Overview & Reviews

Noting Forester fans' desire for more power, Subaru adds a turbocharged XT model to the lineup. The XT is essentially a loaded XS with a 210-hp engine replacing the 165-hp motor.

• Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.

• Price can be higher than most of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 161.00

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  Great Value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By artb - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This high end model Forester was equipped with several extras, all of which were installed properly and on time. The car was fully serviced before delivery and performed beautifully even in sub zero weather. The vehicle has several improvements over older model Foresters but retains the key features--reliability and good overall gas mileage (currently averaging 27 mpg). Very quiet, low wind noise, good steering feel, and good arrangement of instruments and controls. One of the best all aro

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  Replaced Audi A6 2.7T Quatro - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Joe Greenwood - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for AWD to use in snow country, replacing Audi. The Forrester was head and shoulders above any other AWD/Compact SUV we researched. Exceptional value, scary acceleration, quality interior and most attractive exterior on the market. No spare on the back is a big plus. We had never considered Subaru and kinda put them in the Saab/Volvo category; quirky but functional. Weve had Audi/Mustang GT/Taurus SHO/Triumph Spitfire/67 Vette, and the Forrester is more fun than them all. Only one negative - gas tank too small - or maybe I gotta quit playing street-racer. One other drawback, now Im lusting for a WRX-STi.

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  0 for 2 With My Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Dougie Henson - October 10 - 11:46 am

  This was my 2nd Subaru and it will surely be my last. I should have known better after our 93 Legacy wagon broke 2 timing belts, blew a head gasket, and needed both front wheel drive axles replaced-all before 36,000 miles. Nevertheless, I traded it on a new 04 Forester 2.5X because it was the best deal we could get. Never again! The right front wheel well liner came loose and fell out before 10,000 miles. The transmission began to give us trouble at 15,000 miles. The whole car vibrated while turning even though we faithfully had it serviced & the tires rebalanced and rotated every 3,000 miles at the dealers. The windows leaked and whistled in the wind whenever you exceeded 35 MPH. Junk!!!

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  2.5X - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Deacon Allan J. Frederiksen - October 4 - 6:08 pm

  This car served me well for 10 years 11 months and 174,000 miles. Reliable from start to "finish". Routine maintenance is a bit expensive. Only mechanical failure was a U joint in drive shaft at 153,000 miles. When timing belt was originally replaced at 82,500 miles also replaced head gaskets. Did not do so when timing belt was replaced at 165,000 miles and at 168,000 miles a very slight oil leakage began (to the tune of 1 quart per 3,000 miles.) Decided to trade in at 174,000 miles. This car went to 28 of our 50 states.

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  I love it! I love it! I love it! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By ejgauthier - September 3 - 11:13 pm

  What can I say,still smitten after 5 years! Peppy, reliable, safe, still looks like new with this black leather with white exterior. Big windows make the big sky bigger. BIG sunroof turns my Subie into a convertible. Comfy inside, pleny of room too. Love the sporty driving appeal with low center of gravity yet high clearance. Its the perfect car for the mountains and highways where Canadian winters go on and on and on! Did I mention I loved my SUV(Subie Utility Vehicle).

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  I like my Forester - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Sharpener - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Very capable in the ice and snow. Handles like a good sedan. Good fuel economy for a vehicle of this type. Adequate, but not thrilling acceleration. Everything works, so far.

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  XT--lots of fun and value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Chuck - June 25 - 11:13 pm

  I previously owned an 02 WRX wagon but needed something a little larger and more practical due to a growing family. I still get a silly grin on my face every time I stomp on it. Its not as fast as the WRX or as nimble but much more practical. It has a silky smooth transmission and an interior that is easy on the eyes. There is not as much lag with the turbo compared to the WRX, I went with the automatic; even with the A/C blasting it goes when you you hit it. Handling is average, its a little wobbly at high speeds but overall handles well when pushed. The 5 star crash test is a nice perk, the safest small SUV on the market gives me piece of mind.

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  2004 Subaru XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By desh - June 17 - 4:40 pm

  I like the performance of the Turbo XT compared to the standard model. It seems so effortless merging into traffic and if you need it, really has the get up an go. The negative is that the mileage is much worse than I expected - about 20 mpg. I also like the heaters in the mirrors, under the wipers, and in the seats. I had to have the discs turned at 33K due to brake pulsating, but that was free under warranty. I also had a fog light burn out which to my surprise was covered under warranty (bulb costs $20.00). All in all, the Forester is a great car and I love it.

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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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  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.