Overview & Reviews

Changes are minimal for the 2008 Subaru Forester. Stability control is now standard on all turbocharged models equipped with an automatic transmission, and Subaru has shuffled the equipment among the Forester's many trim levels. One notable change is the L.L. Bean model's loss of its self-leveling rear suspension, which increased the pressure of the shock absorbers to compensate for heavy loads.

• Peppy base engine, seriously fast in turbocharged XT trim, carlike ride and handling, standard all-wheel drive, reassuring crash test scores.

• Scarce rear legroom, too much road and wind noise, automatic transmission is slow to downshift.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 34.00

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  Subaru Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By gerri - August 27 - 11:03 am

  I am so happy with my Forester. It is just as good as I expected it to be. Drives beautifully, albeit a bit noisy. It is a basic straightforward auto. No luxuries, just safety and a good old fashioned "able to see from all angles" car. Absolutely no blind spots... good for us height challenged souls. I adore my suv/car crossover. It fits my bill. My puppies also have plenty of room.

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  From Volvo XC70 to Subaru Forester - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Denver D - May 28 - 8:53 am

  Just let my 04 Volvo XC70 go off lease and picked up an 08 Forester and am very happy with the decision. Where I drove the Volvo, the Subaru I just drive; Im much more in tune with the road, and quite happy with less mass to maneuver (especially parallel parking). My daughter drove it yesterday and commented "Its like driving a go cart!" My wife is on her second of two Foresters, so I knew what I was getting. Hers have been the base model; I am SO glad I spent the extra $1500 on the Premium package. Shes already put dibs on the 08 when I move on in two years! Its a no nonsense, supremely competent runabout, with the carrying capacity of a small van.

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  Accelerator Problem - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Sylvia Lucy - April 8 - 5:13 pm

  There is one annoying problem that spoils the overall positive driving experience. The vehicle speeds up and slows down constantly while I try to hold a steady highway speed. The dealership ship says all the newer Foresters do that because of the computer settings. Subaru has made a flash program change computer settings for Imprezas that exhibited this problem but havent gotten around to make a fix for the 2008 and 2009 Forester. I would suggest waiting until they have this problem solved before buying one.

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  Great little SUV, most everything in one - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Rickshift - January 5 - 9:50 pm

  I have 500 miles on my new Forester, so far I love it! Good power, 25 MPG mixed driving before break-in period, quick & sure handling and that hill holder function is seamless when I use it. The clutch and shift are hands down the smoothest Ive ever driven, pleasant, easy manual to drive.The ride is comfy, heated seats are nice, the moon roof is awesome, stereo wth 6 CD is nice. The ride over washboard pavement is just a little hard but it floats over RR tracks with comfort and control and takes corners and clover leafs like a bear. Its an undercover sports car dressed up like a little SUV, winter ready. The PZEV rating is a nice plus for global non warming. Will rerate 5K,10K.

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  Subaru For Life!! - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Subaru For Life!! - June 16 - 8:23 am

  WOW My first AWD. Loving it more & more everyday. I am hooked on Subaru for life. I really dont know why I didnt look at Subaru earlier in life.

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  2nd Subaru Forester for Me - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Michele - October 14 - 2:30 am

  I really like the premium package. My first Forester did not have it. The premium package makes it feel like a luxury car, but the price I paid for it did not! Since the Forester has been around for several years, the familiar technology made me feel more comfortable knowing I wasnt buying a new model or redesigned model that may have had problems. The other car makes I considered before purchasing the Subaru had too many recalls. The Subaru is fun to drive.

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  I love my car - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By Audrey - August 2 - 11:50 pm

  My husband and I really love this car. It is the first Subaru weve owned, and well probably keep buying Subaru cars forever if they are like this one. Weve had it for 2 years, I love the turning radius on it (I can make u- turns on really narrow streets). Its easy to handle.

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  Great Car but get the Turbo - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By alan akselrad - April 9 - 3:10 am

  I have had some great cars, but, never one that was so perfect on all fronts. The turbo is great for city driving and fun on the highway. The car from 0-60 in 6 seconds/ and has great brakes. Btw-that speed is my old 1995 BMW M3 speed. The cost/ safety factor/ reliability is great. It had not let me down ever. And costs little to maintain. It has a really good sound system/ great visibility/ great on gas/ great on interior storage. I am never afraid of getting stuck in the snow.

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  Cant get this car any more; too bad - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By osvolant - January 8 - 6:10 pm

  I love the turbo engine. Getting 24 mpg routinely in suburban/highway driving. Leather seats in Limited trim very comfortable and main reason I didnt buy the Sport. Noisy at highway speeds. Very practical for light off-roading, trailer towing, hauling bikes, dogs, etc. with enough zip to make it fun (more sports car than SUV feel). Good in snow and mud, even towing trailer. Manual trans not available with turbo in 09- glad I got mine.

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  On my radar since 98 - 2008 Subaru Forester
  By B Noble - October 1 - 4:03 am

  Finally, my 95 manual VW Jetta got tired and I could finally get my dream car, that I first saw debuted in 98 at the NYC auto show. It fit me like a glove. Im (52") and the drivers seat can be raised significantly with a touch of a power lever. Last April when I went looking to buy, I almost had a heart attack when I realized that the design of the 09 was seriously changed (not for the better) and it was bigger I didnt need bigger. I went hunting and had to purchase MY 08 a state away to get the one I wanted. I now have 3,000 miles on it and get 26+ mpg avg. It rides like a dream and I love the style of the dash board above all other new cars (including the Forester 09s).