Used 2004 Subaru Forester Wagon 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.
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.
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.