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
2.88 out of 5 stars

I traded mine in after 7 months!

Skatpud, 12/10/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Forrester on the recommendation of a family member. Big mistake. I had engine problems almost immediately. The front seats are painfully uncomfortable. The back seat is too small to adequately hold a rear- facing baby seat. In fact, just to get the seat to click in, I had to move the front seat up significantly. I traded mine in for a 2004 Honda Accord after only 7 months. Big disappointment.

Report Abuse

4.38 out of 5 stars

Forester Base Model

ang, 09/17/2003
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I only put 1,000 miles on the car so far but I am satisfied with my purchase. For a long time I debated between the Forester, the Xterra, and the Element. I found the Forester to be the best for my buck. It is not a gas guzzler like the Xterra and it is not an experimental automobile like the Element. The ride is smooth and the ergonomics are well done if you are a person of average height and weight. If you are a larger creature you might want to look for a different automobile all together.

Report Abuse
2004 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 42 listings
See all 42 listings

4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun!

skypilot243, 12/14/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is just plain fun to drive. even with the automatic,i'ts quick off the line, passes everything with ease and rolls effortlessly. Seems to have excellent handling characteristics on winding roads and feels much more stable (and powerful) than the Explorer it replaces and a heck of a lot cheaper than the Toureg I was considering. Not sure I'd want to take it off road much though but for a daily driver, it's excellent. Not nearly as quiet inside as I would prefer- seems like the higher end SUV's have a lot more sound deadening-still this is pretty minor at this price point.

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

Forester fun

urabus03, 12/18/2003
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Enjoyable car to drive. I feel safer on wet roads or in heavy rain, knowing the safe construction and AWD provides traction other frontwheel drive only vehicles don't give.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Forester shines

TonkaManOR, 09/24/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I went from a pickup truck to this little SUV. ALthough I miss the hauling capabilities of my pickup, this subie has been great. I have driven it on two long trips this summer and it has returned some great mileage for an AWD. I averaged 27 mpg on this last trip.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5