Used 2004 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

My 2004 Forester review

Drove it home on the expressway and wasn't paying attention. Looked down and I was doing over 80. Excellent acceleration. Went to pass a slower car and jumped up to 95 in an instant. Traded in a 1999 Outback Wagon. What a difference! Still getting used to it. Not used to all of the visibility. I've never seen such a large sun roof. Love the leather and sound system!

Very Happy!

After months of research and debate -- I'm very glad I chose the Forester. For me the X model has all the necessary features and includes great safety features. I didn't like how other manufactures make you buy a high end model for abs brakes, 4wd, etc. Ride is smooth and quiet! All controls are with in easy reach. I'm very happy!

Take the Plunge!

I traded in an '03 Legacy because I have dogs & needed more room. Many great features are standard. AWD is #1, handles confidently. Love the redesigned styling. Get heated seats, you'll never go back! I like their politics, but dealership left A LOT to be desired. Partner hates the cheap-looking steel rims, but I think they're ok. Otherwise, I highly recommend this car. They will have a customer for life when they go HYBRID!

Problems with my 2004 Forester

I have an 2004 Forester and had to have in the shop 3 times for them to figure out I had a bad fuel injector head. It was fixed and works fine now. This morning I had to take it in again because the car overheats when the A/C is on. I did my research on Subarus and none of the data indicated that I would have the type of problems I'm having. I think I'm going to trade my car in for a Honda. My Subaru has become unreliable for my family.

Subaru and storage too!

I recently purchased the 03 Subaru forester. I was quoted a price of $500 below invoice. This is a great car. I only had it for two days and had to take my lawnmower in for service, no problem roll it in, bungy it down (love those cargo hooks) and away we go. Couldn't do that in my maxima. This car has nice acceleration and it is not underpowered in my opinion, although I probably will not get invited to any nascar events! This car for me is the right balance between function and car without being a truck or over sized SUV. I test drove the Mazda tribute which is an excellent vehicle as well, but Subaru really has the AWD figured out.

2004 Forester X

The Forester X is a wonderfully affordable, versatile everyday driver that is fun to drive. The gas mileage beats almost any other SUV, with the trade off being less power. If power is important, get the XT version. I took this car into foot-deep snow here without snow tires or chains and the X just plowed through it as stable and positive as you could want it. The handling is superb. What I really liked about this car was the price - for what you get, they practically give it away. With rear seats folded down, it handled 2 adults and their luggage for a vacation just fine. With a pet barrier, it takes my 70-lb. dog everywhere. In a nutshell: practical, reliable, versatile, fun, cheap.

Great CAR

This is a cross between a car and a suv,just enought room and not a gas guzzling suv . I should have purchsed this a long time ago! Looks great in white. ONLY FALT THERE IS NOT ENOUGHT LIGHT AT NIGHT WHEN YOU GET INTO THE CAR,THEY NEED TO IMPROVE ON THIS ASAP.ALSO DOORS SHOULD LOCK WHEN YOU PUT IT IN GEAR

Excellent Family Vehicle

Family is just two + a dog, but it's got room for more. We traded in 2000 Honda Passport V6, and got Forester 17 months ago, and we still love it. It's a bit boxy, but ride is far more comfortable than Passport, drives better in snow and ice, it takes far less gas and on top of all that it's safer. It does all the things SUV does, only better, and it beats a sedan in luggage and grocery hauling too. It's an excellent vehicle. Practical, practical!

Forester 04 XS Premium

Love the versatility of the vehicle. Like handling, but lacking power IMO. Passing other vehicles is often a challenge, which is my major concern. And, turbo is much more expensive to drive. Maintenance is on the expensive side. Sunroof doesn't open/close properly. Dealership was unable to determine exact cause after 1 hr inspection. Another mechanic found trickling current in the power circuit suspecting a failing diode in the alternator. Dealership tested and said that it is okay. Suspicious. Don't take vehicle to the dealership anymore. Central console plastic is easy to scratch. Rattles inside are annoying. Overall, good vehicle.

Forester 2.5xt

No surprises. The vehicle has performed flawlessly and is a ball to drive as few expect it to run so briskly.

Good car, very pleased

85,000 miles and no failures or repairs. This car has been rock-solid from the very beginning and shows no signs of slowing down. The turbo motor makes for some fun driving but I can also get 24-25 mpg on highway cruises. Visibility is top-notch and the built-in safety features are a huge plus. It's not the prettiest car around but that's not why you buy a Forester. It's a do-everything vehicle that doesn't make many compromises to accomplish that goal. Rear seat room could be a touch bigger and that's the only major gripe I can come up with. If my Forester got totaled tomorrow, would I buy another? Yes, without a second thought. All cars should be this good.

Subaru XS Forrester

Solid all around car.

Love my Subaru

Having been a Mercedes M-class owner, I traded for a Subaru 2004 Forester this past August. I have nothing but positives to say about this vehicle! It is far more fun to drive than the M- class, is equally well-built, and very comfortable. The only thing that my Subaru lacks is a built-in control for programming in the garage-door opener. For the price difference, I think I can live with that small failing. I actually am looking forward to a nice snow so that I can try out my go-in-the- snow power. This is no lie-- I have to remind myself to drive my Mercedes C- class and my classic Porsche!

Sleeper

Most people think of this vehicle as a soccer mom's grocery getter. If you're looking to impress people at first sight, then this is not the car for you. This car is very practical. Plenty of room for almost everything including 4 adults. Great visibility and very maneuverable in town due to its small turning radius. Excellent comfort. Cabin layout and seats are perfect. Car is very stable, especially for something so high off the ground. 5speed has relatively short throws and the entire shifting process is very smooth. MPG: worst-18 best-26 city-20 hwy-25 mixed-23 Car is geared low for acceleration. At 70mph you're at 3K rpm. Could use a 6-speed for hwy gas mileage

Highly recommended

It does a terrific job of what it is designed to do. We've had it 1 yr, for 11K mi, with no problems at all. That's what I expect for a brand new $24K car, and performance is also exactly as I would expect from a small car and small engine. It has been great in the city and on highway trips, haven't had a chance to go in the forest yet. Room for a dog and a baby, even on long trips, yet easy to drive and park anywhere. Took me a while to get used to some of the Subaru engineering, like automatic downshifting for engine braking on hills and the automatic climate control, but I've learned to accept them as useful.

04 Forester XT

Excellent car. The build feels solid, I have owned this car for about 2 years now with no problems at all. The all wheel drive combined with the 210 hp turbo engine is great in the hills. This car is awesome in the snow, never any problems at all navigating in snow. It also grips well in dry and wet weather, I feel very safe in this car. Excellent ground clearance, never any issues on mtn roads. The interior seems solid, no creaks or rattles or anything falling apart. I think for the money you can't get a better car.

New AWD and Turbo Fan!!!

I went from a 4x4 V8 regular cab truck to this XT 5spd because my family is growing and couldn't be happier. I continue to be amazed with the power and traction in the rain. It's like the roads aren't wet at all. The space is great and the mileage is acceptable for the performance you are getting. I can't wait to drive in the snow and try it out. It would be hard to go back to 2wd or part time 4wd again. I have about 2,300 miles at this time.

nice quite ride

This vehicle rides great... Very quite inside... Last car was very noisey. Road noise is almost non- existent...Plenty of room in the back, seats are comfortable. I use alot of back country roads and it handles the curves and dips great... Haven't found anything I don't like yet. Everyone tells me how good the car looks. only have 2000 miles on it, but the gas milage could be better only getting about 20 in mostly highway driving...ease

Very Dependable and Fun to Drive!

As a former owner of a Jeep Cherokee for 7 years, I have been in heaven with my Forester. It takes curves very well and grips the road very well. Very small blind spots. Steering wheel feels comfortable and the electric windows and mirrors work well. Side air bags and good crash test rating are reassuring. I can honestly say I enjoy driving to work in the morning.

2004 Forester

We purchased the Forester 2.5 XS with the premium leather package three days ago. It is a joy to drive - responsive, comfortable, great audio system. The CD player holds 6 CDs, but the dashboard storage compartment holds 5 cd cases - minor inconvenience. This is a great vehicle.

excellent buy

excellent overall especially in snow

Excellent Car

After 10 years with my Hyundai excel 1994, having many problems I bought my forester in year 2003. I love this car. No problem. It's very comfortable. After 90,000 miles I'm still in love with my Subaru. The 4WD is excellent.

I'll keep going back to Subaru!

My second Forester was the 2004 and it was such a good, solid car. I've listened to so many "regular car" drivers complain about snow, ice, etc. I never had those problems with this Forester or the one I traded in to get this one (1998). Just traded it in for a Legacy which I love, but I do miss all the storage cubbies in the Forester! I really love the Subaru line - so many things that are "extra" in other brands are "standard" for Subaru, such as carpeted mats, keyless remote, etc. Between that, the AWD, and a good dealership, I'm a Subaru owner for life!

Paint problems

A great car in most aspects except paint. Have commuted 110 miles round trip for years with Hondas. The Subaru paint on the front plastic components has become heavily pitted from bugs in spite of frequent washings. Looks trashy on the front. Now I am getting a milky residue on the entire exterior. No known exposure to air borne pollutants. Waxed regularly. Washed predominantly by hand with proper washing materials. The black pearl paint looks great except it shows both of these blemishes rather dramatically. Subaru only offered to pay 1/2 cost of bumper repainting. A real disappointment.

best car I've owned

I love my Forester. I can't wait to trade up for the newest model! It's so good, I don't have to shop around...ever--as long as they make the Subaru Forester, I'll be driving one!

Great Value

This high end model Forester was equipped with several extras, all of which were installed properly and on time. The car was fully serviced before delivery and performed beautifully even in sub zero weather. The vehicle has several improvements over older model Foresters but retains the key features--reliability and good overall gas mileage (currently averaging 27 mpg). Very quiet, low wind noise, good steering feel, and good arrangement of instruments and controls. One of the best all aro

2004 Subaru Forester

Reliable car. Good handling when running with good tires.

Excellent vehicle for the money

Drove one back from Ballwin MO, down to Little Rock AR this weekend. WOW! Having a large moonroof makes it feel like a convertible. The 210 horse power engine, let alone the turbo, makes it feel like a sports car. All that along with the cargo capacity of a small SUV - it's got to be the best of all worlds. Plus there is an incedible amount of window glass surrounding the passenger compartment, making for great viewing for everyone in the vehicle. This vehicle is SOLID inside and out.

Buy this Subaru...you won't be sorry!!

All the friends who own Subarus told me that they love the car. I test drove it after driving other brands and it truly is an extremely well built supremely designed automobile. Everything about it is quality. No regrets or buyer's remorse here!

GREAT SAV NOT SUV

This is a great car . Subaru was the first out with all wheel drive and now look at all the other car mfg comming out with it. The ride is great,and just enought HP. Take it from me you don't need the turbo it takes the top grade of gas and who needs to pay another $0.25 a gallon.

The REAL Zoom Zoom Zoom

I moved from a Z28 with 6 speed (300 hp) to this faster (believe it or not) family hauler. It could handle better, but everything else is perfect.

Totally Different Forester

We liked our 2001 Forester for its utility and reliability but that's all it was, utilitarian and reliable. The 2004 XT is a totally different car. Beyond trimming the 0-60 time nearly in half compared to our 2001, the car feels much more solid and confident in all driving conditions. And the size of the moonroof is just plain cool.

Cannit beat the Forester

Vey dependable; runs great; comfortable

Pricey toys

They all need work. Parts are expensive. Labors worse. Resale is nada. But if u like toys. The 04 xt 5spd. With it's 50/50 power split front to rear makes for a unique (nothing like any other subie) high performance cornering. Amazing how the car hops around digging for traction. So cool.

SUV or Race Car??

I went from an 02 WRX Wagon to this for the extra room and features. It has a nice soft ride, interior is nice and the performance if even better than the WRX. This car has Blazing acceleration! Just as fast as a Porsche Boxter S and a 350Z, believe it! There is no turbo lag like the WRX, it sppols right up and continues to pull all the way to redline. This is a mountain biker and skiers dream car. heated seats are nice too and the climate control system is well designed

XT--Almost Perfect

Just picked up our 04 gold XT premium with a few extras. Love the effortless acceleration, smooth handling, and feel when compared to our 02. Interior and exterior finishes were excellent, no rattles, great paint.

Amazing.

We test drove every different model of Subaru on the lot, and this particular one twice. Amazing. We were not even in the market for this price range, but could not pass this car up! The moonroof, heated seats and leather just make it perfect. I mean, of course we were going to buy a Subaru, I am just glad we took the time to find this one, the Forester XS Premium.

my 2001 Forester

after 37,500 miles, original brakes with no brake problems; original tires with no tire problems; very comfortable ride; very good mileage for size of auto; would definitely buy another one

Glad I bought a Forester.

Only driven it for 6 weeks. Went skiing after week 2 and performed excellent in the mountains! Wish the rear leg room was bigger. Need to tint windows.Looks and drives great.

She's Hot!

My Forester Turbo is the greatest vehicle I've ever owned. She has lots of pizzaz, getting me in and out of traffic with ease. If I ever have to replace her it will be with another Forester Turbo.

Avoid Sand and Gravel

Don't drive this car on roads with sand or on gravel roads. The back door running board gets etched from the sprayed sand/gravel. The mud flaps do not help. Less than 20k and I have to repaint. Poor Design. My first and last Subaru. I'll go back to Honda.

Turbo blown

Bought this car used as the dealership reved about the longevity of the Subaru engine. At 135000 KMs the Turbo blew up. Car was always well maintained. Of course with the high miles the warranty had expired (for ileage not age) so no dealership would help. First and last Subaru I'll ever own.

Dead at 80K

2004 XT. 51 y/o grandpa driver, never races and never pushes. Meticulous maintenance; always as scheduled or, with oil changes, even sooner. One day, driving home from work just short of 81k, the damn thing died. Also, lots of road noise.

Reliable Quick Multipurpose Vehicle!

Love my Subie

I have put 3,000 miles on my new Forester. This is my second Subaru I have owned and I can't say enough good things about Subaru. Not only is the Forester a fun vehicle to drive, it is super dependable on snowy roads. I wouldn't go anywhere without my Subaru.

Watch Out, BMW

I was looking for a cargo friendly, around town vehicle. Got not only that, but also a road trip vehicle. The Forester XT exceeded my expectations: it purrs effortlessly around town, but was a complete surprise on the open highways throughout the west. Great acceleration, tight steering, balanced road hugging at any speed. My other car is a BMW SUV, and frankly I find the Subaru more fun to drive. The difference is that the BMW is quieter, but that difference disappears when the audio system is on. My packagage includes the 7 speaker sound system - I asked my audio contractor for my home remodel to sit in the car as a reference point.

WOW...love my Forester XT

Had a 2002 Subaru Outback but wasn't happy with how small it felt inside or the peppiness. Happened to mention it at my scheduled servicing and they dragged me around back of the dealership to see the just delivered 2004 Forester XT. Love at first site! The first thing I did was solar tint all the windows and I'm telling you now this car looks HOT. Love the accelleration, appearance and extra head space. The black leather seats,silver/chrome interior & chrome accent on the tailpipe is nice. The sunrooof is immense and quiet actually when opened! The 6 disk CD player, seat warmers, outdoor mirror warmers and all the extras are great.

2nd Childhood Toy

I went shopping for a SUV to use as a second vehicle but never suspected that I would wind up with Subaru. My initial impression was they make wagons that drive like a sports car? I was immediately hooked by the power, handling, and ergonomics. I am 6' tall, 200 lbs, and all of the controls are exactly in the right place. I felt at home in the first ten minutes.

This ride rocks

I chose the forester over many other SUV's because of performance and incentives.(I got mine at 1.9% at invoice) This has it all! Since I had to get a family car I wanted something fun to drive. My wife hated it at first, but she took it yesterday morning and has been hooked ever since. Also even though its not much competition at least I can hang with my brother's STI. Only thing I dont like is the rear seatbelts are hard to get to if there is a car seat in the back!

Great Car

This is our first Subaru but it will not be our last. We moved from a Honda mini-van - what a difference in handling, comfort and safety (we can actually see behind us when backing up. We could not be happier!