Used 2004 Subaru Forester Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used Forester for sale
Too many other choices to buy this again
brinx, 12/01/2010
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
15 of 36 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.
Fun to drive Forester
Carmen DeFranks, 02/05/2006
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned several Subarus and I have found the Forester to be the most fun car to drive. I was not satisfied with the "pickup" till I bought the 2004 Turbo Forester. I had loved the previous one, but needed more power in getting in and out of rush hour traffic. The turbo had that. But above all - I find the Forester to be extremely fun, something that is difficult to put into words. You have to drive one to know what I mean. Give it a try. I am interested in test driving the Baja next since I have not driven one yet. But will probably stick with the Forester. Oh yeah - you can put ANYTHING in this car - great for hauling!
XT 5 speed forester
Corbin, 12/23/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The new xt forester is a great vehicle. Most people think of subaru being for old people, but they have stepped things up a notch. Now with the turbo models comming, subaru is now more fun to drive. The xt forester is fun, fast, and practical. My winter-time driving in the northwest is now more enjoyable and safe. I would recommend a subaru to everyone.
Unexpected Acceleration
Hung Chen, 08/26/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am not a big fan of SUV's and wasn't interested in the Forester initially. The WRX attracted my visit to the local Subaru dealer and I ended up test driving both the WRX and the Forester XT. I was blown away with Forester's unexpected acceleration. How can a "practical car" out run a "sport car"? Subaru has created an interesting combination of speed and practicality in the Forester XT. The day after I brought the car I took it out to my favorite surfing spot. My 8 ft surf board fitted nicely with the seats folded down. I didn't even have to use the roof rack. This is truly an unique car for people wanting speed and space.
Forester XT- better than WRX wagon
spyderman4774, 01/06/2006
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my XT automatic (wife doesn't know how to drive a manual) for about a month now and must say this crossover is awesome! Compared to a WRX automatic that I also drove, the XT's extra displacement means more torque and better acceleration off the line. For American driving styles this better enables one to keep up in traffic and equals more smiles/mile. The seats are very comfortable and the interior user-friendly, also headroom will not be a concern for 6'-plus drivers. The handling is one area where the WRX wagon might have the advantage, the XT has a bit too much body roll in corners (even compared to my trade-in vehicle, an '01 Pathfinder). XT= practicality & fun!
Q Ship
REDNEB, 01/28/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is without a doubt the most amazing sleeper i have ever owned. handling is above average for a crossover and acceration im pressive particularly over 3500 rpm. the interior seems well concieved and of high quality. shift & clutch are smooth, making double clutching easy. overall a remarkable and practical vehicle.
First Impressions XT Turbo
cdwood, 01/24/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This our second Forester. Our first, a 98, was essentially trouble free for 118K miles. When the turbo came out and I drove it, I wanted it. This is the stealthiest high performance vehicle on the road. The XT version is seriously quick, gobbling up hills and unsuspecting large SUVs or pickups that are inclined to play games.
The Logical Choice
1969Skeptic, 01/28/2009
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after extensive research in 2003. It was down to the Honda Element vs. the Forester XT and the power won out. This is the first car I've had that I can honestly say I've used most of it's capabilities regularly. I'm no street racer but I do enjoy the acceleration and handling of this little SUV. I usually travel by myself or with my young son and it's just the right size. I've had it off road on the beach and on dirt trails - no complaints and it's easy to maneuver. It towed my 17ft Boston Whaler nicely as well. However, for family road trips we take my wife's Pilot - more room.
Family man's WRX
BBeckRN, 01/12/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Forester XT was really my second choice; I thought I wanted the WRX. Having a family, the Forester made more sense, more room, better seating and the ride wasnt so rough. After driving both, I quickly changed my mind. It has been an absolute joy to drive. The acceleration is better than expected, it handles pretty well and the AWD provides such good stability I haven't lost traction once this winter, despite numerous attempts. A perfect blend of roomy station wagon/family car and fun to drive performance car.