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 21 through 30 of 51.00

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  Good Riddance - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Good riddance - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a Toyota for this model. Boy am I sorry. First service was after a brake recall and brakes never sounded the same since. Blew a head gasket at 60,000 miles then 10,000 miles later needed a full transmission replacement. Now, Im suspected another head gasket problem. This shouldnt happen on a subaru ( I was told). Do you think I was just unlucky? Im trading it in and cutting my losses- good riddance!!

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  Not quite what I expected - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By c - September 7 - 3:20 am

  Bought car new. Every year at inspection, have to have clamps for exhaust system tacked to get rid of rattling. Was told last year that rotors will need replaced shortly. Major problem - manual transmission would not stay in 5th gear on highway at 48k miles. Took to Subaru dealer, then it was stuck in 1st gear! 3 rebuilds to fix transmission; in shop for a month! Check engine light came on at 63k, turned out to be bad sensor, lucky that it was under warranty or would have cost $600. Has been a great vehicle to haul stuff when moving, camping, mountain biking. Fun to drive the manual with AWD in winter conditions.

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  subaru success - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By bogus - July 30 - 10:36 am

  this car has been trouble free and my wife loves it. we had one problem with the speedometer and it was replaced under waranty. this car is incredible in snow and on slippery roads

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  1999 Forester S - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By FrankS - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been very satisfied. It has done what I expected it to do. Goes in snow. Minor(to me) repairs: LR wheel bearing, front struts. 60,000-mile belt replacement is a blow.

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  Over rated junk - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Firefly - December 17 - 10:26 pm

  Bought the vehicle new and at 70k miles the head gasket starts leaking just like my previous 1989 Loyale wagon did. Nice size car, my wife bought it over my objections because she wanted AWD. Replaced head gaskets twice and I know about the additive. Leaks tranny fluid. If you need something to squat on you garage floor every night this is the vehicle for you. I have 131K on it and if I could afford to get rid of it, it would be gone. So much for Japanese quality. Marginal gas mileage (20mpg) for such a small vehicle. Most expensive dealers to get anything fixed, shameful.

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  Moneys Worth and Then Some - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Ronnie - August 18 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car new and still own it after almost 9 years. This car now has over 100k miles and the only maintenance I have ever done is oil changes and replaced the front brake pads at 98,000 miles. That is correct the front originial brake pads lasted until 98k miles and the back pads still have 1/2 wear left so they have never been replaced. The AWD works great and I will buy another Subaru when and if this one ever wears out. If you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle then I dont think you can beat a Subaru. I only wish they made pick up trucks.

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  Still rolling thru Snow and Ice! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Goldie Dreyer - June 1 - 6:17 pm

  Sally my subaru has been a trooper. I bought at her in 2010 with 115,000 miles and now have 215,000 miles on her. We go everywhere from freeways to off road. My mechanic patiently fixes her oil leaks, a common problem with Subarus, I understand. I make sure I check the oil every fuel fillup. Engine works great, mileage is roughly 21 mpg, combined highway and city. I have replaced brakes, all 4 axles-its a necessary maintenance item with AWD to have them checked periodicly. I bought really good tires at 185,000 miles since I plan to drive her until 300,000. Some rust developing around rear wheel wells, and rusty under carriage. This year I had to replace front shocks at 210 K miles. Overall, a fantastic buy. I will buy another Subaru and keep Sally for my grandkids.

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  LOVE my Subaru!! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Pastmaster - July 4 - 4:06 am

  The Forester has given me no trouble. Beyond oil changes and regular maintenance, I have had a broken rear window (kids and rocks) and one gasket.

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  Best all round car !! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By computer guy - June 17 - 10:00 am

  It has great head room (Im 66"), can travel in any weather, drives like a luxury sedan, has great power for trips and long hills (went from SLC to Seattle at 75-80 the whole trip, downshifting the automatic to 3rd for climbing only the worst grades, holding 75mph at about 4k rpm), engine is really quite ... I really like this car. Tops in crash testing too. This car is a keeper.

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  What does awd do - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By sad sad awd - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Forester, L version. It had less than 60000 miles on it, and it has been a really good car. However, can someone explain the wonders of the awd system. I am from SWeden and have driven in nasty weather conditions and snow/sleet all my life, and I fail to see the grsatness of the awd system. Tell me, if my front tires are slipping and spinning what would make the rear ones to grip when they are activated by the awd system. Im already slipping down the road! Give me a switch so I know when all four wheels are engaged, that way I at least know that.