Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  The Details - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Kelly & Diana - October 6 - 10:06 am

  I like the car. It was between this or Hondas new HRV. The 2017 Forester won hands down. In fact, it works far better than this site (which wont let you paragraph). [PRO’s] Other than the cons, I am happy with our purchase of a 2017 Subaru Forester. I like the various features. The CVT transmission seems to get the job done just fine. I’m told it may even contribute to the decent milage we are experiencing. On mileage, we seem to be doing well over twenty-five, which is several miles to a gallon better than our 01 six cylinder Accord. One of the first things I noticed was how nice and sharp the Forester turns. I haven’t tested its limits, but it feels you could nearly turn around on an old two lane road. I like that I don’t have to grope around under the car for the oil filter. Acceleration with the four cylinder is impressive. My formerly owned, five speed, four cylinder, 98 Accord hopped right along. Even with four adults in it and running up a mountain pass. The Forester feels as if it could compete, for the most part. The car seems to do pretty well grabbing what traction it can on ice or compact snow. When my little pickup wants to take a block to get up to steam, the Subaru just squats down and goes on the same roadway, though it does it’s share of slipping too. Something other than factory provided tires, true winter tires, would go a long ways to changing that. [CON’s] The cons are the not so well thought out details, such as the spare tire and the USB access to the radio. First, the USB port. Who thinks it was a good idea to put the USB port to the radio inside and at the bottom of the six by six square, ten inch deep console? Needless to say, trying to plug a flash drive into the port and drive the car is not a good combination. Second, there is the matter of AWD, a pretend spare tire and no choice in the matter. Obviously, it’s a good practice to keep all four tires the same size. This keeps the front from turning at a different speed than the back, which can not just trash milage, but can also trash transmissions. A good tire rotation pattern includes the spare. That way, all tires are the same diameter. If you have a blow out, you can go to the spare. As it is, you may have to consider purchasing at least two, if not four tires, when one goes. I didn’t pay total attention to the details and didn’t catch that the radio lacks rear speakers. I WILL remedy that, because the sound quality from the current system is what it is - barely stereo. This is not to say the system is not quality for what it is. As others pointed out, the warranty could be better. [JUST FOR REFERENCE] Our previous ride, an 01 Accord, had a lot of trunk space. In fact, until we put the Forester’s seats down, we could get about three times as much in its trunk.

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  17 XT Touring attended finishing school - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By kurtamaxxguy - September 23 - 2:16 pm

  After mixed results with the 14 XT (was first year model, suffered major engine wear covered by TSB), I found Subaru had refined it for 17, smoothing out ride (less jiggly/harsh), reducing interior noise (engine quieter, tires less so), and upgrading interior trim and seat colors. Engine/CVT feel more polished, there are fewer rattles in dash and interior. Gains: LED headlights and brake lights, heated steering wheel, better shaped seats, color graphic displays, lighted vanity mirrors, memory seating. Losses: Harmon Kardon sound equalizer degrades to 3 bands rather than 10, Nav only available with Eyesight. A fair bit of chrome and shiny trim can prove distracting in sunlight. XTs nicely responsive on the road, with option to use regular fuel (at cost of 10 - 15% of power/MPG). Odd that torque vectorings only available with Eyesight, and that tailpipes soot up quickly. If you drive icy roads ditch the stock Bridgestones for ones having ice grip. Summary: a very practical, pleasant vehicle.

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  2017 forester xt touring - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By jim - September 22 - 4:50 am

  have not had the forester that long,2 big disappiontments would be seats are very uncomfortable(not enough support and could have more padding) 2nd thing is it does not have wipers on/headlights on feature. most states now require this,it would be a nice feature to have. other than that,i am happy with it so far.

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  Great value for the price - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By peter kung - May 8 - 4:01 pm

  Its a SUV so expect a little more wobbly ride than a sedan.

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  My First Subaru! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Lori T. - March 4 - 6:22 pm

  Mostly my review is positive. I have one of the higher-end trim packages of the Subaru Forester, and, it is my first SUV as well as first Subaru. Id love to see better climate control for the back seat people (they must rely on the front seat AC/heat vents to eventually reach them). There are limited amounts of cupholders, and the front two in the middle console are ok, but they are front to back with each other and the back one requires moving the armrest backward to a position where its not really much use. I suppose the mileage is good for a car this size (Ive only had it a month, and Im averaging 25 MPG). But, coming from a Prius C prior to this, and having 50-54 MPG regularly, this is a bit hard to take. (Deep breaths, it will be ok). The safety features at this point in my life are more important than MPG. I am loving the "Eyesight Technology"! I love sitting up high and feeling a larger presence on the road. Love the steering responsive headlights, and the backup camera is awesome. Its a smooth ride, and a good looking car. It did have a complicated electrical/computer problem the 2nd day that I owned it, so back it went to the dealer for three days. All seems to be well now, after a special technician was called to make an appearance to come to the computers rescue. Its only been a month, so I cannot speak to the repair cost issue, nor to the reliability of the car, which I will know as time goes on.

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  5k Miles and Loving It - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By th3F0Z - February 10 - 8:21 pm

  Ive had the 17 Forester XT Touring for around 5 months and averaged 1k miles for each of those months--mostly commuting to/from work, but Ive also taken the Forester on a road trip through the Appalachian mountains. The twin turbo in the XT adds a lot of pep and the suspension and AWD handle corners with confidence. As far as complaints go, the thicker glass and increased insulation around the doors helps cut down on road/wind noise that many complained about in prior year models, but its still somewhat noticeable on the highway. Not a major issue for me, especially not with the radio on. All-in-all the car has been comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive.

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  Great Car! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Real but Anonymous - November 30 - 7:12 pm

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  Subaru should start making wagons again - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Mark - October 16 - 9:26 pm

  Too bad Subaru doesnt make wagons anymore. I had a 2004 Forester XT that was so much fun to drive. Subaru got bitten by the SUV bug in a big way, quite the shame. I now drive a BMW 328 sport wagon, and the Forester dwarfs my car in the parking lot. Even the Outback seems fat and ungainly. Subaru should get back to what made them attractive in the first place- 4WD and wagons.

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  Get out of the van! - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By Justin Wolfe - July 10 - 11:50 pm

  If gas, safety, and all wheel drive are concerns for you then Subaru has vehicles to consider. The 2017 Forester is great on gas, has an awesome safety rating and is all-wheel drive so when it came time to get out of that old mini van, the choice was easy!

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  Great Buy - 2017 Subaru Forester
  By SuperPOXy8 - June 22 - 1:59 am

  This car is living up to its potetntials.