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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  Subaru Forester XS 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By harold martens - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our families first Subaru, and will definitely not be the last. After a protracted period of test driving many competing models, we settled on the Subaru Forester XS for its sturdy feel, excellent visibility, ease of manueverability, included options, and safety features. Our dealer of purchase: DON DOCKSTEADER SUBARU in Vancouver Canada offered a 24 hour, no obligation test drive which finalized our choice.

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  should have stuck to honda - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By naturallite - March 27 - 10:00 am

  milage and handling is great for a suv, havent had any problems with the engine, but the interior is made of cheap materials, feels like cloth over cardboard, cup holders are a joke, what kind of an engineer designed those? , small covered conpartments in the doors are flimsey and the hinges bend, have taken it to two dealers (40 milers away) no dealers in small towns, and was told nothing they could do, but I shouldnt lean so hard on arm rests? give me a break, they shouldnt have put hinges there in the first place, overhaul the interior to quality, and they would have a good product.

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  Zero buyers remorse. - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Joshua - March 26 - 8:23 pm

  I spent two years getting out of credit card debt, and saving up for my Subaru. I knew I wanted a Subaru because of the safety features, and high reliability. I looked at a few other brands. But I found that the Forester was not only the highest rated, but because more equipment comes standard, it was the best value. Some companies charge over $3K for AWD, and even $1K extra for side airbags! My 2010 model is very comfortable, the most comfortable car I have ever sat in. There is lots of room for both passengers and cargo. And the hidden storage area under the cargo pad is perfect for keeping the rest of the cargo ready at all times. Highly recommended to anyone who needs utility and fun!

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  Good car for bad weather - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Alex - March 26 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car with 65,000 miles on it, now it has 100,000. Nothing wrong with engine or transmission. Forester showed high safety standards on the wet and frozen roads. I like the way Subaru handles the road and ability to drive in the all kind of weather with reasonable gas efficiency for AWD. From other side, car is obviously underpowered. And it is kind of difficult to pass other cars on the highways, it just cant get speed fast enough. So, if you are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle without any fancy design or performance, then Forester will be a right choice.

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  Nice vehicle - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By COOL - March 22 - 9:10 am

  The AWD is great in the winter. Wife doesnt have to worry about putting the vehicle into 4WD like the Tahoe.

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  Dont get a 2006 5-speed manual - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By wlv - March 22 - 2:26 am

  Bought new 5-speed in Oct 05. Problems after 2 weeks. After "cold starting" vehicle and putting in gear, when clutch is pressed in, RPMs shoot up to 3000+. When clutch is released, RPMs go to around 1500. Press clutch in again, RPMs shoot back up. Can put car in 1st gear, and without pressing accelerator, car accelerates to about 20mph with RPMs climbing to 3000+. One time I kept clutch depressed to observe RPMs. RPMs went through a series of about 6 large damped oscillations over a period of 30- 45 seconds. Malfunction is very repeatable. Took car to 2 dealerships. Neither able to diagnose and repair. Safety concern ... so I am contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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  Forester Reigns Supreme - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Highly recommended - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Subaru Forester in August of 1998. I had driven several of the competing models and all it took was 5 minutes behind the wheel to be sold. This little vehicle outperformed anything in its class at that time. It is quick, nimble, and comfortable, as well as provides a smooth ride. Hazardous weather does not slow this little wagon down...Ice, snow, sleet, rain, whatever. I love it, and plan to purchase another! The only thing I do not like is the wagon- like appearance...

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  First Time Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By pico - March 20 - 3:30 pm

  Best driving "small SUV" of the RAV4, CRV bunch, even with base engine. There is no comparison. Even in base X form the handling is awesome, confidence inspiring. Turns are crisp, stopping/starting all great. Drove both XT and normally aspirated and was pleasantly surprised with the pull of the base engine. Interior is also roomier than expected, back seat is roomy enough if the front seats arent pushed all the way back but even if they are I feel I have just enough legroom with front seats at maximum travel. Love the height of the cabin plus the tall stance. And in terms of AWD systems, there is no comparison (especially with these Colorado winters weve been having).

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  Great package that needs just a bit more - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By simplyeasily - March 19 - 10:20 pm

  I have had my Forester for 3 months now. I love it; didnt think I would as much as I do since I changed over from a BMW. It drives a lot like a sedan, and its sure-footed and reliable. The customer service has been great as well. The seats are comfortable and the road visibility is good. The rear seats are even more comfortable, and the giant moonroof is awesome. I also like the sports mode and the ability to manually shift gears - very useful for me and for saving on the brakes when going downhill. And the price? What a great value.

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  New to Subaru - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Patti - March 14 - 12:31 am

  Having driven Hondas for many years, & deciding it was time to give up my Honda Pilot of 13 years, & decided to downsize, I chose a Subaru because of its safety features and realiability. I also ski in the winter, & weather & road conditions in our area can be pretty tricky at times, but with the all wheel drive I hope to get great traction. My lease specialist (Brad Lunar) was very thorough throughout the entire process and made me feel comfortable with his expertise.