Overview & Reviews

Forester's engine makes more torque and the automatic transmission has been improved. L and S models have longer lists of standard equipment and two new colors are available.

• Handles like a car. Accelerates like a car. Rides like a car.

• Travels off-road like a car.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 51.00

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  Love my scooby! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By dirtyru - August 7 - 2:08 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Handles like a true rally car in the curves! With the AWD, it handles exceptionally well off road. I honestly believe that this car handles/ drives even smoother in the rain! 154,000 miles and still counting! I have the S model, which on here says its a manual, but i do infact have the crafty automatic. The leather interior has held up greatly & the seat warmers come in handy on those brisk mornings. Getting rid of my car & having this vehicle has truely inspired me to make it a point to get out of the office & enjoy the outdoors. Its the perfect utility vehicle that also doubles as an economical, every day driver. I hope to keep this for a looong time!

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  Ugly or not, shes a trooper! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Jim - April 19 - 9:20 am

  Ive owned the vehicle since it was new. I bought the car in NC and brought it to my home in Minnesota. what an excellent choice! Ive had the same battery crank in sub-zero temps for 11 years! However, when it does break down, you will cry. Head gaskets blew at 70K and the repairs cost me $2200. After that, no problems. Fun to drive and an Excellent teen car!

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  99 Subaru Forester S - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By JoeB - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Excellent very dependable all purpose vehicle. I have 72000 miles and have done only normal maint. Has needed no repairs. Still on first set of brake pads and bought 3 new tires. Is quick to drive, hauls small boat ok. Gets 23- 24mpg at constant 80mph. Highly recommend to anyone. Full time 4wheel is great in FL downpours and for boat ramps!

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  Is the engine problem fixed? - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Renee - November 2 - 12:06 am

  I replaced the head gaskets @ 70k, they started seeping again @100k. Subaru sent out a letter to all owners about the seeping head gaskets and to fix it, you have to add a additive to your antifreeze every time you flush your radiator. This seeping problem is starting to affect my pistons. Ive replaced everything around the engine. I have 150k on it now, and with this piston problem, Im not sure if I should buy another Subaru. I love everything else about it, but am concerned about sinking a ton of money into a new one, as I have with this one. Ive replaced a couple of wheel bearings, both axles, all 4 struts & mounts, radiator, heater blower & the air sensor twice.

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  Over 100K Miles - No Real Problems - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By GLS127 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfied with my 99 Forester L. I have only had to do regular oil changes, new tires, a tune-up, and front brakes in 5+ years. Factory tires only lasted about 45K miles, but current Goodrich Long Trails have 60K with plenty of tread left. Subaru dealer added coolant conditioner earlier this year as part of a factory recall. Very fun to drive, I would definitely buy one again.

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  1999 Subaru - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By ed - January 4 - 7:03 am

  Bought this as second forester for our family with teenagers starting to drive. Excellent reliability, not tippy like other SUV’s. Only complaint is lack of attractive exterior appearance. Doesn’t bother me. About 20mpg city/25 highway with automatic transmission. Looking to get another used forester as my other teens start driving.

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  Good as a first, but may not last - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Thor Heller - September 4 - 5:58 pm

  This was my first car, so I have some love for the black Subaru that I affectionately nicknamed, "Sleipnir". Objectively, that love should not exist. My father got it new, in April of 1999, and shortly got engine problems. 62000 miles. First Engine Replacement. 230000 Miles, second Engine Replacement. Air Conditioning, Clock, and Mirror Motors do not work, and havent since 2010, 2008, and 2007 respectively. 21 MPG was advertised, but I ended up between 14.1 and 18.3 MPG, keeping the RPMS below 2000 at just about all times. The CD player only takes ever fourth CD, no real pattern to it. At 234500, the front axle broke entirely on its own, leaving me to limp home at 5 mph. Car needed a plethora of repairs from the moment we got it, until the moment we gave it away. Some of it was age, other bits were poor design/workmanship on the part of Subaru.

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  Dont believe the hype - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By nemo nullus - August 4 - 2:00 am

  After relying on ratings such as Consumer Reports, I stretched my budget to buy my Forester S. What a mistake! Between 20,000 and 60,000 miles, Ive had to replace the brakes, a head gasket leak, and now the manual transmission--all out of warranty. Gas mileage has been quite poor--less than 20 highway. This is undoubtedly the one of the most overrated cars on the market. The design concept is great, but with such poor reliability, what difference does that make? Dont waste your money and time.

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  I love Subarus - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By subarulover - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The 99 Forester L is my 5th Subaru, but first new one. I love the room for taking my 3 girlfriends x-country skiing. The car has no problem getting up the mountains with a full load. It also gets around town with comfort and manueverability. My husband and I have taken it on many 300 to 600 mile trips through the mountains of the northwest and love the performance and comfort.

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  Love my 99 Forester S - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By MaineBob - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine off the dealer lot the day after I moved to Maine. It has been humming along now for nearly 5 years with no repairs of any significance whatsoever and 126,000 miles. A few minor annoyances -- the led for the Cruise Control switch went out 2 years ago and I was told the entire switch needed replacing (for about $60). Also, the led for the clock near the ceiling, above the rear view mirror also went out this year. Here in Maine, I am fearless. I have never had the slightest problem navigating in heavy snow, ice, slush, and rain.