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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  2016 2.5i Premier SUBARU FORESTER - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Kent Peterson - July 21 - 4:22 pm

  I am very pleased so far with my 2016 Forester with eyesight, leather, moonroof, navigation and bluetooth. The price was great at $20500 before taxes and fees. The car is comfortable. It takes awhile to get use to lane departure and eyesight braking warnings, as well as the controlled cruise control. The overall car is great. A technological marvel. I expect it to last me 10 years or more.

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  Great purchase - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By nolabeck - July 21 - 10:11 am

  Have been looking at smaller SUV for the past two years. This one has one of the highest ratings, so it was the first one I went to test drive. After driving the Forester I didnt even bother to go test drive the CRV or the RAV4. It drove well, very comfortable, and bottom line it was love at first drive! Looking forward to driving my Forester for many years.

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  blowin in the wind - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By gina - July 19 - 4:56 am

  Not only has my check engine light been on FOREVER, my major complaint is this is the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. Wow, the seat is KILLER on my back if Im in it over an hour. Cup holders are cheap and in the way? What were they thinking? This car blows all over in any kind of wind. Heat is great, gas mileage is less than great. Radio is not great either. So far Im at 130,000 and I havent had to put too much work into it, but the comfort factor is zero! Oh my aching back!

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  Review update after 2500 miles - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By comiskeybum - July 19 - 12:40 am

  This is an update review after driving the car 2500 miles. I will keep it short and sweet. - I have noticed that it is somewhat hard to achieve the advertised city MPG but I attribute that to the fact that I am not a grandma driver. I actually use the gas pedal. - Highway MPG is great, even at 75MPH you can get 28-29 MPG. Keep in mind that the 32MPG advertised is achieved at 55-60 MPH. The drag coefficient goes way up once you pass 65 MPH. - I have had no problems and I am overall in love with my vehicle and the AWD system.

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  Its fun when it works... - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By C Barrett - July 15 - 2:10 am

  I have just received word from my mechanic that my $25k Forrester (admittedly with 140k miles) will not pass inspection due to the stupid engine light being on again. It has been on almost constantly since I purchased the auto on 4/1/00. I have replaced the O2 sensor 3 times in the last 18 months, have had to replace the axle when the tire fell off (the lug nuts just sheared) in dangerous conditions on the West Side Hwy in NYC, and I will probably buy something else very soon. The car was great when it was new, and even up until last year before things started to go wrong. I am hoping that Subaru will stand behind its product, but it hasnt so far. If they do, I will amend this review and let you know.

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  Great Sleeper - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By Corkfish - July 14 - 5:40 am

  With 10,000 miles on the clock, Ive had no problems. The car was just what I was looking for because I wanted something that was fun to drive and offered serious (not just spirited) performance, but in a plain jane package. Im 45 and conservative so I did not want a sports car, muscle car or anything else that would attract a lot of attention. There isnt anything out there that offers so much versatility and performance for the money. AWD, 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds, and you can carry a big TV in it. No, you wont be blowing the doors off of Mustangs or 350Zs, but its pretty amazing that they wont blow your doors off either.

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  Forester Rocks - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Sam098731 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Brilliant car to drive. Perfect response to braking, steering and accelerating. Brilliant handling and road surety. A bit slugish in the 30- 50Mph range is only complaint.

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  Forester beats Noreaster Dec. 2003 - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By JRF - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I was able to get home when many others could not. It was very sure-footed in the deep snow. When other SUVs were stuck, I made it through. Im a believer! There is no substitue! I looked at the Audi A4 quattro 1.8T. The Subaru drove as well, 3 times the cargo, and $12,000 less...and no joke the Audi guy said "but this is an Audi".

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  Very nice car - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By sandyrich1 - July 10 - 5:52 am

  I live in the mountains of Colorado and I am very pleased with my new Forester. It currently has roughly 5500 miles and I purchased it in July, 2014. I think it handles great and I feel very confident when driving it up and down the interstate in the mountains. It has also has plenty of power when heading up over the continental divide. I average 29.1 mpg combined driving. I have not noticed any unusual oil consumption (in fact, the dip stick showed the same level as when it was purchased). Although not necessarily intuitive, once we learned how to use it, the radio/navigation system works fine. We have not had a single problem with it. I have noticed, it will rev a little high under load.

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  First Subaru - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By linksmasgrybas - July 2 - 12:32 am

  I am 62" and fit perfectly, something that is hard to find. My wife bought a Volvo SUV and I find getting in and out of the Subaru easier that doing the same in the Volvo. The comfort level is exceptional, especially since I drive anywhere from 150-200 miles a day. My mileage is also exceptional for this car, but the problem I do not like about it the fact that I have to use premium. Sort of cuts down on the savings of the better mileage. The care handles like a dream, has every bell and whistle you can get, which I am not used to yet, but will be shortly.