2004 Subaru Forester Review

Name: 2004 Subaru Forester Review
Brand: Subaru
Price: 1596 USD
Rating: 4.6 (257 reviews)

2003 Subaru Forester 2.5 X AWD 4dr Wagon

2003 Subaru Forester 2.5 XS AWD 4dr Wagon

+92

Used Forester for sale

$1,596 - $2,681

1 listing

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Subaru Forester model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$203/mo

$180/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Subaru Forester.

5 (71%)

4 (23%)

3 (3%)

2 (2%)

1 (1%)

4.6

257 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 257 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

A niche car, but fits perfectly in it.

speedysteve, 02/08/2012

2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

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.

2.5X

Deacon Allan J. Frederiksen, 02/19/2015

2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

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 …

Speak softly, carry a big stick!

Nuvolari, 02/09/2004

2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

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 …

Excellent winter vehicle, though slightly underpowered

ruslan, 12/28/2010

2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

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 …

See all 257 reviews of the Subaru Forester

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2004 Forester Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,020
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$203/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2004 Subaru Forester Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Subaru Forester.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

A niche car, but fits perfectly in it.

2.5X

Speak softly, carry a big stick!

Excellent winter vehicle, though slightly underpowered

2004 Forester Highlights

Safety

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2004 Subaru Forester Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

A niche car, but fits perfectly in it.

2.5X

Speak softly, carry a big stick!

Excellent winter vehicle, though slightly underpowered

2004 Forester Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2004 Subaru Forester info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Subaru

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}