2009 Subaru Forester Review
2009 Subaru Forester Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+144
Used Forester for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive, spacious cabin with ample cargo space, comfortable ride, capable engines.
Cons
- Outdated four-speed automatic transmission, handling could be sharper.
What’s new
Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is bigger and more beautiful inside and out.
Edmunds says
Now more SUV-like than ever before, the 2009 Subaru Forester grows in useful ways while retaining much of the previous model's charm.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$189/mo for Forester 2.5X
Forester 2.5X
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The Subaru Forester has long been an offbeat entrant in the compact crossover SUV class; in fact, we weren't sure it technically belonged in that class. While some of its competitors featured jacked-up ride heights and butch aesthetics, the all-wheel-drive Subaru didn't sit that much higher than a typical station wagon -- and it kind of looked like one, too. Despite this quirky model's loyal following among folks in colder climes, Subaru decided it was time to tackle the segment leaders head-on. Enter the fully redesigned 2009 Subaru Forester.
Although it's still based on the same platform as the compact Impreza, which was itself redesigned for 2008, this new Forester can look the competition square in the eye. The 2009 Forester rides on a 103.0-inch wheelbase, some 3.6 inches greater than before. It's also 3 inches longer overall, about an inch taller and has more ground clearance. Combined with a more traditional SUV styling treatment, these changes give the Forester an unprecedentedly rugged persona, even if few owners are likely to put its middling off-road chops to the test.
The outgoing model's carlike handling has generally been retained, thanks to improved chassis rigidity, wider front and rear tracks and a new double-wishbone rear suspension in place of the old car's strut-based setup. However, don't expect the new Forester to corner like a sport wagon -- extra height and ground clearance along with increased suspension travel add up to lots of bounce and roll in corners. Happily, the trade-off is a compliant ride, and the compactness of the new suspension frees up extra space inside -- especially in the cargo hold. Rear legroom and overall comfort have also been dramatically expanded, and the new Forester sports a well-constructed and attractive control layout.
Overall, the Forester is a comfortable and practical people mover that looks like an SUV, drives like a car (albeit one that's tall and softly sprung) and offers the security of standard AWD. And although there are no major engine upgrades for 2009, the Forester's performance remains satisfactory. We're not sure why Subaru elected to offer the Forester with a four-speed automatic transmission instead of the company's five-speed unit, as this puts the redesigned crossover at a distinct disadvantage relative to top-selling competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. On the whole, though, the 2009 Subaru Forester has outgrown its quirky phase and looks like a legitimate contender for the compact crossover SUV crown.
Performance & mpg
The Forester 2.5X is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It's available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. (L.L. Bean Editions come with the automatic only.) Forester XT models have a turbocharged version of this engine that churns out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. The automatic transmission is mandatory on turbocharged models. Every Forester is equipped with AWD. EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2.5X is 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, the XT returns an estimated 19 city/24 highway and 21 combined.
Safety
Standard safety features on all 2009 Subaru Foresters include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.
Driving
While the 2009 Subaru Forester offers an impressively compliant ride for this class, winding roads throw its soft suspension for a loop. Subaru knows that most drivers won't be hustling their Foresters through corners, so it has understandably prioritized comfort over canyon carving capability. To Subaru's credit, the Forester's composure over bumps and ruts is beyond reproach. Accurate steering and an excellent driving position round out the Forester's refined driving character.
Under the hood, 2.5X models measure up well against other four-cylinder compact crossover SUVs. Performance with the optional turbocharged engine is brisk, but less so than last year's manual-shift XT model, which drove like an Impreza WRX on stilts. The anachronistic four-speed automatic perceptibly blunts the performance of both engines.
Interior
The 2009 Subaru Forester is blessed with a more stylish but no less functional interior than its predecessor, with visually interesting contours complementing generally straightforward controls. Enlarged dimensions have given rise to a roomier rear seat, and the cargo area out back has broadened by more than 5 inches compared with the outgoing model. While the last Forester boasted maximum cargo volume on par with its Toyota and Honda rivals, its passenger compartment was somewhat cramped by comparison. This is thankfully no longer the case, rendering the new Forester a more well-rounded entry.
2009 Subaru Forester models
The 2009 Subaru Forester compact crossover SUV is available in three trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The Forester 2.5X is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories and a four-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5XT model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, roof rails, a sunroof, a tilt/telescoping steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, reclining rear seats and a six-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer. The 2.5XT Limited throws in heated mirrors, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
Optional for the 2.5X is the Premium Package, which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power sunroof and a reclining rear seatback. When equipped with the Premium package, the 2.5X is also eligible for one of two additional option packages. The all-weather package includes heated side mirrors, a wiper de-icer and heated front seats. Going with the 2.5X Limited gets you the all-weather package's equipment plus foglights, a power driver seat, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, automatic climate control, and a six-speaker CD audio system with a six-CD changer. There are no available options on the 2.5XT. The Forester 2.5X Limited and 2.5XT Limited, however, can be outfitted with a navigation system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Forester from 2008-2022.$525/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.07x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).15%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Subaru Forester.
5 star(56%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(4%)
247 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.25 out of 5 stars
Nice, but I like my 2005 better
javan68, 12/23/2011
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
I have a 2005 Forester that is the 2.5X Manual version.
I bought the 2009 for my wife, with the Auto.
It is the Premium version.
As a summary, I like the vehicle, but the fuel economy is crap.
We get about 20-22 mpg on average, whereas my '05 gets 26-28 on average.
If we really baby the gas and drive ultra conservatively, we may be able to get 25 mpg, but that is a huge IF.
As for Snow … driving, I will take the '09 over my '05, granted, my '05 is more fun to drive.
The '09 is like a tank in the snow.
We are in the market for a replacement for the '09.
Our family is growing again, and the forester is just too small.
Perhaps if it got better fuel economy, we would reconsider.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Small SUV
vkinsocal, 10/22/2010
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
I've owned this car two years now and this car has been nearly flawless. I love the low end RPM power this car has. The torque curve is very flat on Subaru's 4 cyl engine. driving in snow is great. Heater and air conditioning is simple to operate. Wiper controls are fantastic and make sense. Cruise control on the steering wheel as well as radio controls are like a a more expensive car … would have. Changing your own oil is a breeze as the oil filter is vertical and you can get to everything without driving the vehicle on ramps. Visibility when backing up is best in class. Paddle shifting manual mode transmission is handy holding gear downhill. For ~25K out the door a fine machine.
3 out of 5 stars
The one and only
Allen, 01/28/2018
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC, Nav (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Bought this car new. Meticulously dealer maintained first 4 years. Excellent independent mechanic last 4 years. First surprise, we had to replace the front suspension lower gel-filled fittings at 50k miles cracked=$500.00. Second surprise, replaced right front brake caliper three times over time. Third, transmission cooling lines failed, go figure. Fourth, head gaskets $2000.00. On the … plus side, tire wear has been good with Yokohama Geolanders. Exhaust system has lasted a long time (except we had to have all the heat shields cut off), unbearable rattling. This is the one and only Subaru we’ll ever own. Love my “Subie”? Give me a break. Going back to Toyota and Honda. Please save me!
As of July 2018 we’ve reached 108,500 miles. We had to replace both mufflers. No complaints with that.
But.....The car now has a mysterious antifreeze odor in the cabin and when you exit the vehicle. No visible leaks. According to the Subaru Owners Blog this is a common problem with this engine. Buyer beware!
Both mufflers finally wore out. Replaced them, then both rear wheel bearings failed. Last straw!
We traded the vehicle for a Honda CRV in March 2019.
Interesting note: The well known dealer in our area resold the Forester for $3000 more than trade in value. It sold in less than a week!
I wish the best to the poor soul who bought it.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Cant find a downside to this vehicle
subarublue77, 01/22/2012
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Did not know SUV existed until I read Consumer Reports.
They rated this #1 in small SUV category.
I test drove also small SUV Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota and the Forester out classed them all.
I bought it used from the Subaru dealership (Jax, FL) and they had the Carfax.
Took it to my mechanic and he said everything looked great!
Wanted something that seats 4 & back seats go down … so I can carry wood for my woodworking projects.
Took it on a couple of long drives already and nice smooth ride. Car accelerates well given it is a 4 cylinder.
I bought the SUV because of its reliability history and price.
I read all the reviews on Edmunds.com and almost everyone liked their Subaru.
2009 Forester Highlights
2.5X
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $189/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 33.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Forester include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.3 average Rating out of 110 reviews. |
Starting at $29,500 |
4.0 average Rating out of 38 reviews. |
Starting at $28,895 |
4.2 average Rating out of 37 reviews. |
Starting at $25,195 |
Related Used 2009 Subaru Forester info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Toyota Sequoia 2022
- Used Ram 2500 2022
- Used Toyota Sienna 2010
- Used BMW M3 2022
- Used Bentley Continental GT 2010 For Sale
Shop similar models
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Outback
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Mitsubishi Eclipse-cross
- Used Mitsubishi Outlander-sport
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Subaru Forester 2015
- Used Subaru Forester 2019
- Used Subaru Forester 2011
- Used Subaru Forester 2012
- Used Subaru Forester 2016
- Used Subaru Forester 2010
- Used Subaru Forester 2014
- Used Subaru Forester 2018
- Used Subaru Forester 2017
- Used Subaru Forester 2013
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 SQ8
- 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD
- Mazda CX-30 2023
- 2024 Elantra Hybrid
- 2023 CLA-Class
- 2023 BMW 8 Series
- 2023 A8
- Dodge Durango 2024
- 2023 Kia Niro EV
- Wagoneer L
Research other models of Subaru
- 2023 Subaru Outback
- A Subaru BRZ
- 2023 Impreza WRX
- 2023 Crosstrek
- 2023 Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Subaru Forester
- Subaru Ascent
- 2023 Subaru Forester
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Outback Car
Research similar vehicles
- Kia Sorento Kia Sorento
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Nissan Armada 2023
- Oldsmobile Enclave
- 2023 Enclave
- Nissan Pathfinder SUV
- SUV X5
- Kia Sportage Car
- Land Rover Defender 4X4
- Porsche Cayenne
Other models
- Used Tesla Model-S in High Point, NC
- Used Volvo V70 in Salisbury, MD
- New Ford Edge for Sale in Voorhees, NJ
- Used Mini Cooper-Coupe in Peoria, AZ
- Used Kia Spectra in Valencia, CA
- New Buick Enclave for Sale in Lewistown, PA
- Used GMC Acadia in Elmont, NY
- Used Mercedes-Benz Eqe in Valley Stream, NY
- Used Toyota Rav4 in Jacksonville, NC
- New Nissan Altima for Sale in Carmel, NY