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.
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.
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.
The 2004 Subaru Forester was a Life-Saver
pktsizecub, 08/16/2008
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a silver Forester because of the snow and ice we get in Eastern Oregon. This car exceeded expectations. I never got below 25 MPG on the hwy, and around 22 in town. When "Chains Required" signs are posted on the interstate, this car buzzed past all the cars chaining up. Subaru is amazing for their safety and high quality. Because my son survived an extreme accident with only bruises I can endorse this car fully. I'm not saying another car wouldn't have performed as well. But this Subaru when put to the test, passed with flying colors.
Nice ride but paint and interior poor
Vickie, 09/24/2009
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I enjoy my Forester but the paint (black) has not held up well at all. I thought Subaru was built for harsh weather. I live in the south - no snow and ice here. My driver's seat has a tear in the "leather" trim. My goal is to drive the car until it has 200K miles. I am guessing that I will have no paint left by that time. I took the car back to the dealer before the warranty expired and they could not help me with the paint. Are you kidding me - my next car will not be a Subaru for this reason alone.
2004 Forester Junk on Wheels
Mike Foley, 01/20/2007
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car was rubbish from day one. Brake noise. Faulty converter, hard starting, and the cam shaft and one lifter failed after 12000 miles. For $24K. Do not believe Consumer Reports.
Try adding a Bilge Blower U'll luv it !
Trout Terminator, 12/01/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Subaru. They are great and will never leave you stranded, that is including the 1-800 help number. If you want a little more kick, add an inline bilge blower for 25 bucks...take out the air box near the fender and simply add the electric bilge blower with 220 cfm and feel the power increase in the mid range...it's a kick in the pants and you'll notice the difference immediately. Improves gas mileage too/slightly. Lots of good things to say about my Forester and prior Outback. Do yourself a favor and just buy a Subaru and you'll be happy that you did...I love their safety and have seen them after accidents that would have stopped a train in it's tracks. These are safe cars!
Fast but flawed
spinynorman, 08/29/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great performance but sketchy engineering limits owner's enthusiasm. Turbo housing leakage needed 2 repairs. Door lock switch poorly positioned/ not illuminated. Radio/ heater display unreadable with sunglasses on. Automatic heat and defrost has mind of its own (nicknamed "HAL" by other owners). Roof rack has no tiedowns. Transmission whine @ 1-2 shift leaves dealer puzzled. Tires extend beyond wheelwhell, causing paint to chip off rocker panel when struck by sand put down on winter roads. (Subaru repainted vehicle and installed mudguards at no charge.)
The Best Subaru Built for a Family
afrog, 02/23/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is fantastic, balancing fund driving with an exceptionally functional layout. Go with the Turbo four, its worlds better than the base engine.
A utility sports car
MUL, 07/24/2003
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My wife and I had been driving a 2000 Legacy GT until the machine I had been so anxiously waiting for finally arrived. Having had two previous turbocharged cars (Mazda 626 touring sedans), I was anxious to regain that extra kick in engine power and the extra space flexibility that the the hatchbacks provided. Well, now with the Forester XT, all that is back and much more. Not only is it rated as one the safest vehicules on the road, it has AWD, better handling, better performance, better sound system, bigger moonroof, more space, more features...and it looks great! It's a sports car, it's a SUV, it's a utility sports car, it's a dream machine!
Like it more as time goes on
HJW, 04/19/2005
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A practical car that made sense to buy, but wait! It's been a blast to drive, even more so on logging roads and when roads get curvy. Not a single problem so far.