2005 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

Wolf in sheeps clothing

Written by: DonE37 on 04/05/2008

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I bought my Forester new and now with 44,000 plus miles on odometer it has not stumbled once nor had any mechanical problems. My purchase was based mainly on its practicality, power,and sleeper demeanor. It seats 4 comfortably. Can hold loads of cargo, and is fast as a whip. It's 4 wheel drive capability helps put all those turbo ponys to the ground and you giggle with a menacing glee as you rocket forward out of stoplights. Nobody knows that this car screams and that is pure joy. Doesn't look much different than the lesser non turbo foresters, except for hoodscoop and XT badging. I loved pulling away from my brother in his beloved Hemi Dodge Magnum. Priceless, he never saw it coming!

Favorite Features

Did I mention that I love the power! Gets pretty good mileage on long trips if you stay off the go pedal and keep it at about 70 mph.

Suggested Improvements

Sometimes you have to sacrifice one thing for another, so I wouldn't want to change any one thing that might effect something that I love about it. Its almost perfect for me!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Disappointed

Written by: Drapley on 10/11/2007

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I owned a 1998 Forester, and when it went up at 150,000 miles I had no hesitation at buying another. I feel that the 2005 is not as good as my 1998. Already the carpet on the driver side has a big tear (thin carpet), the windows rattle, and the compressor in my ac just went up. And the transmission doesn't shift smoothly. I'll be shopping around for a new manufacturer when this one goes up.

Favorite Features

Cargo area with cover

Suggested Improvements

Sturdier carpet, ridge around roof so when it rains the water doesn't drip.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Basic and practical

Written by: Joseph Goralik on 08/21/2007

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Always wanted to own one but there are hardly any used ones available in So. California. So went out and bought a brand new one. Although basic model, driving in the past 2 years was a pleasant experience. I like the easy self-maintenance, such as oil and filter (cabin and air) changes. Interior is simple and durable. Driving position is very good and handling is fine. Body integrity could be better - a rattle developed in the rear/left without being able to localize the source. The extras that do not come with the car are easily available from Subaru dealers and fairly simply to install. Quality and workmanship is excellent.

Favorite Features

Gated gear selector (a safety issue). Ample rear cargo space with split rear reclining seats. Sufficient ground clearance. Factory roof rack rails. Powerful air condition and heat. Simple and logical controls. Easy to handle and park. Firm yet controlled ride.

Suggested Improvements

Tinted windows should have been standard in the southeast. Rear deck outside closing handle. It is available in Europe and Japan as an option, but not sold here. It helps to close rear gate when wet and muddy. Noticeable road noise from standard equipped tires.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fast, Tough, and Versatile

Written by: Nick on 11/22/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

With a little one on the way, we wanted something a little bigger with that still offered reasonable mileage. Went with the TURBO due to our high altitude (7200ft) and plethora of mountains. Very peppy with our AVG MPG of 22-24. On backpacking trips we've taken it on unmaintained roads that are difficult to walk much less drive over. Our Forester handles them amazingly well. No problems to report. We change the oil every 3K and wash it every couple of weeks, that's it. We bought a 15 cu.ft. Thule box for long road trips. Fits great on the factory roof rack. The ride is much quieter than the '05 CR-V and the climate control had no problem with 115+ heat of Death Valley. We're very happy with it!

Favorite Features

I like the AWD, turbo, manual transmission, and head room. My wife loves the "Hill Clutch", better view and easier access due to its higher profile (especially when lifting the little one in/out of the car seat). The lower road lamps are especially useful when driving on rough roads in dimly lit situations.

Suggested Improvements

Back seat is a little small, especially with an infant car seat. A nice convenience would be radio controls on the steering wheel. Lastly, being over 6 feet, I tend to sit way back and the sun visors tend to be too small. However, I've had this problem in the CR-V, Accord, and Celica as well.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Kicken off road

Written by: Going anywhere on 09/25/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Great visibility, excellent handling, zips along at 70+ and still gets 27MPG or higher. The Forester is the real deal when it comes to all wheel drive, sand, mud, snow; you can't seem to stop this thing.

Favorite Features

Off road driving in loose beach sand!

Suggested Improvements

Windshield wipers should overlap on the passenger side, not the drivers side.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fun Subaru

Written by: John_vree on 09/12/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Overall fun car to drive due to 200+ hp. Outstanding in bad weather (Des Moines in January) and lots of acceleration and good handling. We have hauled SUV loads of products from Sam's Club, etc, so interior storage is good. I don't get the 20 mpg from a 2005 4-banger. Highway mpg is about 25. Interior legroom for a 6'2" guy is limited. I guess you can't have it all.

Favorite Features

Acceleration and handling are very good and make the car fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the MPG and the room for big guys. At 6'2", I have to fold up pretty good to fit in.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XS

Written by: 99excell on 08/18/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought this new 22 months ago and have approximately 43,000 miles on it. I have had absolutely no problems with this vehicle, which is more than I can say for the new domestic models I have bought over the last thirty years. I average about 27.5 MPG and my annual maintenance costs run about $300. I service it regularly with Mobile 1 synthetic motor oil and have all other maintenance performed by the dealer. I take comfort in the knowledge that it is one of the safest and most reliable vehicles out there and fully expect to replace it, someday, with another one.

Favorite Features

Safety and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Increase warranty mileage.

12 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Practical with a twist

Written by: NewSubieFan on 08/02/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

How often do you find a practical vehicle that is tons of fun to drive? This car is my first Subaru and I'm very happy. The cargo compartment holds things I didn't think would fit (I fit an entire Charbroil smoker in there once!). Acceleration is lively. Get the cargo tray - makes cleanup of messy cargo a snap. Mileage on premium fuel (I get about 20 mpg in mixed driving) is a little disappointing but that's what you give up for the HP and the AWD. Mileage is significantly better (22 mpg mixed) with more conservative driving, but that's hard to do in this car. Great dog car with the leather seats and easy access. Impress your friends with the monster sunroof! No problems so far.

Favorite Features

Acceleration, cargo capacity, different from most other cars on the road (at least here in Texas), fun (yes, FUN!) to park. You get to laugh at all the other monster-sized vehicles here trying to park in "compact car" spaces. Haha!

Suggested Improvements

Better interior lighting. It's way too dark. Take a cue from VW on this, please! Tinted window option. Standard raised armrest. Better stock tires. These Yokohama Geolander tires STINK and are slippery even on dry roads, detracting from what I think could be great handling in this car.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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I love this car.

Written by: Marcia on 07/21/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have owned 8 Subarus since 1991. The 2005 L. L. Bean Forester has given me the greatest satisfaction for its practicality, fine interior, and SUV features.

Favorite Features

High quality leather. Weather radio/6 CD changer. Auto-dimming mirror. Secure road handling in bad weather. Load leveling.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of two-tone look. I own the gray version to avoid two-tone. Subaru has already fixed the carpeted rear wheels in the loading area.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Fun and function in one!

Written by: Bob Kelly on 06/21/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The XT's performance is exceptional, not only the engine response, but the overall handling also. It replaced a M-B E-Class and had big shoes to fill. It hasn't disappointed. Hauling capacity is adequate and it is usually our car-of-choice. No problems in over 15,000 miles.

Favorite Features

Engine. Traction on any surface.

Suggested Improvements

Passenger side electric seat.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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