Overview & Reviews

Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.

• Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.

• Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 217.00

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  Two years to decide - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By djones - December 26 - 4:46 am

  We compared the CRV, Rav4, and Torrent. Subaru was in 3rd place until 2009s redesign. After checking out the available features, it was our top choice. It was the best car for my wife in terms of entering and exiting. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. Drives great. Average 26 mpg, only 1000 miles so far. The climate control system is great, set it and forget it. This is our first AWD car and our first Subaru, but Im sold. It drives like a car. There is plenty of space, and according to friends who rode in the back seat, we made the right choice. We have had a number of compliments on the car since we purchased it. It was the right choice for us.

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  Excellent Utility Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Jeff - December 25 - 2:03 pm

  Ever shrinking budgets for clearing winter roads convinced me I needed an AWD vehicle. Was looking for something with good gas mileage, AWD, large cargo capability, and smooth ride. The Forester does all these things very well. All weather package is nice for us Michigan folks. Heated wipers, mirrors, and seats plus all weather mats came in handy already this year. Planning many road trips this summer. Forester has very smooth ride on rough and/or dirt roads. Huge moonroof is nice as is the reclining rear seats. Rear seats pop down very easily. Fuel economy has been good at around 25mpg, mostly city. Gets close to 28 on highway. Not super flashy or fast but so far, I love it!

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  Second Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Suzanne - December 4 - 9:56 am

  I Loved my 2005 Subaru Legacy Sedan, but after my son totalled it (oops) I knew I wanted a second Subaru. Spending more than I ever expected, I purchased the L.L. Bean edition 2009 Forester. I do love the car, but have three concerns. The plastic panel which covers the radio is not clear. It makes the numbers sl. blurry. Also, and of greater concern is that I experience a slight sideways motion when going over bumps. Will contact the dealer. Gas mileage not as good as I hoped for. 22.2 mpg. Sounds like I dont like my new car, but I love the reliability of Subaru. Its a beautiful car. As impressive on the outside as a Lexus.

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  so far disappointed - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By me2 - November 13 - 12:13 am

  If you are short (53") you may have trouble with the brake pedal - its very soft and high, and if you try to rest your foot on it (like us shorties have to), it starts to brake immediately - very hard on your legs! And just 2600 miles on it, on a long road trip, the cruise control just stopped working, the "cruise control" warning light started blinking, the "traction control OFF" light came on, and the "check engine light" came on - cant bring in until next week - heaven knows what is going on - still had 300 miles to get home with car loaded with kids and gear.

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  09 Forester - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Brian - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I really like the looks, utility and AWD nature of this vehicle, although Im disappointed with some key issues Ive had with rattles which started popping up a few weeks after purchase. Dont buy the iPod adapter, not worth the $$$.

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  Should have gotten another car - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By AMR - October 4 - 9:20 am

  The car has a non turbo 4 and it has very poor performance and gets dismal mileage, 15 to 16 in the city, 20 to 21 on the highway. It rattles daily, the carpet finish is poor, it takes 3 to 5 turns to start in the rain and the nav system is not only hard to use it is very bad at getting you from A to B in the easiest way possible.

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  Excellent SUV - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Alberto - September 16 - 12:43 am

  In Oct 08, I bought an 09 Forester 2.5X with the premium package. I am very happy with this vehicle. It is very comfortable, very roomy interior, smooth, handles very well. There is not a blind spot to block your vision like other vehicles in its class. Im averaging around 25 mpg in city and hwy driving. If you are thinking of buying a CR-V, Rav4, Outlander, Vue, or any other smaller SUV you must check out and drive an 09 Forester. You will be pleasantly surprised how nice the Forester is.

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  Not Thrilled - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Jim Porter - September 3 - 12:43 pm

  I am very disappointed with the features of this vehicle that are not working properly. The radio has poor reception and Subaru keeps telling us that it is a setting that needs to be changed on the radio itself, Unfortunately that is not the problem. When you fade just to the rear speakers the radio barely comes in at all and the reception is poor on any setting. The rim design on the 2.5X Limited is also poor the vehicle is sold as an all wheel drive for snow and other types of bad driving conditions, however when it snows more than 4" snow gets in the inner part of the rim and freezes over night causing the vehicle to shake excessively at 40 plus mph. We are being told to purchase other rims.

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  My 5th - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Rob - August 17 - 9:43 am

  This is my fifth Subaru, and I am very happy with it. With the M5 transmission, I am averaging 26 mpg in a rural setting. It has preformed well in snow [8" with drifts], and it has given me no problems. The added room in the back seat is a plus, and the general style is well suited. I do miss the quirky looks of the old Forester, it was unique and readily recognized by other Subaru drivers. The mechanics of this model seem to be better than the old though, it has a smoother ride, sits higher, and has a more solid feel to it while on the road.

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  Fun for the whole Family - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Herzart - August 12 - 5:23 am

  Traded in our 2005 Liberty and took a chance on Subaru Forester. Great room and space for me and my family and seems to have more room than the Liberty in some spots. Ride is comfortable. Steering and acceleration is quick and sporty. Test drove many compact SUVs. CRV was weak, Rav 4 was noisy and the Forester seemed to be the right fit and finish and less expensive. Panoramic moonroof in compact SUV! Only one in its class to offer it. My wife loves the drive.