2005 Subaru Forester Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Practical, well built and enjoyable to drive, the Forester offers an excellent balance of upscale features and all-weather drivability.
Pros
Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.
Cons
Price can be higher than some of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.
What's New for 2005
The base engine is enhanced this year with electronic throttle control, and a new four-speed automatic transmission is available. An air filtration system is now standard on all Foresters. Also new this year is the 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, which includes a myriad of interior and exterior trim enhancements, rugged cargo area trim and a self-leveling rear suspension.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great small SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased the Forester while looking for a small SUV. I thought about a Forester several years before, but passed on it. When I came back for another look, I knew it was for me after the test drive. Personally, I love the interior and the I4 engine is good enough for it. It's not going to go roaring down the interstate, but it's got more pep than many other I4's seem to have. I've had it for a year and I'm completely satisfied with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a moderately priced small SUV without all the frills. All the usual convenience features are there.
Favorite Features
Interior styling, above average get up and go for an I4.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage seems to really go down when reaching 70mph plus.
05 Forester 2.5 XS - great in snow if...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Our 2005 Forester replaced my old 1991 4WD Mazda MPV. My first winter with the car was a big disappointment as the car didn't handle well in the snow. Hang those wretched Yokohama tires! I replaced them with a set of Michelin HydroRangers, and this car's winter performance is greatly improved! The car has great visibility and entry/exit access for the front seat. Newer models have different option schemes, so I'm a bit in a quandary on selecting a Forester for my wife. I like the power, heated cloth seats. It doesn't look like that's possible on the newer models.
Favorite Features
Heated wipers & mirrors, versatility of the Heating & A/C system, visibility front & rear.
Suggested Improvements
Too bad the 6-disc CD/radio unit does not have an input jack for an Ipod. Considering the year the car was made, there wasn't the big craze for the Ipods either.
Second Forester
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Had a 2000 Forester and replaced it with the 2005 after looking at CRV, RAV4 and Sportage. Though few visible changes, I can see great improvements over the 2000 model in mileage, acceleration and interior trim. This is my third Subaru and they can't be beat for cold climates.
Favorite Features
AWD, and you can still get a real stick shift. Great choice to trim levels and performance options. Strong owner community to tap into for information.
Suggested Improvements
Radio controls on the steering wheel would be great.
Too much of a compromise.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Rattles, rattles everywhere, so let's go trade it in. This car rattles so much I almost drove it straight to a dealership to trade-in on several occasions. Overall, the Forester is too much of a compromise, it does a lot of stuff okay, but nothing very well. The XT accelerates fast, but doesn't corner to match. The all wheel drive does well on slick roads, but the cheap plastic skid plate will tear off on the first snow berm it finds. 7 inches of clearance is nerve-racking on rocky roads; I was constantly asking myself, "is that rock over 7 inches?" I averaged 25 mpg from a manual XT over 60000 miles. I saw several tanks over 30 mpg, but several tanks well under 20 mpg in city traffic.
Favorite Features
Acceleration, all wheel drive, heated seats, reliability.
Suggested Improvements
Better mated transmission, get rid of hill-holder clutch, improve interior material quality especially in dash material to reduce rattles and buzzes, better quality factory tires (I had to replace the factory tires at 17000 miles).
Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I've had three Subarus and this has to be the best overall package. Not that I've had any problems with the others, but the Forester has it's advantages. Ground clearance being one of the strong points along with handling. You feel really safe and in control. Good brakes, good power and very reliable. This car is underrated.
Favorite Features
Stability, power, reliability.
Suggested Improvements
MPG (yes I know it has 200hp).
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Subaru Forester
- 2009 Subaru Forester
- 2008 Subaru Forester
- 2007 Subaru Forester
- 2006 Subaru Forester
- 2005 Subaru Forester
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