Overview & Reviews

Forester's engine makes more torque and the automatic transmission has been improved. L and S models have longer lists of standard equipment and two new colors are available.

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

• Travels off-road like a car.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 51.00

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  Wheel bearings forever - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By jimbo54 - August 14 - 9:46 am

  Very pleased with design/concept of vehicle, however have had rear wheel bearings replaced 8 times from 25k thru 166k; have fought Subaru tooth & nail to get them to acknowledge that there might be a design problem; debating buying another Subaru product or switching to Rav 4 in near future (200k)

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  Buy something else - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By UGGGHHH - July 31 - 11:50 pm

  I bought this car used in 01, and had nothing but problems ever since. 2 sensor replacements, a transmission replacement (2 if you count that the first replacement put in didnt work), an engine seal replacement, 2 wheel bearing replacements (same wheel, and I think its going again), short in power door locks that make them unusable, cruise and horn stopped working, CD player only works when it wants to, and there is a constant squeak when driving that no one can find the source of. I had good luck with a previous Subaru, but am looking to replace this one and will probably not be getting another Subaru again.

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  Excellent 99 Forester Keeps on Humming - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By TNC2005 - July 26 - 9:23 pm

  Bought this car as a family car when moving up north to snow country between the Catskills and Adirondacks. Has always performed to expectations. With the right tires -- the original Yoko Geolanders, or the replacement Goodyear Triple Treads -- it grips exceptionally well, handles nimbly, accelerates smoothly and rapidly. My mechanics say its got the bones to reach over 300,000 miles. So far, w/ 119K miles, its on the 4th set of tires and its only needed regularly scheduled maintenance. Still looks and drives like a new car. Unless some dealer comes out with a similar SUV wagon that gets >33 MPG, this car will be maintained and driven as long as possible -- hopefully 14 more years.

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  Loved My Subbie - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By JakeFL - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Very fun to drive. All controls, etc. are exactly where you intuitivly think they should be. Great traction in poor driving conditions. This vehicle saved my life in a horrendous head-on accident. It was totalled, but I wasnt.

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  Overall , satisified - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By mccorky - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car to have if you live where the weather turns bad in the winter. It handles great, but like any car, ice is ice and AWD does not stop you from sliding. I noticed a difference with snows. I did have a$400 engine repair at 37K, just after my warrenty went (egnition coil??) Other than that, it has run smooth.

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  1999 Subaru Forester L 5-Speed - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By qwertyuiopasdfghj - November 1 - 10:00 am

  So far my only complaint about this car has been with the dealer. The window sticker said the car had a CD player and the "gauge pod" in it; I got neither, and took it home in the early evening (when I didnt realize what was missing). Other than the traditionally lousy Subaru dealer network, though, this is a great car. Though it has worse fuel economy than I expected/was accustomed to, everything else on the car is very well-thought-out and well-designed. I expect to have it for at least 200,000 miles (if the motor holds; Ive heard the 2.5Ls are not anywhere near as reliable as the 1.8Ls in the EA81/82 series cars.)

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  They give you what they advertise - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Tamuz1972 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The forester delivers what Subaru advertises, a stable, easy to maintain, reliable and safe car that makes for a highly enjoyable ride. Over the past 5 years Ive really put it through its paces by hauling, mountain driving and using it as a intracity commuter car in all kinds of weather. I like this car so much I would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  reliable? - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By bperk - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Although Subaru is known for reliablity the Forester may not be. My Forester had 2 sets of wheel bearings replaced in under 50000 miles, went through 2 sets of tires in the same time. The ABS system locked up causing the need to replace the brake pads. The coup was a leaking head gasket at 57000 miles. Thankfully just within warranty and in time to trade it. Thanks Subaru

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  A solid performer! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By gplind007 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Dependable & efficent, it has never failed. New tires and tune-up, also one of the highest passing grades in crash tests by Consumers Report. We bought it for the childrens safety, now we are looking for something larger for a growing family.

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  Disappointed - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By vubencne - January 7 - 2:00 am

  After several car problems, reports said this car was the best! This car i junk. Since 10,000 miles Ive endured brake problems (incessant squealing). At 40,000 the head gaskets blew, and left me stranded. Now, at 50,000 the wheel bearings went, and the car is back in the shop again. Not, to mention all the "quirky" problems along the way. Long story short, my Subaru Forester is an unreliable piece of junk, that I cant wait to get rid of! Oh yeah, the gas mileage sucks!