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 forester - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By epatrovs - October 16 - 6:36 am

  Great little SUV. Fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.

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  One of the worst cars I have ever owned - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By New Subaru owner - October 11 - 8:36 pm

  Nice car in many respects, but the engine hesitation when starting out from a complete stop is terrible. Gets worse as outside temperature gets over 90 and AC is on. Dealer tells me that it is normal. I think a 3 or 4 second hesitation is unsatisfactory and unsafe since you never know what its going to do when you give it some gas.

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  The Ultimate sleeper & Stealth machine! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bren - October 11 - 6:40 pm

  This is our second Forester (my wife drives a 2003 XS with PP). The power of the turbo is outstanding, yet it is still very practical & enjoyable on long drives....went to Washington DC & spent time in cottage country of central Ontario. Looking forward to the winter time with one of the best full time AWD systems in the industry!

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  Noisy like a Jeep Wrangler - 2005 Subaru Forester
  By huhwuuuuut? - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My ownership experience was short, and for good reason. This vehicle is deceivingly small, slow to respond to driver input, and extremely noisy. The windows are prone to extreme wind noise, and there is no good fix for it. Autotragic transmission felt as if it was on life support at 50,000 miles. If you have to buy one of these, look for a stick shift. Gas mileage is decent for an AWD vehicle, I think that I averaged 22-23. If you are looking for a roomy family vehicle, keep looking. My old Honda Civic was bigger than this tin can.

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  The Details - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Kelly & Diana - October 6 - 10:06 am

  I like the car. It was between this or Hondas new HRV. The 2017 Forester won hands down. In fact, it works far better than this site (which wont let you paragraph). [PRO’s] Other than the cons, I am happy with our purchase of a 2017 Subaru Forester. I like the various features. The CVT transmission seems to get the job done just fine. I’m told it may even contribute to the decent milage we are experiencing. On mileage, we seem to be doing well over twenty-five, which is several miles to a gallon better than our 01 six cylinder Accord. One of the first things I noticed was how nice and sharp the Forester turns. I haven’t tested its limits, but it feels you could nearly turn around on an old two lane road. I like that I don’t have to grope around under the car for the oil filter. Acceleration with the four cylinder is impressive. My formerly owned, five speed, four cylinder, 98 Accord hopped right along. Even with four adults in it and running up a mountain pass. The Forester feels as if it could compete, for the most part. The car seems to do pretty well grabbing what traction it can on ice or compact snow. When my little pickup wants to take a block to get up to steam, the Subaru just squats down and goes on the same roadway, though it does it’s share of slipping too. Something other than factory provided tires, true winter tires, would go a long ways to changing that. [CON’s] The cons are the not so well thought out details, such as the spare tire and the USB access to the radio. First, the USB port. Who thinks it was a good idea to put the USB port to the radio inside and at the bottom of the six by six square, ten inch deep console? Needless to say, trying to plug a flash drive into the port and drive the car is not a good combination. Second, there is the matter of AWD, a pretend spare tire and no choice in the matter. Obviously, it’s a good practice to keep all four tires the same size. This keeps the front from turning at a different speed than the back, which can not just trash milage, but can also trash transmissions. A good tire rotation pattern includes the spare. That way, all tires are the same diameter. If you have a blow out, you can go to the spare. As it is, you may have to consider purchasing at least two, if not four tires, when one goes. I didn’t pay total attention to the details and didn’t catch that the radio lacks rear speakers. I WILL remedy that, because the sound quality from the current system is what it is - barely stereo. This is not to say the system is not quality for what it is. As others pointed out, the warranty could be better. [JUST FOR REFERENCE] Our previous ride, an 01 Accord, had a lot of trunk space. In fact, until we put the Forester’s seats down, we could get about three times as much in its trunk.

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  09 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Brian - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I really like the looks, utility and AWD nature of this vehicle, although Im disappointed with some key issues Ive had with rattles which started popping up a few weeks after purchase. Dont buy the iPod adapter, not worth the $$$.

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  Should have gotten another car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By AMR - October 4 - 9:20 am

  The car has a non turbo 4 and it has very poor performance and gets dismal mileage, 15 to 16 in the city, 20 to 21 on the highway. It rattles daily, the carpet finish is poor, it takes 3 to 5 turns to start in the rain and the nav system is not only hard to use it is very bad at getting you from A to B in the easiest way possible.

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  Decent SUV alternative, but. . . - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By rmay483 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Forester L for about 2 years now. Overall, its a decent vehicle. Handling is very carlike and stable, the interior is reasonably quiet, and the space and layout make it a great camping/outdoor vehicle (which is how we use it). Our main problem has been a faulty oxygen sensor that has been replaced THREE TIMES. Not an expensive fix, but is very irritating. One more and the Lemon Law takes effect. Also the rear hatch shows small rust-colored spots in the paint that the dealer claims are caused by road/brake dust. Ive never seen that in any other vehicle Ive owned. Otherwise its been dependable and useful in snowy Michigan.

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  My Forester Subaru - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By TotalBlank - September 30 - 10:00 am

  First time owner of an SUV/4WD vehicle. Selected the Subaru Forester for its looks and safety record. Really am impressed with the way it handles and the way it hugs the road. Love the way it drives.

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  love subarus - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Erin Casey-williams - September 26 - 3:51 am

  this is the third subaru in our fam (2nd forester; there was also an impreza). great gripping, reliability, resale value. we hope to keep it for the next 15 years.