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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An uncovered gem - 2004 Subaru Forester
By dcisive - December 3 - 2:00 amThe handling was superb and I enjoy not having the nose dive when braking. The heated seats and entire defrosting system is outstanding in bad weather (even wiper defrosters...who would have thought?) The car is just a blast to drive and I cant wait to get into it in the morning for my commute. When I need to get in front of someone I dont even have to give it a thought..it gets done in a second. The boost of power is simply stunning. The wind noise is lower than my premium Toyota Avalon XLS at highway speeds, and the seats offer more support. All in all I am one happy camper.
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XT Premium - 2004 Subaru Forester
By xtpremium - December 3 - 2:00 amTraded an 01 Outback for the 04 XT with the Premium package. The vehicle is very comfortable to drive in. The power is amazing. There is nothing I dont like about this car. It handles with precision in all elements, including ice and snow. No other SUV in this class came close to the offerings this has. I also very much like the safety rating based on crash test results. Excellent buy.
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Great Car! - 2017 Subaru Forester
By Real but Anonymous - November 30 - 7:12 pm -
Very pleased - 2010 Subaru Forester
By drg - November 26 - 7:43 pmGreatly enjoy this vehicle. The ride is fun - responsive, sure-footed, firm yet comfortable. Enough acceleration - good gas mileage. Very practical for both day to day activities and the 4 trips Ive already taken in it.
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Exactly what I need - 2015 Subaru Forester
By bbq4 - November 23 - 3:36 pmI keep seeing reviews of this car, saying that it is too spartan. To be honest, I only need that and nothing more. There are things that regardless of money, you simply cant find anywhere else aside from the Forester and those things are: easily the best visibility of any vehicule Ive ever driven; best AWD system, best fuel economy for an AWD compact SUV, best safety rating in its class, among the most spacious compact SUV, having among the biggest panoramic sunroof. For those reasons alone, Im extremely happy with my purchase! Honestly, I dont want to pay more for a name or for gadgets that would not make a difference if theres a snowstorm outside and that I needed to go somwhere.
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I like - 2003 Subaru Forester
By Ala - November 22 - 1:33 amMy ex was an 86 Tarago GLI van that can get bogged on a football field, yet I was able to force it to go into 4WD territory mainly cos of the ground clearance. Subaru AWD is awesome, and the comfort level is a huge step for me in all respects. Being an 03 model the head gasket was done before I purchased it at 160K. Its is a manual with lo-range. Tearing off in lo-range there are no wheelies, just a rocket forward up a steep slope. Handling in the dirt or on the tar is impeccable. Anti-lok brakes are a welcome novelty. The 2.5 L boxer is edgy and free-revving making this a drivers vehicle. Handles like a well mannered car, better than the cars I drive. Love it
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Follow up from May, 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
By tstodola - November 20 - 2:00 amI have had my 03 Forester for 7 months and 17,000 miles and am more pleased with it now then when I purchased it! It gets 24-25 mpg with varied driving. My wife has not wrested it away from me, but I think she would swap her Solara for the Forester if I offered. With all the crash test data on the car, and my experiences to date, The premium for Subaru is really worth it!
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I thought it was a good ride but..... - 2016 Subaru Forester
By PatrickInBama - November 14 - 7:26 amOk, I am shopping for a new vehicle and my list is the 2016 models of the Ford Escape, Mazda CX5, and the Subaru Forester. I added the Forester recently because it looked great on paper. Ive test driven it twice now with the second time with the family. I thought it felt great, but my wife hated the feel as a passenger. She felt nauseous because the vehicle swayed and bounced like a ship on turbulent waves. We own a Nissan Frontier and a Mitsubishi Outlander. She has no issues with either of those vehicles. So I put the Forester back down to #3 on my list and will have her test drive my #1 pick before I purchase. It does us no good if shes queasy as a passenger. Something to think about if you purchase this vehicle.
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Love my Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
By dules - November 14 - 2:00 amTraded in my beloved Honda Civic for the Forester. Have only had it for a week but am having a great time with it so far! The 5-speed manual has plenty of pep, love the heated seats and AWD. Im almost sorry to see winter end now that I have this car!
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My Forester XT - 2005 Subaru Forester
By Stanley Andrucyk - November 10 - 8:56 pmDrives fast like a racing car. Great performance. Kinda small but thats just OK. There is no good storage space. Uses premium gas. Loads of fun to drive. It may be the best car that I have had.
