Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 217.00

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  Turbo Engine Trouble - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By luganlad - January 26 - 11:40 am

  Apparently the 2009 2.5 liter turbo engine has some metallurgic problems. Our engine began making loud banging sounds on a road trip after just 4,000 miles on it. Worked fine prior to this catastrophic breakdown. Subaru will be replacing the engine with hopefully a correctly produced engine.

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  Great for tall drivers - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By don225 - October 1 - 5:49 am

  I bought this car for 2 reasons 1. Head room,Im 65 2. AWD Over all happy but a few issues to note 1.The car has an uncanny ability to suck in the exhaust from other vehicles, and it has nothing to do with the in cabin filter. 2.The design of the front seats. As the driver its almost impossible to reach under the seat to grab anything, and there is a cable that runs directly from the underbelly of the seat to the ground that eliminates passage. The passenger seat sits so low that even I feel like a kid in a car(Im 65) 4.Rattles. have fun going back and forth to the dealer getting all the rattles in the body panels shored up while under warranty 5.Transmission issues at 70K mi 6.Sterio

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  No problems here - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By nor327 - September 13 - 2:26 am

  I was motivated to write this review after reading reviews citing multitudinous problems. No rattles or breakdowns to report. Incredibly roomy inside given the small package outside. I dont think it is fair to cite as negatives the use of plastics or the sound system since those are attributes that can be evaluated in a test drive. I think this is a super automobile for the price point.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By oc22071 - August 19 - 2:40 pm

  This is my first Subaru purchase after owning mostly German cars. I got the forester to accommodate baby seat in the back and has plenty of room for front passenger even with rear facing baby seat. I would like to have the option of power front passenger seat but was not offered on any trim level.

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  Dont like my Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Dave doesnt like - July 31 - 8:10 am

  I cant believe all the hoopla about the ride comfort of this vehicle. I have had mine for a month and recently took it on its first interstate trip. The ride quality was poor at best - deafening road noise where 2 of us in the front seats had to shout at each other constantly in addition to picking up every tar crack or road imperfection. Also exhibited wind noise at 55 MPH. As for the performance, the little 4 cylinder was constantly shifting and loud with every little grade we encountered. Im not talking about hills here. Maybe its the cheap Yokohama tires or they forgot to put insulation in mine. My 05 Merc Mountaineer on a truck frame was better.

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  My First Subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By hell_force - July 21 - 1:00 pm

  Just purchased this SUV for 2 weeks. Have about 500 miles on it. No major complaints here. The mpg is about 21 city and 27 hwy. The AWD and turning radius are great. One minor thing, you can feel a noticeable delay when it goes from a lower gear to a higher one sometimes. Overall, the ride has been great, especially on inclines, where new Forester truly separates itself from 2008 CRV. The interior is good, although I wanted a LL beans, but for the price, I have no regrets. The exterior looks much better than CRV and RAV-4. Also, it does not hurt to know that Forester is 100% Japanese from parts to assembly. It is my first Subaru, hope its reliability is as good as Honda and Toyota.

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  Great Ride... but - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By chelsea - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Nissan Sentra before this Subaru-expected big difference; cant compare with other SUVs like CRV and RAV4 because I didnt test-drive them (my mistake,just relied on reviews). Murano has more power (the price is too much though), but Forester is quieter. After about 2 weeks of use, I started hearing this annoying rattle by the dashboard. I also hear a "thug" in the back (right side) the moment it runs after parking. I will have the dealership look into it. Its frustrating to get stuck with the noise for years. Also, Ive been reading great MPG from owners; the highest Ive got so far is 18.3-based from the dashboard monitor, mostly highway 60-65 mph.

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  Transmission Problems - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Smitty - May 12 - 6:43 am

  I had less than 8,000 miles on my forester, and had noticed a whining noise. Took it to dealership and they tore down diff. and replaced bearings. Still made the noise. Took it back and they tore diff down again, and replaced pinion bearing. Still made noise. They FINALLY put new transmission in. Hopefully this is just an isolated incident. First Subaru Ive ever owned and feeling nervous if this is whats to come later after warrantee expires. I didnt lease this vehicle either. Other than this problem, Ive no problem with its handling and performance. While forester was in the shop (approx 4 weeks total between repairs) I had an Outback for a loaner and fell in love with that too.

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  Another 1st time Subie owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - March 11 - 8:06 am

  Tackling 45 degree potholed hills with no problems, this 09 Forester XTs practical (plenty of interior room given size, tight turn circle), and fun to drive (euro-style ride and handling). Turbo and SPORT A/T mode helps in passing, but some turbo lag remains (5 speed would better match power to wheels). No fuel miser (18 mpg mostly city) but may improve when broken in. Despite being 1st year car, is well finished (dash squeaks, clumsy rear hatch opening only irritants). Leather spices up decent if unremarkable interior. Good auto A/C, well laid out engine bay, other thoughtful touches. Huge ground clearance at 9 inches. A car offering practicality over style, and does it well.

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  Best Small SUV-Outback is Better Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Gary - December 11 - 4:46 pm

  Previously owned four Outbacks. They are a more substantial vehicle with many more standard feature details such as lighted vanity mirrors, bumper cover, cargo tray, cargo cover, fog lights, all weather package, etc, Outback has better seats, quieter ride, better handling, power drivers seat, better interior materials, more solid construction. Outback has a higher sticker price but Forester is about the same when similarly equipped. After 3-years Outback is rattle/squeak free and solid. Forester already has suspension noises and dash rattle over rough surfaces after only 800 miles. Tried all the competitors before buying this one and overall its the best of small SUVs but Outback is better.