Overview & Reviews

The 2010 Subaru Forester gets mild equipment changes. Last year's Premium package is now considered a trim level and additionally includes a standard power driver seat. The L.L. Bean Edition trim level is no more, though it was actually discontinued midway through last year. The optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth connectivity.

• Standard all-wheel drive, roomy cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines, excellent safety scores.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, so-so fit and finish.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 146.00

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  Mediocratic Platform - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Subesation - July 23 - 1:53 am

  For a 2010 model SUV, this vehicle is lacking some basic features other vehicles in its class have. Comfortable driving position is one. The driver position is awkward with all the plastic parts sticking out reaking havoc on leg pain. Blue-tooth, the horrible sound system even with the circle sound on and the lack of auto on headlights. I enjoy the quality the subaru brand projects and thus far reliability is number 1. I have yet to get over 23 MPG even driving highway everyday. If your wanting to buy this vehicle its offroad ability is great, but the luxury interior is just not there! I dont have any rattling but considering the forester is mostly plastics I know its coming.

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  General observations - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Bertram R. Eisner - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I am 84 years old and have been driving for 60 years. This Forester; 1. overall a plain car for $25,000 2. Bad gas cap place;near bottom of car 3. backing up is not smooth.Bad. 4. Heating and air poor. 5. Dashboard bare;cannot see clock or temperature because no contrast; poor colors used. 6. no light in glove box. 7. Cargo door is not well planned;clumsy to use. 8.Rear view mirrors block view; and not heated. Overall not a good choice. I made a mistake. There other short comings but no sense in going on.

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  Great Small SUV but Far From Perfect - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Craig - September 18 - 5:40 pm

  This is my second Forester in the last 2 years. I traded in my first one after a year and a half because the X model (4 cylinder) did not have enough power for me. I upgraded to an XT turbo which is more my speed. If you are looking for any performance this is the way to go. I stayed with Subaru because they gave me a great trade in price. The XT in black suits my lifestyle, sporty & practical. The forester is great for active individuals & small families. It is an easy commuter, great visibility, easy to drive & park but it does need some improvements. The engine & transmission seem well built but the interior plastics are cheap, not the perceived Subaru ruggedness I was looking for.

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  Only had it for two weeks - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Tall in midwest - September 18 - 9:43 am

  I bought the non-turbo limited; engine is satisfactory, my second Subaru, wanted the all wheel drive and legendary control on iffy roads. I needed all the extra legroom, the Subaru has 43.1, compared to 42.3 for CRV and 41.7 for Rav4. HOWEVER, the non-turbo model does not come with a telescoping steering wheel! This is crazy, because you cannot take full advantage of all the front legroom without a telescoping wheel, since if you do you wont be able to reach the wheel! I suppose its ok if youre an orangutan but normal humans, no way. Inexplicable, really, since the Turbo models come with it. Arm rest too far back, too low, and too hard. Mediocre sound system, even with 6CD changer.

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  Smooth but rattles - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Subie2010 - May 3 - 1:30 pm

  The Forester 2.5X base model is a good value and is a decent and quiet AWD wagon on the road. I upgraded the base model with leather and installed my own hood protector, mud guards, and bumper guard. Im still breaking in the engine at < 800 miles so mileage is all over, between 22 and 28 mpg. I owned a 2001 Forester S (loved that Subie) and changed to my 2.5X. The jury is still out as I need more time behind the wheel. The annoying and loud rattles in the rear of the vehicle is putting a damper on what should be an enjoyable driving experience with this Subaru. Some loading on the floor seem to quiet the rattles a little. Ill have the dealer try to fix the rattles next week.

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  So far so good - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Hammerhead - June 30 - 3:20 am

  My wife and I are "heavyweights" so we appreciate extra leg and hip room. The Forester has plenty for us. I like the peppy power train and tight turning radius. Its like driving a go-kart. More power than I expected from a 4 cylinder 170 HP engine. I think the fuel economy is great, Weve gotten 33 mpg on the highway and up to 24 mpg in the city. That far exceeds the 22 mpg EPA estimate on the sticker. I believe that a 6-speed auto transmission would help increase the gas mileage even more. We have the "Limited" edition which has the upgraded interior, but the interior seems a bit cheap and thin plastic is abundant.

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  Ohio Subie - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By zhto - April 10 - 11:26 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Forester XT Prem. Still breaking it in so not driving it hard. So far, completely impressed with the handling, and comfort, and "kick". Great amount of space. Love the option to recline rear seats an extra few degrees for passengers on long trips. Purposely did not purchase the Limited because I did not need the extra bells and whistles. However, great price for the product. iPhone aux in arm rest space is wonderful. Huge moon roof. Actually looking forward to winters and hard rains. Just became a Subie die hard. Felt it did need 5 speeds for the auto shift rather than 4. Im certain Ill still be able to smoke some other drivers with the turbo.

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  First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By TJK - March 7 - 2:33 pm

  Had the car for a month now. The whole family enjoys driving it. Handles well, very responsive in steering and power for a 4. AC works very well. Thought I would feel "overwhelmed" by the size after a sedan all these yrs but feel comfortable driving. all in all, so far... very happy with the vehicle. We tend to keep our cars until they die so if it lasts as long as the Jetta - 14 yrs-frame rusted out but still runs like a champ - I will be happy. However today, started to smell gas, really strong. Dont know what that is about but quite concerned. called dealer but was after hours. hopefully will talk with them tomorrow.

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  Good car, cheap interior - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By Hans - February 7 - 5:00 am

  I owned an 03 XS Premium, which I traded for the 10. I love the added room and new exterior styling. Things lost from the 03 - the handling is less nimble and more boat-like, there is less usable cabin storage space, the radio is not as good, the cabin fit and finishes are not nearly as nice as before, and the red display lights and small lettering for the steering wheel, radio and fan/heat/ac controls are annoying and hard to read (dont designers know that red is irritating??). I will keep this car for a long time; I just wish Subaru didnt cut so many corners on the interior.

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  Truly A Practical SUV - 2010 Subaru Forester
  By dave128 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Im 65" and fit rather nicely with the seat lowered fully. Pre-2009 models were not as roomy. I actually fit in the back seat fairly well. More comfortable than my 07 Accord. Visibility is great. Averaging 22 mpg the first week. The interior is very functional. The AC is definitely NOT weak. I drive in a rather hilly region and the Forester handles the roads with ease. Turbo would have been real overkill (as well as a higher insurance premium).