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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  Bend subie - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Steven - November 9 - 2:41 pm

  This is my fourth Subaru Forester purchase as I am a devoted Subaru fan. This purchase I decided to upgrade from the basic Forester model to the next level up and got the Premium model. After a few weeks of owning it I love all of the safety items such as side air bags, lane departure warning, and obstacle ahead warning. Wish it had the blind spot sensor, but not a huge deal for me. The models is definitely quieter than my 2011 model, and the gas mileage is much improved. Comfort, handling, and acceleration are still great. Love this car

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  Forester Fun - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Derry - November 3 - 10:00 am

  No problems; drives like a dream in snow which we get a lot of.

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  Subarus Forever! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Silversoobiegirl - November 1 - 4:23 am

  I bought a brand new 2004 Impreza in April, 2004. My parents loved mine so much, they decided they wanted a Forester. So, we bought one together! This car is amazing. It does things my Impreza cannot: lugging mountain bikes, skis, large objects, its GREAT. It handles very well in snowy weather, and is fabulous.

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  Tow Beast - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Kavoom - October 30 - 3:36 pm

  Ive had it a year now and gone 24K miles with about 7k of those on camping trips with a small pop up camper running around 1800 lbs loaded. I have a manual transmission. I have been in mountains plains and it drives like a dream, 22 mpg pulling as fast as 75 mph across Nebraska (29 to 31 mpg w/o trailer). I am on my third Subaru and the Forester is the best so far and thats saying something. Best small tow vehicle in U.S.

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  Made the right choice - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Barry W - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I did the research and study on several SUV models and test drove several, including the Forester. My wife had her heart set on a Forester but I was not yet convinced this was the best choice. Knowing this was her car we negotiated a deal and purchaced a 2003 Forester. The longer I drive it the more Im convinced we made the right choice. Our fuel milage has been averaging 26-29mpg and its a pleasure to drive. The Forester seems a little small for me but not bad, and its a perfect fit for my wife.

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  STAY AWAY!! BUYER BEWARE!! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Kristina - October 25 - 11:13 pm

  My husband and I bought a gorgeous 2007 Subaru Forester that was red with a beige interior and had awesome reviews. The right price and a good looking car to boot! Well, shortly after buying it, everything that could go wrong did. It had the transmission go out, the catalytic converter, you name it it happened. It fell apart so badly that we couldnt even sell it for a good price. We had to sell it to a mechanic as a "shell", as in car body but not working, for a whopping $1,400. And we maintained the heck out of it with a reputable mechanic! You would think if you stayed on top of the maintenance it would be okay; well, not with this car! We spent about $8,000 buying it and then we spent about $5,000 repairing it. And then, a ton of other things went out and the cost to fix it is over 9,000! Ridiculous! I was still attached to the car because of its looks and thought I had myself a lemon the first time. I found one in mint condition, that looked just like the first one I had and thought about buying it. Then I read that they had fixed everything that I had! Plus some! The engine had been replaced! Red flag! I had to replace mine, too, and it only had 130,000 miles! Stay away! Find yourself another car! Dont be suckered in by its looks, it will make you sorry and broke!

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  Forester in the mountains - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By brunte - October 23 - 11:33 pm

  200 miles daily commute in a Chevy Suburban is not practical, so I got a Subie. Best MPG at 29,9, worst at 26. Without exceeding speed limits (by much) the Forester "saves" more than 50 hours per year due to superior cornering on the mountain roads I travel. After driving it for 12,000 miles, I just regret not spending a few thousands more for a turbo.

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  Happy at 5000 miles - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Bill Fitz - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Researched competing models and found Forester to be best value for the money. Bought it as a second car and now it is our favorite. Great for highway and around town. Pulls our boats with no problem. With a luggage box on top carried all our gear, two adults, two kids and a dog across four states and back. Subaru reliability was a big decision factor, being fun to drive cinched the deal.

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  Not Bad At All - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By ATC - October 17 - 4:13 pm

  Im only 52"... not a lot of cars out there that can provide me with much needed comfort for visibility... But the Forester has changed it all. It is a joy to drive at all the times but up to a 45 degree up hill to the high way from a complete stop. I have the most joy driving through the severe snow storms!!! Unbelievable control in 6" snow! LOVE IT!

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  Good stable quality car - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By A Boston Driver - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Well, the vehicle is great it feels very stable when you drive, it responds quickly, the brakes respond well, the manueverability is very good. In terms of snowy weather, you have to try to spin out or fishtail, it will spin out and/or fishtail but you really have to push it. My mother drives a Mercedes ML500 2004 and when she stepped in my car she loved the feeling of it and she felt safe in the car. I have the lowest model, but i believe the highest model is quite a car, leather interior and the dealership said the top of the line Forrester beats the Impreza WRX in the quarter mile or was it the STI (for some reason i doubt the claim).