Overview & Reviews

Changes are minimal for the 2008 Subaru Forester. Stability control is now standard on all turbocharged models equipped with an automatic transmission, and Subaru has shuffled the equipment among the Forester's many trim levels. One notable change is the L.L. Bean model's loss of its self-leveling rear suspension, which increased the pressure of the shock absorbers to compensate for heavy loads.

• Peppy base engine, seriously fast in turbocharged XT trim, carlike ride and handling, standard all-wheel drive, reassuring crash test scores.

• Scarce rear legroom, too much road and wind noise, automatic transmission is slow to downshift.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 34.00

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  Forester SXT after 600 miles - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Dan - May 6 - 5:43 am

  I have enjoyed the Forester over the first +600 miles. The Sports XT trim level changes the overall appearance of a Forester very nicely. Many cool STi features, like wheels, spoilers, pedals, etc. The turbo is a blast! I am getting 23 MPG using premium, but I also flex the turbo at every opportunity. Build quality seems good, the car runs pretty quiet overall, and reliability is rumored to be very good.

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  Cool blue - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By AC - August 1 - 2:13 pm

  First SUV ever owned, needed something versatile for small family. Went to get a 2007 leftover and got a good deal on a 2008. Drives very well, was pleasantly surprised by handling on winding roads during test drive. Has small exterior dimensions but has well designed and comfortable interior. Got the WR blue and realized that it resembles Thomas the train which my son loves.

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  Fantastic Car! Buy it if you can! - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By luvmycar7 - December 2 - 12:55 pm

  This is a fabulous car! I have owned my 2008 Subaru Forester for about 2 and a half years now. It has been without a single problem the entire time. One of the things I love most about my Subaru is its versatility. It gets good gas mileage, but I have also used it for hauling huge items of furniture, kayaks, pontoon rafts, 5 people, all the luggage of a long trip for me and my entire family, and building supplies for my house. It is such as safe car as well. My wife was rear ended while in our in our 1998 Subaru Forester by a Ford F250 going fast when she was at a stop. The car completely absorbed the impact and saved her life. After that, we had to get another Subaru Forester.

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  Quality problems - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By asdf - July 10 - 5:33 pm

  I have now had the XT newer version for a little over two years. At 9k miles the engine seized up! I had poor customer service until I called Subarus US headquarters and tried to talk to president to complain about the quality of their cars. In the end; Subaru fixed the car. I have had LED puddle lights short out each winter (one time I actually witnessed smoke!) Now, I need to take back to dealer again with separate electrical problems. I would be satisfied with this car if I didnt have to take to dealer so much. The XT engine is nice, and the cargo space is just right for a small family. The fake color plastic bits by door window switches scratch very easily.

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  Still a great little car - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By rickshift - May 11 - 3:50 pm

  I have driven my Forester 6500 miles, so it is broken in by now. The gas mileage for an all wheel drive was good from the beginning but now as the weather is warming, I got just under 29 MPG on mixed commuter driving, I have yet to do an all highway drive. I drive into Boston to work, mostly on state route type roads, but I work nights so the traffic is mostly going the other way, at least in the morning. I love this car. Good road visibility, nice sterio system, love the handling, smooth ride eats up the bumps, heated front seats are very comfortable, smoothest shifting manual transmission Ive ever driven.I was a little iffy about committing to always having to shift but now have no regret

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  Excellent value - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Minnie - March 6 - 12:53 am

  I never considered a Subaru until looking at all the others and not finding what I wanted. As soon as I sat in my LL Bean Forester I was hooked. Everything felt right. I love the AWD, the sunroof is amazing especially at night on our country roads with stars twinkling overhead, the heated seats are great, the wood accents on steering wheel and shifter make it look rich, and it handles like a dream. Youd never think this car is a 4 cyl as it has lots of power. Getting 26-28 MPG with just over 3500 miles on her. Ill never own anything else. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee I had for fourteen years and I hope to have this one as long.

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  Best For Business - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Computer Bob - December 9 - 10:26 pm

  Cant say enough good things about my Forester. 29 MPG city, 31 hwy, smooth engine, superb visibility, plenty of thoughtful features (except too-small and tightly cramped cup holders). Seats give great support and comfortable for short & long drives. Beautiful paint and workmanship. Easy to do maintenance (oil, filter, brakes, etc.). Love the tire pressure monitor, outside temp gauge, stereo, storage space.

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  Not Fancy but dependable - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Soyoung Chung - August 30 - 10:26 pm

  I waited for 2 years to review to avoid premature review. Finally, I feel comfortable to say "Yes, it is very dependable and reliable". I dont feel stylish nor luxurious, however very humble and sort of old friend. As other review, engine sounds a bit loud and when I accelerate, response is a little slow/hesitant. Although I am not driving the fastest car...I will be on time and safe! Thats all that counts!!! Thank you "SUBARU".

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  Zippy, Fun, Safe Car - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By SK - June 21 - 11:50 pm

  This is my first Subaru and I love this little SUV. It has good pickup and it feels roomy inside. Its also easy to park. I was happy with all the safety features and feel secure on the highway in traffic. I cant wait to try it in the snow. I like the cup holders in the doors and the interior is comfortable. I have only had it a month so Im hoping its reliable. And where I live there isnt very many of them so its kinda special.

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  Cold Start - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By High Plains Drifter - June 20 - 10:30 am

  When I try to start it up in the morning it is noisy and has a rough idle. The shop has a bulletin for PZEV models that says ethanol in the gas will effect the engine this way on cold starts. All gas in this area has ethanol in it. I have had a lot of cars and never seen an engine start like this every morning. Cant Subaru do better than this?