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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  Lovin the Subi! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Kristin - December 26 - 3:33 am

  This is my first Subaru purchase and I love it! I also looked at the CR-V and Rav-4, and wasnt impressed by either. The Forester has a better build and a symmetric AWD that is untouched in the automotive world. Plus, I got a lot more car from my money. It is fun to drive, handles beautifully (especially in the snow), and has plenty of room but you dont feel like youre driving a bus. And it does come with heated cloth seats and a front license plate mount--I have them both! The cup holders are fine, too, and there are eight of them. Not sure what people are complaining about...

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  so far so good - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By FIRST TIME BUYER - December 23 - 11:43 pm

  I just purchased a Subaru Forester 2010 after looking at rav4 crv and rogue. I went for Subaru for the way it looks. I would have gone for crv if they had not changed the looks few yrs ago. The finance deal 2.9% was a big help. I like the heated seats and the displays and so far the drive has been a pleasure.

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  Best suv for suv haters - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By New to Subaru - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The forester has been a great car so far. We have had it for about 2 weeks and it is getting about 29MPG on mixed driving. We needed more room for camping, bikes, dog, and eventually children and had a hard time buying a suv. The only thing that won us over is that it is as close to a car as you can get end gets better milage than most cars do. The car feels solid even when comparing it to the prelude we traded in for it. Still in the break in perid so we havent run it hard yet. We would recomend the car to anyone.

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  I Wanted to Love My Subie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By rkong79 - December 21 - 7:13 am

  The car was great in the beginning, but then it slowly began showing signs of poor craftsmanship. After 3-4 months, my brakes kept on squeaking. The engine is very loud at start-up. At my 1 year anniversary, with 20,000 miles on it, my engine gave up (rod knock). The engine was replaced, but Im now very hesitant to even drive it normally, knowing that it had already broken down with normal use (I dont race it... even if I wanted to, the "turbo" is not meant for that purpose). I dont think spending over $30k on a car with AWD, and a "turbo" that is not going to knock my socks off by any means is worth the money. Go buy yourself a Toyota or Honda V6 instead.

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  Good power but skeptical about the else - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By iizqueue - December 20 - 2:15 am

  This SUV has solid power train. Would rate it higher if I purchased premium or limited. The power train has little difference from the basic to touring. But extras are definitely not worth $10k. Nav is a joke. Slow response. Hard to see the screen under sun. And no steering information from the vehicle?? Use your phone instead, because thats actually a better nav system. Mpg. You get 30+ mpg only when driving at 50 mph. At 70~75 mph, you get about 24 mpg. Safety. Eyesight doesnt work well when facing sun or in the dark. So it doesnt help when the driver really needs some help. Also extremely sensitive gas pedal, and extremely insensitive brake pedal.

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  Subaru #4 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Valdezer - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Subaru that weve owned. We had a 1981, 1986, 1991 until now. The only problems ever were on the 1986 overheating and the 1991 pneumatic suspension sagging. Beyond that, they have been great cars. As for the 2003 Forester 2.5X, it has been great so far. We only have 500ish miles on it. We live in the lake tahoe area and believe me; Subarus can handle any snow. They handle great and all with the confidence that AWD is constantly working-great for black ice. The two most popular cars in this demanding area are Subarus and Jeeps. There must be a reason for that. They are great handling, durable and reliable cars. reliable.

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  Whats so Great? - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Mikemitros - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I do not understand why this car receives such rave reviews.The interior is cramped and uncomfortable. The controls are too small and difficult to operate.Especially the cruise control, you must take your eyes off the road for an excessive period of time to turn it on.The air onditioning and defrostis inadequate.The engine has an annoying loud metallic tapping sound for the first ten minutes after started.Poor acceleration with the automatic transmission.Check engine light comes on frequently. Uncomfortable arm rest. Cup holders that block the instrumentation.

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  2 Fast 2 Furious - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Johannes - December 8 - 12:33 am

  After reviewing the CR-V, RAV-4, and Forester, we decided on the Forester. Not only did my wife agree, but so does Consumer Reports. It was rated their top small SUV. Once we decided on the Forester, I got prices from the internet. There were serious price ranges. Dealers were adding on options and trying to pass them off as necessary items. However, I have found that the only options necessary are the cargo tray, splash guards, and bumper cover. The above options come as a package. After much debate here are the following totals: price $26,100 plus tax & license. I took the $1,500 cash rebate. Bringing the total to $24,600. Seriously shop around to get best deal.

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  Fix the seats - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By roadturtle - December 5 - 10:33 pm

  2009 Subaru Forester 2.5 X, Auto. This is my first Subaru. While I really like my AWD wagon. Subaru needs to up their game. The drivers seat has broken twice in less than 4000 miles. It took two weeks to get a new frame. A long time. Tech stated that Subaru has known about this problem for awhile. Yet they gave me another seat frame that broke in about one week. I am now waiting for another seat frame. Why couldnt I buy a drivers power seat without spending $4000 extra. Now I wish I had. This may be last Subaru.

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  A great touring car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By lhaugen - December 4 - 3:30 pm

  Shortly after buying this vehicle, we took a 2000 mile round trip vacation. This car is very responsive and makes long driving days seem shorter. Best of all, we got up to 28 miles a gallon!