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 1 through 10 of 51.00

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  2nd Subaru - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By coyoteboy - March 20 - 10:02 pm

  This was second Subaru, bought 4yrs ago with 85k now has 150k on it. Dependable car great in Ct. snow storms. Headgaskets, timing belts at 104k. for $1500..Now at 150k, clutch catalytic converter, and filler pipe to gas tank at $2000 for all. No one talks about the filler tube replacement they are plagued with, all Subarus. Our 1999 legacy Gt, My wife loved it, replaced the filler tube at 110k. She was hit head on, not a scratch. Replaced it with 98 Legacy Gt, Puuu, brakes completely went. Was due for emissions engine light came on, Filler tube. 3 out 3 no way. Last Subaru, shame , Forester is our last Subaru but is expensive to repair. Might as well own a Volvo. Its a Japanes Volvo.

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  So many problems - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By nosubaru4me - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car brand new, our first new car after 20 years of marriage and what a disappointment! Speedometer quit at 10,000mi, it threw a wheel bearing, had a transaxle leak and always smelled of sulphur. The last straw was when the combo switch (turn signal/lights) went out on it in the dark on the freeway. Traded it in on a 2000 Honda CRV, what a difference!

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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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  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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  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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  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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  Ugly or not, shes a trooper! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Jim - April 19 - 9:20 am

  Ive owned the vehicle since it was new. I bought the car in NC and brought it to my home in Minnesota. what an excellent choice! Ive had the same battery crank in sub-zero temps for 11 years! However, when it does break down, you will cry. Head gaskets blew at 70K and the repairs cost me $2200. After that, no problems. Fun to drive and an Excellent teen car!

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  Good as a first, but may not last - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Thor Heller - September 4 - 5:58 pm

  This was my first car, so I have some love for the black Subaru that I affectionately nicknamed, "Sleipnir". Objectively, that love should not exist. My father got it new, in April of 1999, and shortly got engine problems. 62000 miles. First Engine Replacement. 230000 Miles, second Engine Replacement. Air Conditioning, Clock, and Mirror Motors do not work, and havent since 2010, 2008, and 2007 respectively. 21 MPG was advertised, but I ended up between 14.1 and 18.3 MPG, keeping the RPMS below 2000 at just about all times. The CD player only takes ever fourth CD, no real pattern to it. At 234500, the front axle broke entirely on its own, leaving me to limp home at 5 mph. Car needed a plethora of repairs from the moment we got it, until the moment we gave it away. Some of it was age, other bits were poor design/workmanship on the part of Subaru.

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  Dont believe the hype - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By nemo nullus - August 4 - 2:00 am

  After relying on ratings such as Consumer Reports, I stretched my budget to buy my Forester S. What a mistake! Between 20,000 and 60,000 miles, Ive had to replace the brakes, a head gasket leak, and now the manual transmission--all out of warranty. Gas mileage has been quite poor--less than 20 highway. This is undoubtedly the one of the most overrated cars on the market. The design concept is great, but with such poor reliability, what difference does that make? Dont waste your money and time.