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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission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

• 

  My Wifes New Wheels - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By cachry - April 8 - 2:17 am

  I just finished researching small SUVs for my wife, and we settled on the Forester after looking at Honda CR-V. I believe we made the right choice, because the build quality seems to be about the same and reliability and resale value are also similar; but, the Forester provides a more comfortable ride and seating. To put it bluntly, the CR-V has austere seats, especially in the mid- and lower-range models. I would add that the Forester has amenities the CR-V does not, unless you buy the high-end model CR-V. It is true that the Forester is not as "pretty" as the CR-V, but my wife and I favor function over form so that dropped out immediately as a consideration. Best of all: She loves it!

• 

  Second Subie in 4 Months! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By htx3 - November 17 - 6:44 pm

  Awesome Car! Bought my wife a 2011 Forester Premium in July. Our first Subie. I loved it so much I went and bought a 2011 Forester for myself. Got the 2.5 X(base) 5 speed. I was a GM owner for a number of years. I am sold on Subaru! Solid reliable cars. I have no complaints!

• 

  Best SUV for the buck! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By Premium Forester - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I researched this purchase extensively. Its by far the best SUV for the $. Safety was my #1 priority. "Rear visibility" (a passive safety feature) is the best of any SUV on the market as is the drive-ability of this SUV (great turning radius). The new engine is great and the vehicle is affordable. The Premium w/All Weather Package is the best value (<$24k++). It packs all the most important and safety technology. It rides like a car and looks unique. Time will tell but so far it is proving to be a very wise purchase. I found each SUV I looked at had its pros / cons but in the final analysis of various data points it wasnt even close. I also get a lot of compliments on it.

• 

  Exactly what Im looking for - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By driver_365 - July 29 - 9:06 am

  Ive put 450 miles on this lovely 2.5X ltd. Everything looks great so far! Nimble handling. Nice exterior. Plenty of room. Comfortable leather seats. Blue tooth. USB port. the backup camera is a nice safety feature. What I like most is the new engine, which is a surprise. Being also a 07 outback owner, I had expected nothing more than a noisy and slow H4. But this one is totally different. The new design has made low speed acceleration quiet, smooth and effortless. Another highlight is the Yokohama tires. They work well on ice and snow. So, theres no need for snow tires. I expect many years of enjoyable and reliable ride in this car.

• 

  An honest Car! - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By clobrun - September 5 - 2:11 pm

  Before I bought my Forester 2.5XT, I did a lot of research and tried many vehicles of the same type. Driving the Subaru for the first time was an interesting experience. The vehicle did exactly what the maker said it would do. Nothing more, nothing less. There were no surprises. I love my Forester a whole lot. It is great on the road and has plenty of power. You are not overwhelmed by the gadgetry. It is plain but very efficient. It has everything I need. I feel secure in it. In all, it does not disappoint. It gives you exactly what it says it will give. An honest all around vehicle.

• 

  A Great Performance Bargain - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By vincenzo18 - July 9 - 7:36 pm

  The Subaru Forester has been a fantastic car. This car is very quick and can do a 0-60 sprint in just 7.5 seconds. The steering is very responsive, well waited, and stays absolutely flat during cornering. There is no need to get a reversing camera with this car because its got excellent visibility. If you decide to go with the Turbo you have an extreme need for speed, because the non-turbo is faster than most 6 cylinders. This car is a on road performer but does not disappoint in snow or ice. This car might not be the best cargo carrier, but if your looking for a wagon thats really fast and performance oriented there is no other car that will do it better.

• 

  First Subie and Immediately Happy With It - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By golfnpackers - November 2 - 4:40 pm

  Ive ridden in the Ford Escape - no. Test drove the Nissan Rogue - awful interior. Test drove the Honda CRV - pretty nice. Test drove a Subaru Forester - bingo! As soon as we got in, we were immediately impressed with the solid feel of this vehicle. Roominess was amazing, especially for my 61" husband is a big guy and has huge shoulders. He is completely happy with the spaciousness, leg room (which is 2" more than the CRV), and head room. It drives smoothly, corners well and has tight steering and turning radius. Had a Honda Civic, so kind of used to a quality drive, and the Forester doesnt disappoint. Also liked the Honda Civic, but we were attracted to the AWD in the Forester.

• 

  Subaru Symetrical AWD is Superior to FWD-AWD From Competitors - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By rockdoc8 - September 9 - 3:47 am

  I bought my 2011 Forester because of the Subaru Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. If you dont understand why Subaru Symmetrical AWD is different from on demand AWD systems then you are not going to appreciate the true beauty of the Forester. After 2 snow storms in 2 weeks I am a believer. This car is so well behaved! I base my opinions on being a previous owner of a CRV, Toyota Tacoma and an X-terra. The front seats could be a little larger but I am large 6’2” and find them comfortable for extended driving. The new engine is robust and provides adequate acceleration. 4-speed auto is not a issue. This is a drivers car due to good drivers visibility, seating position, and full time AWD.

• 

  Great purchase - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By nolabeck - July 21 - 10:11 am

  Have been looking at smaller SUV for the past two years. This one has one of the highest ratings, so it was the first one I went to test drive. After driving the Forester I didnt even bother to go test drive the CRV or the RAV4. It drove well, very comfortable, and bottom line it was love at first drive! Looking forward to driving my Forester for many years.

• 

  Great vehicle for tall people - 2011 Subaru Forester
  By sprivasky - April 24 - 9:18 pm

  This is my first time owning a Subaru and I am very pleased. I am 68" tall and could not be happier in this vehicle. The leg room and head room are fantastic, the ride is very comfortable, and the AWD feature is great. The exterior design is sharp and the interior design is simple. There is plenty of cargo room and the sun roof does not reduce the amount of headroom I have. The driver seat is very comfortable for long road trips and my passengers have commented on their comfortable seats. The Touring edition provides several key features that make it worth the extra money when compared to the Limited. Ive only driven it 2,000 plus miles, but absolutely love this vehicle.