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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  Dont Overlook Subaru Forester - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Impostor - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Subaru Forester is probably one of the best values on the market today. Drive it and compare your feelings with it competitors. You will be sold. And you wont regret it.

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  1999 Subaru Forester L 5-Speed - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By qwertyuiopasdfghj - November 1 - 10:00 am

  So far my only complaint about this car has been with the dealer. The window sticker said the car had a CD player and the "gauge pod" in it; I got neither, and took it home in the early evening (when I didnt realize what was missing). Other than the traditionally lousy Subaru dealer network, though, this is a great car. Though it has worse fuel economy than I expected/was accustomed to, everything else on the car is very well-thought-out and well-designed. I expect to have it for at least 200,000 miles (if the motor holds; Ive heard the 2.5Ls are not anywhere near as reliable as the 1.8Ls in the EA81/82 series cars.)

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  Rode Hard and Put Away Wet - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By MoabIL 1 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Needed a vehicle for annual trips from IL to the southern UT backcountry. The carlike ride and good gas mileage (25/31 w/ 5- speed) make the long haul across Kansas bearable. Great off-road--has handled rivers, mud and sand, bare rock, snow and freezing rain, but the lack of a low range transfer case means crawling up or down rocky inclines is not an option. The trade-off for the on-road performance and fuel economy is worth it. Minor complaints after 38,500 miles: fuel filler door wont stay closed and Bridgestone Duelers sucked. The interior is spartan but has plenty of room for 3 weeks worth of food and camping gear.

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  Happy.... - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By rico696 - October 28 - 11:43 am

  2014 Forester XT w/ Eyesight system. Had put almost 2k miles on it already. Great so far...fuel economy is right on par with the EPA. The first two tanks of premium gas I was worried since it seamed to drink the gas, but after that was done, it improved drastically. Its possible to get over EPA with a controled foot...I had a hybrid so Im used to it. I was in between this and a CX-5 and the choice is made easier once you drive the XT...handles much better than the 2.5 IMO. CX-5 drives great but its rather small and hard to see out of. Forester feels bigger and more airy and the XT handles amazing, maybe even a bit better than the CX-5 since it feels much more planted to the road.

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  Forester XT- better than WRX wagon - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By spyderman4774 - October 27 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my XT automatic (wife doesnt know how to drive a manual) for about a month now and must say this crossover is awesome! Compared to a WRX automatic that I also drove, the XTs extra displacement means more torque and better acceleration off the line. For American driving styles this better enables one to keep up in traffic and equals more smiles/mile. The seats are very comfortable and the interior user-friendly, also headroom will not be a concern for 6-plus drivers. The handling is one area where the WRX wagon might have the advantage, the XT has a bit too much body roll in corners (even compared to my trade-in vehicle, an 01 Pathfinder). XT= practicality & fun!

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  My favorite car. - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By hoofer - October 22 - 10:03 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned. I looked at a new Forester and found this S Premium on the used lot. It was a great deal. It was sporty but not a giant SUV. The ride is exceptional and the leather trim is excellent. I cant wait to try it out this winter in the Chicago snow. When my wife first saw it she called it the Pope-Mobile as it sits high. No problems to speak of so far; must have been owned by a family prior. Premium package comes with leather, heated seats and mirrors, front wiper deicers in the windshield and giant sunroof. The gas mileage is excellent on the highway and good in the city. Previous cars were Honda Civics and CRX. A step up in comfort, thats for sure.

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  Poor Design - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Forester - October 21 - 1:20 am

  The headrests on this vehicle are designed so that they push the drivers head down and forward. This causes a number of people to have severe headaches and back pain after an average commute. In addition, there are NO cupholders in this vehicle. Subaru does not want a Subaru owner to drink fluids while they drive the vehicle... this according to Subaru corporate. The transmission is tough to get into reverse about 30% of the time. Experience with other makes and models indicates that transmissions that are difficult to put into reverse when new, are maintenance headaches later on. Engine runs a little rough after only 4000 miles.

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  Great Value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By artb - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This high end model Forester was equipped with several extras, all of which were installed properly and on time. The car was fully serviced before delivery and performed beautifully even in sub zero weather. The vehicle has several improvements over older model Foresters but retains the key features--reliability and good overall gas mileage (currently averaging 27 mpg). Very quiet, low wind noise, good steering feel, and good arrangement of instruments and controls. One of the best all aro

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  Replaced Audi A6 2.7T Quatro - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Joe Greenwood - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for AWD to use in snow country, replacing Audi. The Forrester was head and shoulders above any other AWD/Compact SUV we researched. Exceptional value, scary acceleration, quality interior and most attractive exterior on the market. No spare on the back is a big plus. We had never considered Subaru and kinda put them in the Saab/Volvo category; quirky but functional. Weve had Audi/Mustang GT/Taurus SHO/Triumph Spitfire/67 Vette, and the Forrester is more fun than them all. Only one negative - gas tank too small - or maybe I gotta quit playing street-racer. One other drawback, now Im lusting for a WRX-STi.

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  The best car I have ever owned. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By lowman99 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This has to be one of the best cars on the market today, but also one of the most understated. The safety is unmatched in its class, and the all- wheel drive is amazing. On a recent ski trip into the mountains, while everyone was pulled over to the side of the road putting on chains, I just cruised right past them. While 4x4 F- 150 with chains were spinning out in front of me, I just glided over the snow. Extremely reliable- no problems whatsoever.