Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Subaru Forester now comes with a standard height-adjustable passenger seat and a new optional navigation system with added functionality.

• 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• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission dulls fuel economy and acceleration

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 22.00

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  Starting Issues - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By raf1801 - June 8 - 10:46 am

  Random starting issues at 5000 miles. Dealership cant duplicate the problem so the issue remains unsolved. Am afraid to drive this vehicle very far anymore.Am afraid of being stranded . Vehicle is also reluctant to start when the temps get below freezing. The owners manual gives instructions how to try to start the vehicle if these random starting issues occur. I wonder sometimes if they knew in advance these problems might occur with this type of vehicle. Therefore the need to put these instructions in the manual.If had known in advance about these problems I never would of bought this car. Im stuck for now with a car I hate and am afraid to drive very far if it even starts. Buyer beware

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  2012 subura forester - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By sewkraz - February 27 - 10:17 am

  drives well and is comfortable. what is not nice is the high pitched wind noise coming from the roof with the wind that sound s like your heat is on full blast above your head. The suv whines on acceleration.

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  Do not buy this car - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By starfool - January 26 - 7:57 pm

  I bought my 2012 Forester about a year and a half ago. It started to have starting issues about 3 months ago. It wont start right away, sometimes it takes a few tries holding the key for about 10 seconds. I took it to North End Subaru and they tried a few things that didn’t work, and then told me it is normal. I then took it to Prime Subaru. They couldnt find anything wrong but gave me a few tips to try. They didnt work, I called back, they also told me that the problem is normal. It does always start eventually, but it just doesn’t seem normal to me. I have read reviews of people who have had similar problems for both the 2012 & 2013 models.

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  Stay Away - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By james249 - June 29 - 2:13 am

  Basically 2 big problems: 1. Hwy mileage is no where near advertised, even when using cruise control. 2. Radio only works when not moving BY DESIGN

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  GReat Value - Best AWD design - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By pez11 - February 7 - 9:59 am

  Love my new Forester. I always wanted an Outback or Forester and finally pulled the trigger in March. Great handling and performance for a sport utility vehicle. Interior is a little plain and lacks the extra bells and whistles that come with the competition, but it makes up for that in cargo room, road feel, engine performance, and reliability. If you are not use to the sound of a boxer engine, it may seem a bit load when the RPMS get above 3500, but this engine produces less vibration and balance. The AWD system is what stands out above the crowd. This system is designed to perform off road, not just in snow. Just look on youtube for comparisons on off road performance vs the competition.

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  Intrusive Seat belt chime - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By moi12 - December 23 - 12:40 am

  This is my partners car and they are enjoying it VERY much. However, Im glad Im not the one driving it, because of the stupid seat belt chime - see below.....

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  A Fine SUV Choice - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By mr_ruez - September 20 - 10:04 am

  When it comes to finding a small AWD wagon with a sunroof and manual transmission, there are only two choices. One is the Jeep Patriot, but that car had some quality control issues that Im not sure were overcome, plus it looks like a toaster on wheels. The Forester fits the bill - not too fancy, not too plain, just right! There is plenty of room for full sized people. The black fabric on the seats and doors has subtle copper colored accents that add a nice look. You get easy entry and exit due to the large doors and seat height. Once behind the wheel it drives sporty with very few blind spots, and the huge sunroof brings in the great outdoors!

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  2 Foresters in the garage - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By superblue - May 25 - 12:30 am

  4yr ownership of 2008 version sold us. Its price is nice, not the most technically advanced in the segment. Nice ride, spacious great, for a small family that requires wagon utility, that can handle rough weather, is reliable, and safe. We got the alloy wheel-package.

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  Dont carry your family in this SUV - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By rpanek - January 15 - 1:21 am

  Very unstable SUV when you carry more than two people including yourself. Sways on every turn with speed over 50mph like is ready to overturn. Looks like Corporate Subaru of America dont care about safety of car owners and passengers by dismissing open cases about car safety and works with World Government and Banks on decreasing population. Downshift on sudden acceleration (when you try to pass other car on the freeway) goes a way to low making engine reaching 5K rpm. Has very low quality sound system. Interior finishing quality - less than any other car or SUV, need a lot of improvements.

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  Second Forester is a Charm - 2012 Subaru Forester
  By majort - March 24 - 12:17 am

  Just traded my 05 Forester 2.5X auto for a 2012 2.5X Premium and what a great, positive improvement. The low entry of the 05 was difficult for me but the new ones higher stance, bigger doors and higher (power) seat make entry/exit much easier for this senior driver. The power seat provides a variety of very comfortable positions. Love the all weather package; up here in Alaska the heated seats, side mirrors and windshield wipers make 6 months of winter a little easier to take. I appreciate the framed windows after the 05s frameless mess. Much quieter and tighter feeling all around. Very happy choice.