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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  Interior design needs improvement - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Franklin Marra - May 3 - 2:46 am

  Drivers Seat Too Low! Test drove a manual front seat car but bought a power adjust seat. The seat does NOT go up high enough to see over the hood. In my area you need to look down at the pavement to spot potholes. I sit on a cushion to improve my view. Speedometer Stupid! The speedometer goes up to 150 mph. What are these designers idiots. The distance between 60 and 80 mph is one and a half inches. Which is the difference between getting a speeding ticket or not. Bad Spot For Tripometer. To set the tripometer you have to reach inside the steering wheel to press the reset button. When following Mapquest directions (ex. go 1.5 miles) this gets to be a problem.

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  cles new wheels - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By jim evans - April 27 - 3:55 pm

  had car 3 weeks - car appears very good - how can anybody give honest evaluation is this period of time

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  Fell below expectation and reputation - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kiran Chedella - April 26 - 12:17 am

  This car has very cheap interior, too many rattling noise, blower noise. Most of the issues are during cold weather. Passenger seat belt warning light come up even though the passenger seat is empty. When cold it takes 10 minutes for the engine to warm up and pick up acceleration, if driving in before 10 minutes, cant drive more than 30 to 35 mph at full throttle. Drive side windshield freezing from inside even though all windows, moon roof is completely closed and it takes long time to clear and melted water dripping into dashboard. Have several fixes done nearly visited 7 times dealership and again scheduled one. Highly recommended to thoroughly check the vehicle before purchasing. The dealership from where I purchased the vehicle always say why are you worried about the plastic and noise but the other dealer identified the root cause and fixed them but new issues coming up. This vehicle is just 7 months old and has only 7000 miles on it. Not at all recommended.

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  Forester rating - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By SCK - April 24 - 11:30 pm

  This is my second Forester. The first was a 2000S model. Not too many changes in features as far as I can see from a performance standpoint but it is a little noisier car. The suspension has changed and I dont find the ride to be as smooth. It seems to be a little sluggish once you take your foot off of the gas; sort of pulls back a little. I am, and always will be sold on the AWD feature and thats why I bought another one. It handles wonderfully in the snow. Not too sure of how it does in the rain. Havent had the chance to tell yet.

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  Fun to drive Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Carmen DeFranks - April 24 - 1:23 pm

  I have owned several Subarus and I have found the Forester to be the most fun car to drive. I was not satisfied with the "pickup" till I bought the 2004 Turbo Forester. I had loved the previous one, but needed more power in getting in and out of rush hour traffic. The turbo had that. But above all - I find the Forester to be extremely fun, something that is difficult to put into words. You have to drive one to know what I mean. Give it a try. I am interested in test driving the Baja next since I have not driven one yet. But will probably stick with the Forester. Oh yeah - you can put ANYTHING in this car - great for hauling!

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  2006 Forester: Perfect for our family! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Everett - April 18 - 11:13 am

  We recently got our Subie in anticipation of our firstborn. Had an Audi A4 Quattro and we sad to see it go. Good news though - WE LOVE OUR FORESTER! We considered the RAV4, Highlander, CRV, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda 5 but ultimately could not resist on the Subaru Forester. Great value, spacious cargo interior, all-wheel drive, car-like feel, good engine response, quiet engine when idling. Ive used it to make dump-runs, loaded it up with moving boxes ... even with baby seat and stroller loaded up, theres still plenty of cargo space. My wife loves the storage compartments under the carpeting in the trunk (for jumper cables, bungee cords, large umbrella, etc).

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  Drove it 50,000 miles, Absolutely Reliable! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By xira1 - April 17 - 8:51 am

  I just turned in my XT after 3-year lease was up. It never burned a drop of oil between changes and nothing (other than gas door lever) broke. It was 100% reliable through hard use, on and off-road, hauling bikes, kayaks etc. It was truly my trusted friend, and very fun to drive fast on mountain roads because of the precise, communicative steering. The turbo was powerful. Got a very good lease price, and when I turned it in, the car was worth more than the residual value, so I got a $1700 credit toward another vehicle.

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  reliable car - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By bob - April 16 - 8:10 pm

  Very roomy and handles well for a wagon. The 4wd is awesome. I cant figure out why it doesnt have privacy glass, its ridiculous that they have not figured that out yet when virtually every other automaker has it. The sun is always shining in my kids face. And the keyless entry is way too sensitive.

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  Sporty, Fun to drive, Corners, Off Road - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By DesertRider - April 15 - 1:40 pm

  Owned for 1 month. Lots of fun to drive - corners like a sports car, gets decent mileage - and will climb like a 4WD vehicle. I tested it at the dealer on a nasty climb, and it shone. The responsiveness, compared to the Toyota RAV4, sold me. Gas mileage not as good as rated, but still decent. Averaging 20 - 21 with city driving. Its just plain fun to drive (even though its not the turbo) and I find I like it more, day by day. I wanted 1. Good gas mileage. 2. The ability to carry things/tow. 3. Off road capability. 4. Reliability. I cant speak to the reliability yet, and Ive been working too much to wander in the backcountry offroad - but on the other two counts, thus far, it delivers.

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  Excellent! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By fannibal - April 13 - 11:45 pm

  Safety, visibility, AWD and transmission. These are 4 things which arent very sexy, but oh my goodness do I love them! Safety features are things which I rely on the IIHS and NHTSA to tell me if they are good or not. The visibility and transmission for this car is amazing. I commend the company for not going for sacrificing practicality in the name of design. The windows improves my mood so much! I absolutely love driving this car and being able to see the sky and everything around me! The transmission is also extremely responsive. The AWD is also awesome! performed wonderfully last winter.