. Every year! Subaru has refused to take responsibility for this obvious engineering defect. So, be very careful purchasing a Subaru they will not back their products. Will never buy another Subaru. Too afraid of excessive costs.

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  4cyl L AWD 4dr hatchback atuomatic trans-bad head gaskets - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By carageous - February 4 - 2:17 am

  Bad electrical system on accessories, i.e. clocks, sun roof, keyless entry) purchased used with 98k miles, sending to the crusher with 264,000 miles due to blown head gaskets that is causing the cooling system to overheat. Cost of repairs more than I care to sink into the old of a vehicle, $1800.00! The MPG was very disappointing, never got over 15MPG city and maybe 20MPG hwy. Transmission had some shifting issues at 200k miles but so bad to require replacing, just grinned and drove it anyway. Tough little cars and fun to drive.

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  Love - Hate IT - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Unhappy_BE - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I do like my 98 Forester (114k miles) except for the six (6) rear wheel bearings that have failed, the cam shaft seal, and the head gasket replaced. For a quailty car, Ive spend alot of time and money fixing the car to keep it on the road. Great car, now if only they could improve the quaility. For the first time in my life (after driving 100,000s of miles) I had to have my car towed to the shop.