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:

• 

  Pleased with purchase - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - September 25 - 10:50 pm

  My trade was a 2006 Highlander ,a near perfect SUV but the 2010 model is now larger than needed. The Forester is a great fit. All else being fairly equal I chose the Forester over the RAV4 and CRV because of the practical styling. An easy to use rear hatch and better visibility. So far the more I drive it the more I am convinced that I made the right choice. My suggestion for anyone looking for a compact SUV is to take your time and test drive them all.

• 

  2.5x Forester Premium - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Mr. Subi - September 25 - 11:40 am

  My first Subaru after 2 years of deciding on the do it all vehicle. The perfect vehicle for the commuting outdoorsman. Sport/Utility defines the Forester very well (why dont they officially classify it as such?). The Forester is a rolling swiss army knife (pardon the metaphor). It can do so much so well, and do it safely. Reliable, spirited, great handling, ultra safe, very roomy, best AWD on the market, just as good off as on road. Equipped excellently on the base model, step up a notch and add the all weather package (recommended). Huge sunroof/moonroof, practically makes it feel like a convertible.

• 

  One of my familys seven Subarus (over many years) - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Customer Forever - September 24 - 7:09 am

  I only let my wife and kids drive Subaru. They may not be the fastest (not meant to be, never claimed to be) but they will go through anything. They handle perfectly in snow and rain, even in very deep snow. Maintenance costs are reasonable and far between. We owned a 4 cyl. 2.5L 2002 Outback sedan from new and got it up to just under 230,000 miles (under by about 1,500 miles). The six cylinders are bulletproof engines, the four cylinders are still very good. The only complaint I have is the head gasket issue (they wear out around 100,000 miles) and this is being worked on. My personal favorite is the Forester, I currently drive a manual five-speed 2002 forester. I can feel safe letting my kids drive knowing that if they mess up or another driver does they will be okay inside of their Subaru. They are also very easy to fix yourself if you know about cars or just watch some youtube.

• 

  Highly recommended - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By jbdc1 - September 23 - 7:13 am

  It does a terrific job of what it is designed to do. Weve had it 1 yr, for 11K mi, with no problems at all. Thats what I expect for a brand new $24K car, and performance is also exactly as I would expect from a small car and small engine. It has been great in the city and on highway trips, havent had a chance to go in the forest yet. Room for a dog and a baby, even on long trips, yet easy to drive and park anywhere. Took me a while to get used to some of the Subaru engineering, like automatic downshifting for engine braking on hills and the automatic climate control, but Ive learned to accept them as useful.

• 

  Good Subie, once trannys fixed - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Secretsubie - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Forester for four years and almost 65,000 miles now, and overall its been a good buy. It averages about 27ish mpg, and its still fun to drive, with plenty of pep from its engine, paired with our five-speed manual transmission. About a year ago, we had problems with the clutch shuddering when the vehicle was cold, but the problem was fixed under warranty (apparently the early models were built with weaker clutch plates than needed). Weve been tempted with the turbo Foresters and the 2005, 250 hp Outbacks, but I think well keep this puppy around a few more years and a couple thousand more miles.

• 

  LOVE my Forester! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By problemcat13 - September 18 - 11:43 am

  I LOVE my Forester! I put 15k miles a year on it, and I drive it hard! 5 speed and the engine pulls great. I had one problem, the headgasket, but it was covered under the service bulletin/warranty to 100k. I currently have 112k miles and this car is great. I really enjoy it. Reliable, fun, but maybe a little small for a family of four. Stereo/tape was lousy, I replaced it with an OEM 6-CD changer from a Subaru WRX for $100. MPG: if I drive hard (wide open throttle) I get 21.4, if I set cruise at the speed limit, 28.4. AWD uses more gas but is a blast to drive spirited! We miss our other Subaru (95 Legacy) and plan to purchase another when we can. Im so glad I got this vehicle.

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By VTJoe - September 11 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Forester is a great car. It does everything I ask it to do. Ive never been short of space, it handles well, and many of the amenities make it fun to drive. There are never any problems with the service at Van Bortel Subaru in Victor, NY. Below book prices, no pressure from the service people and they do everything they can to make you want to come back.

• 

  Dont miss the Jeeps at all - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Subielvr - September 6 - 1:33 am

  I bought my Forester just over two years ago and its one of the, if not the, best purchases that Ive ever made. Even with the recommendations of friends who own Subies I was nervous about buying a car whos odometer had just passed over the 100,00 mile mark. It was much ado about nothing as in the last forty thousand miles the only expenses (aside from routine maintenance) Ive had are; replacing a cracked coil, new tires (would be necessary on any car), one rear wheel bearing, and the relatively expensive replacement of the timing belt which is really part of routine maintenance anyhow. Gas mileage is about 25 mpg around home and 30 using cruise control when traveling. I love this car!

• 

  Forester Fan Forever! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Tom in FL - August 31 - 11:10 pm

  This is a small SUV that just loves you back with its performance, economy, and looks. I have never had a car before where people seeing it just stop and stare and then all nod their heads to their friends! And I thought the Outback was great; it is but the Forester L.L. Bean Edition is a luxury car with a good value price. And I dont want to forget the wonderful service by my Subaru dealer which is seldom needed!

• 

  What a car! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By jeeper16 - August 30 - 8:33 pm

  This car has got to be the best handling vehicle that I have ever purchased. It go through the turns like its on a slot-car track. Ive put 2,000 miles on it so far and am getting 28.5 mpg on the highway. City is about 23mpg. The leather seats are firm and comfortable and with the 8- way power driver seat, you do not tire on longer trips. The 6-CD player has decent sound and all of the driver controls are easy to read and reach.