2008 Subaru Forester Consumer Discussions

Subaru Forester Passenger Air Bag Occupancy Sensor

Subaru 2008 Impreza air bag failure

Written by: jwmoorman on Nov 10, 2008 05:34 PM

I bought a 2008 Subaru Impreza in July. After taking it back to the dealer 3 times they said that the front seat passenger air bag was designed not to activate with less than about 125 pounds on the seat. My wife is 5'4" and between 120 and 130 pounds. She is not petite or child sized. The air bag sometimes is on and sometimes is off. It changes randomly and unpredictably. ... Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [mec77]

Written by: bigfrank3 on Nov 09, 2008 08:49 AM

If you activate my.subaru.com with your VIN number you can get the PDF version of your owner's manual from there. Read More...

Re: 2008 Forester 2.5XT Turbo M5 [mec77]

Written by: kurtamaxxxguy on Nov 08, 2008 04:23 PM

Subaru requires 91 octane for the turbo, except in an emergency situation where for a short time (1 tank or less?) you can use 89 or 87. You will get less power from those as the engine will retard spark to avoid detonation. Use low octane for very long and you will either get a CHECK ENGINE warning (requires a trip to dealer to reset), or your engine will possibly overheat. ... Read More...

Re: Would you buy a Subaru Forester again?? [amiller1]

Written by: bigfrank3 on Nov 08, 2008 09:31 AM

We currently have 2 Foresters and since 2001 have had 5. These all have been the most reliable and trouble-free vehicles we have owned, and since we have each been driving more than 40 years have owned a lot of vehicles. My wife's first Forester (2001) is still in the family and has continued to be without any issues. My brother has a Forester (2008) as does one of my ... Read More...

Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4

Re: 2008 comparison considering my needs -- thanks! [happymama]

Written by: p0926 on Oct 24, 2008 03:05 PM

I agree that the towing capacity is you biggest potential issue with the Forester. Subaru is very conservative in their tow ratings so you'd probably be okay but it depends on how often, how far and how hilly you''re talking about along with how experienced you are at towing. -Frank Read More...

2008 comparison considering my needs -- thanks!

Written by: happymama on Oct 24, 2008 00:19 PM

I've narrowed down my choices to either a Subaru Forester or a V6 Toyota RAV4 -- 08 in both cases. Consider my needs/wants//situation, which would you buy. drive to work only 3 x a week, but 40+ mi (most 2 lane county/state roads) ea way want best gas mileage possible both kids away at college so we primarily use the front seats must be able to tow a small camper (minimum ... Read More...

Subaru Forester: Audio & Entertainment Systems

Aftermarket Audio System for 2008 Forester 2.5xx

Written by: sdsmith on Oct 23, 2008 11:49 AM

I ran across this forum while doing a search on factory audio systems for the Forester 2.5xx. I was thinking about installing the factory Sirius satellite radio, until I found out the price tag was $390.00! Considering that the existing factory system is less than stellar, I am now considering just doing retrofitting it with an aftermarket system from Crutchfield ... Read More...

2009 Subaru Forester

press request

Written by: kirstie_h on Oct 16, 2008 09:33 AM

A reporter is interested in talking with owners of a 2009 Subaru Forester. If you are interested in commenting on your experience, please reply to jwahl@edmunds.com no later than Monday, November 3, 2008 and include your city and state of residence, the model year of your vehicle and the age of your child/ren. Read More...

Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

press request

Written by: kirstie_h on Oct 16, 2008 09:32 AM

A reporter is interested in talking with owners of a 2009 Subaru Forester. If you are interested in commenting on your experience, please reply to jwahl@edmunds.com no later than Monday, November 3, 2008 and include your city and state of residence, the model year of your vehicle and the age of your child/ren. Read More...

Re: 2008 Subaru Forester [jeffmc]

Written by: alamocity on Oct 10, 2008 09:22 AM

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it. Read More...