2003 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

Fun & Reliable

Written by: Lather on 01/01/2007

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is actually my wife's car and I drive it occasionally. Prior to the 2003 we owned a 1998 and it is the first car to give my wife confidence in bad weather. The feel of the vehicle while driving is excellent. The steering is tight. The pickup is good. We love the huge moonroof. On the negative side, I wish the driving position of the seat was higher/taller. The 2003 could have used more leg room in the back seat. The gas mileage could be a little better. I drive a 1999 Honda CR-V and although it is a nice SUV it does not offer the solid feel that the Forester gives. It does get slightly better gas mileage, but with less horsepower. Overall the 2003 Forester is a solid vehicle.

Favorite Features

Big moonroof, pickup, reliability, overall driving experience.

Suggested Improvements

Seat height, back seat leg room.

Report inappropriate post

piston slapping Subarus

Written by: Phil Mag on 09/01/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My Forester has the 2.5 engine that has developed the infamous PISTON SLAP which makes it sound like an old uncared for car. We service per the manual, so it IS cared for. It sounds like loud lifter noise and it doesn't go away when warm. The dealer, after several visits, says it is just normal. Guess what car I will NOT buy next time. & I'm telling everyone I know.

Favorite Features

Very unhappy camper!

Suggested Improvements

Don't cheap out on the engine.

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I like it and would buy another.

Written by: C Evans on 05/17/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

It has had one major repair ... piston replacement (warranty), and it is under powered. But it does incredibly well in deep snow and in icy conditions.

Favorite Features

Fog lamps and weather band radio.

Suggested Improvements

Power.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good bang for your buck

Written by: R.J. on 03/05/2006

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Had the vehicle for about 3 years now. Very satisfied with the fit and finish of the car. It has a lot of standard equipment for a base model. The 4 speed automatic transmission is a little bit lazy getting the car moving. The Forester fairs very well in inclement weather; it is also a very highly rated vehicle safetywise by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), especially when compared against rivals in this price range. My only real complaints are the tight back seat and the antiquated rear drum brakes on the 2.5X, with the perpetual squeaking problem that a dealer rep advised me was just a poor brake shoe design inherent on this model.

Favorite Features

Safety ratings, all-wheel drive system, standard content and excellent build quality.

Suggested Improvements

More room for rear passengers. Disc brakes for the rear wheels; the standard drums have a perpetual squeaking problem no matter how often they are cleaned.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

good car could be great

Written by: Frank Gerechter on 12/29/2005

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The car is solid and practical. Some small complaints. Lumbar support is not great. Could be a bit longer in size. CD player is fair. Power is ok for most conditions. Would I buy another one? Yes, but will look at several other similar models too.

Favorite Features

Easy to drive.

Suggested Improvements

See my review. Tires are not my favorite. Bridgestone tires are not very good in the wear and tear factor.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Solid and easy to upgrade

Written by: ddev on 10/05/2005

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is my 2nd Forester. Traded in the 2000 because I got tired of the manual. When I got the 2003 XS, I also had a 1999 Audi A8 Quatro (315 HP, all aluminum, etc.) and remarkably, the Subo was more fun to drive -- and light years better mileage. I do wish they had a turbo diesel, and I'll probably keep this car till they do and then trade in.

Favorite Features

Visibility, road feel and handling, moon roof (huge), heated seats, controls (once you get used to them), ease of upgrade (you can buy nearly all the Subo options on the open market and everything is pre-wired and usually pre-drilled for mounting (speakers, mud flaps, electro sensor mirror, etc.).

Suggested Improvements

The OEM tires are dangerous; near worthless in rain or snow. I replaced them all after 10K miles -- on this car and our '03 Baja. Insist on a no cost upgrade when you buy this car (don't forget to get an upgraded spare too, they are full size).

10 out 11 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Excellent Car, Excellent Price

Written by: Larry Eckman on 08/30/2005

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is my first Subaru and I am impressed. Excellent quality and fun to drive in the snow and rain. Sure-footed AWD and good traction make this a pleasure in foul weather. I highly recommend Subaru Forester as an alternative to higher priced gas guzzling SUV's.

Favorite Features

Heated seats, heated mirrors, full time 4 wheel drive, decent gas mileage and power to pass.

Suggested Improvements

A bigger engine would be nice. I've got my eye on a new 2006 model with turbo power!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

2003 Forester

Written by: Dan Stosuy on 08/03/2005

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Generally happy with the comfort, driveability, economy, and utility of the vehicle. However, three complaints in order of severity: 1- In the winter, once the cabin has warmed to the selected temperature, the climate control system blows cold air on your face and hands, and super heated air on your feet. Subaru has not acknowledged that this is a problem. 2- Wind noise around the driver's window, and 3- the tires wear fast, have poor snow traction, and are noisy. Also, their size results in a speedometer and odometer error of nearly two percent. Think about that when your warranty runs out 700 miles before it should.

Favorite Features

Good handling, comfortable front seats, good visibility, engine performance, gas mileage, audio system, fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

The automatic climate control system needs a major redesign, especially as it performs in winter. Having the A/C kick on on a dry, 20 degree winter night does not make much sense to me. I would also suggest changing the shape of the tail gate to allow four foot horizontal clearance.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Fun and Reliable

Written by: pmacg on 07/14/2005

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This vehicle drives surprisingly well and can climb very well too! The gas mileage is very good because of the 4 cylinder engine. It is peppy but slows down with cargo as expected. The roof racks are standard and accept most carriers.

Favorite Features

How it grabs the road in snow and rain.

Suggested Improvements

For improvements, spend more for the XS with leather, moonroof, and aluminum rims. Turbo is available on newer models. The backseats are uncomfortable.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The Accountant's SUV

Written by: XSpremium on 06/14/2005

Vehicle

2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Engine break in could be over 10k, since I continue to get higher city mpg. AWD does some bucking on turns, probably speed sensors in auto transmission. Acceleration is adequate for passing, esp. when pushing throttle, but have been experiencing some hesitation that can be handled by letting up on the throttle and re-applying speed. Tend to think it is Evaporative Emission system/valve near fuel tank because is usually only present in hot weather after car has been sitting with engine off. Fit and finish excellent in vehicle, very quiet on bumpy gravel roads with hardly a rattle. Good in snow, but winter tire pattern a must since vehicle tends to understeer. OEM tires no good in snow. Would buy again.

Favorite Features

AWD of course is the primary reason for buying this vehicle. Cargo capacity is moderate with rear seat folded down, but one doesn't buy a mini-SUV for hauling trees. Sound system with underseat woofer is first class. Rear wiper very handy with flat rear glass. Very comfortable front seating, posture.

Suggested Improvements

Auto transmission dipstick needs to be longer to avoid heater hose on checks. Spark plug boot puller a plus. Barometer plus exterior thermometer. Separate maintenance schedule or CD. Better OEM tires. Backup warning system. ECU printout module, possibly flash memory. Redesigned undercarriage plastic shield/screws.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post