Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 201 through 210 of 217.00

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  Mileage update - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By cosailor - April 22 - 8:36 am

  I wrote a review earlier and wanted to share some mileage numbers. In town driving normal which is like everyone else being somewhat aggressive our XT will get 19 MPG, baby it at the lights and corners and 22 MPG is possible. Needless to say we get 19 MPG most of the time. Highway at 75 MPH steady, it gets 23 MPG. Side roads at 55 MPH to 65 MPH we can get 25 MPG reliably. Recently we took a 160 mile trip up into the mountains. For anyone from N. Colorado, we drove from Greeley to Lyons, up highway 7 to Allens Park, then to Estes and then to Fort Collins. Nearly a 4000 ft gain but we drove conservatively near the speed limits and got 26.1 MPG. Never lacked power.

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  Wife loves it - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Glen - March 7 - 12:06 am

  Decided on the 2009 Forester after shopping for a 2008 and seeing the new 2009. Compared to the RAV4 and CRV, the 09 Forester won hands down. Subaru did their homework and addressed the shortcomings of their own as well as those of their competition. My wife loves her new "SUV" although it doesnt feel like one. The 4 cylinder has more than adequate acceleration but lacks a little on the highway. The quality, fit, and comfort are superb. Im a little disappointed with gas mileage so far with 20 around town and pushing 25 highway. Maybe it will get better after more break in (900 miles so far). I trust this Subie will last a long time.

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  My chevy is more dependable - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By onedisappointment - February 26 - 5:00 pm

  I was sold the safety, resale value, and dependability. Well, within two month of purchase I had a cracked windshield, warranty did not cover the crack and it cost me $370 to replace. and now the car has a leak in the evaporator core and it costing me about $1000 to fix. This car barely 2 years old. My Chevy has 276k miles and still runs with original A/C. Never again will by a Subaru again!

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  First Time Subaru Owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JGatsby - January 31 - 2:03 pm

  The sticker said 20 mpg city, 26 mpg hwy, average around 22 mpg. I drove this new vehicle in mixed city/hwy for the first week and got 26 mpg. Then we took it on a 500 mile trip over the weekend and I got 31.6 mpg. When I finally break this vehicle in, Ill let you know if it gets any better. Amazing! It bought it for its utility, safety, and dependability. This gas thing is a big bonus.

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  3 months - I try to ignore the rattles - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By energizerbunny - January 11 - 5:30 pm

  Okay, I bought this vehicle since I loved my husbands Subaru outback, but wanted a small SUV for my company car. My previous car was a VW Passat. First, the cloth seats have very poor support for long drives (shouldve opted for leather). Will be adding a lumbar support unit from a local detail shop. Tried to get the door rattles fixed from the dealership. They were not able to help and made them worse by trying. Am trying to love the car but kind of wished I had opted for the Subaru Outback or another VW Passat. If you do purchase this vehicle, go for one of the higher end packages (> 2.5XP) since you may get better interior quality. Gas mpg isnt bag... averaging about 25 mpg.

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  Ecstatic!!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By PPZ,II - December 25 - 10:43 pm

  As a first time Subaru customer, I purchased this Forester on 6/30/08, after reading all of the reviews here, as well as on other websites. My wife and I traveled from Columbus, OH to Cleveland, OH (140 miles), with luggage and the A/C on, this past weekend, and averaged 29.1 mpg! We picked up my in-laws and their luggage and drove to Rome, NY, (an additional 370 miles) again with the A/C on, and for that portion of the trip, as well as the return trip, we averaged 28.2 mpgs! Now you know why Im ecstatic - this Forester isnt even broken in, and its getting excellent fuel efficiency. By the way, our Subaru is a PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicle).

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  My First Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By PhoenixAir - December 19 - 9:16 pm

  This is a crossover? A station wagon? An SUV? How about just fun, economical, safe or FES! This 2009 Forester is far and above what is available out there dollar for dollar. After 2700 miles, with a average of 24 mpg combined (highest being 31 mpg on the highway) the only complaint I have is no coin holder. Drove the others, then test drove the Subaru all the way home. Kept it overnight, drove it back to the dealership and paid them for it. Power is available at request, auto tranny is fine but I like the sport shift and it drives knowing where you need to go before you do. Simple dash easy to use and with plenty of head room front and back seats. Nice job Subaru you got it right.

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  Another 1st time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Fanatical - November 1 - 5:40 pm

  After many comparisons, the Forester sold me on build quality, performance, gas mileage and amenities. This is the perfect fit! I tow a small boat, venture off road a bit and have to deal with the winters of New England. The seats are oh so comfy! I feel as if the vehicle were built around me. Im 6 200 lbs and theres no bumping of the elbows, loads of open air above and tons of cargo room for the family. Handling is nimble and easy, the quiet cabin is a pure joy. The other impressive feature is the view, no blind spots, easy to back a trailer, the front view is panoramic! Absolutely love the suspension, not too hard or soft, easy to park, cruises with ease. Gas mileage is right on!

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  Well Engineered - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By yooper - August 26 - 4:13 am

  AWD is flawless. Pulls my boat out of water with ease!! Quiet interior at 70 mph. I tried several small SUVs, none drove in a solid controlled way. It challenges my BMW 323. With 3000 miles, Im averaging 26 mpg total, includes 60% city/40% highway. Pulls utility trailer with ease. Simple interior controls are breath of fresh air.

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  Functional and Fun - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Tom - August 4 - 7:33 pm

  I have had my Forester for a month. So far, so good. The four speed automatic is dated but Subaru has retained it for a reason - it is a work horse that fits my day to day needs. With proper maintenance, I am confident it will serve me well for miles to come. The car looks great from the outside and the interior design is fun and functional. The car is raised off the road yet handles with agility. The ride is secure and firm but drivers seat could use lumbar support. Great visibility and standard safetly features. The Forester is a terrific family hauler at an affordable price. Nice job, Subaru!