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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  Side mirorrs - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By viewpoint - August 5 - 6:35 pm

  We have 2 Impreza and a 2009 Forester. The side mirrors are set to high. they block 90% of the side vision when you entering another side road,you cant see nothing. Are there that can give me an idea if there is any other mirrors that I can on it instead the original ones. Also stero sound very poor at the back, front seats uncomftable. Thank you.

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  Bittersweet - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By dcw2 - August 4 - 9:23 am

  Finally a car with enough headroom without sitting on the ground! Im 65 and I sit with the seat straight up and my head does not hit the ceiling. Wife is 411 and passenger seat is way too low. Before you buy know this, 09 foresters have been consistently having rattling problems. No fix in sight other than tearing out the interior and doing a custom job. By rattling I mean pull your hair out mad that your new car sounds like rattling. Am totally shocked by this but wow the headroom.

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  2017 Forester Head Gasket failure at 12 Miles!!!!! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  Went and bought my wife a brand new 2017 Forester Touring the other day. Picked up the car to bring it home and got 12 miles down the road only to see white smoke pouring out the tailpipe! Pulled it over and called the dealer. They sent a tow truck that took over an hour to get to us. It was close to 100 degrees outside and we had our 10 month old baby in the backseat. It got so hot I had no other choice but to start the car to keep my daughter cool. Dealer said they would fix the car. NO WAY, I want a new car! Subaru is trying to just fix the car......lol. Luckily my wifes cousin is a consumer lawyer. Has already received word that Subaru will write me a check for the car I paid cash for and cover his expenses. Unfortunately, after how we were treated by the dealer and Subaru, we will never buy a vehicle from them again!

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  Porous engine block - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By totlook - August 2 - 11:10 pm

  I really was enjoying my new car until I found all these oil spots on my driveway. I brought it in figuring loose hose. No, Porous engine block. New engine now. Car is running fine but gas mileage has dropped considerably. They keep telling me to be patient but on a new car that is hard to do. I was getting between 20 and 21 in town and 24 to 26mpg on highway. I have not seen the number 20 since they replaced the engine. The reason I bought the car was for at least 20mpg and now I am stuck. This is my 4th Subaru. I have always been happy but this really makes me angry. Not sure I would buy another. I was going to by a Honda Highlander - I should have.

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  2009 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ra18983967 - August 2 - 12:26 am

  Like most people today we did a lot of on-line comparison shopping looking for a new car. After several weeks we decided on the Subaru Forester and we are more than happy with our choice. The car is ultra quiet. At an idle I could barely make out the engine noise at all. on the road and at speed the Forester is amazing quiet except if you roll a window down. With the automatic fuel consumption/ miles per hour monitor you can see the gas mileage you are getting. We did a side by side comparison of driving with and without the cruise control. We are now big believers in cruise control even for short jaunts. The interior is more than roomy and has lots of over head space for my 64" frame.

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  No Regrets - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By TayTay - July 31 - 1:50 pm

  Had the Forester for 1 year and had no complaints. Manual version cannot get stuck in snow. I drove it 60 miles in three feet of snow with the wife and son. only time I stopped was to help a guy in a Jeep (not joking). Others have complained about 23 MPG. Get real, remember its an SUV and its AWD. My wife and I have had 2001 Forester, 2002 Forester, 2001 WRX, 2006 LGT and 2009 Forester. 2009 Forester has twice as much room compared to the 2001- 2002. Great design and made of quality parts.

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  1998 FORESTER S - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By suejane - July 31 - 2:00 am

  many small problems from clocks going out, gas gauge not working properly, temperature gauge not working and unable to locate problem, numerous oil leaks. will be purchasing new car; definitely not a FOrester!

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  RT REAR WHEEL BEARING 6TH AND COUNTING - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By RIchard Kane - July 29 - 2:40 pm

  First right rear bearing went bad 2,000 miles after I purchased the car two years old used. Since then, it has been replaced four more times and now needs another one replaced. Worst part is that the bad wheel bearing causes that tire to wear much more quickly. With AWD all four tires must match. Thats a lot of tires. $$$

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  Fun Forester - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By galaxysun - July 27 - 10:19 am

  Three weeks ago I bought a 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD with 4cyl CVT. So far I have driven this SUV for about 1100 miles and I am very happy with it. Love the comfort of the ride. I like the way it handles the road, pickup, braking and wet weather. Turning radius is great and road handling was excellent in highway. The view from drivers seat is great. So far my mileage is hovering around 25mpg highway and 21mpg in city. I expect it to give 27mpg combined and 32mpg highway as stated by Subaru once I put on more miles. I live in Chicago area and expect it to handle very well in snow. I will write another review after driving my Forester in winter.

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  Remote start max 30 ft range - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Allen - July 23 - 10:30 pm

  If wanting remote start. Dont purchase a Touring model. Due to Keyless Access the remote start has a 30 ft range. Very old technology. The other non Keyless Access models have a 400 ft range. I have reached out to Subaru of America and they states receiving numerous complaints about remote start. But did not have a fix for the issue.