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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  New AWD and Turbo Fan!!! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Tcable131 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 4x4 V8 regular cab truck to this XT 5spd because my family is growing and couldnt be happier. I continue to be amazed with the power and traction in the rain. Its like the roads arent wet at all. The space is great and the mileage is acceptable for the performance you are getting. I cant wait to drive in the snow and try it out. It would be hard to go back to 2wd or part time 4wd again. I have about 2,300 miles at this time.

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  Wheel bearings forever - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By jimbo54 - August 14 - 9:46 am

  Very pleased with design/concept of vehicle, however have had rear wheel bearings replaced 8 times from 25k thru 166k; have fought Subaru tooth & nail to get them to acknowledge that there might be a design problem; debating buying another Subaru product or switching to Rav 4 in near future (200k)

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  Great car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Dutch - August 11 - 9:40 pm

  I am a Subaru junky! It is wonderful on wet, dry, snow, but ice---well ice is ice. Never had a problem with any of my Subarus.

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  A Super AWD - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Greg S - August 9 - 8:26 pm

  I am very happy with the 06 Forester X, 5 speed. It has great acceleration, handling and fuel economy. The visibility is great and it is easy to park. Adjustments for the seat height and steering wheel are great to accommodate smaller drivers. Plenty of room in the trunk for our large dog and the rubber cargo mat is highly recommended. Incredible amount of standard equipment and very good pricing. Nicely improved from 05.

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  Very Practical Ride - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By jmurray - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new. Had to hunt down a manual trany but am glad we did. Car seems to be able to do whatever we ask it to do. We live in the north and have had no trouble with cold/ice/snow. We have a bunch of the extra features (brush guard, roof rack, tow pkg, side rock guards) and they all are very functional. No problems with tyres.

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  There is hope. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Francisco - August 7 - 9:26 am

  I have been driving for the last 24 of my 39 years. I thought that car manufactures have their engineers to make profitable and funny looking cars with gizmos, flashy looks etc... But an enjoyable ride was always produced on my driving style because of the fact that you are never satisfied with your car. They are always or too bumpy, to narrow, to short, too big, too heavy, too lightweight, too uncomfortable etc... until now. This is the first car that produced such a nice driving experience that I will say that it was designed to be enjoyed by the driver.

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  Excellent, but pricey and small - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By drewdog - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, handles well, fun to drive, decent fuel economy, excellent use of cargo space. Unfortunately, its too small (i realize its a "small suv"), and too expensive.

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  I love my car - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Audrey - August 2 - 11:50 pm

  My husband and I really love this car. It is the first Subaru weve owned, and well probably keep buying Subaru cars forever if they are like this one. Weve had it for 2 years, I love the turning radius on it (I can make u- turns on really narrow streets). Its easy to handle.

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  Percussion section - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By JW in SETx - August 1 - 6:06 am

  I bought this car after extensive research and what a thrill to have after almost 10 years. Everything was great for about 450 miles when back end started rattling. Dealer had it 5 days and couldn’t fix it or trade, Subaru wouldn’t cover it because it’s a “normal condition” of this vehicle but thanked me for bringing it to their attention so that "even though this is of no comfort to you," others may not have to experience the same defects. Now at 6K miles rattles in back end, right front door, glove compartment, dashboard, in the roof. Mileage at 18/23 is also disappointing and at 6k miles having power steering problems. It’s now on the market, live and learn! Wipers work great!

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  Buy something else - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By UGGGHHH - July 31 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car used in 01, and had nothing but problems ever since. 2 sensor replacements, a transmission replacement (2 if you count that the first replacement put in didnt work), an engine seal replacement, 2 wheel bearing replacements (same wheel, and I think its going again), short in power door locks that make them unusable, cruise and horn stopped working, CD player only works when it wants to, and there is a constant squeak when driving that no one can find the source of. I had good luck with a previous Subaru, but am looking to replace this one and will probably not be getting another Subaru again.