Overview & Reviews

For 2011, Subaru Forester 2.5X models have a revised 2.5-liter engine that boosts torque and fuel economy slightly. The 2.5XT Limited trim has been dropped and a couple of new trim levels have been added: the 2.5X Touring and the 2.5XT Touring, positioned above the Limited trim. Several trims get improved audio features, while the 2.5X Premium gets a new optional TomTom navigation system. An eight-way power driver seat (with power-adjustable lumbar support) is now standard on the 2.5XT Premium, and Bluetooth is now standard on all Foresters except the 2.5X.

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Roomy cabin with ample cargo space
• Comfortable ride
• Strong turbocharged engine on XT trims.

• Unimpressive fit and finish.
• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 55.00

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  Excessive Oil Consumption destroys all value - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By sadsubaru - June 20 - 7:34 pm

  Let me begin by saying I own three Subarus and I used to love the company. However there is a defect in many 2011 to 2014 Forester engines. The defect cause them to consume massive amounts of the 0W20 oil the specs require. The problem is so bad a class action law suit has been filed. Google this story subaru-excess-oil-consumption-problem-may-lead-to-engine-failure-lawsuit My car has the defect and Subaru refuses to take full responsibility. I cant sell it to anyone in good faith and so Im stuck pouring hundred of dollars of oil into it every year. My Subaru dealer quoted $5000 to fix the defect. It is an invisible problem, so buyer beware.

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  Buy the Turbo - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By xttouring11 - March 31 - 4:14 am

  The Forester is a practical, reliable, and versatile vehicle. The only problem is that it uses a 170hp engine to power a relatively large vehicle. So, if you are planning on buying one I recommend you buy the turbo charged XT. this will power you up hills with no trouble. The storage space is great, and the panoramic moon roof is incredible.

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  Youll need lots of oil - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Joe Krownen Jr. - November 21 - 9:27 pm

  Bought our 2011 forester new. On a long drive in 2014, we heard a ticking sound in the engine. Once home, took it to the dealer. Dealer said it was very low on oil, so they replaced filter and topped it off. We took another long drive and the ticking returned. I had to add three qts of oil. Since that time, it seems I have to check the oil every 1,500 to 2,000 miles and will need to add a quart. The break-in procedures were followed and oil service was accomplished on schedule. All service was performed by the dealer the first two years or so (long drive). We smell burning oil in the garage. There is no oil on the ground or engine. Not sure exactly when it started, but it seems to be getting

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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By climaxbrew - November 20 - 1:18 am

  wife and I bought this car for our 20th anniversary. We bought it based on consumer reports and the companies image of being safe and reliable. It turns out that this is all hype and BS as this is the worst piece of junk I have ever bought. This car went through oil like crazy. Every 500-1000 miles I had to put 3-4 quarts of oil in. I diligently did this as Subaru tells you that it is normal to burn 1-2 quarts per 1000 miles. The end result was a blown motor on a 3 year old car. Told Subaru america about the problem and they offered no help whatsoever. We had to put a used motor in the car at a cost of over $4000 as a rebuild of the motor would have cost $7000. Beware people.This car is JUNK

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  Very Good Overall Package - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By premx11 - May 26 - 12:10 pm

  This is a very good overall package and an excellent value. Car is very sure-footed in rain and snow. Has comfortable ride and seats. Excellent visibility, has responsive brakes, steering, highly maneuverable, great sun roof - helps cool car quickly, responsive engine - a bit noisy on cold start, but smooth and quiet thereafter, excellent hauling capacity with rear seats folded, 4-speed AT is a bit antiquated, but shifts smoothly and is responsive. Integrated TomTom GPS & w/audio/video takes some time to figure out, but is not hard to use thereafter once you understand the controls. Mileage between 16 mpg in cold, city driving, & up to 29 mpg on the highway, w/overall ave. of 21.5 so far.

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  great car - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By aucat - May 15 - 2:15 am

  I have had this car now for six months and am thrilled with it. I previously had a 2006 Outback, and this 2011 Forester has more interior room and gets even better mileage than the Outback did. I consistently get 32 mpg and have gotten as high as 35 mpg. I attribute this to the manual transmission. This is amazing since it is full time AWD. I live in Montana so this is absolutely necessary. I tried to seriously consider other brands, especially those by Chevy and Ford, however, I could not get within several thousand. The Nissan Rougue has come out with a similar price since I bought the Forester. I try to buy American when I can, but I just couldnt find a competing model.

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  Mixed feelings - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By brucee2 - April 23 - 8:18 pm

  Have had my Forester for 13 months, 42,000 km. (26,000 miles). Quite happy with the ride, handling, steering, brakes & overall design. Of course, the AWD is great. What is totally unacceptable for me is the drivers seat comfort. (unfortunately, a 20 or 30 minute test drive when buying a car does not expose this problem). I realize we are all built differently, but for my 5 7" body, it just doesnt work. Headed for Florida a couple of weeks ago & had to turn back in South Carolina because of severe back pain. Will never attempt a long trlip in this vehicle again. No matter how good a vehicle is, if you cant be comfortable in the drivers seat, it is a lost cause.

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  Pleased but with soem reservations... - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pa_mama - January 10 - 12:47 am

  Our main issue with our new Forester is the distinct side to side sway (floating) we see on the highway. It isnt so noticeable at lower speeds and/or winding roads. Has anyone else observed/felt this problem? I have read of sway bar and sway bar link issues in Outbacks. I wonder if there are any with the Forester. Also, I agree with the one reviewer about seat comfort. We have the heated leather seats with the lumber support and multi position driver seat adjustment but I find that after driving for any length of time my right hip and back are quite sore. I dont have any problem when sitting in the passenger seat. Also, placement of passenger assist handle above the door is odd.

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  Is Subaru slipping? - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By ipa_girl - October 10 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 4th Forester, the first one used, the rest bought new. Ive had it 12 months and have about 18K miles on it. Overall, the car is fine but Ive had problems with little plastic parts falling off left and right. The inside gas lever, the pegs that are supposed to hold the cargo net (fixed 3x), and on and on. This never happened with any of my older models. They just replaced a recalled part of the childs seatbelt that retracts into the ceiling. Not twenty minutes after driving off the lot, a piece of plastic fell out of it.

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  Wanted To Love It, Be We Are Just Friends - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By vvla - September 19 - 6:27 am

  My impressions so far at 5K miles is a mixed bag. The Forester XT is great for family trips with enough comfort and room for kids and stuff. The XT has good power and dynamic handling thanks in part to the AWD that sometimes makes things boring. The interior is nice with some good features and is comfortable and reasonably quite. The price is also reasonable. But make no mistake about it, the 4sp auto is this car’s big downfall that accounts for poor gas mileage (I’m getting 17.7mpg mostly city) and jerky shifting.