Used 2004 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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Early Maintenance
Bill, 12/16/2009
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is great except for fuel and maintenance costs. Plugs only last 50000 and cost 300-400 to replace due to complexity of the flat design and the turbo plumbing. Most recently I had a raw gas odor requiring replacement of fuel hoses which required removing the intake manifold for repairs. Also found an air turbo intake hose with a hole in it ($100).
Not as good as they use to be.
lemonade, 08/04/2005
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car thinking it would be as reliable and trouble free as my '95 Legacy. I was wrong! Numerous rattles, squeaks and creaks developed in the dash, console, and front passenger door. The auto transmissionwas rough and jerky shifting. The front end would grind and rattle when pulling into a parking space. Two dealers were unable to fix even a single problem. The dealer also always overfilled the engine by half a quart of oil during oil changes. Lousy service, warranty, and car. NEVER WILL BUY ONE AGAIN!
Too many other choices to buy this again
brinx, 12/01/2010
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 35 people found this review helpful
This car is well thought of for some people. I don't understand why. There are too many good alternatives to this car to buy another one. Normal recommended maintenance is expensive and add in wheel bearings and head gaskets and it's like buying another car. The car is marketed for harsh weather and service, but it doesn't seem to be built for it. Before buying search on head gaskets and wheel bearings and see if you still want one.
Pass on Subaru not worth trouble
JeffD., 10/18/2010
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 13 people found this review helpful
Purchased the car based on Consumer reviews. Car has lived in the shop: valves, clutch, brakes, radio, etc. The car handles well but no power and no room for kids. Most expensive car I've ever owned based on days in shop and dollars in repairs. I keep cars for 10+ years but looking forward to parking this one under a tree and walking away from it. Subaru dealerships have a lot of swagger about the belief of what they read in consumer reports. Unfortunately this attitude makes it "your fault" that the valves fail after 60 k miles and be prepared for very long waits for parts. Took 3 weeks to get in a new rear windshield wiper arm. None of the needed work has been under warranty.
Everything - Including The Dog
Dave_in_CA, 01/09/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife and I have been driving the XT for about a month. Just as the first reviewer said, I also bought this car for her and can now hardly stand to drive my car. We have been very pleased by this ultra- sensible sports car. Dog, kids, groceries and a sub 5.7 0-60 time. What more can you ask for? We looked at many wagons (Passat, Outback, Saturn) and chose the Forester for its comfort (her) and performance (me). The sound system is great, fit and finish are excellent (on par with Acura, better than Toyota IMHO) and the car just feels rock solid. No opinion on the reliablity but with regular service it should be fine.