Used 2004 Subaru Forester Wagon Consumer Reviews
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A niche car, but fits perfectly in it.
speedysteve, 02/08/2012
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
40 of 42 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Forester XT for 6 years now, and it has been a very fun car. The only repair I've had is the alternator. It's far faster than it looks and I love being able to floor it on the highway in 5th and it just goes. It looks good, carries a fair amount of stuff when I go camping, and is great in the snow.
2.5X
Deacon Allan J. Frederiksen, 02/19/2015
updated 02/21/2018
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
47 of 50 people found this review helpful
This car served me well for 10 years 11 months and 174,000 miles. Reliable from start to "finish". Routine maintenance is a bit expensive. Only mechanical failure was a U joint in drive shaft at 153,000 miles. When timing belt was originally replaced at 82,500 miles also replaced head gaskets. Did not do so when timing belt was replaced at 165,000 miles and at 168,000 miles a very slight oil leakage began (to the tune of 1 quart per 3,000 miles.) Decided to trade in at 174,000 miles. This car went to 28 of our 50 states.
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2004 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 38 listings
- XS WagonMSRP: $4,995219 mi away
- XS Wagon w/Premium PackageMSRP: $7,990226 mi away
- XT WagonMSRP: $11,995228 mi away
See all 38 listings
Speak softly, carry a big stick!
Nuvolari, 02/09/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. There is little turbo-lag, the gears are well matched to the engine. It's a comfortable car for something of its modest exterior dimensions and is extremely maneuverable in tight spots despite high cargo volume and practicality. Fit and finish is superior. Every car is a compromise: Subaru has attained perfection. You can buy a slightly faster sports car that is far less practical. You can buy a slightly more comfortable euro wagon that is twice as expensive. You can buy a minivan that's somewhat more practical but completely not fun to drive.
Excellent winter vehicle, though slightly underpowered
ruslan, 12/28/2010
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
Generally speaking, it is a great small utility vehicle that that drives like a car. It is an excellent winter vehicle, but it is not best for highway driving. It lacks power for comfortable passing, and down-shift is on the slow side. And, highway wind and road noise are on the noisier side. I took it for a 4000mile/6000km drive from Canada to California. It handled nicely when it was +24C and during winter blizzard when I-15 got closed for hours. I haven't had major problems with the vehicle, except sunroof does no longer work. And, parts and service are a bit expensive, especially in Canada.
Trade Up
fotd, 02/08/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I traded my '03 X for an '04 XT. I loved the X and feel the same about the XT. The icrease in power is just what the doctor ordered. Plenty of power throughout the rev range. Hardly any turbo lag. Good tourqe for driving in the PA mountains. I never thought the fastest car I ever owner would be a wagon! (I know it's an SUV) The 5spd is a great match for the turbo motor. Great saftey features. Great "stealth" vehicle. This is truly a "do-it-all" vehicle. Gripes: The Auto Climate control does not work well. No sunroof with a 5spd, what gives? I wish the rear windows were factory tint. All of theses are minimal complaints. Overall I rate this car a 10.
2004 Subaru Forester "Burt"
brooklynjoel, 05/29/2013
2004 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my Forester X "Burt" used in July 2011 from a Subaru Dealer in Rockland County, NY with 107K miles on it. I now have 120K miles on it. It has proven to be a reliable and surprisingly comfortable vehicle. I average about 18 mpg in the city, and around 28 mpg on the highway. This car is one of the most "honest" cars I've ever owned. It just works without fuss or fanfare, and feels solid. I Have done nothing but oil changes, a differential and tranny fluid change, tire rotations, and inspections for maintenance, and Burt goes like a top! I hope to buy a new 2014 Subaru Forester based on my experience with this one, and I am one of the most "brand unloyal" owners out there!
Plain and Simple Truth
juanmafxt, 08/06/2013
updated 08/10/2021
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
26 of 31 people found this review helpful
This is the pioneer of a now trendy sport crossovers. There are a lot of copycats nowadays, but this one is the real thing. Manual transmission, 4.44FD, AWD with 50/50 torque split, STI engine 2.5L, factory turbocharged with low compression pistons, forged rods and crankshaft, disc brakes, LSD and fully independent suspension. Most parts from the WRX and STI are swappable since they share the platform. Tons of aftermarket parts available and can be modified to go very fast with simply an Sti turbo and Sti top mount intercooler. Great sleeper vehicle. Gearing is very tight. Highway cruising at 60mph is about 2500 RPMs. A little high, but conpromises are necessary for such high gearing. Acceleration is aggressive, specialy from 0-30mph. This is a vehicle meant and designed to run on the STI turbo and tmic. The factory small turbine combined with the 4.44 FD allows for even quicker acceleration when compared to the WRX. Sti springs are on the stiff side, so I recommend softer rated ones. Swapping in full STI suspension can take its toll on daily commuting. In terms of reliability, so far I've had window motors that fail, starter failed at 10 years, misfire codes for coilpacks, rack and pinion leaks, and oil leaks. ABs light on, and charcoal canister codes that result in gas pressure nozzle pop out during filling. Very annoying. All in all, it is a very fast, practical, and highly reliable station wagon. The XT variants are very rare, specially during 2004-08 years. Manual versions are even rarer. Very few cars today have the mechanical attributes this vehicle has, rewarding you with a great bargain and collectibility. Did I mention it was Made in Japan? Reliable if kept stock. Can be a handful when modified.
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Why the XT is on 1 of 5 best Trucks 2004
DeathRatel, 02/13/2004
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
When the dealer pulled up w/ a XT I couldn't keep my smile down. I told him all you have to say is: 60 in 5.3!!! This is no simple grocery-getter this is a Mustang, Camaro, and yes Corvetter getter. The "wagon" is the ulimate "Sleeper". The ULTIMATE low-riding, SUV, AWD, MAD-POWER, space-for-all vehicle is at your nearby Subaru dealership. When you go test drive this monster in disguise, try, just try to keep your smile down!!! Happy Cruisin' -Adam
Feeling Subaru safe !
Jay Red Horse, 09/28/2017
2004 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
In the winter of 2016 I hit a patch of black ice while driving a new Dodge Ram 4X4 truck, I hit a snow bank broadside and rolled it into the woods crushing the poor truck. After the insurance company agreed it was a total loss I bought my first used Subaru forester (2004) and I must say I feel a lot safer in a Subaru AWD than I ever did in the Ram. After owning and driving the Forester for 6 months I knew I'd never own another brand from that day forward. When I wear out this one I'll buy my first brand new Subaru Forester. I have already begun to customize mine and there is so much in the way of after market parts on line and in the auto stores. The gas mileage is crazy good and I am getting about 22 city and 27 Hwy. If your sitting on the fence about getting a Subaru DO NOT delay it any longer, I only wish I thought about this brand 40 years ago ahen I started driving.
Forester Turbo
Carlos, 10/10/2006
2004 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a very good and balanced combination. It is a real AWD, a wagon, a comfortable car, and a sportive machine. Its low center of gravity allow the Forester to have a very safe driving considering the performance of the turbo. In addition this turbo makes it economical (you do not consume much fuel when you do not need much acceleration or speed, but when you need it or want it you have it).