2007 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

Not good gas mileage

Written by: Delree todd on 10/24/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car in July of 2007 and the combined city/road gas mileage was 24 mph. As of about 8000 miles, when it was supposed to be broken in and getting better gas mileage, it dropped to 17mph. I have had it checked and talked to the guys at the dealer only to be given a ton of excuses and suggestions. Like, use Premium gas, only use top of the line stations, mix the regular/premium gas and they couldn't come up with anything wrong with the car after checking the engine. Not only that, make sure you know the dealer service and don't let them over fill the oil. Mine was way over the fill line. Not happy with the SUB. Terrible carpeting and they won't replace it.

Favorite Features

The storage in the dash.

Suggested Improvements

Make sure your people know that white plastic is used and sprayed black on the dash. I had to have it resprayed and it is chipping again. Seats uncomfortable. Don't like any of the accelerators in the newer cars. Redesign center console.

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Tired of squeeky brakes

Written by: Greg on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is our first Subaru and we have enjoyed the car so far. The car sticks to the road in rainy conditions, just as other Subaru owners told us. This is a definite plus. We are currently getting 29 mpg on the highway. We have a self imposed speed limit of 62-63 on interstate. which is why the mpg increased from 26 at 70-75 mph on trips.The major problem we have is with the rear drum brakes. They have squeeked for many months. The dealer states that this is an ongoing problem with the Forester, and Subaru has not found a remedy. We are thinking of trading up to one with disk brakes. I recommend to everyone thinking of buying a Forester. Add rear disk brakes to your requirement.

Favorite Features

The AWD feature has kept us confidently safe in terrible weather conditions.

Suggested Improvements

Rear disk brakes on all Foresters, not just the the select few models.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Dependable But Boring

Written by: Tom on 03/22/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is my first Subaru, coming after a Volvo 740 wagon. It was a sensible, practical, safe, and affordable option as compared to the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4. No mechanical problems thus far with the vehicle. The front seats are very uncomfortable for long distances due to the lack of thigh and lumbar support and passenger seat does not push back far enough. The engine is simply underpowered when merging onto the highway and even more so when the car is fully loaded. The backseat leg room is poor. Plenty of cargo space. The fulltime AWD reduces the gas mileage to around 20-22 mpg in mixed driving, but the drivetrain does inspire confidence in wet conditions.

Favorite Features

AWD at all speeds, unlike Honda and Toyota only at low speeds. No problems whatsoever in the first year.

Suggested Improvements

Include an interior front overhead light to read a map at night; improve the center armrest. The front passenger leg room is really cramped - make the front seat move further back.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Mixed Feelings

Written by: RPR on 03/21/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My first Subaru and a pretty decent car overall, but some shortcomings. Brakes had to be adjusted for shuddering after purchase & now squeal at 12000 mi. Engine makes a variety of strange noises I have never heard in another vehicle. "Normal" says the dealer. A/T is sometimes rough; the dealer has advised me of a service bulletin which will hopefully cure the problem. Road noise is pronounced.

Favorite Features

Good ride, excellent handling, turns on a dime. 4 cyl is plenty peppy. AWD drive is a benefit even here in FL. Gas mileage is a real pleasant surprise-26.5 mpg in mixed driving. Simple guage and control layout is most appreciated. Manual driver seat is unexpectedly comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Interior storage is not as good as it first appears-needs more cubbies and pockets. There is only one rear coat hook over the driver side rear door on the base X, which precludes hanging a clothes bar. Need to improve initial mechanical build quality & install disc brakes all around. Soundproofing.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Don't buy one!

Written by: rusty on 03/19/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This Forester has been in the shop more than my garage. The Climate control took 4 return visits before it was repaired. The seat fabric frayed at the edges right away. The seat covers were replaced. The brakes started failing around 14K miles. My wife was afraid to drive the car. The dealership replaced the master brake cylinder. The seats are not comfortable at all. They are very hard. My legs go numb driving and as a passenger in this car. We bought this without a trade in and thought we were getting a car that would last. I don't think so. There are many switches on the dash and they are confusing. I will never buy a Subaru again. This is my first and last

Favorite Features

The all wheel drive is good in snowy weather. It does get fairly good gas mileage. It has heated cloth seats. I do love this feature best.

Suggested Improvements

The seats are too hard and very short in length. The cruise control pod turns with the steering wheel. It gets in the way of my knees. I am sure it will break off. Too much torque when pulling out from a stop. Hard to manage pulling out. The switches on the dash could be grouped better.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Buy in 2008

Written by: joann on 03/03/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Forester ownership has been my greatest driving experience in the last 50 years. I have owned 11 cars over those years, and this is the best!! My 2007 Forester is perfect, an SUV that is not too wide, not too long and not too far off the ground. What more could you ask for? It is easy to drive, to wash and to fit in our garage. Thank you for designing Forester.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive, convenient size, headlight system, comfortable seats, cargo space, ABS, comfortable headrests, and everything I have gotten used to.

Suggested Improvements

It is the best, don't change a thing!!

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Road trips across USA

Written by: colt on 02/24/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Took the '07 Forester on a X-country trip. Beginning in IN, traveled a total of 7,000 miles thru St Dak, Montana, ID, Wash, Ore, CA, and Nevada. From the snow in Montana to the desert in Death Valley the car was able to handle temperature extremes from 120 to 32 degrees! In Death Valley, the only problem experienced was a slight overheating and a need to turn the air conditioner off. Solved the problem, but made for a very warm journey through the valley!

Favorite Features

All wheel drive, tight handling, engine braking capabilities.

Suggested Improvements

Rear wheel disc brakes, telescopic steering wheel, lighted vanity mirrors, wider arm rests in front for both passenger and driver seats.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Getting thrown back into your seat

Written by: Surftaco on 02/18/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

So far I have this car for about a week now and let me tell you this sucker is fast! I average about 19 MPG in the city which is not bad at all for a 226hp turbo w/auto tranny. I get a lot of looks too. Due to the awesome WR Blue paint job.

Favorite Features

The turbo and hood scoop. Not having a me too car, ie generic honda or toyota.

Suggested Improvements

A light that turns on in the front portion of the car. There are lights in the middle and the rear that turn on automatically but not in the front. Make the optional Sirius radio cheaper. Dealer install is 600+.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Whoop-de-do

Written by: Dave on 02/09/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I now have 54000 miles on my Subaru with no major problems. The carpet on the driver's side and the heavy rubber floor mat did wear through at 32000 miles but was replaced under warranty. Just replaced the tires with Yoko Geolander A/T-S. THIS is the tire that should have from the factory.

Favorite Features

AWD, large cargo area, great MPG for AWD (avg. 29.5).

Suggested Improvements

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Think twice

Written by: Impalabob on 01/04/2008

Vehicle

2007 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Think twice before buying this vehicle. We had a '98 & 2000 Forester. For the price, you couldn't ask for more. Purchased 2007 Forester in Jan. '07. Major complaint is the design area between the hood and windshield, the hidden vents, wiper motor, defroster, etc. Living in upstate New York, we have had three occasions where the snow & ice will accumulate on the wiper blades, arms, and in the space between hood & windshield, freezing, & preventing the wiper motor from working properly. Never happened with the '98 or 2000. Vents were on top & visible, not hidden. Subaru's answer, "get winter blades" or should have ordered premium pkg., $1000.+, includes deicer strip.

Favorite Features

AWD - never a problem in snow.

Suggested Improvements

Go back to old design showing vents; make windshield deicer grid separate option & not included with moonroof & other extras; go back to external antenna instead of in the rear window (poor reception); redesign center console cupholder,too far back, made for 6'5" person, dangerous reaching.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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