Used 2004 Subaru Forester Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used Forester for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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.
Replaced Audi A6 2.7T Quatro
Joe Greenwood, 01/18/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Was looking for AWD to use in snow country, replacing Audi. The Forrester was head and shoulders above any other AWD/Compact SUV we researched. Exceptional value, scary acceleration, quality interior and most attractive exterior on the market. No spare on the back is a big plus. We had never considered Subaru and kinda put them in the Saab/Volvo category; quirky but functional. We've had Audi/Mustang GT/Taurus SHO/Triumph Spitfire/67 Vette, and the Forrester is more fun than them all. Only one negative - gas tank too small - or maybe I gotta quit playing street-racer. One other drawback, now I'm lusting for a WRX-STi.
2004 XT - 600 miles so far
duckdog_mi, 01/12/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We've put 600 miles on our new XT in just over a week; we can't stop driving it, even in the most recent blizzard. We looked at several makes and models before choosing the XT to replace our current 97 Outback but none could compete with safety, styling, cargo room (dogs/kids), comfort, price and, of course, power. No regrets.
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.