Overview & Reviews

Subaru attacks the mini-SUV market head-on with the Forester, which actually constitutes an SUV body on an Impreza platform with a Legacy engine under the hood. The most carlike of the mini-utes, Forester is also the most powerful. Airbags remain the full power variety, despite new rules allowing lower deployment speeds.

• Handles like a car. Accelerates like a car. Rides like a car.

• Travels off-road like a car.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 65.00

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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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  Biased on subarus, but lessons learned - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Cautious fan - June 28 - 8:26 pm

  I learned to drive on a Subaru and am somewhat biased. What I have learned is that Suabarus in general can be reliable cars most of the time. I bought my 98 Forester w/ 125k miles and had minor mechanical issues, 2 CV joint replacements and a new thermostat. However, a year ago many major issues popped up, including major repair on the front end and rear rotors. Now the automatic transmission is shifting hard into and out of 1st gear plus a bent rod makes a lot of noise during start-ups. The handling is sound and AWD works beautifully, many chances to hydroplane but the wheels caught the road instantly. Low profile feels like youre driving a car but with twice the cargo room.

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  The best part is it was Free :D - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By forester98 - May 12 - 4:44 pm

  I got this car back in October from my cousin who was getting a new car and didnt want to trade his Subie in. GO HIM! lol It is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Reliability is amazing, the car has 136k miles on it, and i drove 400 miles to Ohio through the rain soaked mountains of West Virginia with no problems. Enough said. For reference in the rest of this, the Subie I own is a 2.5L 5 speed manual.

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  Best car for a decade - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By David - April 27 - 1:53 am

  My 1998 Forester, bought new in the 1st model year, has been the best of many cars Ive owned since the 60s. I have just traded the car at 120K miles, facing a big $$ repair, but nothing you wouldnt expect to wear out after 10yrs/100K+ miles. Overall, my Forester has been incredibly reliable and great to drive in our "bad" Northeastern weather. Ive set out on long drives at night with total confidence, in all seasons. After this experience, Id find it hard to part with the AWD. Looking forward to my new 09 Forester.

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  I need a new one - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By david - March 29 - 4:23 am

  This first series model (1998) has a flaw. The rear wheel bearings were ball bearings but I replaced them at 50000 miles for the later design of roller bearings. No problems since. I have had the timing belt changed at 60000 miles and also the oil seals. The dealer had a special and I took it. It needs the seals replaced again because of a small leak but the cost is almost the worth of the vehicle. I may still do this because it is cheaper than a new vehicle. It also could do with a new set of shock absorbers. Changed the battery twice but other than that it starts first time and just keeps on going. I would love a 2010 model but this one wont die.

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  Great LITTLE SUV - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By RoadRunner47 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  AWD is great. A fun/utilitarian car for my 56" wife. Extra weight helps on long trips. Im glad I bought the upgraded "S" model versus "L". Leather interior is nice but small. Cupholders awkward. Yokohama tires were subpar--a lot of noise and picked up several nails. Electrical connector for air conditioner came apart several times. Speakers sound tinny. Good gas mileage, but would prefer V6 for more power and weight.

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  Only Forester for me - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Mav - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. Excellent built quality, only major problem was with the rear wheel bearing. Routine maintenance is the only thing this car needs. I will always have a Subaru Forester in my driveway. I love driving this car!!

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  Suburban workhorse - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By BrianT - October 1 - 4:43 am

  I bought my Forester in college, and have put nearly 100,000 miles on it with few problems. Only recently (at 130,000 miles) have I had to have any major work done: new clutch and tranny. The AWD system works great in snow, lots of cargo room in back, and good clearance for offroad. It also rides more like a car as opposed to the Honda SUVs.

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  Forester, the most sensible and SAFE SUV - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Gwyneira - September 15 - 3:13 pm

  I have driven my Forester back and forth across the U.S. numerous times and moved house in it four times. It has deceptively enormous cargo capacity and can carry heavy loads with no problem. It also gets great mileage (28hwy/22city) considering its class. Although it is classified as an SUV, it drives, handles, and performs like a small station wagon, though it is a larger car than that. It can muscle through snow and mud, but the center of gravity is low, so it is much safer than other vehicles in its class, such as the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V. I cannot say enough good things about this car. It is one of the safest cars on the road and is fun to drive. I love my Forester.

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  Watch Out!! $$ - 1998 Subaru Forester
  By Mike - August 1 - 2:56 pm

  Own 1998 and 2001, both bought new. 1998 clock above mirror went out as apparently with most of these cars. The center differential pack went out at 60K to the tune of $1200. The head gaskets and transmission failed at 86k. Cost for these two items is almost double the value of the car. The transmission on the 2001 car went out at a little over 100,000. Cost to replace was given as $3500 or about the value of the car when sold to Carmax.