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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  A Very Pleasant Surprise... - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Terry - May 28 - 4:50 pm

  I wanted a AWD/4 Wheel Drive car. I had decided on the Kia Sportage. I liked the looks, features & great warranty. Wasnt so impressed with the mileage, or uncertain reliability record after being brought back after being off market a few years. I saw the reviews of the 2005 Forester here, and then saw Consumer Reports TOP RATED the Forester, and decided to look deeper. I was very pleasantly surprised! The start from stop, without the turbo, was as strong or more so than our Camry, which had originally moved me from the V-6s. Fit, finish and ride are super. I drove it from Palm Springs to Reno and loved it in the mountains. Averaged 26.5 combined, 1500 miles. I am completely pleased.

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  True Performer - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Peter V - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Dont let its looks deceive you - this car has incredible acceleration and top end. AWD is awesome-Ive owned Subarus before but this one takes the prize. Decided on turbo after friend who has WRX told me that he has 100k on his with no problems. If you need some horses, no other SUV except the Porsche ($60K) comes close! Great price for what you get!

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  2nd Forester - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Gail - May 28 - 3:16 am

  This is my 2nd Forester and 3rd Subaru. I really love the control and ease of these cars. Deep snow doesnt bother them at all. I like that I dont have to push a button to use all wheel drive. My LL Bean is similar to my previous 2003 XS except it now has power seats. The new dual valve system has taught me to drive with a light foot, otherwise the mileage suffers. I also dont use my brakes as much because the engine slows the car down when you let up on the gas.

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  nice vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By mike - May 26 - 3:40 pm

  Great wagon, got this last year after selling our minivan. Gas mileage is better than expected with the manual. Gets 30 mpg easy on the highway. About 26 city. AWD is great. Solid, well made vehicle. Seats are firm and supportive.

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  love my car! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Karen C. - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Really used Edmonds and the posted reviews to decide on a small SUV. Really fell in love with the Forester, found CR-V and Santa Fe too big and visibility not nearly as good. Thanks to whomever said get one with the beige (not gray) interior - much better! I got a gold one, love the handling, love the price (a little over $19,000 for a manual X), cant believe its really mine! It hugs the road, I too went from V-6 to this,but its fine power- wise. the plentitude of standard features, especially the keyless remote and power everything are great.

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  Great (if not ugly) car! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By kaylynn42 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Has been very reliable. Gets decent fuel economy. Definitely needs a V6 (Gonna get killed merging on the freeway one of these days!) Holds a lot of gear for camping and shopping. Could use a little more towing power. Cupholders not in the best spot. Seat warmers are awesome. Heater and A/C do wonderfully. LOVE the huge moonroof. Nice, smooth ride. Does great in the snow/ice. I feel very comfortable in its ability without feeling overly confident and cocky. Wish for more of a color choice on the S Premium than just the monoscheme red, white, black or silver.

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  Best all round vehicle in its class - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Shiv Kumar - May 26 - 5:45 am

  Subaru has hit a home run with its Forester 2016. This is a very optimal vehicle, refined design, excellent safety rating. Really love the drive and handling. Visibility is the best I found in any vehicle. Very roomy interior. After using Hondas for more than 20 years this is the first Subaru we bought. So far very pleased with it. Drive mostly local with occasional highway driving. Very impressed with fuel economy, given this is an AWD.

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  An Excelleny Buy - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By NookysMax - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Best of its class. Great road car too. Very fun to drive.

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  Rear Wheel Bearings and Build Quality - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - May 22 - 11:43 pm

  I purchased my 2001 Subaru Forester new from Carr Subaru in Beaverton Oregon. The Forester new had to have some type of additive put into the radiator just assuming from what I have read recently to keep the head gasket from leaking, the cup holders are in the wrong place, the carpet started to come loose at 3,000 miles, the gas cap door wont close and now I have had to replace both rear wheel bearings at 79,000 miles. What is next. This is the second Sabaru I have owned and the last. This Vehicle is a piece of junk. Sabaru needs to wake up just as recently the American autos have done.

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  Fun crossover, worth the wait!! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By hazeley - May 22 - 2:15 pm

  After 6 weeks of wait, I finally received my marine blue Forester premium. I _love_ this vehicle. Its zippy, responsive and fun to drive. It has a nice tight turn radius and is easy to maneuver. It feels safe. It has great ground clearance but still seems to hug the road in stormy weather. Its also really open and very easy to see everything around you, and the premium model has a backup camera included.