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:

• 

  I am very SAD - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By steve - November 13 - 12:40 pm

  2016 forester with 300 miles. the gas paddel has to much delay. sometime you have to push it 3 times to get it to take the fuel, has pulled me into the traffic several times and then nothing, leaves you hanging there, started before the first 100 miles, only has 300 miles on it now, has been in the shop 3 times, they keep saying it is ok, i guess they think i am dreaming, wish i had my old 1996 van back and my money out of this junk, dont buy one of these. PS loves its gas, about 15 miles to a gal.

• 

  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.

• 

  STAY AWAY!! BUYER BEWARE!! - 2007 Subaru Forester
  By Kristina - October 25 - 11:13 pm

  My husband and I bought a gorgeous 2007 Subaru Forester that was red with a beige interior and had awesome reviews. The right price and a good looking car to boot! Well, shortly after buying it, everything that could go wrong did. It had the transmission go out, the catalytic converter, you name it it happened. It fell apart so badly that we couldnt even sell it for a good price. We had to sell it to a mechanic as a "shell", as in car body but not working, for a whopping $1,400. And we maintained the heck out of it with a reputable mechanic! You would think if you stayed on top of the maintenance it would be okay; well, not with this car! We spent about $8,000 buying it and then we spent about $5,000 repairing it. And then, a ton of other things went out and the cost to fix it is over 9,000! Ridiculous! I was still attached to the car because of its looks and thought I had myself a lemon the first time. I found one in mint condition, that looked just like the first one I had and thought about buying it. Then I read that they had fixed everything that I had! Plus some! The engine had been replaced! Red flag! I had to replace mine, too, and it only had 130,000 miles! Stay away! Find yourself another car! Dont be suckered in by its looks, it will make you sorry and broke!

• 

  Nightmare of a car! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ray Balker - January 21 - 1:06 am

  Do not even think of touching this piece of junk. This thing shifts like crazy. During a gear shift, the car slows down by a couple of MPH and revs up to another couple of MPH. I have back pain and neck pain because of this. The car talk guys were right, buy this if you want to be whiplashed every day and every time you drive this car.

• 

  Headaches from toxic fumes from ac - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Jay - June 22 - 1:11 pm

  Dear 2017 Forester owners. I desperately need a feedback. I bought this brand new Forester with all the bells and whistles. Like any new car it had an upholstery smell which generally goes away with time but not in this car. I have been driving this car now for almost 2 months. My whole body would smell like old leather or shoe polish including from my breath. I always owned a new car but never a Subaru. This smell turned into headaches and lightheadedness and watery eyes when I turned my Heater on few days back. To experiment whether it is me only I told my wife to test drive with my son. Just 30 minutes into driving she started getting headaches and watery eyes. She had to stop the car and tell my son to go on the back seat to avoid a/c due to he getting nauseated. I took the car to dealer who found nothing wrong and referred me to Subaru tech team and I am still waiting to hear from them. I have kept my windows open but no improvements. I am so scared to drive because of headaches and drowsiness kicking in. Can someone please let me know if they are going through the same. One article I read showed in 2007 study that Forester was one of the 10 worst car for toxic fume in the cabin. I dont think since 2007 they have done any improvement in the quality of material they are using. Surprisingly only Forester was mentioned and no other Subaru models were mentioned. I felt so bad that I leased this vehicle. If they dont take back I dont know what my options are. Please any advice is highly appreciated. Jay

• 

  DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!! - 2014 Subaru Forester
  By ex_subaru_fan - April 5 - 3:01 am

  I dont believe the rating system is accurately stating how disappointing this car is, based on some of the statements below: Using Oil ! – but 4 stars? Oil burner & Subaru does not want to admit problem – but 3 stars? Do Not Buy – but 2 ½ stars? Constantly having to check engine oil – but 3 ½ stars? BURNS OIL & has a slight hesitation – but 2 ½ stars? Incessant Rattling – 4 stars? Purchase Was A Mistake – 2 ½ stars? DISAPPOINTED - TERRIBLE RIDE – 4 stars? 2014 Forester BURNS OIL – 3 stars? Let me put it succinctly. Subaru thinks it is "normal" for an engine to use 1 quart of oil per 1200 miles. Thats insane. This is my 6th Subaru; I wont own another.

• 

  Subaru? Never before, never again - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Richard - March 18 - 1:26 am

  I used to hear that Subarus were some of the most well built and reliable cars on the road. I believed that hype and bought this car three months ago because I wanted a wagon and the reliability that were both so easy to find with Subarus. I saw this S model being advertised for a great price and test drove it. It felt solid, but had a few issues that I figured were not deal breakers and would be easy, cheap fixes. The things I noticed and what I thought: A loud hum coming from the rear - wheel bearing, which I could get done for around $250 Central locking did not work - blown fuse Clock did not work - blown fuse Cruise control did not work - blown fuse, disconnected vacuum hose With that in mind, I paid what would be a slightly discounted price and I drove it home. I started to check fuses left, right and centre and found all to be in tact. After a day or so, I fixed the clock, which turned out to be a bad solder on the clocks circuit board. The central locking turned out to be an issue with the module located under the dashboard and could not be repaired. I ended up fixing it eventually by installing an aftermarket module and wiring it in with the factory actuators. Ive thus far been unable to get the lock switches on the doors to function with the aftermarket system. The cruise control still does not work. It either has a bad module or a bad vacuum system, both of which would cost more than the car is worth to replace. After a few days of ownership I tackled the wheel bearing and it did come in under $250, which was pleasing, but it took two days to do because of stubborn bolts. But my pleasure ended moments after driving the car a few miles. I realised I had a blown exhaust system, the sound of which was hidden by the noisy wheel bearing. After fixing the blown exhaust I noticed yet another sound, a thumping at speeds above 25mph. This turned out to be bad front axles. I went ahead and changed the axles and the front wheel bearings. After replacing the axles I noticed a strange vibration at idle. Research told me that this was typical of Subarus if aftermarket axles were used instead of original Subaru parts. I was warned that they would be toast in a few weeks and I would have to replace them yet again. Here I am, about a month later and Im again starting to hear the thumping I heard before. Im also hearing a whine as I accelerate and I simply have no clue where that is coming from. Ive since learnt that ALL the problems I have been seeing are inherent. I have totally had it with this vehicle and Subaru will never, ever get me as another customer. I hate to even see the name Subaru now and I feel so sorry for the hundreds of thousands of poor saps that are being duped into buying these garbage cars. It is absolutely the worst car I have ever owned. The online Subaru community is inept and ignorant. The owners and workshop manuals are incomplete and recondite. The latter has gross errors in it, such as wiring diagrams that do not have the same colour wires as exist in the car. The online parts portal at Subarus website is also lacking, often not showing some very basic parts. Sickening, is how I would describe this experience. Ive spent more on repairs in three months than what I paid for the car. Ill be working tirelessly to get rid of this thing once and for all, and when I do I will never return to this brand.

• 

  This thing is GARBAGE!!! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By markfu - January 28 - 5:55 pm

  It burns oil!!!!! My wife bought this new and we just had to have the engine rebuilt because it had no oil in it at the dealership recommended 7500 mile oil change!!!!! The dealership, with a straight face, tells us that 1 quart every 1500 miles is normal??? I have a 1995 Ford Bronco and it burns a quart every 6k miles. Why is it that an engine that is 19+ years old burns less oil than one 3 years old? How is this ok? How did this pass quality controll??? Why, why, why????? Pass these heaps over if you are wise! It is completely insane that a "modern" vehicle burns oil like its a vehicle from the 1970s, INSANE!!!!

• 

  Will never again buy a Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By JK - August 28 - 12:53 am

  Before I bought this lemon, I had always owned Toyota vehicles. The reason I bought this was because of some good reviews in Consumer Reports for this car. I regretted my decision within a year of owning it. The engineering is really bad. Every doing simple things like changing the air filter was a chore. Problems that usually surface in Toyotas at 150K miles started occurring with this lemon at 20k miles. Brakes wearing off, check engine lights, sluggish engine performance etc. Another problem with this car is that since Subarus are not as popular as Toyotas, and also because of its idiot engineering under the hood, repair shops dont know how to service it.

• 

  Dont buy this vehicle!! - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Stacey - June 26 - 3:17 am

  Subaru has ruined what was once an an unstoppable vehicle in the snow by installing Traction Control/VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). The car is unstable and dangerous when TC/VDC kicks in; sending the driver off the road or into oncoming traffic! The driver has no ability to take over the car and drive without the TC/VDC, despite the availability of an "OFF" button. Maybe its just me, but off is a definitive word that means quite simply, "off." My prior Forester (2006) was stellar and unstoppable, its 2016 counterpart is worthless in my opinion because it no longer handles well in snow. Quite the contrary, it is actually quite scary and the driver has no input and has no ability to countersteer in a slide; the vehicle takes over and does what it "assumes" the driver is attempting to do. A horrible and dangerous idea that is also deceptive marketing. Had I known that the bloody "OFF" button did not truly turn off the TC/VDC, I would not have purchased this vehicle. The TC/VDC kicks in even with the "OFF" button engaged, both below 20mph and above 20mph. Its junk and it has ruined this vehicle in my opinion and I would caution anyone considering this vehicle for snow who has any expectation of it handling well.