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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  I want out! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Unhappy buyer - November 7 - 1:13 pm

  Bought this car yesterday, has now 127 miles on it and it started rattling & vibrating already! The ceiling vibrates quite excessively at just 40 mph. The hatch rattles, along with the plastic back panels. Did not do it on the test drive, before purchase. I took it to the dealership today, they said might be the license plate cover- NOT! It keeps getting louder. I take it in again tomorrow. My Malibu with 120,600 miles on it was better, and I want it back! I want out of this deal, worst mistake I ever made. I wish I never wouldve bought it. Major buyers remorse.

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  Melange - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By pigo - November 6 - 10:51 am

  After being a Subaru owner for the last several year, I may try something different next time around. I still love the way this thing drives, but subaru must stop being slow with bringing current technologies to the customers. Absolutley terrible stereo with no Bluetooth, dedicated I pod , etc......This is the Limited afterall! also sunvisor vanity mirrors with out illumination and no light in glove box!!Cmon! The 4 speed tranny was not a huge concern for me but it again shows Subarus unwillingness to be current. interior materials are not on par with most in the class. If Subaru wants to retain this up till now loyal customer, it must add some class to the fun!!!!

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  Wouldnt Buy Another One! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Arpy - November 6 - 8:53 am

  PROS: AWD, handling, simple controls, gas mileage. Getting 25 mpg, city/hwy. CONS: Lousy brakes, engine noises, road noise, ride quality, cheap interior materials, depreciation. Brakes have squealed and shuddered since new, despite 4 dealer visits (no, I dont ride the brakes). Motor exhibits a variety of rattles and clanks, dealer says "normal." Road noise is so pronounced on hwy, have to blast radio to hear it. Ride is rough at any speed. Seat fabric, carpet, headliner all cheap; driver seat began wearing immediately after purchase. Lastly, Subaru unkindly introduced 09 Forester in the middle of the 08 model year which trounced the value of mine. Going back to Toyota.

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  My first SUV - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Jan - November 4 - 7:26 am

  I purchased my very first new vehicle ever just a couple of days ago and I think it is wonderful. I havent had it long enough to really comment on the gas mileage but my old car only got 15 miles/gal so this is a dream. The SUV handles very well and my children love it. It has plenty of room my husband is a very large man about 350 lb. And he fits in the vehicle just fine. I would recommend them to anyone.

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  17 XT Tourings a refined 14 XT Touring - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - November 1 - 4:15 pm

  For 17, Subarus XT Touring has better sound suppression (though road noises high on coarse roads), nicer interior (especially trim and seats), a smoother ride (less harshness and jiggles) and a few new features (blind spot detection, heated steering wheel, LED tracking headlights). Youll see a white cloud behind when accelerating hard, but the 14 XT did same with no ill effects. 17 engine and CVT have less quirks and steerings slightly quicker. Sadly, the HK sound system degraded to 3 band EQ rather than multiple bands with saveable presets (the manual incorrectly claims otherwise) and searching for FM/AM/XM stations more of a pain due to revised scanning procedures. Keyless entrys handy but may be subject to hacking. Too new to know reliability but has few rattles (a first among my Subies) and its trim fits well (14 had numerous mistakes). MPGs the same as the older 14. Tires remain Bridgstone Duelers which are only so so overall and have lousy ice traction (Get Nokian or Michelin instead!) Definitely a better trip car.

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  04 Forester beats the competition - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By chruser - November 1 - 2:00 am

  replaced my 1999 Forester with the 04 model. What a delightful surprise to see what has happen in 5 yrs. Better interior design, a little higher seating, more comfort, better handling. Plush. Loved the 99, had 75,000 miles and never a problem. Quality and value you come to expect from Suburu. Test drove toyota rav4, honda crv, hyundai sante fe and jeep liberty, and tryed the Subura LAST. None of the competitors could stand up, and I really tryed not to buy another Suburu because I wanted to see if there was something better in that class--dont waste your time--try the Suburu Forester 1st. NO NEED to go further.

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  Our First "Family" Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By surprisinglythrilled - October 27 - 4:50 am

  This car (more of a cross-over with the re-design)is beyond my expectations. Every person we know who owns a Subaru stands behind its quality and performance. I fell in love with the new look and the all-wheel drive for less than $25k. There is lots of room in back for the infant seat and my husband enjoys the all-weather package. I also treasure the car-like trunk as I found that mini-vans had a lot of vertical space but not enough horizontal space for grocery bags and trips to the home improvement store. Already getting better mileage than my former V-6 two door coupe!

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  Truly a fun car to own and drive - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By azn8tive - October 21 - 10:56 am

  Very pleased with our 09 Forester. Easy to drive impressive in winter conditions so far as AWD is even more impressive than the write ups have mentioned. Ride is smooth and quiet. Interior is functional and moderately styled. Only think I would do different with this is add the iPod interface. Other than that, truly a great car.

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  MY SECOND FORRESTER - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By BOB ICHISHITA - October 21 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND FORRESTER, MY 1999 DID NOT HAVE A SUNROOF AND I LIKE CARS WITH SUNROOF SO I ORDERED MY NEDW 2004 WITH A SUNROOF, WHICH I LIKE VERY MUCH AND I LIKE DRIVING WITH THE SUNROOF OPEN. THIS 2004 HANDLE A LITTLE BIT BETTER THAN MY 1999, LIKE THE UPGRADED ELECTRNICS. THE 2004 HAS GOOD HANDLING IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH THE TWO KAYAKS ON TOP. IN THE SNOW THIS VEHICLE IS HANDLES THE SNOW VERY WELL. THIS FORRESTER GETS GOOD MILLEAGE. WITH THE HIGH COST OF GAS I WILL BE KEEPING THIS FORRESTER FOR A LONG TIME.

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  Burns oil - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Michele - October 19 - 11:40 am

  This 2015 Subaru Forester was my first new vehicle in 12 years. I did my research and test drove a lot of other vehicles before choosing it. Everything was fine until the oil light came on before the first scheduled service. I checked the oil and it was a quart down. I put a quart of oil in and mentioned it when I took the car in for service. The maintenance person I spoke to was completely mystified as to what could be wrong. I have had the car a little over a year and a half and have had to put oil in it three times. The dealership has had me coming back every 1200 miles to do oil consumption test "to see what could be wrong". Three weeks ago I got a settlement notice of a class action suit against Subaru for excessive oil consumption in the 2014 and 2015 Foresters. So, all along the service people must have known what was happening and I can only assume that they were told to lie about it. I like the car, its fun to drive, but I really resent being treated like an idiot by the dealership I will never buy another Subaru. In my opinion they are completely unreliable.