2003 Subaru Forester Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Updated and improved, the new Forester is worth checking out for consumers looking for a versatile compact SUV.
Pros
Standard all-wheel drive, availability of upscale features, high safety scores.
Cons
Only one engine choice, price can be higher than most of the competition.
What's New for 2003
Subaru's well-regarded Forester crossover sport-ute has been completely redesigned to be an even more enjoyable addition to your family. Engineers have given the tall wagon more interior room, a stiffer body structure, a revised chassis and more standard feature content -- all while keeping exterior dimensions the same and reducing the curb weight by 90 pounds.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Don't do it!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Car is awful. Had to replace wheel bearing, 2 head gaskets, clutch at 55,000 and am told my transmission is going, emailed Subaru about concerns and was told that is normal and I could purchase an extended warrantee-- yeah that will help after the fact. I have the hill hugger feature that freezes up and won't let you move.
Favorite Features
All wheel drive and 5 speed has a bit of pep
Suggested Improvements
Build a car that doesn't cost thousands to fix
Be Careful with this one
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I thought this car would be a great buy and at first it was. I love the way it handles, acceleration is good, gas mileage is fair. Now after owning it for not even two years, and still paying the sucker off I have not one but two count 'em two bad head gaskets, $1600 to fix, and it is a common problem. Just check msn autos reliability raitings. Bad head gaskets, it's what makes a Subaru a Subaru. Do not buy!
Favorite Features
AWD, best AWD on the market hands down.
Suggested Improvements
Aluminum heads! Are you kidding? I'm never buying a Subaru again... should've bought a Toyota.
Baby Tank
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Excellent combination of style and practicalaty. It's surefooted as a mountain goat and always eager to please. I love the interior with all the nooks and crannies to store stuff. I counted 21 storage places, not to mention the places under the rear deck. Great visibility, and it pulls my pop-up camper with ease. The vehicle feels like it was poured out of a mold, instead of manufactured.
Favorite Features
The feel of its handling abilities. The pickup is just right. It is very versatile, perfect for camping and outdoor use. I love the 12 volt outlets, the cargo area is huge for the size of the car.
Suggested Improvements
Does have a leak in the window seal, causing some whistling, the rear brakes tend to squeak, but only on occasion, I would like to see the wiper controls to be spread out instead of all being congregated on one arm.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Good Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The car has had excellent reliability. The gas mileage could be better based on the car's size and engine performance. The carpet is very poor. We already have a hole in the carpet from wear.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Better carpet quailty.
My First Subie
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Great car, reliable, handles corners like a sedan, excellent cargo room. Sometimes wish it was a little faster. I am getting more around 21-22 mpg but I do climb a steep hill to go to work every week day. Seats were a little hard for long road trips so we re-upholstered the leather seats with 3 inches of memory foam and it has made a huge difference. Rear door speakers are laughable. Drive smooth, never had a problem. Huge moonroof.
Favorite Features
Nice moonroof, versatility and cargo room, handling and AWD.
Suggested Improvements
Bigger rear speakers! Bigger rear seat room. A little more power.
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