1998 Subaru Forester Review
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Watch Out!! $$
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
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.
Great Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
Would never buy another Subaru!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
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
Great handling
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
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
1998 Forester
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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.
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 1998 Subaru Forester
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
