Used 2003 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Out to Lunch on New Forrester Purchase
J.J., 07/10/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 2003 Subaru Forrester XS, prem/lthr. Biggest complaint is a horrible blind spot on the left side. The right side is great. I use the rearview and side mirrors when switching to the left lanes on the highway. As an extra precaution I turn my head to the left and my view is seriously hindered by the panel that is between the side and rear windows. It's really a dreadful feeling as I feel as if it is "merge or die" and I hate to solely rely on mirrors only. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, then how do you overcome? Really interested in your comments. Am seriously considering a trade on a one-month old car. Many thanks.
Tom's 2003 Subie XS
Tom Stodola, 06/07/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I waited to see the 2003 model, and we are not dissappointed! The new styling makes the car appear like a new model. The reliability of the Subaru nameplate was critical in buying this car,considering the priciness of the Subaru marque. We have owned many Toyotas in the past. With a second home in the mountains, we needed a car with all-wheel drive and yet needed good fuel economy for my drive into Los Angeles for work. Currently, I am very happy with my mileage, which averages 24.5 miles per gallon. I think my wife is going to wrest the Forester away from me very soon.
nice surprise
echo1234, 12/19/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my vehicle for 3 1/2 months now, and I have enjoyed every moment. I was looking for a vehicle with adequate cargo space, but did not want a monstrosity of a typical SUV. I did not even consider the Forester until I was disappointed with the CR-V. The Subaru is definitely worth more for the money! And I drove my Subaru from Texas to Connecticut and am constantly on the road (8000 miles so far!). I highly recommend the Forester.
2003 vs 2002
Nova Tony, 08/15/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had a 2002 Forester S Premium for a little over two years; and like it so much that we recently replaced our other car with a 2003 XS with the premium leather package. Both are auto trans. Drove the 2003 from Virginia up to Acadia Maine and spent a month driving in Maine and Western Massachusetts (3000 miles). No complaints, very similar to the prior model (which is an excellent vehicle) except for a flaw in the driver's seat adjustment mechanism.
Amendment to first review
Tom S., 07/02/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Today (7/2/02) I read an article on SUV bumpers. It seem that the purchase of my '03 Forester was even a smarter decision than I thought. The Forester was the only mini SUV that obtained a "good" rating on a 5mph bumper bash. the Honda CRV and Saturn Vue both failed. I may need to amend my previous comment about Subarus being pricy. (It does seem that you get what you pay for!). I have 3000 miles on my XS and have been getting a consistent 25 mpg on the cheap ARCO 87 octane gas. I keep telling my wife how much I love the car, so maybe she won't take it from me!
The Perfect Height
Taft4, 01/25/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Because of our ages (mid 70's) and my wife's partial disability the height of a car for ease of entry and exit is paramount, along with leather seats that one can slide in on. The exterior dimensions for parking ease and city expressway driving are almost equally important and the Forester easily meets all those criteria. Add to that the excellent safety features and safety record, and I knew this was the car for us.
2003 Subaru Forester XS premium/leather
merliech, 07/03/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car back in February, just in time for the snow! It handles wonderfully. Also, I'm just under 5 feet tall and can see perfectly out of this car. No problems with the car so far. Intend to keep for a long time. Also, had a great experience with the dealership.
Best Car
nasaalien, 06/09/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Handles well.
Subaru Quality
Kransom, 09/30/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love my Forester - I traded my Saab convertible for this car, so for "fun to drive" and "performance" in comparison, I guess the Subaru rates a little lower, but I also am paying a little lower payment also! It is great to drive across country and on gravel roads! The brakes are great.
Follow up from May, 2003
tstodola, 12/13/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my '03 Forester for 7 months and 17,000 miles and am more pleased with it now then when I purchased it! It gets 24-25 mpg with varied driving. My wife has not wrested it away from me, but I think she would swap her Solara for the Forester if I offered. With all the crash test data on the car, and my experiences to date, The premium for Subaru is really worth it!
Super Nice
lykamitchell, 06/21/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked at several small SUV's including Santa Fe, Escape, VUE,and Honda CRV. We didn't like the "feel of the CRV, especially the dash-mounted shifter. We were unsure of the reliability and fuel economy of the others. We test-drove a 2002 Forester and the driving position was unsatisfactory for my wife who is 5 ft tall. The 2003 Forester solved all the problems we had with the 2002 model and it was very easy to decide on it. We feel the dealer gave us a good discount, considering it was the first 2003 he sold.
2003 Subaru Forester XS Premium
Larry Clarke, 07/18/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife & I purchase a 2001 Subaru Forester in March of 2000. We had been very pleased with it reliability and comfort. When the 03 Forester came out we drove it and purchased three days later. The improvements are more leg room front and back. More responsive suspension & feel of the road. Improved styling both interior & exterior, and they eliminated most of the road noise with better insulation in the rear.
Great Handling and Fun to Drive
Majo, 11/05/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not since our Wolfsburg edition VW Cabriolet have we had a car this much fun to drive. The huge moon roof is a nice feature even in bad weather. It is Subaru's dedication to All Wheel Drive that makes this car so much fun to drive. It feels more like a sports car than a mini SUV. No wonder Subaru brags in the beauty of "All Wheel Drive". We have a 4 wheel drive truck to tow the horses, but "All Wheel Drive" is about handling in any weather condition. They pack a lot of features in this car for the price and after you drive it you will understand what Subaru means when they say "The Beauty of All Wheel Drive"
Overall Excellent small SUV
Jborman, 11/23/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been very happy with the Forester 2003 (Premium Package included). This SUV is loaded and not missing a feature. The premium sound system is awesome. The handling is great & I have already driven in bad weather and felt very safe. The reviews at Consumer Reports highly recommended the Forester & I can see why!
NO REGRETS
VOUGHNE, 12/11/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm a first time buyer and a new driver as well. It takes me months of researching which vehicle to buy. Finally I found the one which met my expectations- Subaru Forester XS. For safety , car like handling, reasonable price and fuel economy, Forester top them all!
Love It
Bnaim, 12/21/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has plenty of room,runs beautifully,and id fun to drive.
Driving around in my Forester
Lovemycar, 03/27/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. 2.5LXS Premium model has everything you could want in an SUV crossover. AWD system makes me feel safe in the rain. Good pickup. Ride is smooth and quiet. Leather is good quality. Controls are nicely placed and easy to reach for the 5'0 driver. Nice height. People 6'0 and over might have close call with head clearence. Many features in this model, including heated seats and exterior windows and windshield wipers. 6 speeds on the wipers. Moonroof is huge.
Excellent Choice!
jmcdonald, 02/06/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I researched long and hard for a new mini-suv and none compared to Subaru's drive, interior, and special "extras" (ie, HUGE sunroof).Traveling the country on interstates, mountains, and trails through sunshine, rain, and snow, the AWD and handling has been exceptional, making for a fun and trusted drive.10K mi in 6mos and not a single rattle or problem. Even with only 165 hp, no problems passing or climbing hills. Love the interior styling and auto climate control--def. worth upgrading to prem leather pkg. Totally satisfied!
Forester 2003 in PA.
mcquestor, 02/07/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first Subaru. Driving in the snow enjoyable. Body style is a great improvement over previuos models. With 10K miles in 2 1/2 months, the Forester is "Fun to Drive", better than my previous Ford Explorer.
I love my
MyCoco, 07/03/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first time I had ever heard of a Subaru Forester was when my husband and I got one as a rental car in Hawaii 4 years ago. I enjoyed that car so much that I have wanted one ever since and have finally got one. I wanted a small, but nice, SUV--and I feel like that is just what I got. I purchased a 2003 monotone silver with premium leather package. So far I have really enjoyed it. It seems to be of nicer quality than most cars in its class. The suspension in this car is more forgiving than in our Durango--not as stiff.
Best small SUV
RK, 07/21/2002
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.
Great Car!
subarupal, 11/07/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru, now I know why subaru owners are so loyal and enthusiastic about their cars. Considered just about every other same type suv and test drove most of them. The Forester was the clear winner. Fit, finish and quality is that of a car worth $1000's more. Proven reliability and advanced safety features just add to the package. Can't wait for the snow.
Outstanding Value
Puna Luna, 11/21/2002
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fully loaded for around $25k. Guaranteed gas mileage and superior crash test rating. We are extremely happy with this vehicle.
Love It
cdm, 07/15/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just moved from a 96 Legacy LS wagon to an 03 Forester, prem. pkg with leather. Car is a joy to drive and the sunroof is as big as all outdoors. Only have it for about two weeks so can't say much more.
Great Car. Run Forrest Run.
run_forrest_run, 07/28/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoy the AWD excellent handling. Premium package has all the amenities; leather, heated seats, heated mirrors and wipers, fog lights, mudguards, 6 CD stereo (spring for the speaker upgrade), climate control, and a huge sunroof. I added the deflector and took off my roof rails to cut down on noise. 4-cylinder engine is zippy - has great highway acceleration - more get-up and go than the 6 cylinder Buick I traded. Handling and parking are a dream. Now I know why so many Subaru owners buy again. Before you buy check-out their website partners. They have discount deals when you support their trading partners.
Subaru Forester XS premium w/leather
merliech/merliech, 04/09/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car a couple of months ago and have so far put on about 1200 miles so far. I love this car! It handles great, the view of the road is excellent, it drives great in the snow and I love the sunroof! I would highly recommend this car.
2003 Forester XS premium w/leather
merliech, 04/14/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car! A huge number of features for a great price. I actually feel like I've purchased a luxury car. Drives great in the snow; and I love the huge sunroof. The upgraded stereo sounds great too. Handles great and I get an excellent view of the road. When I was looking at cars I also looked at the Ford Escape and the Honda CRX. I believe I made the right choice with the Forester.
Fantastic!
bethee, 02/26/2003
Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with this vehicle the first moment I climbed in. The ride is wonderful, and it is so safe and stable to drive!