Overview & Reviews

Forester's engine makes more torque and the automatic transmission has been improved. L and S models have longer lists of standard equipment and two new colors are available.

• Handles like a car. Accelerates like a car. Rides like a car.

• Travels off-road like a car.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 51.00

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  High Miles - a real workhorse - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Chuck - November 21 - 11:33 pm

  I put on 324,000 miles on my 99 Forester and finally have a problem with the transmission. Did a valve job about 290,000 miles. Replacement engines were hard to find. Had some more minor problems along the way but taken care of okay. I would like to replace the transmission but they may also not be easy to find or be reasonable enough.

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  Great car, whats up with the engine? - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Clint - June 10 - 4:46 am

  I love my Forester. I searched far and wide ending on eBay for one with the right price and look, but the engine was a disaster just waiting to occur. I could hear some kind of rod knock but all the dealerships said it could run for another 100K. 10K later the car was at 115K and it cost $4400 to get a new engine. Now its in good shape. It still only gets 20mpg compared to 27 by rating, but all the girls love it!

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  AXLE LEAKING WHAT IS THAT? - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By apstoreca - October 14 - 10:00 am

  service is good if you can get it in the bay. the cloth on the headrest keeps popping and subarau unwilling to fix it in a timely fashion or well.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By Mike1983 - September 6 - 2:03 pm

  The Forester is a very well built car. Its very well designed, inside and out. It runs very smoothly and quietly even with 100k+ miles. Very good sound reduction inside the vehicle. Handles great, feels very solid. Neat gadgets like heated outside mirrors, windshield wipers, and rear quarter windows.

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  Darn wheel bearings - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By BillMopar - July 19 - 11:30 am

  I love the car, had it since 1999, but I have replaced the wheel bearings six times now. Sometime the car will not engage into drive from park. That normally happens every 30 thousand miles. How I correct this problem is by changing trans. fluid and filter.

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  240K Great car - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By John - May 4 - 5:16 am

  Bought ours used with 90k. After normal maintenance (Battery, 1 CV joint, brakes) and another 140K it is at its end. Engine seal leak, transmission is slipping. Has been a great car for hauling 4 dogs to park, great in the snow and rain.

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  2nd Subaru - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By coyoteboy - March 20 - 10:02 pm

  This was second Subaru, bought 4yrs ago with 85k now has 150k on it. Dependable car great in Ct. snow storms. Headgaskets, timing belts at 104k. for $1500..Now at 150k, clutch catalytic converter, and filler pipe to gas tank at $2000 for all. No one talks about the filler tube replacement they are plagued with, all Subarus. Our 1999 legacy Gt, My wife loved it, replaced the filler tube at 110k. She was hit head on, not a scratch. Replaced it with 98 Legacy Gt, Puuu, brakes completely went. Was due for emissions engine light came on, Filler tube. 3 out 3 no way. Last Subaru, shame , Forester is our last Subaru but is expensive to repair. Might as well own a Volvo. Its a Japanes Volvo.

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  So many problems - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By nosubaru4me - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car brand new, our first new car after 20 years of marriage and what a disappointment! Speedometer quit at 10,000mi, it threw a wheel bearing, had a transaxle leak and always smelled of sulphur. The last straw was when the combo switch (turn signal/lights) went out on it in the dark on the freeway. Traded it in on a 2000 Honda CRV, what a difference!

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  Not-so-great - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By dvnguyen - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Started to experience minor problems when the car reached 30,000 miles mark. The interior faded significantly, engine ran rough etc.... But the most annoying thing was the failure of the rear wheel bearing. Turned out this is the common problem for this model year. Subaru started to use Legacy bearing to correct the problem; however, it refused, thus far, to admit that it is a design flaw.

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  LOVE my Forester! - 1999 Subaru Forester
  By problemcat13 - September 18 - 11:43 am

  I LOVE my Forester! I put 15k miles a year on it, and I drive it hard! 5 speed and the engine pulls great. I had one problem, the headgasket, but it was covered under the service bulletin/warranty to 100k. I currently have 112k miles and this car is great. I really enjoy it. Reliable, fun, but maybe a little small for a family of four. Stereo/tape was lousy, I replaced it with an OEM 6-CD changer from a Subaru WRX for $100. MPG: if I drive hard (wide open throttle) I get 21.4, if I set cruise at the speed limit, 28.4. AWD uses more gas but is a blast to drive spirited! We miss our other Subaru (95 Legacy) and plan to purchase another when we can. Im so glad I got this vehicle.