1998 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

Watch Out!! $$

Written by: Mike on 07/24/2008

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr S 4WD Wagon

Review

Own 1998 and 2001, both bought new. 1998 clock above mirror went out as apparently with most of these cars. The center differential pack went out at 60K to the tune of $1200. The head gaskets and transmission failed at 86k. Cost for these two items is almost double the value of the car. The transmission on the 2001 car went out at a little over 100,000. Cost to replace was given as $3500 or about the value of the car when sold to Carmax.

Favorite Features

Good Federal crash rating. Good road holding.

Suggested Improvements

Subaru needs to learn how to build running gear and/or offer warranty on drive train to minimum of 100,000. Also would be good if the transmissions and differentials could be serviced/repaired, rather than just replaced.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle

Written by: Susan on 05/18/2008

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr S 4WD Wagon

Review

I have 98,000 on my Forester-11 years old. I have a 5 speed manual and had my clutch adjusted once. I had a couple other problems early on but nothing since. I think the problems were from it being the first year this vehicle was made. At first I was not enchanted as I did have problems but since then it has been great and very dependable. For whatever reason my tires do not wear out. It is important I think to take it to a Subaru Dealer to do all maintainance and do the suggested maintainance that is suggested for Subaru Foresters. It is very important. I love my vehicle and when I think about getting a new vehicle I just can't do it. I love my automobile, very dependable and great in snow

Favorite Features

My all weather package with heated seats and leather, bug guard, mudflaps, a must in Minnesota and the list goes on and on.

Suggested Improvements

My clock built in by my map lights does not work now and I cannot get it to work. If it is electrical I am not going to fix as it is not worth it, doesn't matter and does not affect any other features.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Would never buy another Subaru!

Written by: Lizzy on 05/01/2008

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

This car has done nothing but cost us money! We have only owned it 4 years and only have 85,000 on a 10 year old vehicle but have had to replace the seals, transfer solenoid, clutches, you name it! Guess what? Once again, the engine light and At Oil Temp light are flashing after having the clutches replaced only 10 months ago. No one else can fix this vehicle either other than a Subaru Dealer. STAY FAR AWAY!

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

3 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great handling

Written by: KimNota on 04/02/2008

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr L 4WD Wagon

Review

I've had my Forester for 10 years. Love it. Especially it's handling in the snow. At 5000 miles I had several oil leaks that I know I had from very early on because there was a strong fuel odor. The mechanics had told me at the time it was just how the car ran. Subaru said it wasn't a covered service. After $1800 for engine work, it still wasn't completely repaired. I was given the proper advice that the remaining small leaks might never change or cause any problems. This was 5 years or 35000 miles ago. Subaru kept giving me the run around, asking for more and more info for a possible payment. They wore me down but it's been fine. No other issue.

Favorite Features

Handling in the snow and rain. Has never skidded even with all the snow and ice in New England. It drives like a big car. My other car is an Expedition. This feels just as big, except for leg room!

Suggested Improvements

Tight leg room in the back. Cup holders always a problem with Subaru. Some interior finish is also pretty cheap. I will never buy another new Subaru because I don't trust the company to honor their warrantee. The good news is their cars are built well, for mechanical and safety purposes

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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1998 Forester

Written by: Pat on 02/06/2008

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr L 4WD Wagon

Review

Love it to death, it is reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, and just tears through the snow, without a hesitation! We highly recommend this vehicle!

Favorite Features

AWD

Suggested Improvements

Relocation of the cup holder, not in front of the climate controls.

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Some good but wheel bearings a killer!!!

Written by: s cristaldi on 02/01/2008

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

The car was purchased new. Has good features like paint/body quality. However have needed to replace wheel bearings almost every year. This is a 350 to 400 expense. Every year! Subaru has refused to take responsibility for this obvious engineering defect. So, be very careful purchasing a Subaru they will not back their products. Will never buy another Subaru. Too afraid of excessive costs.

Favorite Features

Am impressed with exterior quality and paint quality. No rust yet!

Suggested Improvements

When they make an obvious mistake with a defect they should take responsibility! Interior could be improved. Should also monitor dealership better. Bad dealer, bad purchase!

7 out 11 people found this review helpful

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UGGGH

Written by: Bill on 12/16/2007

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

NOthing but problems with this one. Its to bad because I loved the (260,000 miles) outback I had previously. The forrester has been a nightmare. Wheel bearings, every seal the thing has. Now the head gasket. I will be giving up on this one.

Favorite Features

Driving in the snow.

Suggested Improvements

Dont buy one.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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I wish it didn't break down so often

Written by: vande32 on 07/16/2007

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought this car used while in graduate school because I couldn't afford to have a car payment. I should have bought a new car instead. I have spent nearly $4000 fixing it in the last two years because at 80,000 and 100,000 miles, every sensor had to be replaced. I have also had to put in a new clutch and a master cylinder. The engine light will go on and when I take it to the dealer or a mechanic, they tell me that the engine has missed but that they can't find a reason. While the car gets 28 mpg for me, drives great in the snow, and is nice for hauling my dogs and groceries, I will never buy a Subaru again after this experience.

Favorite Features

I have a dog cage in mine. That is really nice. It also handles well in snow and ice.

Suggested Improvements

Just make the whole thing more reliable and make it so that people can actually fix it. Old Subarus could run for 300,000 miles. I will be lucky to get 125K out of mine.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Can't wait to trade this in...

Written by: Kris on 04/20/2007

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr L 4WD Wagon

Review

This is the most uncomfortable car I've ever driven. I'm 6'3" and the driving position makes me put one knee on the door on the other on the center console by the radio. If I ever hit anything my legs are broken, period. There are no words in the engine compartment only VERY obtuse pictograms. The car has never broken down but constantly has something broken. The clock randomly died. The rear wheel bearings have needed replacement twice. I snapped a piece of the braking system in half going over railroad tracks at 5mph. Horrible oil leak, killed oil pump, needed to remove water pump to get to oil pump, etc. Boxer engine runs like a champ, everything attached to it, not so much.

Favorite Features

Drives great in snow but that's all. If you don't live in a place where it snows in a serious way (as in feet) more than once or twice a year don't bother. We're in the Philly area. AWD not worth the expense, wasted gas, and increased vehicle complexity.

Suggested Improvements

Improve build quality of powertrain and interior, engine is fine. The cup holder is a joke in both location and practicality. It holds an empty dixie cup, anything with liquid is dicey. When used it blocks the heat/AC controls. Mine broke under the strain of a 20 oz. Coke.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I love my Subaru.

Written by: Soob-Dog on 04/02/2007

Vehicle

1998 Subaru Forester 4 Dr S 4WD Wagon

Review

A great car for short commutes. Our Subaru gets us to work on time through rain, sleet and snow. The cargo space is very good given the size of the vehicle. Plenty of power (won't snap your neck back, but can definitely get out of its own way), and fun to drive (we have a 5 speed). We had a couple serious problems (kept popping out of gear, and some kind of head gasket problem) that were both handled by Subaru out of warranty - no problems with them at all. I'd buy another one in a second if it could fit our family of five - Two adults and three car seats is nearly impossible in this machine.

Favorite Features

AWD system is phenomenal. If you don't bottom out there is no stopping her. Outstanding in the snow. Blows my 2002 Toyo SUV AWD out of the water. Engine is strong.

Suggested Improvements

She ain't pretty, but she gets around. A body only a mother could love. Better (larger/more secure) cup holder that doesn't cover the dashboard controls.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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