Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores.
Cons
Price can be higher than most of the competition, tight on legroom in the backseat.
What’s new
Noting Forester fans' desire for more power, Subaru adds a turbocharged XT model to the lineup. The XT is essentially a loaded XS with a 210-hp engine replacing the 165-hp motor.
Edmunds says
Practical, well-built and enjoyable to drive, the Forester offers an excellent balance of upscale features and all-weather drivability.
I've owned my Forester XT for 6 years now, and it has been a very fun car.
The only repair I've had is the alternator.
It's far faster than it looks and I love being able to floor it on the highway in 5th and it just goes.
It looks good, carries a fair amount of stuff when I go camping, and is great in the snow.
This car served me well for 10 years 11 months and 174,000 miles. Reliable from start to "finish". Routine maintenance is a bit expensive. Only mechanical failure was a U joint in drive shaft at 153,000 miles. When timing belt was originally replaced at 82,500 miles also replaced head gaskets. Did not do so when timing belt was replaced at 165,000 miles and at 168,000 miles a very slight … oil leakage began (to the tune of 1 quart per 3,000 miles.) Decided to trade in at 174,000 miles. This car went to 28 of our 50 states.
This is the best vehicle I have ever
owned. There is little turbo-lag, the
gears are well matched to the engine.
It's a comfortable car for something of
its modest exterior dimensions and is
extremely maneuverable in tight spots
despite high cargo volume and
practicality. Fit and finish is
superior.
Every car is a compromise: Subaru has
attained perfection. You can … buy a
slightly faster sports car that is far
less practical. You can buy a slightly
more comfortable euro wagon that is
twice as expensive. You can buy a
minivan that's somewhat more practical
but completely not fun to drive.
Excellent winter vehicle, though slightly underpowered
Generally speaking, it is a great small utility vehicle that that drives like a car. It is an excellent winter vehicle, but it is not best for highway driving. It lacks power for comfortable passing, and down-shift is on the slow side. And, highway wind and road noise are on the noisier side. I took it for a 4000mile/6000km drive from Canada to California. It handled nicely when it was … +24C and during winter blizzard when I-15 got closed for hours. I haven't had major problems with the vehicle, except sunroof does no longer work. And, parts and service are a bit expensive, especially in Canada.
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