Used 1998 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
Used Forester for sale
The best part is it was Free :D
forester98, 01/06/2012
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I got this car back in October from my cousin who was getting a new car and didnt want to trade his Subie in. GO HIM! lol It is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. Reliability is amazing, the car has 136k miles on it, and i drove 400 miles to Ohio through the rain soaked mountains of West Virginia with no problems. Enough said. For reference in the rest of this, the Subie I own is a 2.5L 5 speed manual.
The Subaru That Keeps Going
bigairtrix2, 08/14/2011
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
Unlike many other reviews that I have read on the 1998 Subaru Forester mine keeps going no matter what I do to it. I have never had a problem with head gaskets or wheel bearings. Yes I have replaced the timing belt at 80k but I do that with every new vehicle I buy. Other things that I have replaced over the life of the car are struts to an adjustable bilstein coil over , rotors and pads to brembo drilled and sloted rotors and pads , cv joints were changed based on the fact the car had 150 k and it was time, clutch to a center force stage two and two sets of tires cause each set wore out after putting over 75 k on each.
So great, I won two of them!!
Joe I, 05/10/2017
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I currently have 2 forester S. I first had a white one with automatic transmission, bought for $2000.00 with 130k miles. Finally, at 170k, timing belt gave out and bent intake valves. I did most of the maintenance on the car since I owned it, with the exception of the timing belt (which apparently wasn't done right - failed after 1000 miles). It was immaculate. everything worked, even the cruise control! Excellent in the snow and rain. Always confident that my Subaru would make it no matter the conditions. I was so devastated when the timing belt slipped that I needed another. I found another 1998 Subaru Forester S with 188,000 miles on it. Its black and has a manual transmission. This car is still like brand new!! No squeaks, rattles, clunking, ticking, smoking or knocking. This car drives and handles the way I'd expect a brand new one off of the showroom floor to. Best of all, its better on fuel than my automatic was. I've owned approximately 20 cars; all different makes and models. I'm hooked on my Subarus! You can't beat them!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Disappointment
A Disappointment, 08/02/2006
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I'm a believer of the safety features after hitting a deer with the Forester at 65 mph on the freeway. I also love the way the Forester handles. But there were a few bugs that I wouldn't have expected given that the Legacy chassis had been out a while. First, the wheel bearings went out at 20K on two wheels. Then the oil seals went at 70K and 140K (just like our 95 Legacy). The head gasket went out at 140K When I complained about a manufacturer defect at 70K because of similar problems with our Legacy, Customer Service said it was coincidence and wouldn't negotiate a better rate on repairs, stating the warranty went out at 60K. If you buy a Subie, you better extend the warranty!
Best car for a decade
David, 11/08/2008
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My 1998 Forester, bought new in the 1st model year, has been the best of many cars I've owned since the '60s. I have just traded the car at 120K miles, facing a big $$ repair, but nothing you wouldn't expect to wear out after 10yrs/100K+ miles. Overall, my Forester has been incredibly reliable and great to drive in our "bad" Northeastern weather. I've set out on long drives at night with total confidence, in all seasons. After this experience, I'd find it hard to part with the AWD. Looking forward to my new '09 Forester.
I wish it didn't break down so often
vande32, 07/16/2007
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used while in graduate school because I couldn't afford to have a car payment. I should have bought a new car instead. I have spent nearly $4000 fixing it in the last two years because at 80,000 and 100,000 miles, every sensor had to be replaced. I have also had to put in a new clutch and a master cylinder. The engine light will go on and when I take it to the dealer or a mechanic, they tell me that the engine has missed but that they can't find a reason. While the car gets 28 mpg for me, drives great in the snow, and is nice for hauling my dogs and groceries, I will never buy a Subaru again after this experience.
4cyl L AWD 4dr hatchback atuomatic trans-bad head gaskets
carageous, 12/19/2010
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bad electrical system on accessories, i.e. clocks, sun roof, keyless entry) purchased used with 98k miles, sending to the crusher with 264,000 miles due to blown head gaskets that is causing the cooling system to overheat. Cost of repairs more than I care to sink into the old of a vehicle, $1800.00! The MPG was very disappointing, never got over 15MPG city and maybe 20MPG hwy. Transmission had some shifting issues at 200k miles but so bad to require replacing, just grinned and drove it anyway. Tough little cars and fun to drive.
2.5 Curse
JAS, 02/18/2010
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used with 96k miles on it and had high expectations. Knew other Subaru owners that swear by them. I should have read some reviews before buying as apparently this particular engine, which also rears its ugly head in other Subaru models in and around this year, has some major issues. It all started with a bad radiator cap and then led to blown head gasket and who knows what else. I'm dumping it because it isn't worth what its going to cost to repair. This was my first and last Subaru.
This car is a piece of trash!
paulnelissa, 12/09/2005
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
We bought this car used from a Subaru dealership. The day after we bought it the check engine light came on and has stayed on for almost 4 years. We have, in the past 4 years, replaced the clutch, had a major oil leak, replaced the rear wheel bearings twice, and now have a crack in our cylinder head which can not be repaired. The mechanic has recommended a new engine. I realize that the car has a lot of miles, but come on. This car is a lemon if I ever saw one. Subaru has refused to honor warranty issues. We hate them and this car.
1998 Subaru Forester
smokeymedic81, 12/22/2010
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
6 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought this car uses so I cant say what the previous owner put it through. It had only 110,000 miles on it when I purchased it 6 months ago. Had my mechanic do a full inspection on it before I bought it. was able to drive it for 3 months, put a whole 3000 miles on it then the head gasket blew. The car is junk now because the cost to replace the head gasket is outragous. Will never buy a subaru again.
I need a new one
david, 04/28/2009
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This first series model (1998) has a flaw. The rear wheel bearings were ball bearings but I replaced them at 50000 miles for the later design of roller bearings. No problems since. I have had the timing belt changed at 60000 miles and also the oil seals. The dealer had a special and I took it. It needs the seals replaced again because of a small leak but the cost is almost the worth of the vehicle. I may still do this because it is cheaper than a new vehicle. It also could do with a new set of shock absorbers. Changed the battery twice but other than that it starts first time and just keeps on going. I would love a 2010 model but this one won't die.
1998 Forester
Pat, 02/06/2008
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love it to death, it is reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, and just tears through the snow, without a hesitation! We highly recommend this vehicle!
Best car I owned
AndrewK, 11/21/2002
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Took this Forester cross-country. It had 59000 miles at the start of the trip. It performed great, gasmilage was 21.5 average. We had no problem whatsoever and after the trip it is used on a daily basis without any problems. It has 90000 miles on it now and it keeps going strong! With regular maintenance we will get many years of good service, I'm sure.
Not what I expected from Subaru
Albertlock, 02/26/2006
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Apparently, Subaru needed to wait a bit longer before turning out the Forester. This was the first year they made them, and the bugs are still present. No way to fix a failing in the AWD; the wheels intermittently lock at low speeds (this was also a problem on the Legacy wagon) - even Sub experts can't fix it. Many other mechanical failings that disrupted trips. I've heard subsequent years are much improved and really wish I'd known more up front, since I've been very happy with past Subarus I've owned.
SUBARU = QUALITY
lmhunter, 02/12/2003
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Subarus always start, hold to the road, never need repair. Parking lot where I worlk is full of them. Everyone is pleased.
This car rocks
kinkar, 01/17/2003
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our "old" faithful!
Lot's of little problems.
deepsky, 03/21/2004
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had lots of small problems with this vehicle. Oil leaks, transmission popping out of gear, piston slap noise from engine, all occuring immediately after the warranty expired at 50,000 miles. All of these things take away from the fact that this is a nice little SUV. It handles great in the snow and has a lot of nice little features, although the back seat is really too small for a rear-facing child seat.
I LOVE My Car
eieio, 11/16/2009
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am horrible on cars, but this one is still kicking. It is terrific in the snow and off-road. The wheel bearings need to be replaced every few years. If you are looking to buy a 98 Forester, then make sure the head gaskets have been replaced. These cars either die at 120K or they live forever. I would love another Forrester in the future.
Drive it in the Snow & you'll buy it...
lynn, 01/01/2003
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought our 98 Subaru Forester and love it so much we're planning on buying a 2003 model to replace a sedan. Living in Buffalo, NY the All Wheel Drive is a feature I can't believe I ever lived without. While other cars get stuck in the snow, I am able to get across town without a problem. Everytime someone asks us how we like our car, we tell them we love it and my husband always throws in "take it for test drive in the snow and you'll buy it". It also satisfies a need of having a car and a truck all in one which is great since my husband makes many trips to Home Depot.
Liked car
kusumanja, 02/16/2003
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Over all the car was good. We had issues with the wheel bearings making noise. After about 92,000 miles the transmission started shifting funny on occasion. We really liked the AWD very much and the ABS worked well. The clock above the center console and the radio display started to intermittently not work. The cruse control indicator light stopped working. Auburn Subaru sold us this car when it had been wrecked without telling us so it never did drive down the road straight.
positive on balance
astjarne, 03/17/2002
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a car that will safely take you anywhere and back without breaking your back or the bank, this car will deliver without surprises. In fact, after 4 years of Canadian east-coast driving conditions, we have never been stuck in snow, ice, mud, or sand. The only negative aspects recorded to date are: an uncomfortable back seat, limited warranty relative to other brands, and overpriced parts.
Former Forester owner
Pip, 10/07/2010
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this wagon in 04, my senior year of college.. I got a great deal on it. Was 6 years old and had 90k on it. I love the manual transmission. By far the smoothest manual i ever drove. Fantastic in the snow. Just too many problems, radiator, head gasket, tires wear very fast due to the symmetrical all wheel drive. This vehicle broke down 3 straight years on the eve of the biggest snow storm of the year leaving me stranded. I went to a Jeep and haven't looked back.
Some good but wheel bearings a killer!!!
s cristaldi, 02/02/2008
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car was purchased new. Has good features like paint/body quality. However have needed to replace wheel bearings almost every year. This is a 350 to 400 expense. Every year! Subaru has refused to take responsibility for this obvious engineering defect. So, be very careful purchasing a Subaru they will not back their products. Will never buy another Subaru. Too afraid of excessive costs.
Beware the bearings
Subieowner, 08/26/2002
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Drives well, great visibility, very safe. But the wheel bearings have had to be replaced three times!!
well designed car with issues
michael, 02/16/2005
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The major systems were above average in quality and reliability. My problem with the car was the electrical system. Door-open lights wouldn't turn off until the car was started. Remote locking malfunctioned. A lot of items stopped working after several years: radio, lighter, cassette, clock, rear window defroster. Checked fuses; mechanic said too expensive to trace problem. Average city/hwy. combined gas mileage (after a full tune-up) was only about 20-21 mpg. Trunk latch started to fail. Had same problem with our '92 Legacy wagon.
Don't miss the Jeeps at all
Subielvr, 01/07/2006
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Forester just over two years ago and it's one of the, if not the, best purchases that I've ever made. Even with the recommendations of friends who own Subies I was nervous about buying a car who's odometer had just passed over the 100,00 mile mark. It was much ado about nothing as in the last forty thousand miles the only expenses (aside from routine maintenance) I've had are; replacing a cracked coil, new tires (would be necessary on any car), one rear wheel bearing, and the relatively expensive replacement of the timing belt which is really part of routine maintenance anyhow. Gas mileage is about 25 mpg around home and 30 using cruise control when traveling. I love this car!
VERY RELIABLE CAR OVER THE YEARS
BRONCO_B0B, 12/20/2015
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been SO reliable over its 100,00 miles. It has gotten me out of a lot of sticky situations because of the AWD that Subaru has, and the repair record has been oustanding. Can't think of any major surprises over the last 16 years.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Biased on subarus, but lessons learned
Cautious fan, 05/17/2009
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I learned to drive on a Subaru and am somewhat biased. What I have learned is that Suabarus in general can be reliable cars most of the time. I bought my '98 Forester w/ 125k miles and had minor mechanical issues, 2 CV joint replacements and a new thermostat. However, a year ago many major issues popped up, including major repair on the front end and rear rotors. Now the automatic transmission is shifting hard into and out of 1st gear plus a bent rod makes a lot of noise during start-ups. The handling is sound and AWD works beautifully, many chances to hydroplane but the wheels caught the road instantly. Low profile feels like you're driving a car but with twice the cargo room.
Love it !!
CJ&LF, 10/26/2003
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Test drove several diff. vehicles, settled on Subi. Very glad. Good perf, low repairs, tows well. At 88k been great with reg. maint. Wish we still had the second. (Loss of second Subi was due to a poor repair job, been crying ever since ! Still negotiating for full rep / replace for settlement) Was a 89 with 83K.
Subaru Forester -- great car
Brian Dines, 08/17/2005
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car 2 years ago from a friend for $7500. It's been an excellent, reliable little SUV. I've put about 25000 miles on it and the only maintenance that's been required was to replace a couple of CV boots ... and that was cheap. Best used car I've ever owned. I get about 27 mpg driving 65-75 mph, about 300 miles a tank.
What a great car!
Roodriver, 02/12/2004
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had my '98 Forester for a year/14,000. Couldn't be happier with it. Mileage is good (21/27) so is the power. The seat adjustment range is wide enough that most everyone gets comfy. It hauls much stuff and passenger room is good. I replaced the speakers it sounds better, but the system could use an upgrade. Needed good all-season tires with low noise. Still, the noise is acceptable. I'm gonna be driving this puppy for a loooong time.
Nice Reliable Vehicle
John, 01/25/2006
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car for snow conditions. Take it skiing and never have had a problem with handling or starting in below zero weather. Air conditioning and heating are fast and efficient. My only major complaint is the poor comfort of the seats. My bottom hurts during a long trip. The vehicle is reliable.
Ugly, Yet Tough, Reliable & Fun to Drive
MMoretti, 08/02/2009
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my Forester used in 2004. While it is not the most beautiful vehicle (it sort of looks like the car seen in "National Lampoon's Vacation)...it has proven to be dependable, fun to drive, and an unstoppable monster in the worst Winter weather New England has to offer. The AWD is great! While the car has gone through a few wheel bearings, and does leak small amounts of oil, it still looks new and runs strong at 194,000 miles. Looking for a new car, but I may hang onto my Subaru as a beater/dog hauler.
Suburban workhorse
BrianT, 02/03/2006
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Forester in college, and have put nearly 100,000 miles on it with few problems. Only recently (at 130,000 miles) have I had to have any major work done: new clutch and tranny. The AWD system works great in snow, lots of cargo room in back, and good clearance for offroad. It also rides more like a car as opposed to the Honda SUV's.
Fisherman's Dream
kschumac, 03/31/2004
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I first visited our local Subaru dealer, the salesman told me all the right things about reliability, value, driving safety and longevity of the vehicles. I had asked him if they had any used Subarus that I could look at and he told me that once people bought one, they did not get rid of it. Having owned this car for a little over two years now, I understand what he meant. This car is fun to drive. This car gets me into all the places I want to go (fishing). It has lots of storage space in the back. I can very comfortably carry four people.
Don't waste your money
jackie w, 04/13/2004
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never waste your money on a Subaru! After the 60,000 warranty went up we had transmission failure twice!!! The dealer never could seem to fix our car and we had difficulty finding anyone to work on Subaru's and those who do have said they have had problems and one mechanic even said they were complete junk. Also the Forrester was not as good in the snow as we anticipated. Don't waste your money. Go with a Toyota or Honda!
Love - Hate IT
Unhappy_BE, 03/10/2003
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I do like my 98 Forester (114k miles) except for the six (6) rear wheel bearings that have failed, the cam shaft seal, and the head gasket replaced. For a quailty car, I've spend alot of time and money fixing the car to keep it on the road. Great car, now if only they could improve the quaility. For the first time in my life (after driving 100,000s of miles) I had to have my car towed to the shop.
UGGGH
Bill, 12/17/2007
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
NOthing but problems with this one. Its to bad because I loved the (260,000 miles) outback I had previously. The forrester has been a nightmare. Wheel bearings, every seal the thing has. Now the head gasket. I will be giving up on this one.
Watch Out!! $$
Mike, 07/25/2008
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Own 1998 and 2001, both bought new. 1998 clock above mirror went out as apparently with most of these cars. The center differential pack went out at 60K to the tune of $1200. The head gaskets and transmission failed at 86k. Cost for these two items is almost double the value of the car. The transmission on the 2001 car went out at a little over 100,000. Cost to replace was given as $3500 or about the value of the car when sold to Carmax.
What to call an 11 year old car?
Realist, 11/23/2008
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well here we are...11 years 180k miles and still going. I figure I paid $20100 for the car, put an average on 18k miles on per year, spend about 2k per year in repairs/maint. So what? Should I trade it in and get a car payment. What is $200 per mo going to buy me... a compact? I have one of those and it can't take a curb, a mud bath, a snow bank, etc. Over time my Suby pulled a Jeep, a Lexus, a Land Rover and about 3 other cars out of ditches. It may be the way I drive or it could be this car (please note: towing is only about 1800 lbs... all the stuck vehicles had to help some). That's it. It is a fair car/truck/wagon/compact/suv/whatever for the price. I would consider buying another.
Forester, the most sensible and SAFE SUV
Gwyneira, 03/15/2005
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven my Forester back and forth across the U.S. numerous times and moved house in it four times. It has deceptively enormous cargo capacity and can carry heavy loads with no problem. It also gets great mileage (28hwy/22city) considering its class. Although it is classified as an SUV, it drives, handles, and performs like a small station wagon, though it is a larger car than that. It can muscle through snow and mud, but the center of gravity is low, so it is much safer than other vehicles in its class, such as the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V. I cannot say enough good things about this car. It is one of the safest cars on the road and is fun to drive. I love my Forester.
car
sickwitit, 05/20/2004
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
fun to drive. handles good stuff like that
Great LITTLE SUV
RoadRunner47, 02/15/2003
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
AWD is great. A fun/utilitarian car for my 5'6" wife. Extra weight helps on long trips. I'm glad I bought the upgraded "S" model versus "L". Leather interior is nice but small. Cupholders awkward. Yokohama tires were subpar--a lot of noise and picked up several nails. Electrical connector for air conditioner came apart several times. Speakers sound tinny. Good gas mileage, but would prefer V6 for more power and weight.
1998 Subaru Forester
ml secrest, 02/18/2006
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In 1998 I was looking for something safe, reliable, small, but still enough room for all my stuff. The Forester has met all my expectations. The only problem was keeping the front end in line. Investing in a good set of tires and being careful not to run into curbs has solved the problem.
Love My Forester
Forester Lover, 07/09/2003
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in 98 have had nothing but good luck with this car-agetting 25- 28mpg. Now has 107000 miles and is still going strong. This is without question the best vehicle I have ever owned.
1998 Subaru Forester S AWD
T-Bob, 03/02/2006
1998 Subaru Forester S 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been the best car we have ever owned. We have taken it everywhere - offroad, on beach, long trips, and everyday commutes, and it has never had a problem.
Great Transpo
mac/s, 08/31/2003
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drive many many highway miles in this delightful vehicle...always comfortable and has never let me down. Snow, rain, fog, heat--always feel safe and secure. Toots right down the road with passing power when I need it. This is my second Subaru, won't be my last.
A great compromise
TallahasseePete, 03/21/2003
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car to replace a Bronco II. It was great in Buffalo snow, on the interstates, and in the Adirondack woods. Seriously sorry to trade it, but we need a pickup truck and can't justify two vehicles.
A lemon!
LJN, 02/11/2009
1998 Subaru Forester 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the vehicle for durability and reliability. Have gone through multiple sets of tires, several sets of wheel bearings, two water pumps, and most recently replaced head gaskets ... all before 45K! Vehicle has known design flaws (head gaskets, for example) that Subaru of America refuses to be accountable for, offering cheap, short-term fixes. Will never buy another Subaru unless/until company stands behind their product!
Sub
KLA, 09/05/2003
1998 Subaru Forester L 4dr Wagon AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I would buy another Forester. Zero problems, sound as the day bought. Only complaint is that speed control was not standard on "L", a good thing to have.