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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Fishermans Dream - 1998 Subaru Forester
By kschumac - August 27 - 2:00 amWhen I first visited our local Subaru dealer, the salesman told me all the right things about reliability, value, driving safety and longevity of the vehicles. I had asked him if they had any used Subarus that I could look at and he told me that once people bought one, they did not get rid of it. Having owned this car for a little over two years now, I understand what he meant. This car is fun to drive. This car gets me into all the places I want to go (fishing). It has lots of storage space in the back. I can very comfortably carry four people.
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Not a bad vehicle - 2003 Subaru Forester
By BertWhiz - August 26 - 10:00 amNot familiar with the Subaru line, I was initially skeptical of purchasing a Forester. However, the more I drive it, the more suprised I am at how well it handles. What attracted me was the AWD, sunroof, and better gas mileage (I traded a 2002 Trailblazer for it as the Chevy didnt have any of those things), and the only thing I can complain about the Forester is, it isnt as roomy and has a firmer suspension. Other than that, this subaru was an excellent decision. The construction and paint is of high quality. The interior is quiet. The engine has plenty of horsepower. And there is plenty of convenience with controls, etc.
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Good Choice - 2003 Subaru Forester
By wja - August 26 - 10:00 am2002 model purchased new 11/2001.Love the little SUV except for seat comfort on any trip over 400 miles. Seats are too stiff, but then I was used to a Buick. Very good looking. visability rear and rear sides are very good and rear cargo area with seats folded down is larger compared to the Toyota RAV4 and comparable Honda. Great on mileage, responsive and holds the road well. Dealer service is exellent. I would rate this vehicle 10 overall if the front seats were more comfortable. A very good value for the price!
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10,000 Mile Update - 2010 Subaru Forester
By mermac55 - August 21 - 7:03 pmMy husband and I agree that we like the Forester better now than when we bought it. The road handling is extremely competent and the brakes are incredible. There are no rattles and every door closes solidly. Interior design presents many reconfiguration possibilities for cargo hauling. It is my 42 mile round trip commuter and I look forward to it every day. It was a pleasure to drive in all weather this winter and has such an efficient heating system, I rarely used the heated seats! With this early spring weather, I love the sunroof (as does the dog). The passenger does sit a little low, but with so many adjustments to the driver seat, its impossible not to be comfortable! We love it!
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THE car to get! - 2003 Subaru Forester
By Cang - August 19 - 2:00 amI was ify on this car, but let me tell you, it is IT for me & my family, nothing but Subarus for us, especially this one, our Forester. GOD is so good.
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1st Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Eugene - August 18 - 8:40 pmBought our first Subaru 2 months ago. Also looked at RAV4 and CR-V. So far were not disappointed. Getting about 25 MPG mixed driving. Overall an excellent car!
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I love my Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
By Andi - August 16 - 5:56 pmI am the 3rd owner of my 2001 Subaru Forester. I purchased the car used with about 143,000 miles on it. Its now at 155,000. So far in work I have had to replace a cracked CV boot but that was all that I HAD to do. I opted to replace the head gaskets because they were leaking, but the mechanic told me that it wasnt an immediate need. Eventually I replaced the windshield wiper arms, but it was a quick fix. I live in Northern Michigan and the car starts on - 30F days. It grips the road well when there is lots of snow and ice, as well as in the rain. I would definitely buy another Subaru Forester.
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New to Subary - 2015 Subaru Forester
By mdoiron - August 15 - 1:16 amJust bought my new 2015 Subaru Forester. Price was good, inside room was great - head and leg room. Only had it 2 weeks, so still new to it but a few improvements / upgrades are needed
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The Perfect Height - 2003 Subaru Forester
By Taft4 - August 13 - 2:00 amBecause of our ages (mid 70s) and my wifes partial disability the height of a car for ease of entry and exit is paramount, along with leather seats that one can slide in on. The exterior dimensions for parking ease and city expressway driving are almost equally important and the Forester easily meets all those criteria. Add to that the excellent safety features and safety record, and I knew this was the car for us.
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Good Northeast Car - 2003 Subaru Forester
By cmac - August 10 - 9:50 amGood car for the dollar. Handles very well and gets good mileage if driven smooth. The pickup is quick but will show it is a 4 cylinder with 4 people and cargo. The seats are not that comfortable and the engine idles rough. Just change the oil and bring it for regular checkups. Tires are good but expensive to change. Rotate them often with AWD.
