Used 2004 Subaru Forester Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Fun to drive
Mark Campbell, 10/09/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Moves well in the snow is reasonably comfortable on long trips. has ample storage for a vehicle of this size. Gas mileage is horrible. The final drive ratio is far too low. 20 MPG on freeway at 80 miles per hour. Had a Passat GLX that got 26 at same cruising speed with V-6 same basic power. Reliability has been spotless thru 53K miles. Service costs have been very reasonable. Paint is not terribly chip resistant and scratch resistant not up to expectation level. One squeek in the interior since new which is due to dash and a pillar sleeve contact. Wind noise at speed. Engine noise minor. I would buy again
Wolf in Sheeps Clothing
Provocyclist, 01/06/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is an amazing car! Its a sports car in baby wagon guise. Subaru actually under-quoted the horsepower rating by 30hp. 3 weeks after we got it, my dad and I drove from Utah to Ohio and back, and Roo performed flawlessly. The view from the drivers seat is great, and all-around visibility is super. The only thing i can say bad about this car is how small the back seat is. Im pretty short, so i fit fine, but if youre normal size, its tight.
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.
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.
Great little wagon
homer, 11/24/2008
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 2003 and have loved it ever since. I just payed it off and plan on keeping it until it dies. It handles great in the rain and snow. The only warranty work I had done was to replace the CD changer and rear view mirror. My only complaint is the very loud road noise. It's a great car that can definitely move when you want it to.
2004 Forester XT the ultimate sleeper
Wille, 06/17/2020
updated 06/23/2025
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love sleepers, I still have my '90 SHO, the '04 XT and now a '17 Fusion Sport awd twin turbo 2.7 L V6 with 325 hp/380 torque but it is an auto. The Fusion Sport is the quickest and best cruiser but the Forester is the fun to drive car. The 5 speed manual gives so much more control and is a blast to carve corners. I bought it new 19 years ago after reading the review in C&D Aug.'04 with 0-60 in 5.3 sec. and 13.8 sec.1/4 mi and now never want to get rid of it. It now has 101k for miles and is the "special" local knock around fun toy. I put on coil overs and lowered it 1.5”and set the dampers to be slightly stiffer. It now rides firmer and is amazing around corners, staying flat and with much sticker tires (BFG g-force all season ultra performance) the turn in is quick and very responsive. Now the handling in more on par with incredible engine and drive train. Only the ‘04-05 Forester XT has the super low 4.44:1 gearing that keeps the turbo on the boil and the revs build so quick you almost need to short shift to keep out of red line. It is my favorite car that I have owned on being a blast to drive. It is not the most refined car I’ve owned but that bit of rowdiness is what I love. The fact that It is also so practical having large cargo area (hauled a recliner inside it). I can toss my bike in the back end not leaving it out so that it there no concern for getting stolen. It is my forever "toy"!
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15 years and still going...strong
Colorado John, 06/27/2019
updated 06/29/2020
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So, bought this car for my 16-year old son in 2014, 77,000 miles...formerly 1-owner car has now been to college (twice), driven by 2 teen-age drivers, and, with relatively minor repairs (timing chain, motor for sunroof, motor for a power window, faithfully regular oil changes, etc.) is running like a champ. Body's good, interior is good. Gets about 22 in the city and 28 on the highway (Colorado mountain driving), great in the winter, hauls bikes, skis, whatever. Was going to sell it, but I'm selling my '15 Subie XT and keeping "Mr. Carson" instead. Shop guy says at 120K miles, I got another 120K to go, and at the price per mile, I can stand a little road noise - just get the do-dad that lets me play my tunes thru the radio, turn up the volume, and go! And btw, the BEST heating and cooling ever!
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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.
XT HEAVEN
TURBOHEAVEN, 12/29/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
JUST PICKED UP OUR NEW TURBO FORESTER. THIS CAR LIVES UP TO ALL OUR EXPECTATIONS.HAVING LESS THAN 200 MILES ON CAR SO FAR HAS KEPT US FROM REALLY OPENING IT UP, BUT JUST WITH THE FEW BLIPS INTO THE THROTTLE SO FAR, WE'RE SURE TO BE THRILLED WHEN MOTORS BROKEN IN SLIGHTLY.HAVING A CAR LIKE A PORSCHE IN THE FAMILY ALLOWS US TO REALLY APPRECIATE HOW MUCH PULL THIS THING HAS, ESPECIALLY ON THE HILLS WHERE WE LIVE. ABOVE ALL OF THIS IS THE SENSE OF WELL BEING YOU GET WHEN BEHIND THE WHELL. THE CAR REALLY MAKES ITS OCCUPANTS FEEL SAFE. HOPEFULLY THIS ENGINE WILL HAVE THE RELIABILITY OF SUBARUS OTHER CARS.
Why isn't this the SUV of the year?
Jackruss, 12/01/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Living in the high mountains of the Rockies, I wanted a vehicle I could take to the hills, as well as highway, I chose the XT because of the responsiviness that this compact SUV offers. I am 6' 4" and I had a WRX, but it was too small for my size so I traded it in on this auto, and for the most part I am really happy with it, more responsive that the WRX. The only draw back is the amount of leg room on long trips,over 5 hours. The car is an automatic with adequate go power for me (a baby boomer). Although, I would like to see the XT with a STi type engine. It probably would make me seriously consider trading this sweet little car in on one.