Used 2002 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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176 plus, and still no sign of stopping
stephen , 07/22/2008
2002 Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought my first Subie on May 5th in 01. It had only six miles. Since then, I've racked up just over 176,000 with no problems whatsoever. I kid you not. It still has the original clutch and I put new brakes on about a year ago for the very first time. I average about 28 mix and 31 highway. It's a five speed manual and that accounts for the great gas mileage. The only thing I've done to is change the oil religiously and had a new water pump and timing belt but in at 120k. This car just keeps going and going. I live in Denver and frequent the slopes in the winter and work in Blackhawk. So the car has seen more than it's fair share of snow, rain, and hot summers.
Like 02 Forester S Premium - but always something
Cbus_JEG, 12/10/2018
2002 Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this one owner 02 Subaru Forester in June 2012. The car was owned by a middle aged woman that kept it impeccably clean and well maintained. The service schedule records were followed on time, and she had all dealer service records. I felt very fortunate to find such a vehicle. I bought the car with 92,800 miles. She had the Head gasket replaced at 88,000 the year before she sold it. The car had several nice options and it drove great. The fuel mileage was disappointing for its size, but it was AWD so that was the trade off. This car has very average acceleration, but handling and braking were very good. I really liked driving this wagon, and once you own a Subaru you understand why there is a loyal following. I have never driven anything that handles and pulls through snow like this vehicle. I call it a snow rabbit because I have never been slowed or deterred by severe weather conditions in this vehicle since I have owned it. Comfortable ride, safe handling aside, there have been issues with the car. At 108,000 Miles my transmission started to go. This was disappointing since they are known to have extremely reliable transmissions. At about 117,000 miles the Forester developed a bogging and stalling issue that grew more severe, yet would not throw a CEL code. I had my long term mechanic tell me it was most likely bad gas. After researching on line I found a Subaru forum reveal it was an oxygen sensor. Replaced it and it was running like a new car. It happened again at 132,000 and again it was corrected by replacing the oxygen sensor. Bottom its now 16+ years old, and it really has been a pretty good car, but it now needs regular maintenance, tweaking and repair. Replaced spark plugs, wires, transmission, brakes, alternator, belts, radiator and hoses. This is now our back up car - it still looks good, and drives and handles great. I would not hesitate to take this on a long trip tomorrow.
- Safety
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Vehicle I ever had
Michael, 02/24/2005
2002 Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought it from the dealer in 2002, havent been back to that dealership for any work. I just put gas in it, change the oil and air filters. Gets awesome gas mileage, awesome performance, great at towing, does just fine at off-road and I feel safe in it when racing along with traffic. I towed 6,500 lbs of trailer from NH to TN (1300 miles) with no problems getting up hills or accelerating down the Interstate. Vehicle has been the best one I've ever had. Previous vehicles were 2000 Toyota Camry, 1998 Kia Sportage, and 1986 Volkswagen Jetta. None were close as good as this vehicle has been to me.
This car is overrated!
John Thomas, 05/26/2018
2002 Subaru Forester L AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
The head gasket had to be replaced after 120,000 miles. I've owned other cars and have never had to replace a head gasket - period. The wind noise is excessive and it is difficult to carry on a conversation. Subaru knew the head gasket were sub-par and their solution was a additive to the coolant and they should have replaced the gasket at no cost to the consumer as this was know by them shortly after the cars were produced. The additive was a short term fix, to get the cars out of warranty so the consumer was stuck with the repair bill.
Best small SUV out there
Amandrew in MI, 10/01/2007
2002 Subaru Forester S AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought new Nov. 2001, 100K miles as of today. Pros: I'm 6'4" and fit fine, but barely; 25-27 mpg in mixed city/hwy; replaced clutch at 90K miles, which is pretty good; AWD is awesome; have driven in my grandma's sandy-soiled Michigan pasture off-road in all 4 seasons without getting stuck! Cons: auto-dimming mirror failed at 20K miles but was not covered under warranty, not worth $250 to replace; check engine light has come on 4 times between 30K and 100K - vacuum hose, emission control module, air/fuel sensor, and a 4th problem to be found at shop this week. None expensive, but none under warranty.
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