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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  Best all around value! - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By My 1st Subaru - January 6 - 1:33 am

  Buy it if: You demand safety for your family, desire a legendary AWD system, want a fail-proof reliable engine that delivers steady power, and want to stretch your $ further Forget if if: You demand a 1st class interior with all the trimmings, cant stand plastic, desire a sophisticated luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle. BL: Subaru prides itself in designing reliable, safe vehicles and the 2009/2010 Forester lives up to that reputation; drive it and you just might fall in love with it!

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  Subaru Newbie - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Birdboy - January 4 - 10:46 am

  The Forester handles well at all speeds. It is peppy and climbs hills well especially when in sport mode. Is relatively quiet. The gas mileage has been good so far. I got 28-30mpg driving speeds around 55-65. Cabin is both roomy and comfortable, except for passengers seat. Visability is excellent

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  Reliable, Safe, Nice Looking - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Sarah - December 30 - 12:40 pm

  I love my Forester. I find some of these reviewers asking for things that are available if you are able/willing to pay for it. I searched many other cars and found that Subarus AWD is by far the most reasonably priced. If you want a great stereo and lumbar support, dont go with the base. However, if you want decent payments on a reliable SUV, go for the base. It is a great vehicle that handles well, steering is responsive and I never feel as though my safety is compromised. I love my car.

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  Family fun mobile - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By DJones - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The car is fu to drive and handles the road great dallor value is tops fit and finish is 1st class

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  OUR FIRST SUBARU - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By awporbb1 - December 24 - 12:41 am

  I bought a 2006 for my wife when it was a yr old w/25000 miles. My wife was a home hospice nurse @ the time, and traveled everyday to patients homes. Even during the bad snow stom of 2008, she made all her visits without even one slip, slide, or getting stuck. Had performed SUPERBLY during bad winter weather. Youll be glad you bought a Saburu with AWD. A very secure feeling. In fact, we;re picking up ou 2011 Subaru outback tomorrow for ME.

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  Wheel Bearings - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Ojinaga - December 23 - 8:03 pm

  I have had my Forester for over 6 years. It had 28,000 miles on it when I purchased it. It has now 200,000 miles on it. Had the defect of the Engine light which finally has gone out after changing everything at once. Wheel bearings have been the major source of anger. I have replaced the front wheel bearing twice per side and rear bearing 4 per side. Last time I decided to replace the axle, the hub and get AMERICAN bearings. The hub is the secret and lousy bearings half the problem. No problems now. Cup holders were removed. I live on a hill with a 45 degree angle. Goes up every time with 6 inches of snow ! For all the BS, I will buy another and trade it every 4 years.

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  A few problems, but a great little daily driver - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Eric - December 23 - 5:05 am

  I bought this car with 99k on the clock for $6000. Ive bought several used cars over the last 20 years and have had pretty good luck. But this has been the best little car! I have a long drive to work, so I need a no-frills, comfortable, car with basic amenities (power locks/windows/mirrors, etc) that can eat miles no matter what the weather. I also own a sports car and a MINI, so I need cargo space. The little Subaru hauled me, my family, and my crap over 85,000 largely uneventful miles through rain, snow, ice, grass, and mud over the last 6 years. Ive been through deep water and snow up to the bumper. You cant get this car stuck. I have had a few problems, most of which are related to fact that the shady dealership I bought it from turned off the check engine light. Used oil analysis showed that there was coolant and oil in my oil, so I had the head gaskets done along with the timing at a cost of $3000. I also spent a grand on a new catalytic converter, which was fouled by burning coolant. The rest of the maintenance, other than routine brake and suspension upkeep, I did myself, including oil, filters, lights, belts, hoses, plugs/wires, new alternator, etc. One of the best things about this car is that its easy to work on (even for a novice like me), which saved me thousands. Despite the head gasket, this little car was as reliable as a metronome. Every time I turned the key, it started and ran perfectly no matter what. Its compact and easy to maneuver, has a TON of grip for the little tires (AWD), and gets 25 mpg. Crash ratings are 4-star, so I felt good teaching my kids to drive in it. The interior is pretty crappy...the seats are uncomfortable, the back seats have limited leg room, the interior materials are terrible, and the interior ergonomics dont make any sense. But I love it. I get the Subaru thing now. Theyre ugly ducklings and theyre not that nice inside, but they inspire so much confidence through how they start, run, feel, and drive that they just get under your skin. Im trading this car today for a 1999 Legacy Outback with low mileage and look forward to more of the same.

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  Riding off into the sunset - 2018 Subaru Forester
  By Jim - December 22 - 10:07 am

  I test drove several cars and a few trucks including the CRV, Rav4, Tacoma, and Escape. I loved the Forester Premium XT Turbo and ordered one in early January. I love the minor changes including the boxier front end. I have only been driving it for a few weeks but I am more than pleased. I wasnt looking for mind blowing mileage since I ordered the turbo, and am happy averaging 25 MPH with a mixture of city/highway driving. On a recent 400 mile trip I averaged 28 MPG. The comfort is very good and the visibility is outstanding. Subaru has vastly improved the quietness of this vehicle. The leg room is great, even in the backseat. My 5 10" 250 pound frame fits this SUV very comfortably, and the vehicle is easy to get in & out of. I was never real technical and the backup camera, blue tooth phone capability (downloaded my entire phone list, works great) , and simple GPS system meet my standards. It has starlink (similar to onstar) and Siriusxm radio I am currently using, will evaluate and decide whether to keep them.

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  Best compact SUV available for the price - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By accupolka - December 18 - 7:26 pm

  We chose the 2009 Subaru Forester over the 2008 Honda CRV in that I like the exterior design better, especially enjoying the large rear windows. During test drives, the Forester has good acceleration, whereas the Honda CRV struggled to get up to speed. The CRV has a slightly better interior with upgraded cloth seats in the EX model. I dont like the fact that you need to buy Subaru accessories separately after purchasing the vehicle. But, overall, the Subaru won me over.

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  Subee two - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By mindshutter - December 18 - 8:54 am

  My last Subaru was while in college several years ago, and after driving this brand new one, Im disappointed. The engine sometimes sounds like one with 100k miles on it, the interior is cheap plastic. The console is not at all user-friendly. Sometimes when touching the gas pedal lightly the car will lurch forward as if Ive gunned it, other times I have to really put it to the floor to get it to gradually accelerate. I was expecting the engine to sound really quiet for more than just the first week. When I start it sometimes different parts of the engine rev, sometimes its smooth, you just never know. Besides those things it runs well, but Ive only put 3k miles on it.