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Used 2003 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
186 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Sporty, Modern & Attractive

Wally43, 01/16/2004
2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a lot of fun driving mountain curves and sandy roads in the desert. The tight suspension and AWD provide precise control and plenty of traction. Freeway driving for several days is also very comfortable for my 6'2" frame, even though I'm 60 and have an arthritic hip. This car has the highest (best) crash rating of any small SUV. There is sufficient cargo room in back, seating for four and the leather is comfortable, and my wife likes the heated seats.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Good car for bad weather

Alex, 04/15/2009
2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car with 65,000 miles on it, now it has 100,000. Nothing wrong with engine or transmission. Forester showed high safety standards on the wet and frozen roads. I like the way Subaru handles the road and ability to drive in the all kind of weather with reasonable gas efficiency for AWD. From other side, car is obviously underpowered. And it is kind of difficult to pass other cars on the highways, it just can't get speed fast enough. So, if you are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle without any fancy design or performance, then Forester will be a right choice.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

The best car I have ever owned.

lowman99, 01/18/2004
2003 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has to be one of the best cars on the market today, but also one of the most understated. The safety is unmatched in its class, and the all- wheel drive is amazing. On a recent ski trip into the mountains, while everyone was pulled over to the side of the road putting on chains, I just cruised right past them. While 4x4 F- 150 with chains were spinning out in front of me, I just glided over the snow. Extremely reliable- no problems whatsoever.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best small SUV

RK, 07/21/2002
2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I compared this to the RAV4 and CRV. RAV4 was quickly excluded because of its poor performance in crash tests and because side airbags are not available. The CRV lost because the 03 Forester is far more fun to drive. Also the Forester's really huge moonroof/sunroof was a big selling point.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Safety, value, and FUN!

Justme, 12/10/2002
2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After moving to the east coast from CA, I was determined to buy a 4WD or AWD vehicle. I spent the past 6 months doing research & test driving the Audi, Volvo, Highlander, 4Runner, Pilot, CRX etc. No other car offered the safety, gas mileage, reliability, AWD system quality, driving fun & environmental friendliness at a comparable price. The car is a dream for me to drive, w/ plenty of zip, and I've felt SO MUCH safer in snow & bad weather. I'm 5'4" & it's a perfect fit, but my 6'3" husband enjoys driving it too. My Subaru dealer was wonderful--I paid invoice, & he put leather in it for me, so I got all the extras & still have a 5-speed, which I love.

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