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 success - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By bogus - July 30 - 10:36 am

  this car has been trouble free and my wife loves it. we had one problem with the speedometer and it was replaced under waranty. this car is incredible in snow and on slippery roads

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  GREAT Vehicle!! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By OregonDart - July 22 - 8:36 am

  We went shopping for for a car for my girlfriend on Sept 5th...my birthday...great present for me - hehe.. Anyways, we were looking at the usual suspects, CRV, RAV4, X3 BMW, Escape, maybe the Edge, Equinox. Basically a small to mid sized SUV. She drove the Subaru and LOVED it, that combined with 2 past Subarus her parents had owned and her mom having a CRV (this was the front runner, but she had driven it A TON so knew what she liked and didnt.) She fell in love with the Subaru, just a great, practical, safe, fun car. GREAT JOB!! We worked a good deal and couldnt say no.

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  Damn good car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By paulhegs - July 19 - 8:26 am

  Bought my first Subaru because my brother and his wife said it was thee car to drive. Bought one and I really enjoy it. Neighbors love the looks. They always ask me about it. Live in upstate NY where winters are brutal. Forester will go through anything. Stock tires are not that good. When stopping in ice/snow car would skid too much. Also tail end slips out a bit in snow. Replaced them with Nokia all weather tires. Also had hood rust or chipping away situation. Dealer repainted roof. Same thing with side drivers door. They repainted that too. Love the back lift and fold down seats;very versatile. Back seat room is great, not a "fake" back seat but real room for adults. No rattles.

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  my little suv - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By almasgarden - July 19 - 2:00 am

  A great car and fun to drive. Only wish I got better mileage. I highly recommend. Also bought an extended warranty,so I plan on keeping it.

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  03 Forester 2.5X - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By janderson5 - July 17 - 3:33 pm

  I totaled my 98 Camry in 06/09 & decided I needed an AWD or 4wd car. I looked at Honda CRVs, Toyota RAV4s, & Subarus. After much research & many test drives, I decided I like the Suby. I like my Forester, its a good car. However, its had some issues. Had to replace water pump due to leak from weep hole right after I got it, I replaced timing belt at that time too to save $ in the future. Now it makes whistling noises when eng revs to 3-4k rpm. Think its cat-converter, but cant fig out for sure got an extension on 80k fed war, but having difficulty with dealers. Hope once things are fixed itll last 200k.

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  Fun, Safe and practical - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Giantomaso - July 16 - 1:20 pm

  Very car-like. Extremely responsive for what is considered an SUV. Fuel ecomomy is good considering it is on all-time AWD. CR-V is only part-time AWD and has similar MPG. Excellent fit and finish. Most extras included in price, whereas Toyota and Honda get you with the extra options (resulting RAVs and CR-Vs more expensive than the Forester with the same options).

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  Subaru Forester XT after 9 months - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By BCJ - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  Best car I have ever driven. Goes down hills like a spider climbing down a wall. Takes off like a rocket, have to watch myself on the acceleration. You think you are light on the pedal and next thing you know the rest of the traffic is a block behind you after the light changes.

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  My wife is happy - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Happy Husband - July 12 - 9:56 pm

  This is our first Subaru and my wife loves it. She says with this car, she feels like going somewhere (without being driven). You cant get more praise than that. My wife hates driving!

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  BIG CHANGE FOR ME - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Lonnie Donaldson - July 12 - 2:28 pm

  Solid car, not a sports car, but acceleration is ok. Took a 1100 mile trip, drove in hard rain and winds for 2/3 of the distance and handled both well. Traded in a 2011 Avalon, so had to adjust to stiffer ride and a little more noise.

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  No Regrets - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Danny Jung - July 12 - 1:23 am

  Like everyone, I test drove the others CRV, RAV4, but decided on the Forester ultimately for its AWD and safety reputation. Ive driven it for 3 months now and it definitely has been an overall positive experience. It feels great when driving in wet/snowy conditions...this alone makes it worth the purchase. Yes, there is a rattle in the back that my dealership is working on and the radio could be a bit more powerful...but other than that Im quite satisfied. I get 24 mpg mixed city/highway, which Im happy with. Hopefully Ill be one those loyal Subie fans.