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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  Decent vechile, fun to drive & Satisfied - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By montavistas - June 29 - 1:06 am

  Have been driving this vehicle for about 3 months and have all the options except navigation and have been satisfied with the drive I had on local and highway. Decent MPG about 25 on an average. The SRS audio doesnt seem to work as expected no help from the dealer as well. Havent experienced any rattling as some complained. Nice to drive and good control on the road. Overall a Satisfied Subaru Forester patron.

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  Bad inside - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By mark405 - June 26 - 9:22 pm

  This is what I dont like inside my Subaru Forester 2015. I have it 2weeks . The two vanity mirrors has no lights. The seats are to small and hard.Console is to small and set to far back between the seats.Passenger seat up to high no adjustment to bring it down.Buttons on passenger door dont light up and back doors to.Trunk light not bright enough.Dash is rough hard to wipe clean.Front windshield not top tinted. When sun comes in you cant see out.Car locks dont lock by themselves you have to lock doors. Glove box has no light.when you get eyesight it takes away the eye glass holder.screens are to small. Back up camera should beep. More to follow next week.Good luck if you buy this car.

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  MY Subaru - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By hayeser - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Subaru after having two Saabs and a Jeep. I was pleased with this vehicle from day one. About 13000 miles (after the second tire rotation) I notice the rear tires were showing an abnormal wear patteren which caused me to have the wheels aligned at my cost of 69 dollars at the Subaru dealer. I now have 32000 miles on this vehicle with no problems. I am very satisfied.

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  Best Subi Ever! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By RIchard Wurster - June 22 - 8:07 pm

  Did tons of research before buying a new car. Since cars are so expensive wanted one that would last long and was reliable. In the end it came down to Toyota, Honda and Subaru. All are very reliable. Subaru has the best resale value. Was set on a crosstrek when I decided to test drive a Forester. Three things made my choice. The incredible vision, no other car I drove came close, the added power, and the ample room to carry cargo. Also the back seats are roomy and actually recline a bit. Im 6 and feel comfortable in the back seats. I like prefer the styling on the forester because similar cars that look sportier have roofs that slope down cutting down on storage and visibility. I down do rock crawling but I like to drive into the mountains to take photos, this car can go almost anywhere. Service roads and trails are no problem. I opted for the turbo for the added power for freeway driving, also comes with almost everything, only option is eyesight. Subarus trailer hitch is great but expensive. I didnt buy a forester to race around I bought because of practicality and reliability, that being said I love driving it. While many cars corner better, this car can handle swerves and avoidance maneuvers better than anything I have test driven or owned, the AWD is amazing.

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  Fozzy! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Mark Manalili - June 21 - 10:21 pm

  Great price forthe features. Eyesight is a great feature to have. Went for a test drive at Subaru Santa Monica, immediately decided this is the right SUV for my family. My wife and my kids approved it!

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  A Very Nice Ride - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Larry - June 17 - 5:00 pm

  In my opinion Subaru has a peppy engine, AWD and much better visibility. It is fun to drive. With 800 miles driven in mixed city/highway conditions the car is averaging about 24 mpg. The dash readout inflates that number by about 1 mpg. The engine is exceptionally smooth, better than some V6 engines. Bad stuff: Passenger seat is too low. Radio is very good except I get some static in the low frequency range on AM. Best car I have owned.

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  As promised - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By acura convert - June 17 - 4:20 am

  Its a low cost crossover. I read the other reviews and it seem like people are expecting luxury grade materials. You probably should have driven past the Subaru dealership if you were looking for a German luxury ride. This car is a great value. It does everything well enough and should be pretty reliable. Not flashy, but very competent. I wanted a good mix of MPG, space, and snow handling, so it was perfect. My previous car was an Acura sports coupe, so driving a mini SUV is a little bit of a letdown in terms of handling, but that trade off comes with safety and versatility that I was lacking before. The stereo is pretty bad, but I will replace it soon enough. Also, no rattles so far

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  Its got its tweaks....but Id purchase it again! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Stephanie Rutledge - June 16 - 8:39 am

  This car has probably got the greatest turning radius of any vehicle Ive ever been in...it practically turns on its hind wheels! Very easy to park...parallel parking is a snap with the turning ability and the backup camera. Its solid on the road - although I havent tried it in snow...I have taken it on rutted dirt roads and it drives like a dream. The pickup is smooth and instantaneous (which is what I wanted...I wanted those ponies to race getting onto a freeway....and they do :) ) For a 4 cylinder engine...its got some moves. Mileage is a little less than Id hoped, but not too bad. Its a heavier vehicle (obviously) than my Honda civic so Im putting gas in it about a third more often than before (most of my weekly driving is in town) but it takes regular so the cost isnt outrageous. The interior design is stellar...there are almost NO blind spots in this car! The entertainment center and the climate control are my biggest disappointments. I got the basic package...and the sound system is less than wonderful. Its ok but...could be better. The climate control is a little difficult to maneuver while driving and I would have preferred something other than dials. A better design would have been to place that portion of the dash at an angle to make it more available to the driver. The control keys on the steering wheel take a little getting used to....and the Bluetooth can be a little frustratingly slow and cumbersome. Outside of those tweaks...Id still buy this car. Im enjoying every minute I drive it.

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  Perfect "sports" SUV - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Teresa Parker - June 11 - 8:20 pm

  I have missed driving a sports car but love the ability to sit up a bit higher in a SUV. The Subaru Forester combines both for me. It handles like a sports car but has the advantages of an SUV. LOVE IT!

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  Rust - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By tuscansun - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I noticed very early on the car tended to rust some. This concerned me because of Subarus reputation for rust. There are several spots but the dealer does not acknowledge a problem. On the postive side the car handles well and goes extremely well in snow. I would definitely purchase another one if the rusting situation can be resolved.