Skip to main content

Used 2004 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
257 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

Please with Forester

Jim - NJ, 04/07/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Rides and handles very well, more like a good Sedan than other small SUVs. Over 15,000 miles so far. No problems at all. Comfortable seats. Good acceleration for most drivers. We prefered it's large H4 to some competitors small 6s. AWD / trans very smooth. Plenty of Cargo Room. Back Door is _not_ impeded with spare tire as is case with most direct competitors-- a plus. Mid heigth between typical SUVs and Cars makes for easy access and good view. If you are really hung up on "command view", buy something else. Gas milage slighly better than advertised near 30 mpg on the highway. LOVE the big moon roof, view, overall performance.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Wolf in Sheeps Clothing

Provocyclist, 01/06/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is an amazing car! Its a sports car in baby wagon guise. Subaru actually under-quoted the horsepower rating by 30hp. 3 weeks after we got it, my dad and I drove from Utah to Ohio and back, and Roo performed flawlessly. The view from the drivers seat is great, and all-around visibility is super. The only thing i can say bad about this car is how small the back seat is. Im pretty short, so i fit fine, but if youre normal size, its tight.

Report Abuse
2004 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 39 listings
See all 39 listings

4.75 out of 5 stars

The 2004 Subaru Forester was a Life-Saver

pktsizecub, 08/16/2008
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought a silver Forester because of the snow and ice we get in Eastern Oregon. This car exceeded expectations. I never got below 25 MPG on the hwy, and around 22 in town. When "Chains Required" signs are posted on the interstate, this car buzzed past all the cars chaining up. Subaru is amazing for their safety and high quality. Because my son survived an extreme accident with only bruises I can endorse this car fully. I'm not saying another car wouldn't have performed as well. But this Subaru when put to the test, passed with flying colors.

Report Abuse

3.38 out of 5 stars

Nice ride but paint and interior poor

Vickie, 09/24/2009
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I enjoy my Forester but the paint (black) has not held up well at all. I thought Subaru was built for harsh weather. I live in the south - no snow and ice here. My driver's seat has a tear in the "leather" trim. My goal is to drive the car until it has 200K miles. I am guessing that I will have no paint left by that time. I took the car back to the dealer before the warranty expired and they could not help me with the paint. Are you kidding me - my next car will not be a Subaru for this reason alone.

Report Abuse

1.25 out of 5 stars

2004 Forester Junk on Wheels

Mike Foley, 01/20/2007
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car was rubbish from day one. Brake noise. Faulty converter, hard starting, and the cam shaft and one lifter failed after 12000 miles. For $24K. Do not believe Consumer Reports.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5