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Used 2001 Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
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3.5 out of 5 stars

It's fun when it works...

C Barrett, 07/25/2005
Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have just received word from my mechanic that my $25k Forrester (admittedly with 140k miles) will not pass inspection due to the stupid engine light being on again. It has been on almost constantly since I purchased the auto on 4/1/00. I have replaced the O2 sensor 3 times in the last 18 months, have had to replace the axle when the tire fell off (the lug nuts just sheared) in dangerous conditions on the West Side Hwy in NYC, and I will probably buy something else very soon. The car was great when it was new, and even up until last year before things started to go wrong. I am hoping that Subaru will stand behind its product, but it hasn't so far. If they do, I will amend this review and let you know.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Nice in the beginning

J Peters, 08/16/2005
Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I spent 8 months trying to find the right car. I thought it was the Forester so I bought a new one. In the beginning it was great but after the 3 year warranty ended, problems began. I have replaced all the tires, all the rotors, both oxygen sensors. The car gets poor gas mileage (about 18 mpg) and I literally watch 1/8 of my gas gauge disappear after I start the car in the morning. I can't get the check engine light to turn off and I feel like every month there is something new to replace. I have 55k miles and I don't abuse the car. I am disappointed with Subaru's 'reliability' and am looking for a different manufacturer to buy from. I think they use cheap parts.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Good and bad

CB-Bothell, WA., 03/29/2005
Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought it new. It is an S with Premium package which only comes with an auto transmission. For a small car it is generally quiet, smooth engine, drives well and is fun to drive and returns reasonable gas mileage (I average 23 - 25 mpg). Driving position is very good, seats are good (a bit too hard), storage space very good, very good stereo. Back seat is fair (insufficient leg room) and cup holders poor. First three years were reliable. Since turning 38,000 miles have replaced alternator at 38,612 miles and at 42,271 miles knock sensor failed. Both on my tab. Repair costs are high for this auto. I like my Subaru, it has a lot going for it, but I will not purchase another, due to reliability issues.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Don't Expect Help From Subaru

premium, 02/20/2010
Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This vehicle was great to drive till things started going wrong. Both rear wheel bearings replaced due to very loud road noise. Transmission flushed, new fluid installed due to vehicle not wanting to go into forward gears, went into reverse ok. Idle & runs rough for years first replaced spark plugs then spark plugs & spark plugs wires. It still runs rough & now (2years later) it will not start if it rains [that’s right if it rains I look for alternative transportation, weird I know]. Clock blanked out, $85 to replace. “Check Engine” light goes on & off at will. At times I can’t get the key out of the ignition.

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4 out of 5 stars

I love my Forester, but

Tirzah, 10/04/2004
Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Love driving the Forester...the AWD is a life-saver in winter. But mine is plagued by reliability problems. Four times we had to replace wheel bearings, starting at 15K miles, last at 104K miles. Had bad spark plug wires at 40K. Catalytic converter went at 96K. Now my radio-6-CD player started to burn up at 106K, and I needed new engine gaskets and valve seals. This isn't what I expected of Subaru. This is my 3rd Subaru...previously kept a Loyale wagon until 239K miles...I don't think this Forester will last that long. I just bought a Toyota Highlander to make sure I had a more reliable car. We'll hold on to the Forester as a second car, until we can afford a replacement.

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