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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  Subaru Symetrical AWD is Superior to FWD-AWD From Competitors - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By rockdoc8 - September 9 - 3:47 am

  I bought my 2011 Forester because of the Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. If you dont understand why Subaru Symmetrical AWD is different from on demand AWD systems then you are not going to appreciate the true beauty of the Forester. After 2 snow storms in 2 weeks I am a believer. This car is so well behaved! I base my opinions on being a previous owner of a CRV, Toyota Tacoma and an X-terra. The front seats could be a little larger but I am large 6’2” and find them comfortable for extended driving. The new engine is robust and provides adequate acceleration. 4-speed auto is not a issue. This is a drivers car due to good drivers visibility, seating position, and full time AWD.

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  My subi review - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By donaldb - September 8 - 6:40 pm

  Wife and I bought the 09 XT LTD w/navi. about a month ago. So far we are extremely pleased. Only a little frustrated with the dimming of the navi system while underway. I dont like someone else deciding what tasks I can perform safely and those I cant. Other than the navi dimming, we are both very pleased with our new Forester and only 2 weeks after we bought it is when Motor Trend named it their sport utility of the year against some of the stiffest competition on the market. We drank the kool aid... and became Subaru owners... come join us. Build quality seems excellent, owner satisfaction is ranked well, safety and comfort is A-1, if you like the looks then jump in.

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  Wind noise - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By DavisJ - September 7 - 10:00 am

  When I first took delivery of my 03 Forester, there was terrible wind noise while driving on the highway. BUT, after a while this went away. Perhaps the moldings formed to the door frames. But if you are one who is suffering from this problem. Hang in there - it should go away.

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  Love It - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By cdm - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Just moved from a 96 Legacy LS wagon to an 03 Forester, prem. pkg with leather. Car is a joy to drive and the sunroof is as big as all outdoors. Only have it for about two weeks so cant say much more.

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  Only if you love your mechanic... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By RLM - September 6 - 10:33 am

  Ive owned my Forester for 10 months, 11K miles on it and Im considering a trade in. While this vehicle is exactly what I want in a car as a small SUV and I enjoy driving the car at times, overall the poor quality of the workmanship of the car makes me regret my purchase. Ive had the car in for both a major repair (power steering replacement) and major annoyances (mystery noises from door panels, rear-door catch had to be re- welded, and buzzing noises from stereo). Honestly, I miss my 7 year old 125K car I traded in because that car had less body noise and rattling than this brand new car. Im severely disappointed in the quality of this car and I am considering cutting my losses now.

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  Fourth Subaru Forester - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By DW - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Im almost to the end of my first year with my 2010, the fourth Forester weve bought (we still have 3 of them in the family). Was driving a 2008 Premium, which gave me an insight into how Subaru shaved costs to keep pricing where it is. For 2009 and 2010, they dropped the leather wrapped steering wheel, integrated turn signal lighting in side mirrors, and premium radio with 6 Cd changer in favor of a cheap radio with one CD. Love the ride, how supple it is over bumps. The power is plenty adequate, particularly if you push it over into manumatic and stir it yourself. Like the tinted windows on Premium and Limited. Love, love, love the extra space of the new body style.

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  I like the car but the all weather floor mats are - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By James - August 28 - 6:05 am

  2017 Forester 2.0 XT- I purchased the all weather floor mats from the dealer but they are too small so the mud/snow gets all over my carpeting. I had to purchase the Weather tech mats to replace the dealer mats. The car does have too much road noise, and had a bad case of turbo lag. The car has satellite radio but it only shows the station number you are dialed to and not the station name (like my BMW does). Who remembers what music/news is on 200 different stations?

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  Good Value - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By John R. Lanc. Pa. - August 26 - 1:20 am

  2.5x has good value. Cant find anything out there with all those features. So far I am pleased with it. No rattles but they have cut corners with hard plastics, cheap looking and feel carpet and roof line cover. Silver on dashboard reflects on outside mirrors. Stereo is very sad. Upgraded with there tweeter and subwoofer and still sounds so-so. Gas mileage not that great. Considering the price, you get a lot of room, I am 6- 3", feels comfy, all wheel drive, handles well, many safety features, room in the back. If it turns out reliable like older ones Ill be very happy.

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  Bad mileage! - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Elizabeth - August 22 - 6:46 am

  I have had this car only two months and the mileage is very bad. It is lucky if it gets the 22 mph and it plummets from there if the air conditioner is used. Also, it hesitates on take off, leaving me waiting for VERY clear intersections before accelerating. Im told it might be better when it is more broken in. Too late. I wish I had gotten another Honda.

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  best car I ever bought - 2000 Subaru Forester
  By pbohn - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of power with 2.5L dohc 4cyl. good auto trans performance.