Overview & Reviews

For 2011, Subaru Forester 2.5X models have a revised 2.5-liter engine that boosts torque and fuel economy slightly. The 2.5XT Limited trim has been dropped and a couple of new trim levels have been added: the 2.5X Touring and the 2.5XT Touring, positioned above the Limited trim. Several trims get improved audio features, while the 2.5X Premium gets a new optional TomTom navigation system. An eight-way power driver seat (with power-adjustable lumbar support) is now standard on the 2.5XT Premium, and Bluetooth is now standard on all Foresters except the 2.5X.

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Roomy cabin with ample cargo space
• Comfortable ride
• Strong turbocharged engine on XT trims.

• Unimpressive fit and finish.
• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 55.00

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  Bad Fuel Economy (19 MPG) - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By bandiao11 - December 26 - 7:02 am

  Generally OK, but bad fuel economy (average 19 MPG, mostly high way miles), manual claim 91 octane GAS, but Subaru website says 87 octane. All the instruments will be in red color during night while driving. Can not open trunk without remote. Inspection need to be handled specifically.

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  guessing - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By up6903 - August 3 - 6:52 am

  I bought this car as it was my wifes turn to pick and she wanted something safe. I wanted something economical and comfortable, like a cadilac. No not really but you get the point, seats like a sofa. This car is too narrow and there is no cup holders unless you call the 2 square slots between the seats for my biggulps. and then they sneak a parking break in the middle too that takes up space for my legroom, 6 I am. The door when one closes it sounds tinny. needs some spray insulation. Another thing that rattles me is the transmission as when Im in my turn right or left it seems to go into neutral and slips and catches as I apply the gas to continue down the street. Service says nothin

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  A Great Performance Bargain - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By vincenzo18 - July 9 - 7:36 pm

  The Subaru Forester has been a fantastic car. This car is very quick and can do a 0-60 sprint in just 7.5 seconds. The steering is very responsive, well waited, and stays absolutely flat during cornering. There is no need to get a reversing camera with this car because its got excellent visibility. If you decide to go with the Turbo you have an extreme need for speed, because the non-turbo is faster than most 6 cylinders. This car is a on road performer but does not disappoint in snow or ice. This car might not be the best cargo carrier, but if your looking for a wagon thats really fast and performance oriented there is no other car that will do it better.

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  Engine Vibration - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By hharry - April 1 - 2:33 am

  Bougth my new 2011 Forester a week ago and have put about 250 miles on it. My main complain so far is the engine vibration at idle. Vibration can be felt through the driver seat when the engine is cold and then it reduces. Engine also makes noise when it is first started and then it goes away after few seconds but you can still hear a clicking noise coming from the engine like the valves are not tuned. Overall I am not very impressed with the car but willing to give it more time.

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  Subee two - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By mindshutter - December 18 - 8:54 am

  My last Subaru was while in college several years ago, and after driving this brand new one, Im disappointed. The engine sometimes sounds like one with 100k miles on it, the interior is cheap plastic. The console is not at all user-friendly. Sometimes when touching the gas pedal lightly the car will lurch forward as if Ive gunned it, other times I have to really put it to the floor to get it to gradually accelerate. I was expecting the engine to sound really quiet for more than just the first week. When I start it sometimes different parts of the engine rev, sometimes its smooth, you just never know. Besides those things it runs well, but Ive only put 3k miles on it.

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  First Subie and Immediately Happy With It - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By golfnpackers - November 2 - 4:40 pm

  Ive ridden in the Ford Escape - no. Test drove the Nissan Rogue - awful interior. Test drove the Honda CRV - pretty nice. Test drove a Subaru Forester - bingo! As soon as we got in, we were immediately impressed with the solid feel of this vehicle. Roominess was amazing, especially for my 61" husband is a big guy and has huge shoulders. He is completely happy with the spaciousness, leg room (which is 2" more than the CRV), and head room. It drives smoothly, corners well and has tight steering and turning radius. Had a Honda Civic, so kind of used to a quality drive, and the Forester doesnt disappoint. Also liked the Honda Civic, but we were attracted to the AWD in the Forester.

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  Subaru Symetrical AWD is Superior to FWD-AWD From Competitors - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By rockdoc8 - September 9 - 3:47 am

  I bought my 2011 Forester because of the Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. If you dont understand why Subaru Symmetrical AWD is different from on demand AWD systems then you are not going to appreciate the true beauty of the Forester. After 2 snow storms in 2 weeks I am a believer. This car is so well behaved! I base my opinions on being a previous owner of a CRV, Toyota Tacoma and an X-terra. The front seats could be a little larger but I am large 6’2” and find them comfortable for extended driving. The new engine is robust and provides adequate acceleration. 4-speed auto is not a issue. This is a drivers car due to good drivers visibility, seating position, and full time AWD.

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  Great purchase - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By nolabeck - July 21 - 10:11 am

  Have been looking at smaller SUV for the past two years. This one has one of the highest ratings, so it was the first one I went to test drive. After driving the Forester I didnt even bother to go test drive the CRV or the RAV4. It drove well, very comfortable, and bottom line it was love at first drive! Looking forward to driving my Forester for many years.

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  Dont buy this car with automatic transmission - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By vladikt - June 29 - 4:08 pm

  I am extremely disappointed with the ride quality. Ive owed my 2011 Forester for 5 months now and I could never get use to the disgusting clunky transmission. It is unbelievable how in 2011 Subaru still cant supply a nice smooth transmission. Before this Forester I owned Impreza with manual 5 speed and I could shift smoother than Forester with Automatic. Its a joke, it down shifts when it doesnt have to and upshifts when it shouldnt. Like right before the full stop, all of the sudden it upshifts and it feels like it skids. Completely retarded! I was all hyped up when I test drove the car and everything felt perfect.

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  First Subaru - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By subie2099 - May 27 - 7:35 am

  This is my first subaru and first AWD car. I live in new england and i bought this car to be primarily a winter car in the snow since i have a backup corolla for summer drives on the cheap. So far we really like the car since it saved our rear ends from the brutal winter of 2011. Literally i could drive the car out of the two feet snow and salt bank in front of the driveway left by the snow plows. Then call the snow removal guy to come and clean the driveway while i am at work. Like others said the inside however is cheap plastic, not enough heat, square coffee cup holders, non adjustable passenger seats nned improvement. However i only paid $20,500 w alloy out the door and i am v frugal!