2007 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

A Fine Small SUV

Written by: KJN on 09/30/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

My first new car in 25 years. It has exceeded just about all my expectations. It's great fun to drive and very responsive. It towed my pontoon boat with no problems. I've abused it with weekend excursions along the back roads of the Eglin AFB reservation -- sandy, soft roads often with deep mudholes. Came close, but haven't been able to get it stuck yet! And I've pulled out a few other drivers along the way. Don't get it into water too deep, though -- you'll ruin your charcoal canister, and they're expensive! My overall average fuel economy since new is 25.63 mpg -- that's with complete records through 62,000 miles. I enjoy this car thoroughly and would buy another in a heartbeat!

Favorite Features

All wheel drive, huge sunroof, great fuel economy for an AWD car, excellent paint quality, excellent performance on extremely poor roads.

Suggested Improvements

Not impressed with fasteners for plastic panels under car -- they're impossible to open without ruining them. Also not impressed with oil filter accessibility.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Very happy with the Forester!

Written by: BD on 05/18/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car used, when it was 18 months old. It has met or exceeded all of my expectations. It's fun to drive, comfortable on long trips, no problems at all. The driver controls are well laid out, the amenities are convenient, the engine power of my base model is more than adequate. The storage space is great! It's very fun to drive and makes me happy on a daily basis.

Favorite Features

The excellent visibility in all directions; the secure handling on snow and ice; top ratings in crash tests.

Suggested Improvements

The engine air filter cover is very hard to remove, and the automatic transmission fluid dip stick is hard to reach.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Not Bad At All

Written by: ATC on 04/19/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I'm only 5'2"... not a lot of cars out there that can provide me with much needed comfort for visibility... But the Forester has changed it all. It is a joy to drive at all the times but up to a 45 degree up hill to the high way from a complete stop. I have the most joy driving through the severe snow storms!!! Unbelievable control in 6" snow! LOVE IT!

Favorite Features

The number of cup holders and the storage compartment on the dash board. What a great thought! I love the SAFE feeling in a top rated 5-star eco- friendly small SUV.

Suggested Improvements

Gas: MPGs can be much improved. Noise on the highway at high speeds and during a heavy rain.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Anywhere, Anytime

Written by: maineiac skibum on 04/13/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

My wife picked out a silver '07 forester XT Sport with manual transmission. This is an Awesome SUV with an emphasis on Sport. We live in Maine and I work at a ski resort. We put snow tires on the subie and we do much better than many other vehicles. At the same time this car is FAST. The stick doesn't have VDC which is okay because the sound of 4 wheels screeching is a beautiful thing. The dogs love the large cargo area, and the luggage rack easily carries everything else. This car has been from Miami to Maine and has handled everything the way we wanted. If you are looking for a do-it-all funmobile - this is it.

Favorite Features

Huge sunroof that opens all the way. TURBO!!! Heated seats for Maine winter. Starts at -30F.

Suggested Improvements

Bring back the plastic panels on the bottom of the doors. The salt in New England is brutal. And with any offroading come rocks and roots.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Forester Sport XT - Manual

Written by: Gordon S on 02/16/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Looking for a small wagon with a ton-of-fun factor, then this is for you! Mine has a short-throw shifter, turbo gauge (visual toy) and heated leather seats (to warm ones hide on those chilly Minnesota Winters mornings). Our car delivered us to Colorado skiing, pheasant hunting in SD and canoeing in the BWCA, while allowing us to enjoy the scenery through the panoramic moon roof. The Forester Sport handles all tasks with ease, and the AWD triumphs over any treacherous weather condition encountered. It readily tows (2.4K lbs) with the trailer pkg, allowing us to haul our gear to the cabin and back with a minimum of fuss/muss. I can't say enough good about this car, it does what I need it to do

Favorite Features

The cars acceleration and nimble handling are quite phenomenal for a station-wagon/SUV hybrid. The interior is nicely appointed (automatic climate control, killer sound system), and the Sport has many of the luxury accoutrements (auto dimmer/compass mirror, cruise-control, heated-seats, etc.) desired.

Suggested Improvements

Short-falls on the Sport are primarily of personal taste. I hate the fact they don't allow you to purchase a Limited (i.e., with all the bells/whistles) if you want a stick. I also didn't like having to pay for a leather interior, as it isn't an option on the Sport (love it though once installed)

Report inappropriate post

Wouldn't Buy Another One!

Written by: Arpy on 12/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

PROS: AWD, handling, simple controls, gas mileage. Getting 25 mpg, city/hwy. CONS: Lousy brakes, engine noises, road noise, ride quality, cheap interior materials, depreciation. Brakes have squealed and shuddered since new, despite 4 dealer visits (no, I don't ride the brakes). Motor exhibits a variety of rattles and clanks, dealer says "normal." Road noise is so pronounced on hwy, have to blast radio to hear it. Ride is rough at any speed. Seat fabric, carpet, headliner all cheap; driver seat began wearing immediately after purchase. Lastly, Subaru unkindly introduced '09 Forester in the middle of the '08 model year which trounced the value of mine. Going back to Toyota.

Favorite Features

Surprisingly good gas mileage. Nice tight turning circle; handling almost sporty. Simple controls, user friendly.

Suggested Improvements

Everything else. Supposedly the '09 is a much better vehicle, but based on this one, I won't take the plunge.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

World Rallye Blue Turbo

Written by: Subie Driver on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Responsive engine. Excellent passing power in the mountains. So much torque that it normally doesn't have to shift down to pass. Large moonroof (twice the size of a normal one). Great ground clearance for rough roads and snow. VDC (stability control) came on this model and provides extra measure of security. We live where there is lots of inclement weather. Versatile interior with lots of head room.

Favorite Features

Engine performance. Stability in bad weather and windy conditions. All Wheel Drive is better than system on Honda Pilot. Easy to drive. Great visibility. Unique body doesn't look like every other generic, mainstream SUV.

Suggested Improvements

Better OEM tires.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post