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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 81 through 90 of 217.00

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  First time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Martin - July 12 - 10:40 pm

  I switched from a Volvo V70 front wheel drive because I wanted the the advantages of AWD in snow and icy conditions. I had previously owned a Volkswagen Passat with AWD (same system at the time as Audi Quattro) and I considered getting an Audi Quattro station wagon, but the ground clearance was a limitation in deep snow. So far, after 11 000 km. very happy with this car. BUT: I live in Europe, bought the car with the new Boxer Diesel: 147 hp. 256 ft./lb. torque, 6 speed manual tranny and, absolutely no kidding: 43 mpg. highway mileage. Why dont you guys in the States demand to get in on the real action with this car?

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  One Year Past Now, Like It A Lot - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Linda - July 5 - 11:50 am

  Have had the XT for one year now, 14,000 miles, and like it a lot. Nothing has gone wrong. Ride comfort is excellent, very fun and nimble to drive, gas mileage OK at 22.2 overall. Would have liked a finer quality interior. I made the front seats comfortable with memory-foam seat cushions topped by sheepskin covers. Love the cargo space and visibility, turning circle, cornering ability, power. So far, so good!

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  You have a 5 Speed Auto Trans? - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By A4Maniac - May 11 - 9:00 pm

  To the guy who claims a 5 spd auto trans...bad news, your dealer lied to you. One of the well know (& documented) Forester complaints is the lack of an overdrive gear for the AT, mileage would noticeably improve on the highway instead of the 25 MPG that we get doing 75 MPH. And a 4spd auto with overdrive is same as a 5spd. Plus check the sportshift for that "5th" gear. Mid-year gearbox change is major effort and tough to see. Our review: this is our 2nd Sub & liked the Outback better. The Forester feels cheap even w/ the premium pkg; the improved mpg might not be worth giving up the space of a larger SUV; zero passing power.

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  A good purchase overall - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Blackjack72 - May 9 - 6:36 am

  Overall, I like this car. I considered buying a Forester a few years ago, but I couldnt get over the wagon-type exterior and small back seat. The 2009 Forester looks better and is bigger inside. I have almost 3,000 miles now and I enjoy the ride and the interior and exterior styling. I definitely love the moonroof. I am 64" and I have enough room in the drivers and rear seat. The major concern I have is the weak stereo. You have to turn the volume at least halfway to hear it, and even higher when listening to the iPod. I havent encountered any snow yet here in New England, but if this car is as good as my previous Legacy, Ill be happy. Mileage is good for an AWD vehicle.

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  Forester 2.5X AWP Premium VDC - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By tanabeusa - April 16 - 3:00 pm

  Heres my run down of why I chose Forester over CR-V, Rav4, Escape, Tribute: PROs: 1. Unique-not many on the road 2. Drive and handling was slightly better but not by much 3. Boxer Engine Design & Lower COG 4. Drivers Visibility from inside car 5. Symmetry AWD 6. Friendly sales staff CONs: 1. Inferior Interior, Radio, switches & knobs, all too low tech 2. Scary to hear engine blows out (hope it doesnt happen to me) 3. 4 Gear auto Transmission 4. Mileage 5. no Xenon Headlamp, LED 6. Navi too expensive

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  Good mpg, Good everything. - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By wes - April 14 - 2:50 am

  Went to the Subaru dealership to test-drive an Impreza. Left with a 2009 Forester. After purchasing and then reading reviews, I was leery of mpg. Today, I averaged 27mpg. How can you complain about that with an SUV? Solid vehicle all around.

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  Should have kept my 05 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By MCHaley - March 4 - 3:13 am

  This is the fourth Subaru I have bought and I have loved all of them except for this one. Where do I begin?? Well for starters the interior rattles like a bucket of bolts, I took it back at around 10 K because the exhaust center pipe had a faulty weld. Got that fixed and two weeks later the transmission (manual) started making a noise. It turns out that it was machined wrong where the driveshaft meets the tranny and it needed a whole new unit. I just got it back two days ago now it sounds like the passenger CV joint is clicking when I turn right. This car is absolute garbage!!! I wish I would have kept my 05 Forester!!!!

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  Mostly Pleased - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By roscoe - February 28 - 10:50 am

  I have had Subarus in the past. Test drove the cheaper model and interior was very sparse and seats uncomfortable. Went with the X limited with upgrade package and leather. Have about 1K miles on it and gas mileage is only between 18-19 mpg. Hope this will improve as car breaks in. Drove vehicle in a few recent snowfalls, and car handled great with exc. traction. Got Subaru remote start system as an dealer option, first unit was defective, took dealer a week to get replaced, works fine now. Seat heaters work great, but controls are in an awkward spot. Why no telescoping wheel or compass standard on limited? Overall pleased with car and value.

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  Everything I was looking for - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By redherring1 - February 5 - 6:23 pm

  Have had my XT Limited for almost a month and couldnt be happier with it; Im 64" and was having trouble finding a small SUV that fit--RAV4 wasnt even close (knees jammed into the dash), CRV was tight on the right knee (and Ive owned the 2 previous generation CRVs that were fine in that respect) and too slow; drivers seat in the Acura RDX was ok, but the passenger seat didnt go back as far and again jammed my knees into the dash--Im not going to buy a car I cant ride in as a passenger. The Forester has cavernous headroom, plenty of legroom, a better designed and more useful cargo area than the CRV, and is quicker, cheaper and has a much more comfortable ride than the RDX.

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  Could be better - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By soulcougher73 - January 3 - 2:50 am

  Ive had my Forester for a year and half now. Overall i like the car. It looks great but there are a few nagging annoyances. The ride can be a bit harsh. This could be due to the OEM tires. Lot of door and dash rattles. Fuel economy is avg at best. I avg 21mpg with about 80% city/20% highway. Stereo and speakers are very weak as well.