Used 2004 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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The Enthusiasts' Family Vehicle
kameojoon, 01/23/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing power. Subaru must under rate the power/torque on these cars. I've seen dyno results of stock XT's that would support this. The responsiveness is nothing short of amazing for a sub $30k vehicle with ample seating for 4 adults. Great handling and all wheel drive versatility. This is a great performer that will give lots of higher end performance cars a run for their money. Exceptional sleeper.
Very reliable car
subaru enthusiast, 09/23/2009
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car. Currently at 120,000 miles. The only major problem was leaky head gaskets which I think is an inherent defect in the engine. But easily fixed for less than $1000. Otherwise the best car I have ever owned. On my way to 200,000 miles and beyond.
2004 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 39 listings
- XS WagonMSRP: $4,995170 mi away
- XS Wagon w/Premium PackageMSRP: $7,990223 mi away
- XT WagonMSRP: $11,995227 mi away
See all 39 listings
Don't Buy a Forester
mike, 04/30/2009
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have had my 04 XS for 5 years now, generally speaking, it's a good car. It is reliable and gets 28-30 mpg highway, front seats are comfortable, back seats are tight, car is sporty and stylish, great traction in bad weather, massive sunroof, BUT...this car has problems. From day 1, car bucks after filling with gas (dealer can't explain), wind noise on highway is horrendous, check engine light goes on and off at will, moving drivers seat causes airbag light to go on, sunroof track broken-they want $1500 bucks to replace, vibration from engine Y-pipe drives us crazy (dealer again can't fix), now the rear end has a very loud humming noise as if its about to go. Car only has 62k miles.
right on the mark
REEBUS, 06/05/2003
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Subaru really hit a bullseye with this 2003 Forester model.I have a silver 2.5x model that came packaged with the optional security alarm, armrest extender, mudguards,chrome tailpipe and hood deflector. This crossover suv is sized right and looks sharp, with very good room, comfort and performance.With its venerable boxer engine, all wheel drive and ABS standard, along with a host of other amenities, it truly is a great value for the price!
Front end impact
Crunch, 11/23/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
At a red light, my foot slipped from the brake to the gas causing a bump with the 1987 Chevy mini-SUV in front of me. No noticed damage to the Chevy, it had some wear and tear on it. The driver was content to leave well enough alone - especiially when he saw the mess I had on my hands. Nearly $6k damage to the Subaru Forrester. It crumpled like an aluminum can under a foot. It could not leave the scene under its own power. The radiator burst. The entire front end, the hood, and much of the front parts of the engine had to be replaced. The vehicle had 400 miles on it.