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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.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 1 through 10 of 217.00

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  09 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Brian - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I really like the looks, utility and AWD nature of this vehicle, although Im disappointed with some key issues Ive had with rattles which started popping up a few weeks after purchase. Dont buy the iPod adapter, not worth the $$$.

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  Fun for the whole Family - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Herzart - August 12 - 5:23 am

  Traded in our 2005 Liberty and took a chance on Subaru Forester. Great room and space for me and my family and seems to have more room than the Liberty in some spots. Ride is comfortable. Steering and acceleration is quick and sporty. Test drove many compact SUVs. CRV was weak, Rav 4 was noisy and the Forester seemed to be the right fit and finish and less expensive. Panoramic moonroof in compact SUV! Only one in its class to offer it. My wife loves the drive.

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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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  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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  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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  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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  Great Car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Seattle - February 28 - 8:03 am

  As a whole this is a great car. Family of 4. Went from a van to this car and are happy with the room and comfort. What I really like is the exceptional handling, gas mileage and vision available on the 09 Forrester. A big change from the Dodge Van. We currently have a lot of snow in Seattle and I can say this is the best car Ive ever driven in the snow.. it goes anywhere with no issues. My only issues with this car are the stereo. Its cheap and sounds terrible. Looked to replace it which is close to impossible. If you want a good stereo bargain with the dealership before you buy it. Second, it rattles excessively.. makes it sound cheap and is irritating.

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  Best choice - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Steeler fan - February 18 - 6:20 am

  Compared Forester to Rav4, Escape, Rogue. Glad I picked it. Have driven 1,000 miles so far. Ride is comfortable, visibility is great, fuel economy is great. Averaging 25 - 27 mpg in combo city, back roads, highway. No rattles, problems with cup holders or PZEV noise like other reviewers mentioned. Havent had snow usage yet, but based on the other Subarus Ive had - Im sure it will be great. In my opinion, the Forester is the best value in a small/medium SUV for interior space, fuel economy, price, comfort.

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  Its always something new...... - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By photosbymatt - January 23 - 11:50 pm

  From purchase at 117,000 miles to now at 134,000 miles, this Forester has needed: Oxygen sensor, new catalytic converters, re-wired transmission speed sensor, two sets of head gaskets (six months apart), timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and rear pads & rotors. The transmission in this Forester is jerky & extremely rough. I have records from the previous owner, and it was babied and taken care of very well. I maintain this car as well as I can, and I just hope that it will last another five years. The engine pings horribly while running up through the gears. Detonating or "pinging" is absolutely horrible for an engine, yet Subaru claims that this is normal. I love Subarus, but wow.......