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:

• 

  They give you what they advertise - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Tamuz1972 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The forester delivers what Subaru advertises, a stable, easy to maintain, reliable and safe car that makes for a highly enjoyable ride. Over the past 5 years Ive really put it through its paces by hauling, mountain driving and using it as a intracity commuter car in all kinds of weather. I like this car so much I would buy another in a heartbeat.

• 

  My Subie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By john - October 13 - 7:23 am

  Our second Subaru and the last. The maintenance requirements are expensive compared to a Suburban we once had and a Tahoe and a Yukon XL. At 30000 miles expect to pay between 400 and 700 bucks for this Forester. The 4 speed auto trans is a joke.

• 

  0 for 2 With My Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dougie Henson - October 10 - 11:46 am

  This was my 2nd Subaru and it will surely be my last. I should have known better after our 93 Legacy wagon broke 2 timing belts, blew a head gasket, and needed both front wheel drive axles replaced-all before 36,000 miles. Nevertheless, I traded it on a new 04 Forester 2.5X because it was the best deal we could get. Never again! The right front wheel well liner came loose and fell out before 10,000 miles. The transmission began to give us trouble at 15,000 miles. The whole car vibrated while turning even though we faithfully had it serviced & the tires rebalanced and rotated every 3,000 miles at the dealers. The windows leaked and whistled in the wind whenever you exceeded 35 MPH. Junk!!!

• 

  Premium Feel With the Premium Price - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By 08subaru - October 10 - 3:02 am

  Having test driven the Forester we knew this was a very good vehicle & one that bested our older cars (07 and 08 Impreza) in nearly every way. As the miles have passed both my mom and I have become more & more impressed with these vehicles. The ride is sublime, yet the Forester handles like a car half its size with little pronounced body roll. The quality of the interior is vastly improved with a soft touch dash & no squeaks or rattles. Also, this is a very easy car to drive with an incredible visibility & back up camera. And in spite of being bigger and heavier Im already averaging better fuel economy then my Impreza. Subaru has clearly made an incredible car, that is why we bought two!

• 

  great all around vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mcbrunl - October 8 - 8:46 am

  This is our first AWD vehicle. We did a lot of research via web/word of mouth and were led to the Subaru Forester. We were not disappointed, it has performed in a very admirable manner since we got it. The ride is very comfortable, the gas mileage is very decent (around 24mpg). the handling is exceptional. We did have a couple of body discrepancies that came with the car, but dealership rectified them promptly. We are totally content with this vehicle at this time.

• 

  Love it! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By AG - October 8 - 3:23 am

  I had 2002 Forester X for four years and I really liked it. But then traded it for 2006 XT and thats the huge difference! I love that car. I love the acceleration, and not only from the stop, but it feels like it always has more power and can jump forward. What a surprise for BMW drivers! Nice cornering, good braking. Drove in February on snowy and icy freeway between Detroit and Chicago - no problem with traction or anything else. When my lease expires in two years I will have another Forester, or maybe even keep this one. Money well spent!

• 

  Ooh ooh got my first Subaru - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Average Joe - October 7 - 1:09 am

  It was time for a replacement for my Jetta TDI. Living in New England it is four wheel drive or walk home. I am a retired businessman living on a fixed income so getting the best value is important. I narrowed the search to a Kia Sorento and the Forester. Both were impressive on the test drives with the Forester edging out the win by being tighter and quieter. The layout of the cockpit was better in the Forester and I was able locate and understand marginally better. Once I began driving I became more impressed with all of the aspects of the Forester. It does things for me like; reminding me to stay in my lane, put my brakes on to slow properly, eyes in the back of my head with the camera. It is not going to win a drag race but I can merge into traffic with no problem. Bottom line is, It feels solid and drives the miles in an honest and straightforward way. I am actually looking forward to snow season this year.

• 

  Good but not exciting - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By dereko - October 6 - 11:56 am

  I bought my 06 forester 3 years ago and after 46K miles I cant really complain. It always starts w/o hesitation and everything works like new. I have had the occasional engine hesitation; step on the gas slightly and it takes a second or two before it responds. I dont know if this is a electronic throttle or transmission bug. Needs more front shoulder and leg width. The center console will give your leg a mean cramp if you dont use the cruise control on drives over an hour. Backseat legroom is nil. Unfortunately, Im starting to get the usual squeaks in and around the dash. Its overall a good vehicle but after 3 years it just hasnt grow on me.

• 

  2.5X - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Deacon Allan J. Frederiksen - October 4 - 6:08 pm

  This car served me well for 10 years 11 months and 174,000 miles. Reliable from start to "finish". Routine maintenance is a bit expensive. Only mechanical failure was a U joint in drive shaft at 153,000 miles. When timing belt was originally replaced at 82,500 miles also replaced head gaskets. Did not do so when timing belt was replaced at 165,000 miles and at 168,000 miles a very slight oil leakage began (to the tune of 1 quart per 3,000 miles.) Decided to trade in at 174,000 miles. This car went to 28 of our 50 states.

• 

  Great SUV for the money. - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By rob1261 - October 4 - 10:35 am

  Wow. I think I am glad I’m writing this after the previous review. I have only had it for one week. But felt enough time for an initial review. In response to the previous review (1 star), I have owned many cars/SUVs and I tested many before purchasing this. This SUV by far has the best visibility of any SUV I have seen. Subaru seems to be one of the few manufactures not obsessed with rounding off every car. The squareness of this SUV makes for excellent visibility in all directions and ease of entry and storage. And if you get with EyeSight package (highly recommended) you get blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alerts, auto cruise control, lane departure, lane assist and auto forward collision braking. To add this to the Premium is only around $1600 (also includes cold weather package). Really a bargain. I purchased the Premium 2.5i with EyeSight and auto mirror/compass/homelink for $26,500 with .9% for 63 months (MSRP of $29,400). I am coming from a BMW 328i xDrive so I was a little concerned how much I would like the car. So far I really like it. The handling and ride are better than expected. If has good power for this size engine and gets good gas milage and takes regular gas. I have found it very comfortable (6’, 220 lbs) and really like the great visibility and room. I also think it is a great looking SUV (Ice Silver). The EyeSight features are really impressive. The most surprising is the auto cruise control. This can be used in stop and go traffic as well as highway cruising. You set it up and choose max speed and distance from other vehicle (1-3 car lengths) and it maintains perfect speed and stops on its own and starts back up on it’s own. When stopped for about 5-10 seconds it will go into standby mode and can be easily restarted. If the car in front of you changes lanes or you change lanes you will see the car depart on the display and the Forester locks onto the next vehicle it sees. This is all displayed on the center and dashboard display. It is very close to an auto driver with this feature and lane assist on. The lane assist will actually turn you back into your lane if it senses your departing too far out of lane. I will update review after some more time with the car.