Overview & Reviews

The 2001 Forester receives slight alterations to the front and rear fascias, a new Premium Package, and upgrades to the interior.

• SUV style, car-like ride and handling, functional interior.

• Limited rear-seat room, not a true off-roader.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 108.00

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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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  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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  Shame on Subaru! - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By Gail - July 1 - 3:00 am

  At 40,000 miles I replaced the 02 sensor. At 45,000 miles I had to replace the catalytic converter. The check engine light has been reset 3 times. At 55,000 miles it needed new rear wheel bearing assembly. At 58,000 miles it needed a re-built transmission, new shocks, and engine mounts. Tires needed replacing at 20,000 miles. The dealership I have been taking the car to for years in Pompano Beach, FL never checked the transmission fluid, though they always claimed to. The transmission fluid was low, but no leaks which another dealer said their neglect caused the transmission failure. Neither Subaru nor the dealer would take responsibility. It is JUNK and I will buy a Honda next time!

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  Starry eyed about Subaru - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By ewwingnut - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Buyer beware! Same probs as others: tires worn at 25K(replaced with 75K), service dept, hard to work with, O2 and fuel sensors failed, 16-19 mpg, body panels rusted, AWD does NOT mean off road through forests. Short back seat and slow accelleration. But overall, Forester has a great car feel, easy to handle, no blind spots, dependable in all weather, and is SAFE--like a little tank. Living in KY, I dont feel I get my moneys worth, but when I travel to MI, AWD and quick heater/defroster makes all worth while as I scoot past bulky SUVs. Forester is sure-footed, dependable car/truck/wagon.

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  Not up to the reputation - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By doverbync - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Recently traded my Foester in for another make and model. From day one, the car had problems with the clutch (shuddering when cold). Dealer never could/would try to fix it. Had many concerns from reading this forum and others about wheel bearings and windshield glass (mine had a chip in it when traded) and interior quality in general. This car was not up to the hype given by Consumer Reports and other magazines that did not live with one for more than a month or so. Would not recommend this car again!

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  OEM Bridgestone Tires - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By truman - October 2 - 7:06 am

  BIG BUT however: the Bridgestone Dueler tires are poor, unsafe in any kind of winter conditions. seconded by Consumer Reports tests, user experiences. There are many other all season tires that have better all season performance without poor handling in snow. Why buy an AWD if the OEM tires no va (remember Chevy Nova?) in winter? More: at 25K the Duelers were worn, wear bars up to tread. 25K wear !!! Replaced with Michelin Symmetrys that DO perform.

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  RT REAR WHEEL BEARING 6TH AND COUNTING - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By RIchard Kane - July 29 - 2:40 pm

  First right rear bearing went bad 2,000 miles after I purchased the car two years old used. Since then, it has been replaced four more times and now needs another one replaced. Worst part is that the bad wheel bearing causes that tire to wear much more quickly. With AWD all four tires must match. Thats a lot of tires. $$$

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  blowin in the wind - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By gina - July 19 - 4:56 am

  Not only has my check engine light been on FOREVER, my major complaint is this is the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. Wow, the seat is KILLER on my back if Im in it over an hour. Cup holders are cheap and in the way? What were they thinking? This car blows all over in any kind of wind. Heat is great, gas mileage is less than great. Radio is not great either. So far Im at 130,000 and I havent had to put too much work into it, but the comfort factor is zero! Oh my aching back!

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  Nice in the beginning - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By J Peters - January 16 - 9:06 am

  I spent 8 months trying to find the right car. I thought it was the Forester so I bought a new one. In the beginning it was great but after the 3 year warranty ended, problems began. I have replaced all the tires, all the rotors, both oxygen sensors. The car gets poor gas mileage (about 18 mpg) and I literally watch 1/8 of my gas gauge disappear after I start the car in the morning. I cant get the check engine light to turn off and I feel like every month there is something new to replace. I have 55k miles and I dont abuse the car. I am disappointed with Subarus reliability and am looking for a different manufacturer to buy from. I think they use cheap parts.

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  Things They Missed - 2001 Subaru Forester
  By gram - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for over an year, here are my comments and thoughts about it. 1. The Visor is too small, very inconvenient when driving with the sun on the driver side. 2. The cargo cabin window (passenger side) should have had the defroster too (would help in seeing blind spot better). 3. Jiffy Lube can do the same service at 15,000 miles for $50, subaru dealer (John Elway Subaru) charges $250.00 for an an oil change. 4. Seats are very hard. Lumbar support is useless. 5. Temperature guage cannot display temperatures below 0 degrees (shows the number with out the minus). 6. Temperature guage does not show inside temperature (no options available).