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Used 2004 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
257 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

teamtoner, 03/28/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Subaru Forester XT

JonArch, 03/29/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This must be the best kept secret on the road today! I have just completed my first 1000 miles so have not pushed the engine too much but even so I have to say this is the fastest car I have ever driven! The acceleration is breathtaking, handling is superb, it looks great and it's one of the safest cars on the road. The interior has a quality feel about it and there is plenty of storage space. It is a joy to drive.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

If you've gotta have a baby-mobile....

Tom Wardz, 04/07/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Went looking to Subaru when we found out we were expecting. The Forester was our choice for manuverability in our tight garage. However, once I drove the XT, the turbo was non-negotiable. I had to have it. Now I'm enjoying knowing that my wife is driving a very safe vehicle, and I can make most other cars on the road eat my dust. I can't wait to hear my kid say, "Faster Daddy!"

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Bag the Hill Holder!

sabregirl, 07/16/2004
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have a manual 2.5 X bought in February. The dealer did not show me the "hill holder" feature until after I had signed all the paperwork. I didn't see any reference to it in the literature beforehand either. I HATE this feature! Other than that, the car is brilliant, and I was really excited to begin with. But everytime I have to race the engine to get it to move forward on a hill, or it sticks when I try to reverse (even not on a hill!) my enthusiasm decreases. Has anyone else had problems with this feature? I would not have bought this car if I had known it would act like this at stops. I have a complaint in to subaru now about this.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

DUMB-BAR = PAIN IN THE BACK

dumb-bar victim, 08/23/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

BEFORE YOU BUY THIS CAR, CHECK THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. YOU CAN ZIP OPEN THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE LUMBAR IS A STEEL ROD WITH A PEICE OF PLASTIC ON IT. IT WILL CAUSE YOU MAJOR BACK PAIN AFTER ABOUT 1500 MILES. YOUR SPINE WILL REST ON THIS BAR AND YOU WILL BE SORRY YOU BOUGHT A $27,000 CAR WITH 27 CENT LUMBER SUPPORT.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Nice but needs improvements

Sean D, 12/05/2006
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Performance great, but 1st gear ratio too low; shift to 2nd is sometimes clumsy with best efforts. Clutch pedal range much too long. Outside styling is weird. Looks good in some lighting and some angles (e.g. rear), in others it looks pathetic. Wheels too small and stupid looking for top-of-the-line Forester. Suspension is too soft for performance. Seats and position are not comfortable for me. Seems the ergonomics are for shorter people. Gas mileage fair; seems to be the same whether driven hard or easy. Premium fuel is not a plus, but its a turbo. I've driven the '07. Much improved appearance, nicer wheels, nicer interior design / features.

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4 out of 5 stars

Black Crusier

Kevin K., 01/23/2018
updated 02/23/2018
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

overall, very good, very little headaches for the past 14 years . Sharp looking, active vehicle. Dependability top notch. epa mpg slated at 19/21. lucky to get 16/19. Turbo hp is nice-but at the expense of mpg. Other than wind noise, it's a fun suv w/ a little extra get-up-and-go. Nice when you need or want it. Well maintained. Garage kept, No rust. Leather Package. Sliding moon/dun roof,. Has a roof rack; no just roof rails. Generous cargo space with rubber (not plastic)tray and retracting shade; factory issued carpeted floor matches; has a mutii-6 CD disc changer-a rare find- if you still listen to cds. They don't make them anymore. My rating: 9/10.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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