Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 217.00

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  Great performance but needs improvements - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By ARefaat - August 9 - 7:36 am

  While I really love the performance.. (incomparable handling and steering, 4 speed transmission really helpful on mountains and have no problems at high speeds) the bumpy ride and the bad interior built quality keeps me from enjoying the drive of this great performance. compared to any other small SUV or even mid sedan Ive been in the ride of this car is very bumpy the car shakes constantly... also the quality of putting the interior together is not the best and this shows as annoying rattling noises, also even with putting the driver seat at highest position the seat is still sitting low which is not a very comfortable thing neither

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  Disappointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Renee - August 4 - 3:46 pm

  I have been disappointed in this vehicle! The insulation in this vehicle is poor. The heater works wonderfully but just about freeze my legs on the driver side. The dealership installed an electronic start and I believe they have messed up the electrical system as nothings seems quite right. What about the mileage. I am seeing 15-18 and I now have 4000 miles on this vehicle and am NOT speeding. I left my keys in the car and turned OFF yet in less than 3 hours my car battery was totally DEAD. This certainly cant be a safety feature to have a battery lose charge this quickly. I agree about the noise!

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  Good basic utility SUV under $20000 - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Excellent Vehicle - July 10 - 5:16 pm

  Bought this after test driving CR-V and RAV4. Did not want to pay more than $20,000 for a new car and needed an SUV. New 2009 style was ok and 4wd system is very good. Mileage is as good if the mechanics tune it right. After 1st service mileage got better; after 2nd it went down and 3rd now has gotten better again. Got 30 mpg to Chicago and again to Cincinnati recently from Rochester, NY. Gets about 22 around town and overall around 25 mpg. have had no rattles or mechanical problems. Quality is excellent; have had Toyota mostly until now. Only thing I dont like is that it seems a bit sensitive to high/cross winds; could be the tires though.

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  Engine concerns - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Disappointed - June 27 - 1:26 am

  Have the same minor complaints as others re: poor interior materials, poor stereo, no tinting on windows (base model) and oddly, low-positioned passenger seat. Major concern is with performance of the PZEV engine. When accelerating in order to pass on the freeway, will sometimes get stuck and rev wildly for a few seconds. As though its in idle and Im revving the engine. Corrects itself when I back off of the accelerator. Am not in control of the speed of the vehicle when this happens. Very disconcerting and dangerous. Will be taking in to dealer, but am not hopeful due to regulations of PZEV and the ECM. May cut my losses soon and sell. Very disappointed with engine performance.

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  my third subaru - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By steve - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  I now have approx 35k miles in15 months. Decent average mpg, approx 25.5 overall. Too many rattles, particularly around moon roof sliding lid. Tires holding up real well so far. Radio "so so"

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  A good update for Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - May 19 - 5:13 am

  For 09 Subaru showed it listened to its customers and Endowed the 09 Forester with many enhancements improving functionality, drivability and all around usefulness. The ride and handling match that of many Euros (which would be helpless on roads the Forester devours), and the interior flexibility make it roomy and versatile. The interior shows budget limitations w/ hard plastics, etc., but is better than before and NVH is substantially reduced. If you value functionality over style, the Forester outdoes its CSUV competition by a wide margin!

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  2009 Subaru Forester ,Hearts Delight!! - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Pat B. - May 8 - 1:10 pm

  I love my Subaru Forester. I havent been this happy about purchasing a vehicle in a long time. I truly love the new design of the Forester and the panoramic moon roof is the best. I get the best gas mileage with this car, and I feel very safe in this car. I am sure that I will keep this car around for a very long time. I feel good about my purchase.

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  Engine went south at 5000 miles - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By PNSM - May 3 - 10:03 am

  I enjoyed the car until the engine stopped and left me stranded on the Interstate today. The Roadside Assistance feature works well, very efficient. I got good gas mileage. The AWD is wonderful especially in the rain. The interior is well designed but the radio is inferior - sound quality is just not there. The ride and comfort level were good. Reliability and faith in Subaru took a hit today after 5,000 miles of fun, I am without a vehicle. Not looking forward to the inconvenience of getting the car back - the nearest dealer is almost 100 miles away.

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  First Subaru "Love" the Sage Green - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - April 26 - 11:43 am

  Vehicle is only one week old, not sure how many miles will be put on during the first years travel. I am 68" had to wait for the 09 to get extra height. Love the head room even with the moonroof feature. Its mainly my wifes car. See all of you on the road.

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  First Subaru divorced Honda after 25 yrs - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Sam - April 9 - 10:03 pm

  After driving 2 CRVS (98 & 03) fo 10yrs. I was waiting for the Honda Element redesign, it looks like 2009 isnt the year. So I checked out the Scion XB not impressed. I saw one of these on the road and their TV commerical. Decided to check it out. Took a test drive and was sold. What a difference from driving CRVs. I had forgotten how much fun driving could be. My first AWD all I can say is wow