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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  Its not a station wagon! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By T-$ - November 29 - 4:26 pm

  This vehicle is rock solid. It chews up the lousy road conditions a crummy New England winter can throw at you. No need to shovel your driveway when you have one of these parked in it. This car will crunch its way up the steepest ice covered hill in town. I also love the fact that off the line you can easily smoke those larger SUVs. All of my friends are surprised at the power the Forester has after the take a spin in it. So please people get it straight the Forester XT is not a station wagon - its a small SUV!

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  What a Joy - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By DoDred - November 26 - 8:53 pm

  We have 170,000+ miles on our Subie and still feel that it is one of the best cars we have ever owned. I have used and probably abused it back and forth across the US and Canada, from California to Prince Edward Island, from Key West to Vancouver, BC. What a joy of a car to own.

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  Love the Forester - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Andrew Liebowitz - November 26 - 11:01 am

  We wound up getting the special edition 2017 Subaru Forester XT turbo. We LOVE the vehicle. Its fast, reliable, looks great and my wife is in love with her new truck. I have the 2006 WRX which I love. We are happy to be a Subaru family!!

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  Not all warm and Fozzy - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By arveejay - November 21 - 4:37 am

  There is a lot of noise inside the car at speed. I spent a couple hours setting up the hands free Bluetooth phone. Pairing the phone was easy. Sitting still, windows up, programming numbers was a major chore. The voice mostly said pardon. It just didnt want to accept numbers. We finally got 6-7 numbers programmed and took it for a test ride. It rarely worked, even at speeds under 35 mph. At speeds above 55, forget it. Dealer replaced the radio and the microphone. Tech prewarned me it was no better, and it isnt. Called S.O.A. and I was informed there was no know fix for it. Bumper 2 bumper warranty, and it cant be fixed. Thats reassuring.Pistons rattle when cold. Was told its normal.

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  My New Little "Lurch" - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Susan - November 16 - 3:08 pm

  Weve always owned Honda...for the majority of our marriage. The Subaru was a new purchase, we dont lease, now that we are done with totting kids around and dont need the Mother van. Ive found most features disappointing or annoying on the 2016 Forester. The Accelerator pedal is so small, it makes my 52"frame tired after driving 45 minutes. The carpet is so cheap, the blonde hair in our family makes the black carpet look forever dirty. The "fuel release" lever is on the floor vs. the vertical floor board near the break pedal, so its always dirty. I hate the "LURCH in the accelerator. I hate the beeping of the seat belt warning @ 3 miles an hour, so you cant move your car from one spot in your garage to another with buckling up. I hate the change box, you cant plug in your phone with spilling the change. I hate theres no place for a womans purse...and if you throw it onto the passengers seat, you have to "buckle it in" because 3-5 pounds sets off the alarm to buckle. I regret NOT BUYING a HONDA even though I got the Subaru because I did not want all the silly bells and whistles the CR-V offered.

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  Premature wheel bearing failure - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By pinging_ej25 - November 16 - 2:03 pm

  I bought the car new and liked it with respect to driving and its AWD feature. What owners should be aware of is that this is a high maintenance vehicle. Parts like the wheel bearing fail prematurely (<60,000 miles) and can go on undetected for months and years and mistaken as just tire noise. Repair cost is >$450 per wheel.

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  AWD - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By New York - November 11 - 2:16 pm

  Just got my 2010 Forester 2.5x Premium and I can say I dont hear any rattles. For the price I think that this is a great car. Yes, I agree about the plastic on the dash but it is simple and clean. At 64" I find the drivers sit very comfortable and plenty of room in the back seat. I like at the sport grill but I like the grill that it came with better so no need to spend money replacing it.

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  Liked car - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By kusumanja - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Over all the car was good. We had issues with the wheel bearings making noise. After about 92,000 miles the transmission started shifting funny on occasion. We really liked the AWD very much and the ABS worked well. The clock above the center console and the radio display started to intermittently not work. The cruse control indicator light stopped working. Auburn Subaru sold us this car when it had been wrecked without telling us so it never did drive down the road straight.

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  Good car for the price! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By SJH - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Am a Subaru driver since 1990 ... this is a fine car, with very good reliability and, for an SUV, good gas mileage. Works great for me, someone who needs a wagon for dog and equipment. Appreciate its sportiness, as well.

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  Fun and zippy ride! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Lynn Coy - November 3 - 4:20 am

  This being my first SUV, comming from an Aerostar van, I couldnt believe how fun it was to drive. Tight circles, merged right into traffic, sat high, could see all around me, and the leg room was wonderful. Plenty of room for my two teenagers in the back. Cool blue lights accenting cup holders in back, also.