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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  Forester 04 XS Premium - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By mcbit - May 22 - 7:40 am

  Love the versatility of the vehicle. Like handling, but lacking power IMO. Passing other vehicles is often a challenge, which is my major concern. And, turbo is much more expensive to drive. Maintenance is on the expensive side. Sunroof doesnt open/close properly. Dealership was unable to determine exact cause after 1 hr inspection. Another mechanic found trickling current in the power circuit suspecting a failing diode in the alternator. Dealership tested and said that it is okay. Suspicious. Dont take vehicle to the dealership anymore. Central console plastic is easy to scratch. Rattles inside are annoying. Overall, good vehicle.

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  You have a 5 Speed Auto Trans? - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By A4Maniac - May 11 - 9:00 pm

  To the guy who claims a 5 spd auto trans...bad news, your dealer lied to you. One of the well know (& documented) Forester complaints is the lack of an overdrive gear for the AT, mileage would noticeably improve on the highway instead of the 25 MPG that we get doing 75 MPH. And a 4spd auto with overdrive is same as a 5spd. Plus check the sportshift for that "5th" gear. Mid-year gearbox change is major effort and tough to see. Our review: this is our 2nd Sub & liked the Outback better. The Forester feels cheap even w/ the premium pkg; the improved mpg might not be worth giving up the space of a larger SUV; zero passing power.

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  I love my 2006 Subaru Forester !!!! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Action Dan - May 10 - 6:56 am

  First , I never thought that I would ever buy a Japanese Car (I always bought Fords).But I wanted to make sure I was getting the best car for the money so I test drove and researched many cars in this class.I was pretty much sold on the Forester as soon as I drove it.Now I know why Consumer Reports ranks this as the #1 vehicle in its class.The Forester rides and handles just like a car. It is very nimble, corners like a champ and peppy for a 4 cyl.It gives you all the good features of a car (good handling, ride and gas mileage)and all the good features of an SUV (All Wheel Drive, Great Visibility and Cargo Space).I also bought the Forester for its reputation for reliability and safety

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  Subaru Newbie - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By SubaruMum - May 9 - 5:23 pm

  Drives like a dream and holds to the road well. Drove the WV mountains back roads and had a blast. Many curves and a lot of up and down hill travel. Good mileage, 29 mpg on this trip. Hope to do better on flat ground. Still breaking the car in.

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  A good purchase overall - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Blackjack72 - May 9 - 6:36 am

  Overall, I like this car. I considered buying a Forester a few years ago, but I couldnt get over the wagon-type exterior and small back seat. The 2009 Forester looks better and is bigger inside. I have almost 3,000 miles now and I enjoy the ride and the interior and exterior styling. I definitely love the moonroof. I am 64" and I have enough room in the drivers and rear seat. The major concern I have is the weak stereo. You have to turn the volume at least halfway to hear it, and even higher when listening to the iPod. I havent encountered any snow yet here in New England, but if this car is as good as my previous Legacy, Ill be happy. Mileage is good for an AWD vehicle.

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  Incessant Rattling - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By cjseals1 - May 7 - 3:03 pm

  I have almost 4000 miles on my Forester Limited and from the day I brought it home the dashboard rattles and vibrates. I thought it was related to cold weather, but as the weather warms up it rattles worse. I have taken it into the dealership three times already and they tinker, pad and tighten with no improvement. I want to love this vehicle but it has eaten up and continues to eat up time and money in that I have to take off work and take it back to the dealer, only to have no improvement. The rattle seems to move but mainly in the vent or inside the odometer or MFD. Seems to be the whole dash. I am very disappointed. High rpms when accelerating, cheap carpet. Touchy gas pedal.

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  2007 Forester XT Sport, my 1st and last Subaru - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By taun - May 6 - 5:45 am

  I purchased a 2007 Forester XT Sport (the turbo version) with the expectation that I would be getting a car that was fun to drive, reliable, and had AWD. It has been anything, but reliable. At about 44k miles, the check engine light came on. When I went to have the car diagnosed, the dealer said I had P1410, P2431, P2432, and P2444 fault codes showing up indicating that I had a problem with the secondary air valve. That problem, was a $1200 fix, as my car was outside the 36k warranty. At 61k miles, the radiator cracked and sprayed fluid all over the engine bay. That was a $540 repair. Needless to say, I am done with this car and will not be buying another Subaru because of it.

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  Much better than expected - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By gdgg - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Got the 2.5X after looking all small SUVs and test driving the CRV and Escape. The Forester had the best ride/handling/road manners. Downsized from a extended minivan (family of 4) havent missed it, not even on our long summer trips. Put a Thule box on carry gear for trips and camping. Overall, the car surprizes us with how fun it is to drive and how refined it is for a small car. My wife would rather drive the Forester than her Lexus ES300! Turbo would be great fun, but has even worse fuel economy.

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  Rattles - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Zoe - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Rather "tinny". Presently have an 09 Impreza and 07 Legacy in household in addition to the 2010 Forester. The Forester is by far the poorest quality of the 3. Legacy is just a tank. Real nice to drive. Very tight! Great car! So is Impreza. It appears to us that the quality in workmanship exhibited in the Legacy is absent in the Forester. The rattles (door and ceiling in our case) are truly annoying. The dealer seems to be at a lost when trying to pinpoint the cause and is unaware of these complaints that appear to be quite common with this model and documented on numerous internet sites. When paying in the 30- 35 K range these are things that must not occur. Plan to trade in the next year

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  poor interior design - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By higgy - April 28 - 12:38 pm

  Fond the drivers seat very uncomfortable. The door panels constantly interfered with my legs and the left foot rest even tho I am 6 feet tall was way out of reach without putting the steering wheel in your stomach. Ride was choppy too much jostling on uneven surfaces like found on most highways. Found the info center lacking in useful information like distance to empty. The accessory tray in the console had to be removed to fit even the most basic USB and charging equipment to keep my phone charged. The backup system is poor quality and needs more useful calibration options Overall I would never buy this vehicle as there are much better options even on the most basic vehicles in this class