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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission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 1 through 10 of 55.00

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  Bang for the buck - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Java2 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I test drove 2010 Forester (and CR-V) after a great deal of research. The ride quality and handling was better on Forester. It offered features I needed and was within my price range. But, I decided to wait for the 2011 model since it was going to have additional torque (174 pound feet compared to 170), slightly better mileage, and standard bluetooth. I recently purchased the 2011 Forester Premium (Automatic with all-weather package and Tom Tom navigation). The ride is excellent and handling is superior (it hugs the tight corners very well). It has great cost/benefit - loads of features (huge moonroof, heated front seats, power driver seat, ample cargo space, bluetooth, USB, etc).

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  Very noisy engine - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By olt1892 - March 17 - 5:59 am

  Replaced a 10-year old Forester with a 2011 Limited. The new Forester engine is actually noiser than the old Forester I am replacing. Power is good when you are just following the traffic flow, not trying to overtake everyone. Bluetooth is a welcome feature. It is easy to pair the phone and program the speed dial. One thing is you must use voice recognition to operate the phone when the car is moving. That is, pressing the speed dial (1,2,...,6) key will not work when the car is moving. take everyone. Bluetooth is standard feature in Limited (also in Premium?)

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  Love it, fun to drive, but some problems - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pip3 - December 17 - 9:16 am

  We love our Forester, for the most part. It is the perfect size. I dont have to sink down to get in and better yet, dont have to yank myself high up to climb into it. Driving it is fun, very responsive and great turning radius. Visibility is excellent and parking is easy. However, we have 2 strong complaints and a minor one. First, the radio is terrible! The fm sounds like hollow am radio. Next, the passenger seat is highly uncomfortable, non adjustable, and sunk down so low its hard to see over the dash. The minor complaint is storage. Glove box is tiny, cup holders are square and bottles routinely fall over. In-door cupholders are also flawed.

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  Terrific Small SUV - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pf03bob - October 4 - 1:34 pm

  Great design. Spacious cabin. Terrific handling and visibility. Good gas mileage, average 23 mpg around town. Seats ok for daily driving but need more support when driving long distances. Ground clearance and 4 wheel drive provide added safety in heavy down pours. Havent driven in snow. Subaru engineers did a great job designing a practical vehicle at a reasonable price.

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  Nice overall package - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By naomispilot - July 30 - 12:35 am

  After test drives of the competition, the ride in this SUV was the best. Steering is good, and handling is responsive. The tilt/telescope wheel and power seat make it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. Its been good in the snow so far. I installed aftermarket mud flaps, a good choice. Paint is a little soft/scratches easily. Engine is responsive, a little noisy but revs smoothly. Gear shift is notchy but tolerable and fine when you get used to it. The things I dont like about it, I decided at the test drive I could live with. No complaints on those things. The interior is well assembled, some materials are on the cheap side.

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  Drove it 50,000 miles, Absolutely Reliable! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By xira1 - April 17 - 8:51 am

  I just turned in my XT after 3-year lease was up. It never burned a drop of oil between changes and nothing (other than gas door lever) broke. It was 100% reliable through hard use, on and off-road, hauling bikes, kayaks etc. It was truly my trusted friend, and very fun to drive fast on mountain roads because of the precise, communicative steering. The turbo was powerful. Got a very good lease price, and when I turned it in, the car was worth more than the residual value, so I got a $1700 credit toward another vehicle.

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  Good Value for AWD - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Chris - November 12 - 2:00 am

  We’ve had a 2011 Forester 2.5X for about a month and are very pleased. The only fault we’ve found is that there is more road noise than we’re used to. Ride is smooth and feels solid. It has plenty of power while getting slightly better than 30 mpg on the highway. The 5 speed manual shifts smoothly, although it feels like it could use a sixth gear. The rear seats fold flat, giving tons of cargo space with built-in hooks galore. Love the audio jack in the center console for the iPod, although the console itself is too far back. Under the hood, all fluids you need to be concerned with are clearly marked and the oil filter is right up front on the topside. Can’t wait to try it in the snow!

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  Great Little Stationwagon - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Ernie - February 22 - 2:00 am

  After much research and checking out competitors vehicles, my wife and I settled on the Forester. We liked the styling and comfort. Living in the California foothills and mountains we wanted all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. Being a 4 cylinder, I thought it was a little underpowered, but after three months of ownership, we are both convinced, this car needs a 6 speed automatic to perform and keep up with traffic, especially in the hills. Being promoted as an outdoor vehicle for use in the hills, it seems funny most cars have a 6 speed automatic and Subaru has a 4 speed that was common in the 70s. Keeping the engine rpm in the higher ranges would make this car stellar. A good car.

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  A great Value but by no means perfect. . . - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By kghofsf - January 31 - 8:35 am

  I recently bought a Pearl Blue 2.5X Limited Forester. I was looking for a smaller Crossover that was rugged enough to handle some relatively sketchy gravel / dirt roads on the way to the back-country, but was not completely out of place in an Urban environment. I also didnt want to spend 40K+ either. After returning from a 2500 mile road trip to the Tucson AZ area I can confirm that the Forester essentially fulfills its twin goals of being both tough enough for the desert and civilized enough for everyday driving. It is Not, however, a luxury car (see the Volvo XC60) nor is it a Performance car. As such people with long daily commutes might want to look elsewhere.

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  Good car for slippery road but rattles - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By pvp5 - January 18 - 7:06 pm

  I have been driving this car since November 2010, and I have mixed feelings about this car. On the good side, it has handled very well from last winter (heavy snow, ice and rain) with winter tires and AWD drive. Also, I have total 360 degree view for turning and backing up without needing a rear view camera. I also love the tight turning capability (useful for U-turn and tight parking spaces). The bad side is Subarus failure of attention of details, particularly the moon roof, and driver seat. The moon roof rattles --particularly the build-in wind visor--when it is closed. This has annoyed me very much. Also, the driver seat is hard and so very uncomfortable for long drive.