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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission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 31 through 40 of 55.00

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  2011 Subaru Forester Limited - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By downsouth1 - April 9 - 6:50 am

  Recently purchased the 2011 Subaru Forester Limited. All Wheel Drive was a compelling feature for me and the fact that it is highly rated in Consumers Report. Number one small SUV. Some things I would like to see improved upon: Interior fit and finish and quality of interior materials. Limited Edition should have features such as auto lights, auto locking doors, Satelite Radio instead of Satelite Ready (which cost you another $500 to buy the parts to have the radio function as a satelite radio), Gas Lid release should be on the drivers door instead of the floor of the car (making it easier to reach), transmission should updated to a CVT transmission or more than 4 gears.

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  After One Year - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By downsouth1 - March 3 - 10:17 am

  I have owned my 2011 Subaru Forester Limited for one year now. Here are the facts: Fun to drive Good gas mileage (getting around 22 in town and 28 on highway if not loaded down). My wife has the 2011 outback and gets even better mileage but it has the CVT transmission instead of the Foresters 4 speed transmission. Waiting for Subaur to change the transmission in the Forester. Rating: Consumer Reports (which I trust) rates the vehicle very high and is one of the reasons I purchased the Forester. The other influencing factor was the AWD. Ride: I found the ride to be good and I am satisfied with it. Quality: The interiors materials and the exteriors metal not so good.

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  Not as good as I hoped - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By musiclvr1 - February 26 - 3:31 am

  6 months and 11k miles so far. own 3 other vehicles that are also driven on the same roads, parked in the same place, etc. only car with a cracked windshield? the forester. only car with hail damage? the forester. I almost 6 ft tall, and can not find a comfortable position. No telscoping wheel really sucks, as I have long legs and unless the seat is fully back, my legs are cramped if driving for any length of time, but then my arms are held nearly straight out to reach the wheel. I think the body is made of foil instead of sheat metal, recent light hail storm left 18 dents in the car. my other cars, not a single dent. radio is horrible, interior plastic feels cheaper every day.

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  Excessive oil consumption - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pardosa - November 30 - 12:13 am

  Like many others on this site, weve been plagued by excessive oil consumption, beginning with the light coming on unexpectedly, and the dealers telling me that all Subarus use oil between changes. I have never, ever, experienced this with any other model car Ive driven, except late into its life, like 185,000 miles, and then only a quart between changes. This is much worse. I would happily join a class-action lawsuit, and will certainly never buy another Subaru

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  WARNING!!! Make sure to check your Oil!!! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By looney3 - May 18 - 4:52 pm

  If you own a 2011 or newer Forester with the new engine requiring synthetic oil, Check/add oil frequently! Mine requires 1 qt added every 1800 miles on average. I read an account of another 2011 Forester owner who went just over 10,000 miles without checking or changing the oil, and the engine ran out of oil, seized and was destroyed. You will need to add 3-4 qts in between oil changes. Engine rattles loudly at startup for a few seconds. Subaru needs to fix the problem of oil use. Most people are not diligent about checking and topping up their oil. There will be many unhappy owners.

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  Great vehicle for tall people - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By sprivasky - April 24 - 9:18 pm

  This is my first time owning a Subaru and I am very pleased. I am 68" tall and could not be happier in this vehicle. The leg room and head room are fantastic, the ride is very comfortable, and the AWD feature is great. The exterior design is sharp and the interior design is simple. There is plenty of cargo room and the sun roof does not reduce the amount of headroom I have. The driver seat is very comfortable for long road trips and my passengers have commented on their comfortable seats. The Touring edition provides several key features that make it worth the extra money when compared to the Limited. Ive only driven it 2,000 plus miles, but absolutely love this vehicle.

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  Hate this car - complete lack of power - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By jenn_outdoors - February 24 - 7:47 am

  Paid $27k, 6mo later I wanted out of this car due to complete lack of power when I would go up into the mountains. CarMax & Toyota only offered me $19k, so I went to Subaru since they offer a "Guaranteed Trade In Program", however they also only valued the car at $19k. Unfortunately now Im stuck in a car that I hate, and I will have to look into renting a more reliable car when I want to go up into the mountains. Will NEVER make the mistake of buying a Subaru again:-(

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  Love the boxer! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By wooddorker - February 8 - 3:38 pm

  I love Subaru boxer engines. Yes, theyre a tad noisy, IF youre used to a V8. Boxers need to REV, the power comes in between 3500-5000 RPM. Let it rip!! Once you understand this, our new Forester is is everything weve come to love in a a Subie. It all becomes clear when it snows and rains hard! These cars are absolutely on rails... Subarus are not luxury rides, but unique, sensible cars that keep on giving value, day after day. Im so happy that the new car still feels light and responsive, rather than bloated and pillow-like as so many small SUVs do. My Forester feels like a tall, maneuverable CAR, not a downsized truck or grandpas Town Car.

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  a definite value pick for a compact SUV - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By jamesosan - November 20 - 10:26 pm

  This vehicle is blast! A nostalgic cruiser for the senses. The panaramic roof set back brings all the smells of a coastal day trip to the senses. The turbo 4-boxer compliments the incredible handling. The overstated concerns for a 4 speed tranny is an effort in futility. If we were questioning the lastest porsche with this tranny in play than there is a viable arguement. But this is a compact SUV for the small family or weekend enthusiast. If a gearhead is looking for the ultimate in performance than its an overstated perception that compact SUVs are not race cars. This car is a blast. When I pop the roof open it draws my three year olds attention away from the tv and towards the sky!

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  Bad Choice for Comfort - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over a month and from day one had problems with driver seat issue. So far only 700 miles on it because it is too painful to drive. Test drove another car than what I purchased thinking they all were the same. Saleman was real pushy and rushed me into sale. My mistake. Cloth seat is so uncomfortable that I now have major upper and lower back problems that I have to go to physical therapy. Love a car that I cant drive!! Dealership and Subaru refuse to acknowledge the problem. Should have bought the Honda CRV!! Will NEVER buy another Subaru.