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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  Over rated junk - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Firefly - December 17 - 10:26 pm

  Bought the vehicle new and at 70k miles the head gasket starts leaking just like my previous 1989 Loyale wagon did. Nice size car, my wife bought it over my objections because she wanted AWD. Replaced head gaskets twice and I know about the additive. Leaks tranny fluid. If you need something to squat on you garage floor every night this is the vehicle for you. I have 131K on it and if I could afford to get rid of it, it would be gone. So much for Japanese quality. Marginal gas mileage (20mpg) for such a small vehicle. Most expensive dealers to get anything fixed, shameful.

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  Happy with my first Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Celia - December 14 - 3:26 pm

  We have only had the Forester for one month, but it has met all of initial expectations. Getting 27 - 28 mpg with mixed city and highway driving, with AC blowing in Texas heat, & driving the speed limit. Thought that I would own a RAV4 forever, but once they enlarged the size, I went looking elsewhere for the best combination of a 4 cylinder car, safety, & fuel economy. Ended up trading a Tacoma for it, and have not missed the truck as the roof rack & interior can handle what we used the truck for. Also purchased a Honda Fit at the same time to use as in-town car for better mpg, and are very pleased with this combination. But on highways/in rain, we definitely prefer the Forester!

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  This model is ok - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Don - December 9 - 3:06 am

  But I should have bought the Legacy.... Disappointed on a few levels that a test drive may not reveal. Seat comfort, over an hour, they are not great. The vehicle leans, alot, in hard cornering that other vehicles I have owned did not, including Honda CR-V. Vibration of something in the rear of the vehicle is annoying. Windows are large, which has a downside. The sun is unbearable at times. I am over 6 feet tall and have to use sun visors WAY more than ever before, and with the eyesight feature, they dont block all the sun. Heater makes a lot of noise relative to the volume of heat being put out.. Cargo space is plentiful, braking is great, eyesight and safety technology is great. I have buyers remorse over the other the other things listed. The vehicle steering and lean in the corners is a big dissatisfied. The mileage is NOT as advertised. Driving the highway I am happy to get 30 mpg...... No wear near the 33 advertised.. Very sad to supply this info.

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  Initial reaction - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Rodmo1 - December 4 - 7:50 am

  I only bought the car about ten days ago so it is much too early to comment on the reliability or long term comfort level of the interior. However, so far I really like the car. It is fun to drive and performs very well. As everyone else has already said the backseats are very small but I will always be sitting in the drivers seat so what does it matter? This is my first car. I have always owned trucks before but with the cost of gasoline and me living half way up a mountain I needed an efficient AWD. The Subaru fit the bill. My only fill up so far has resulted in 25.97 MPG which I imagine will only get better come engine break- in and non winter blend gas. Great car for the money!

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  Ugly, Yet Tough, Reliable & Fun to Drive - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By MMoretti - December 3 - 6:10 pm

  Bought my Forester used in 2004. While it is not the most beautiful vehicle (it sort of looks like the car seen in "National Lampoons Vacation)...it has proven to be dependable, fun to drive, and an unstoppable monster in the worst Winter weather New England has to offer. The AWD is great! While the car has gone through a few wheel bearings, and does leak small amounts of oil, it still looks new and runs strong at 194,000 miles. Looking for a new car, but I may hang onto my Subaru as a beater/dog hauler.

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  Impression after 1600 miles - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By New Subi Driver - December 3 - 3:26 am

  We wanted a smaller suv to replace the aging Explorer. It has sufficient power even with the 4-speed auto. Its extremely comfortable. It should have a power seat for the front passenger but doesnt. Has had several rattles from the get go. The radio is not as good as the Explorer. On the interstate you could be running 80 before you realize it. Its that quiet. It has ample room for our purposes and should make a good vehicle for traveling. So far were not sorry we purchased it.

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  forester great all round - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By DrDr - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Forester was the best mid-small SUV wagon from 98 to 2002, except its looks. Its forte is gravel bumpy roads, but does many things well. Quirks you need to know: 1..the manual transmission gives much better than rated mpg, Ive got 25 to 27.5 mpg with all of the 200 tanks Ive calculated. Its also much quicker than the AT. 2..The clutch chatters when wet. Subaru now acknowleges this for Foresters and WRX but theres no fix. 3..It can take a long time to get repair parts.

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  2014 Forester ROCKS - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By jra32a - November 25 - 6:21 am

  My new 2014 Forester is the 4th Subaru I have owned - 2001 Outback, 2005 Outback, 2009 Tribeca were prior. Without a doubt the 2014 Forester mirrors the engineering and design competence at Subaru. The 2013 and prior were not really spacious and the overall comforts were missing. That has all been fixed! The new interior is well designed, roomy, the seats are awesome, and the driver controls, warning lights, instruments, etc. are well arranged and easy to view. The new Lineartronic transmission is silky smooth and saves a couple mpg. Cargo area is ample, and on the 2.5i Touring, the rear seats recline. That is a nice feature. This vehicle almost got 5 stars in every category from me.

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  Love it! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By FLSubaru - November 24 - 9:56 am

  I was a 98 Outback owner (and proud of it); when the wife and I decided to go new, it was either the Prius or the Forester. We made the right choice as this car is fun, peppy, roomy, sunny and a blast to drive. We were on vacation for 10 days, and we both missed driving it! Everywhere we went, we said, "Wouldnt it be fun to have the Subaru" for hills, curves and wonderful mountain roads... and most especially the Pacific Coast Highway. No rattles, good MPG and more room and visibility than we know what to do with! So far, a worthy successor to my beloved Outback (160k miles).

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  My auto transmission has 5 speeds - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Barry - November 23 - 4:30 am

  I wanted to comment about the complaints regarding the use of a 4- speed auto transmission instead of 5- speeds in the Forester 2.5X AT. I have tested it, counted shifts and watched tach, and my AT definitely has 5 gears. It does not shift into 5th gear until about 60 mph if the engine is cold, but if warmed up and driving on a flat surface, the 5th gear will engage as low as 35-40 mph as long as you are not heavy on the gas pedal. Regardless of what the 09 Forester owners manual says, the dealership confirmed that the AT is really a 4-speed with an overdrive. Could this be something the assembly line changed mid-year? Mine was one of last 2009s to come off the assembly line in Dec. 2008.