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 - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By gerri - August 27 - 11:03 am

  I am so happy with my Forester. It is just as good as I expected it to be. Drives beautifully, albeit a bit noisy. It is a basic straightforward auto. No luxuries, just safety and a good old fashioned "able to see from all angles" car. Absolutely no blind spots... good for us height challenged souls. I adore my suv/car crossover. It fits my bill. My puppies also have plenty of room.

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  Drivers Seat bad for back or knee pain - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By storiesbysteve - August 27 - 10:33 am

  Driven 1600+ miles. I like this car - but it can be very uncomfortable for a person with back or knee pain. I would like ARM RESTS and padding where a guys knees hit the left door and the console. Its rock hard A tilt steering wheel would be good. The moon roof is fantastic - and the drivers visibility is super. It is a pleasure to drive in the rain. Its not as smooth riding as I expected, but very surefooted. I might have been more comfortable in a Honda but the Subaru is faster (up to 130 mph!) As long as you dont need a comfortable drivers seat for your back or knee this is a GREAT car. I made a You Tube video about the seat problems and how to work around them

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  Problems galore - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By subpain - August 27 - 1:40 am

  This car has serious problems with the axle and wheel bearing assembly. I replace the Rt rear bearings in 2005 @33,000 mi, the Rt & Lt rear bearings in 2006 @ 46,000 mi, and this month the left rear bearing @84,000 mi in 2010. The front axles have both been replaced in the last 2 yrs, one twice. now the O2 sensors need replacing. the head gasket was recalled and replaced. It is hard to believe I am driving the same car and the same model as those with glowing reports.

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  Bang for the buck - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Java2 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I test drove 2010 Forester (and CR-V) after a great deal of research. The ride quality and handling was better on Forester. It offered features I needed and was within my price range. But, I decided to wait for the 2011 model since it was going to have additional torque (174 pound feet compared to 170), slightly better mileage, and standard bluetooth. I recently purchased the 2011 Forester Premium (Automatic with all-weather package and Tom Tom navigation). The ride is excellent and handling is superior (it hugs the tight corners very well). It has great cost/benefit - loads of features (huge moonroof, heated front seats, power driver seat, ample cargo space, bluetooth, USB, etc).

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  Practical and reliable - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Mowine4me - August 24 - 11:53 pm

  This is the second Forester we have bought and its just a great, practical car.

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  Best small SUV out there - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Amandrew in MI - August 24 - 1:50 pm

  Bought new Nov. 2001, 100K miles as of today. Pros: Im 64" and fit fine, but barely; 25-27 mpg in mixed city/hwy; replaced clutch at 90K miles, which is pretty good; AWD is awesome; have driven in my grandmas sandy-soiled Michigan pasture off-road in all 4 seasons without getting stuck! Cons: auto-dimming mirror failed at 20K miles but was not covered under warranty, not worth $250 to replace; check engine light has come on 4 times between 30K and 100K - vacuum hose, emission control module, air/fuel sensor, and a 4th problem to be found at shop this week. None expensive, but none under warranty.

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  My 5th - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Rob - August 17 - 9:43 am

  This is my fifth Subaru, and I am very happy with it. With the M5 transmission, I am averaging 26 mpg in a rural setting. It has preformed well in snow [8" with drifts], and it has given me no problems. The added room in the back seat is a plus, and the general style is well suited. I do miss the quirky looks of the old Forester, it was unique and readily recognized by other Subaru drivers. The mechanics of this model seem to be better than the old though, it has a smoother ride, sits higher, and has a more solid feel to it while on the road.

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  Most comfortable of the small SUVs - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By misprof - August 16 - 9:17 pm

  I test drove all of the small SUVs on the market and the Forester was far and away the most comfortable for me. I am 6 5" and 225lbs and none of the other ones had anywhere near as comfortable a driving position. The visibility is great due to the big windows, especially in the back where the competition seems to have all put large pillars in the way. It is quieter than the Highlander that it replaced and I have been getting a combined 27 MPG commuting and as much as 32 on highway travel.

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  I like my Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Venkee - August 13 - 1:56 pm

  The Subaru has very appealing interiors compared to other compact/small cars. It is certainly different from the boring Corollas. One of the best things about a Forester is the visibility. The visibility itself is a great safety feature. It handles like a car and I feel pretty safe sitting in a Forester. One thing that they can do better is the finishing. There are a couple of allen screws projecting out on the frame right behind the doors. Also, you see plastic rivets on the roof. They should have had some way of not having nuts and bolts projecting out and being visible. But, that is a minor flaw.

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  Fun for the whole Family - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Herzart - August 12 - 5:23 am

  Traded in our 2005 Liberty and took a chance on Subaru Forester. Great room and space for me and my family and seems to have more room than the Liberty in some spots. Ride is comfortable. Steering and acceleration is quick and sporty. Test drove many compact SUVs. CRV was weak, Rav 4 was noisy and the Forester seemed to be the right fit and finish and less expensive. Panoramic moonroof in compact SUV! Only one in its class to offer it. My wife loves the drive.