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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  Subaru Forester - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Sabre - July 14 - 11:23 pm

  The Forester performs exactly as I anticipated. It is easy to drive, handles well and the visibility is better than any other vehicle I have every own , except for my motorcycle. The all wheel drive is great. The vehicle was designed realistically for the reason most people buy an all wheel drive vehicle. The forester does it and it does it exceptionally well I am pleased as punch.

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  Subaru blows thru snow! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By April Oliveira - July 14 - 6:56 am

  Great car overall, sunroof problem but was replaced @ no cost, just my time. Wonderful in the snow as with good tires, drives thur deep snow better than my ex-suv.

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  Great in snow & ice - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Dockhawg2 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in Dec 02- live in snow country , so this car works great. Feels very secure on curvy, snowy roads. I would buy another Suby.

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  I love my Forester, but - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Tirzah - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Love driving the Forester...the AWD is a life-saver in winter. But mine is plagued by reliability problems. Four times we had to replace wheel bearings, starting at 15K miles, last at 104K miles. Had bad spark plug wires at 40K. Catalytic converter went at 96K. Now my radio-6-CD player started to burn up at 106K, and I needed new engine gaskets and valve seals. This isnt what I expected of Subaru. This is my 3rd Subaru...previously kept a Loyale wagon until 239K miles...I dont think this Forester will last that long. I just bought a Toyota Highlander to make sure I had a more reliable car. Well hold on to the Forester as a second car, until we can afford a replacement.

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  Just breaking it in - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By stuprince - July 12 - 3:15 am

  After having driven a Trailblazer for 7 years, it was time to change to a car with better mileage because I was going to be driving 150 miles a day for work. The Forester was my choice after also driving an Escape, RAV4, CX-5, CR-V, and Equinox. Forester mileage was equal or better than all of them and I am getting about 34 mpg highway right now which should get better as it breaks it. Inside is spacious, came with the winter driving package, heated front seats, and back up camera. Good price at just 26 grand. Easy ride and it cruises at 70 on the freeway without even a push. Handles nice, but could be better. Subaru reliability is legendary so that also sold me on it

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  Get out of the van! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Justin Wolfe - July 10 - 11:50 pm

  If gas, safety, and all wheel drive are concerns for you then Subaru has vehicles to consider. The 2017 Forester is great on gas, has an awesome safety rating and is all-wheel drive so when it came time to get out of that old mini van, the choice was easy!

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  Love my Subie! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Mrs. K - July 9 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Subie that I have owned and I am converted. I bought this car to replace a 2004 Nissan Xterra that was destroyed in a roll over. This car is great in the snow, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the passenger volume as I have 3 month old twins and need the back seat for 2 rear facing car seats. With the car seats in place, the front seats are pushed forward quite a bit sacrificing a lot of front leg room. This isnt really a problem for me since I am only 53" but my 6 tall husbands knees are almost pushed into the dash. I am considering trading in the 2006 for a 2009 just for the larger interior. Overall, this car is a great alternative to large SUVs!

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  03 Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Mr Kibs - July 9 - 2:00 am

  very surprised by the performance this mini suv has. Lots of value and a huge bargain for what you pay for. I bought mine for its reliability and AWD. Takes corners like a sports car, and has the feeling like its glued to the road! Where can you get heated seats, automatic climate control, AWD and more for under $24K. Love the panorama view of the road, almost no blind spots.

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  I have to smile every time I drive this car - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By asutter1 - July 5 - 5:31 am

  Purchased this car a little over 5 months ago and have about 7500 miles on it. 3 big trips, driving around town and my wifes 25 mile commute to work. I love driving this car no matter where I am driving. I am amazed at all the room in this car. At 6, I am used to having to put the drivers all the way back, but not in Forester. Second row leg room is unbelievable. Our 3 person family is used to taking trips in a Grand Caravan, but enjoyed taking this car instead. Everything still fit, but a nicer ride. CVT transmission is nice on cruise control as it can keep the speed steadier than auto transmission. Visibility is great, both with the height off the ground and the large windows.

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  Absolute best bang for your buck - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kevin Spacey - July 2 - 9:04 pm

  I have spent nearly 100 hours over the past several months reading/watching everything I can about midsize suvs and trucks. I test drove a number as well. I had shyed away from Subaru mostly because I was never a fan of their appearance which is why it took me so long to start researching them and eventually test driving. I was blown away at how much you get for the price. The quality is obvious the minute you see one in person and take it for a drive. The standard AWD is unbeatable. It feels heavy yet has this velvety smooth acceleration that makes you feel one with the pavement. The outward appearance is deceiving. It doesnt look huge but when you step inside its like an entirely different vehicle. Its extremely roomy inside and the oversized windows open it up even more. I test drove a RAV4 with comparable features and it felt like a large Corolla and was way pricier. If youre even thinking about a vehicle in this class you need to test drive the Forester. Itll sell itself.