Used 2004 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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2004 Forester XT the ultimate sleeper
Wille, 06/17/2020
updated 06/23/2025
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love sleepers, I still have my '90 SHO, the '04 XT and now a '17 Fusion Sport awd twin turbo 2.7 L V6 with 325 hp/380 torque but it is an auto. The Fusion Sport is the quickest and best cruiser but the Forester is the fun to drive car. The 5 speed manual gives so much more control and is a blast to carve corners. I bought it new 19 years ago after reading the review in C&D Aug.'04 with 0-60 in 5.3 sec. and 13.8 sec.1/4 mi and now never want to get rid of it. It now has 101k for miles and is the "special" local knock around fun toy. I put on coil overs and lowered it 1.5”and set the dampers to be slightly stiffer. It now rides firmer and is amazing around corners, staying flat and with much sticker tires (BFG g-force all season ultra performance) the turn in is quick and very responsive. Now the handling in more on par with incredible engine and drive train. Only the ‘04-05 Forester XT has the super low 4.44:1 gearing that keeps the turbo on the boil and the revs build so quick you almost need to short shift to keep out of red line. It is my favorite car that I have owned on being a blast to drive. It is not the most refined car I’ve owned but that bit of rowdiness is what I love. The fact that It is also so practical having large cargo area (hauled a recliner inside it). I can toss my bike in the back end not leaving it out so that it there no concern for getting stolen. It is my forever "toy"!
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15 years and still going...strong
Colorado John, 06/27/2019
updated 06/29/2020
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So, bought this car for my 16-year old son in 2014, 77,000 miles...formerly 1-owner car has now been to college (twice), driven by 2 teen-age drivers, and, with relatively minor repairs (timing chain, motor for sunroof, motor for a power window, faithfully regular oil changes, etc.) is running like a champ. Body's good, interior is good. Gets about 22 in the city and 28 on the highway (Colorado mountain driving), great in the winter, hauls bikes, skis, whatever. Was going to sell it, but I'm selling my '15 Subie XT and keeping "Mr. Carson" instead. Shop guy says at 120K miles, I got another 120K to go, and at the price per mile, I can stand a little road noise - just get the do-dad that lets me play my tunes thru the radio, turn up the volume, and go! And btw, the BEST heating and cooling ever!
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XT 5 speed forester
Corbin, 12/23/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The new xt forester is a great vehicle. Most people think of subaru being for old people, but they have stepped things up a notch. Now with the turbo models comming, subaru is now more fun to drive. The xt forester is fun, fast, and practical. My winter-time driving in the northwest is now more enjoyable and safe. I would recommend a subaru to everyone.
XT HEAVEN
TURBOHEAVEN, 12/29/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
JUST PICKED UP OUR NEW TURBO FORESTER. THIS CAR LIVES UP TO ALL OUR EXPECTATIONS.HAVING LESS THAN 200 MILES ON CAR SO FAR HAS KEPT US FROM REALLY OPENING IT UP, BUT JUST WITH THE FEW BLIPS INTO THE THROTTLE SO FAR, WE'RE SURE TO BE THRILLED WHEN MOTORS BROKEN IN SLIGHTLY.HAVING A CAR LIKE A PORSCHE IN THE FAMILY ALLOWS US TO REALLY APPRECIATE HOW MUCH PULL THIS THING HAS, ESPECIALLY ON THE HILLS WHERE WE LIVE. ABOVE ALL OF THIS IS THE SENSE OF WELL BEING YOU GET WHEN BEHIND THE WHELL. THE CAR REALLY MAKES ITS OCCUPANTS FEEL SAFE. HOPEFULLY THIS ENGINE WILL HAVE THE RELIABILITY OF SUBARUS OTHER CARS.
Why isn't this the SUV of the year?
Jackruss, 12/01/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Living in the high mountains of the Rockies, I wanted a vehicle I could take to the hills, as well as highway, I chose the XT because of the responsiviness that this compact SUV offers. I am 6' 4" and I had a WRX, but it was too small for my size so I traded it in on this auto, and for the most part I am really happy with it, more responsive that the WRX. The only draw back is the amount of leg room on long trips,over 5 hours. The car is an automatic with adequate go power for me (a baby boomer). Although, I would like to see the XT with a STi type engine. It probably would make me seriously consider trading this sweet little car in on one.