Overview & Reviews

Noting Forester fans' desire for more power, Subaru adds a turbocharged XT model to the lineup. The XT is essentially a loaded XS with a 210-hp engine replacing the 165-hp motor.

• Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.

• Price can be higher than most of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 161.00

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  Pass on Subaru not worth trouble - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By JeffD. - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car based on Consumer reviews. Car has lived in the shop: valves, clutch, brakes, radio, etc. The car handles well but no power and no room for kids. Most expensive car Ive ever owned based on days in shop and dollars in repairs. I keep cars for 10+ years but looking forward to parking this one under a tree and walking away from it. Subaru dealerships have a lot of swagger about the belief of what they read in consumer reports. Unfortunately this attitude makes it "your fault" that the valves fail after 60 k miles and be prepared for very long waits for parts. Took 3 weeks to get in a new rear windshield wiper arm. None of the needed work has been under warranty.

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  GO! - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By NYMA - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Spent 1 hour editing review with only 600 words, wacky site would not let me submit, so sorry, no review.

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  Subaru Forester XT after 9 months - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By BCJ - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  Best car I have ever driven. Goes down hills like a spider climbing down a wall. Takes off like a rocket, have to watch myself on the acceleration. You think you are light on the pedal and next thing you know the rest of the traffic is a block behind you after the light changes.

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  Perfect for our Needs - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mowine4me - June 30 - 7:00 pm

  We needed a car that could haul stuff for our home improvement projects, got great mileage, was reliable and under $20,000. Final purchase price was $19,800 new, and the car has been everything we wanted. The engine could use a little more power when merging onto a highway, but otherwise we love the car and highly recommend it.

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  A niche car, but fits perfectly in it. - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By speedysteve - May 9 - 3:27 pm

  Ive owned my Forester XT for 6 years now, and it has been a very fun car. The only repair Ive had is the alternator. Its far faster than it looks and I love being able to floor it on the highway in 5th and it just goes. It looks good, carries a fair amount of stuff when I go camping, and is great in the snow.

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  The Best Subaru Built for a Family - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By afrog - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is fantastic, balancing fund driving with an exceptionally functional layout. Go with the Turbo four, its worlds better than the base engine.

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  Love @ first drive - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Mary Box - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven a Ford truck or SUV (F150, F250, Explorer, Expedition). I was looking for a SAFE smaller SUV / Wagon / Hatchback that had AWD/4WD and leather or vinyl seats. The Forester was the only vehicle that earned top safety marks. It is icing on the cake that the Forester is fun to drive (I find myself looking for reasons to go for a drive). I have driven more miles in 2 months I have had the Forester than I normally drove in 6 months.

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  Unbeatable value for the money - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By Ralf A. - April 30 - 6:33 am

  The Forester is a well rounded small SUV, performing well in all disciplines. This small SUV is more fun to drive than many cars or wagons. It literally sticks to the road like glue. This is my first permanent AWD vehicle and after getting used to the different feel of driving - I really came to like it. It could use some more hp but I guess youd have to buy the XT for that. The reliability is outstanding. Some of the interior materials and finishing seem a little cheap. The backseat is cramped even with two small children and very small compared e.g. to the Honda CRV. Dealership and service are very good.

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  superior quality for value - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By e. v. willhelm - March 26 - 2:00 am

  first time suburu owner. exceedingly pleased. 3 important criteria for purchasing a vehicle -reliability, safety and value. i got all of these plus comfort, performance and good looks too. the immense moon roof was the icing on the cake in decision for forester. if only suburu would listen and take action on few suggestions, i would be a repeat buyer for sure. ARE THEY LISTENING?

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  Great little SUV - 2004 Subaru Forester
  By rkoby - March 26 - 2:00 am

  After driving for about 5 months, this is a great little sport ute. Compared to my LandRover this car is much more fun to drive, much better gas mileage, better handling. Still has good headroom like LR. Could be better looking. Put on 17" wheels with Michelins which improved looks and handling. Drives more like sports car.