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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  Love My Car - Has a Few Quirks - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Donna P - November 14 - 7:51 am

  Ive been driving my Subaru Forester for almost a year now. Pros: Safety is huge - my work responds to accident scenes and Ive seen a survival in this vehicle I wouldnt expect in others. I loved the way it drove in the snow last winter, it gripped the road while others were skidding out all around me. I was able to drive through a foot of unplowed snow uphill! The back seat has enough leg room for my babies (who are each 6 feet tall). The gas mileage is great, visibility is great and I love the huge sunroof. Cons: The new touch screen has issues. Once in a while it wont work unless I turn the car off and turn it back on. Sometimes my phone isnt recognized by the bluetooth. I wish there was moor light in the rear cargo area. Theres a strange pause when I shift gears. It feels questionable when I take corners faster than I should. Overall, Im happy.

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  First time Subaru owner and Very Happy - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Cheryl Laneve - November 12 - 11:05 am

  My first Subaru and have only had it for a week. I really like it. I have my first recall repair this coming week.

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  Completely Satisfied - almost - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By pnassmac - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Less than one week old (900 miles already) and very happy with my purchase. Were used to Accords - this Subaru feels the most similiar: firm seats with excellent bolstering, dead- on steering, wonderful ergonomics. Yet, the car is more responsive, smoother over the bumps and has a more solid feel. There are couple of flaws. We require a roof rack with 58 inch load bars. The standard (~39in) is too short and no replacements from Thule and Yakima exist for this vehicle - yet. This fact renders the car for our outdoor activities quite a bit less useful. Also, the stereos bass is too boomy even own lower but listenable setting.

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  Very Nice, little room for improvement - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By akwagon - November 8 - 6:30 am

  Picked up a 09 2.5X Premium with All weather package and 5 Spd. Really wanted dark interior. But dealer didnt have any with stick shift. Averaging 21.5 mpg in town driving fairly aggressive. I do enjoy driving this. This car is definitely the benchmark in the small SUV category. This car is fun to drive, and hopefully as reliable as previous Foresters. I would of never considered purchasing a Forester, until this new model came out. Being a single guy in my mid 20s, I do get a little crap for it looking like a "soccer mom" mobile.

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  Great Handling and Fun to Drive - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Majo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Not since our Wolfsburg edition VW Cabriolet have we had a car this much fun to drive. The huge moon roof is a nice feature even in bad weather. It is Subarus dedication to All Wheel Drive that makes this car so much fun to drive. It feels more like a sports car than a mini SUV. No wonder Subaru brags in the beauty of "All Wheel Drive". We have a 4 wheel drive truck to tow the horses, but "All Wheel Drive" is about handling in any weather condition. They pack a lot of features in this car for the price and after you drive it you will understand what Subaru means when they say "The Beauty of All Wheel Drive"

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  09 Forester with Lots of Miles Already - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By GM - November 4 - 9:46 pm

  I have put 20,000 miles on the Forester in six months and find it to be a pleasant vehicle to drive. I am a big guy and find the drivers seat comfortable and the interior controls within easy reach except for the heated seat switches. It performs well in the snow in Vermont with the standard tires and the gas mileage has been a steady 24 to 25 mpg with lots of hwy driving. The passenger seat is strange to get used to with it being so low. There is a rattle in the moonroof mechanism that needs attention and the road noise is loud compared to our Camry.

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  Best new small SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By pktsizecub - November 4 - 8:30 am

  I just bought the 2009 Subaru Forester and am amazed. The interior quality is great. There are no rattles. All the body panels fit together tightly. The driver has excellent visibility of the road and the moon roof is huge. Exterior: The new Subaru now looks much more like an SUV. Its off-road performance greatly exceeds its competitors like the Honda CRV and Ford Escape. It is willing to go wherever you point if. Ive averaged between 28-31 MPG on the highway and 22-24 in town. The 4 speed automatic is a bit slow to down shift, but not a problem as you can do it manually with the shiftronic. The 2009 Subaru Forester is a winner

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  Worthy Audi successor - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Phil C - November 3 - 10:06 am

  "El Coche Frijol" (The Beanmobile!) replaced our Audi A4q V6 and in 3 months has won our hearts! With its comfortable interior, creature comforts, HUGE sunroof, excellent handling and good gas mileage (the Audi was terrible!) it is hard to beat. We wanted a comfortable, well appointed and nimble AWD car without a premium price tag and it delivers in spades. The combination of the White/Platinum exterior and light tan/beige leather looks very sharp and makes it a good "hot climate" vehicle. Important as we live in Texas!

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  First Subie and Immediately Happy With It - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By golfnpackers - November 2 - 4:40 pm

  Ive ridden in the Ford Escape - no. Test drove the Nissan Rogue - awful interior. Test drove the Honda CRV - pretty nice. Test drove a Subaru Forester - bingo! As soon as we got in, we were immediately impressed with the solid feel of this vehicle. Roominess was amazing, especially for my 61" husband is a big guy and has huge shoulders. He is completely happy with the spaciousness, leg room (which is 2" more than the CRV), and head room. It drives smoothly, corners well and has tight steering and turning radius. Had a Honda Civic, so kind of used to a quality drive, and the Forester doesnt disappoint. Also liked the Honda Civic, but we were attracted to the AWD in the Forester.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By pmacg - November 2 - 12:10 am

  This vehicle drives surprisingly well and can climb very well too! The gas mileage is very good because of the 4 cylinder engine. It is peppy but slows down with cargo as expected. The roof racks are standard and accept most carriers.