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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  2011 Forester are not representative of the Subaru name - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By nornet - December 30 - 4:21 am

  I have had 3 Subarus. The plain old vanilla Legacy sedan was by far the best of the bunch (2008). The Outback Limited (2007) was pretty close behind. The Forester was one of the poorest vehicles I have drive. You can not sit in these seats for more than 2 hours. This problen goes back at least 10 years. My first encounter with a Forester (2000) was in the same quality seats. If you want to shuttle around the city than this can be overlooked but for any distance driving look elsewhere.

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  Started out well then downhill - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Harstar - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was nice until the warranty expired. Within 500 miles of the 36000 mile expiration, I had to replace the stereo and the MAP sensor. The lid of the center dash compartment doesnt close right. Check engine light started coming on in regular intervals which mechanic said was 02 sensor and after another 2000 miles it was running so roughly that it needed a major tune- up. Less than 100 miles later the coil went on it. It is still not running right. Mechanic is puzzled and I am frustrated.

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  so far disappointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By me2 - November 13 - 12:13 am

  If you are short (53") you may have trouble with the brake pedal - its very soft and high, and if you try to rest your foot on it (like us shorties have to), it starts to brake immediately - very hard on your legs! And just 2600 miles on it, on a long road trip, the cruise control just stopped working, the "cruise control" warning light started blinking, the "traction control OFF" light came on, and the "check engine light" came on - cant bring in until next week - heaven knows what is going on - still had 300 miles to get home with car loaded with kids and gear.

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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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  Dont get the hype - 2015 Subaru Forester
  By zaclette - September 15 - 6:49 am

  I have owned a lot of cars. I moved to the Subaru after some German car woes. Overall the car is decent, but it feels very cheap for the pricing. Secondly the gas mileage is not what it is cracked up to be. Around town the Sub has great manners, 24 MPG in suburbia. The visibility and access are great. Errands are done with ease, great for getting the kids in and out. On flat highways it does well too; however in a recent jaunt through the mountains the car struggled to keep pace with traffic with significantly diminished gas mileage (17 MPG)....worse than my wifes full size luxury SUV.

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  Dont drink the Kool-Aid - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By Daz - September 13 - 12:26 am

  The Pros - steering is excellent in the car, it can take sharp turns very well. Safety and visibility is also a big plus for the car. Acceleration is pretty good, but the sport shifting can sometimes lag. Head space is pretty good. The Cons - very small backup camera. The center console storage is too far back. The front passenger seat is way to high up, with no ability to lower it. Paint is very thin and scratches easily. MPG is less than satisfactory, and requires premium gas. Vehicle requires maintenance much quicker than other cars. Stock tires absolutely suck!

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  Not Thrilled - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Jim Porter - September 3 - 12:43 pm

  I am very disappointed with the features of this vehicle that are not working properly. The radio has poor reception and Subaru keeps telling us that it is a setting that needs to be changed on the radio itself, Unfortunately that is not the problem. When you fade just to the rear speakers the radio barely comes in at all and the reception is poor on any setting. The rim design on the 2.5X Limited is also poor the vehicle is sold as an all wheel drive for snow and other types of bad driving conditions, however when it snows more than 4" snow gets in the inner part of the rim and freezes over night causing the vehicle to shake excessively at 40 plus mph. We are being told to purchase other rims.

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  Drivers Seat bad for back or knee pain - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By storiesbysteve - August 27 - 10:33 am

  Driven 1600+ miles. I like this car - but it can be very uncomfortable for a person with back or knee pain. I would like ARM RESTS and padding where a guys knees hit the left door and the console. Its rock hard A tilt steering wheel would be good. The moon roof is fantastic - and the drivers visibility is super. It is a pleasure to drive in the rain. Its not as smooth riding as I expected, but very surefooted. I might have been more comfortable in a Honda but the Subaru is faster (up to 130 mph!) As long as you dont need a comfortable drivers seat for your back or knee this is a GREAT car. I made a You Tube video about the seat problems and how to work around them

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  Problems galore - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By subpain - August 27 - 1:40 am

  This car has serious problems with the axle and wheel bearing assembly. I replace the Rt rear bearings in 2005 @33,000 mi, the Rt & Lt rear bearings in 2006 @ 46,000 mi, and this month the left rear bearing @84,000 mi in 2010. The front axles have both been replaced in the last 2 yrs, one twice. now the O2 sensors need replacing. the head gasket was recalled and replaced. It is hard to believe I am driving the same car and the same model as those with glowing reports.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Renee - August 4 - 3:46 pm

  I have been disappointed in this vehicle! The insulation in this vehicle is poor. The heater works wonderfully but just about freeze my legs on the driver side. The dealership installed an electronic start and I believe they have messed up the electrical system as nothings seems quite right. What about the mileage. I am seeing 15-18 and I now have 4000 miles on this vehicle and am NOT speeding. I left my keys in the car and turned OFF yet in less than 3 hours my car battery was totally DEAD. This certainly cant be a safety feature to have a battery lose charge this quickly. I agree about the noise!