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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  Great except for comfort - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Sue Baru - November 1 - 10:29 pm

  I just traded in a 2012 Subaru Forester for a 2016. I always said that the Forester was a perfect car and I never wanted to have another car. I may have to amend my review after driving the 2016. It drives great, but the drivers seat is really uncomfortable. The seatbelt buckle comes up really high and is made of very hard plastic. It jabs you in the hip the whole time you are driving. I have had my car for over a month now and it bothers me as soon as I get in the car and the whole time I am driving. I have tried stuffing wash cloths in between the seat and the seatbelt to push it away and wrapping a washcloth around the buckle with rubber bands to soften it, but nothing works very well. The ride is great, but whats the point if the seat is so uncomfortable? There are a couple of other minor things wrong with it. First is the placement of the gas pedal. The sides of the center console do not go straight down, they flare down the side, encroaching on the space for your foot to reach the gas pedal. This is OK for a women wearing a dress shoe, but if you are wearing a shoe with a wide base, like a tennis show, you have to turn your foot sideways to reach the gas pedal because it is somewhat behind the console. Its not very ergonomically correct. The last complaint I have is about the satellite radio. The display was terrible on the 2012 and the 2016 is much improved, but it could be a lot better. I dont know why Subaru is so resistant to developing a decent satellite radio for their cars. The display is still limited. And since it has XM equipment, if you "upgrade" to having access to the Sirius channels, every time, you turn on the radio, it jumps back to the "preview" channel, which is super annoying. I ride with people who own Fords and their radio has a robust display and seamless interchange between the Sirius and CM channels. The drive of the Forester is still great, but I dont know if I will continue to get them after my experience with the 2016.

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  Gas Hog & Dangerous - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By deetee3 - October 31 - 5:22 am

  I just bought this car. After driving Subarus for 25 years I thought this would be the car to have. Wrong. This car is a total gas hog. The transmission has a real safety issue. The automatic transmission does not slow the car down... it kicks out of gear instead. My old Subaru stayed in gear when I backed off the throttle and slowed the car down on ice. This new Forester requires breaking to slow the car. The last thing you want to do on ice is hit the breaks!

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  Im a walking Subaru advertisement - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Single mom - October 30 - 12:13 am

  Purchased new 2002. Not a single days problem. No recalls, reasonable insurance premium, great gas mileage, normal maintenance. Handles like a car. Quick response, great power when needed. Comfortable, roomy, reliable, lots of standard features. I still own it and feel safe with my teenagers driving it, esp. in winter snow and rain. Excellent safety rating. Far exceeded my expectations for a compact SUV. Cargo room with seats down is a blessing! Its going to take a lot to get me away from purchasing a new model. Over 35 years, this has been the BEST car I have ever owned. Cup holder placement has been improved.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By HLC - October 29 - 2:46 am

  This is a great car for the price (under $20K). It is fun to drive and it handles corners very well. The storage capacity is very reasonable for its small size. I love the AWD, but it does take getting used to if youve never had it before. Fuel economy is just ok (about 22-25 mpg), but it runs on regular gas which is a huge plus. I spent slightly more on my last new car (1995 Infiniti G20) and this one has nearly as many features. I looked at a lot of cars (Hondas, Toyotas, and luxury preowned) and the Forester is by far the best car for the price.

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  See my last review "I want to love this car, but..." - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By deserthillsman - October 28 - 4:38 am

  Since April of this year, I have to downgrade my opinion of this car. On a recent trip (1200 miles), I found the drivers seat to be so uncomfortable that my lower back and legs were wrecked for several days afterwards. There is no lumbar adjustment which is a big negative. Gas mileage on the trip was a mediocre 26. My overall mpg for the life of the car is 21.3. I drive fairly conservatively, smooth starts and braking. This car has absolutely no power when the A/C is on which is a requirement here in the summer. Transmission is rough. The silver paint used on the interior is cheap and has flaked off. The center console is absurd. Its the bottomless pit.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By jxlewis - October 20 - 1:16 pm

  Pros: Handling and traction in rain & snow. Cons: Noisy fuel pump. Drives and handles well. AWD provides great handling in the rain and snow. Ride is a little too hard over rough roads and RR tracks. Seats are firm and comfortable. Front seat space is adequate if youre not overweight, height no problem at 63". Rear seat leg space is inadequate. Console and controls are placed well and easy to adjust while driving.

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  2.5 Curse - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By JAS - October 20 - 2:36 am

  Bought this car used with 96k miles on it and had high expectations. Knew other Subaru owners that swear by them. I should have read some reviews before buying as apparently this particular engine, which also rears its ugly head in other Subaru models in and around this year, has some major issues. It all started with a bad radiator cap and then led to blown head gasket and who knows what else. Im dumping it because it isnt worth what its going to cost to repair. This was my first and last Subaru.

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  Love this Car! - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By avezan - October 19 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car. I bought it new in 2002. Traded a micro Toyota for it because I was pregnant with my first child. I didnt want a mommy-mobile, but knew I would need more room. This car exceeded my expectations! Super fun to drive. Amazing handling in snow and rain. I live on a mountain and drive up a steep dirt road to get to my house. If it hadnt been for this car, I would not have made it in the winter. I am sadly selling it now to move to an even bigger car. I have 2 toddler car seats in the back, and the kids feet are right up against the back of the front seats. Also, what seemed like a lot of cargo space before I had kids has been shrinking with each passing year.

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By 007WA - October 19 - 5:01 pm

  The Subaru Forester lives up to everything I have read and heard about them. Certainly a step above other SUVs in this class. The quality is better and comes with more options that would cost hundreds or more on the competitors vehicles. A great SUV for a great value.

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  Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By jtecho - October 18 - 3:31 am

  i personally love the car, i am a auto enthusiast and this car is just great. it has a very sturdy look and build quality. mine is 10 years old and has over 120k miles. i have replace the converter once and took it in for annual check ups and maintenance. one major problem is the the head gaskets and the oil. other wise the car is outstanding. the AWD is one of the best in the business and does its job really well.