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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  2017 Subaru Forester is Great - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By carol caron - December 21 - 6:20 am

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  Sensible choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By 1stsubie - December 20 - 8:30 pm

  Upgraded from a 2003 Focus station wagon with leather and moon roof – I was looking for something practical, competent and reliable. Found it in the spacious Forester. Just would have wished road feel less SUV. Nevertheless, the Forester beats its competitors’ handling and demeanor. So far drove 900 miles in city and on a trip to Texas Hill Country. 3 adults plus driver very pleased with comfort during 5 hours road trip. Noise level remains low under 80 mph. AWD shines on wet roads. AC is more than sufficient for Texan heat. Lots of goodies for colder climates. Positively surprised by fuel consumption (comparable to old Focus).

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  Good Riddance - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Good riddance - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Toyota for this model. Boy am I sorry. First service was after a brake recall and brakes never sounded the same since. Blew a head gasket at 60,000 miles then 10,000 miles later needed a full transmission replacement. Now, Im suspected another head gasket problem. This shouldnt happen on a subaru ( I was told). Do you think I was just unlucky? Im trading it in and cutting my losses- good riddance!!

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  GREAT SAV NOT SUV - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TIMBO - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car . Subaru was the first out with all wheel drive and now look at all the other car mfg comming out with it. The ride is great,and just enought HP. Take it from me you dont need the turbo it takes the top grade of gas and who needs to pay another $0.25 a gallon.

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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Tom - December 11 - 5:36 pm

  Ive never owned a Subaru before and I can see why most people who own them think they are great. I cant say anything bad about it and with the snow that we have had in the midwest this winter, I am very impressed by how well it handles deep snow. I have owned several Jeeps and it is every bit as good in the snow as any Jeep I have ever owned, but with much better fuel economy. This is the best suv bargain out there.

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  First new car in 13 years - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By k costello - December 10 - 2:49 pm

  My 2017 Forester gave me exactly what I was looking for - good visibility out of windows, logical controls, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot. Acceleration and power have been good.

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  So close to great but ride spoils it. - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By edgecomber - December 8 - 3:56 pm

  Just purchased a 2015 Forester Touring 2.5 without NAV or Eyesight. Im not totally convinced I made the right decision. The car feels solid, accelerates more than adequately for my driving style, love the CVT (always has torque on tap when you want it), fuel economy so far is amazing (going by trip computer), Harmon Kardon stereo is excellent, HID headlights light up the road. So why the doubts? First the ride is hobby horse rocky on poor roads. There was a section of I-5 where I thought the vehicle had a mechanical problem it was rocking so much. Second, the Bluetooth phone implementation is unacceptable in a 2015 car. I hope I get used to the ride but Im not optimistic.

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  04 Forester XT - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Scott - December 7 - 3:46 am

  Excellent car. The build feels solid, I have owned this car for about 2 years now with no problems at all. The all wheel drive combined with the 210 hp turbo engine is great in the hills. This car is awesome in the snow, never any problems at all navigating in snow. It also grips well in dry and wet weather, I feel very safe in this car. Excellent ground clearance, never any issues on mtn roads. The interior seems solid, no creaks or rattles or anything falling apart. I think for the money you cant get a better car.

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  my second Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By ij39mf - December 3 - 3:06 pm

  We love our Forester. Good visibility, heated mirrors, stays on the road no matter what you try to do.

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  not just a yuppie car. - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By james333 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  A sturdy car built to last. It gets me through quick turns, bottomless pot holes and icy roads. A great car for the price, dont pay more than invoice...make the dealer show you what they paid for it, money is everything these days. Anyway, just test drive one. If youe have a dog, children, bikes, snowboards etc. save yourself the trouble and get a Forester.