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Used 2005 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
141 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

Still Goin’ Strong

J.A.N., 05/31/2020
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Subaru’s last, a long time if regularly maintained. This vehicle looks dated, but engine and trans are fine, responsive. Lots of life left for a caring owner. Some components need replacing just because of age deterioration, for example strut mounts, etc. But if you need a reliable car but are not in a position to spend much, the 2005 Forester is a fairly safe way to go.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Louis C., 11/15/2008
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I've had three Subarus and this has to be the best overall package. Not that I've had any problems with the others, but the Forester has it's advantages. Ground clearance being one of the strong points along with handling. You feel really safe and in control. Good brakes, good power and very reliable. This car is underrated.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

New Subaru Owner

ICW, 06/01/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Just got an automatic 2005 XT turbo Forester last week. Took it on a trip to New York city for Memorial Day weekend from PA (approximately 350 mile round trip). We love everything about this car so far! We were looking for a car with more cargo space than our two compact sedans, but were not interested in a large SUV or minivan. We have a 1 1/2 year old baby and what initially attracted us to Forester was its high safety rating by Consumer Report. We also are looking for a AWD or 4WD for the winter. After looking at various small SUV and wagons (Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4, etc) we decided to go with Subaru based on many positive reviews. I personally love the extra power turbo provides.

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Awesome SUV!

TomnThurmont, 03/25/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is easiest the best vehicle I've ever owned! It's comfortable (even for a big guy - 6'3", 230 lbs.), gets incredible gas mileage (I average over 27 mpg), and is really fun to drive. You get the good of a SUV (visibility, ease of entry/exit, etc.) as well as superior performance/gas mileage. What a fantastic vehicle!

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5 out of 5 stars

Mom-mobile (that Dad likes, too!)

susanw, 05/16/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful

My 1987 Volvo 240 died. Dilemma - how to replace a tank without going over to the dark side (SUV)? I did a lot of research to find the perfect car for my needs - top safety marks; enough room for 3 kids, backpacks, a dog and a trombone; great sight lines/no blind spots; good handling in winter and rainy conditions; and under $22,000. I did NOT want an SUV, as I consider them evil and everything bad America stands for. Ahem. OK, I know the Forester is considered a 'small SUV' by most reviewers, but it uses the Impreza car base, so it snuck in under the SUV-dar. And I'm grateful it did - this car is just about perfect for anyone for whom safety is key. Check out the crash tests.

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