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Used 2005 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
141 reviews

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4.25 out of 5 stars

After 190,000

zoneblitz, 05/11/2010
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

After 190,000 miles it runs great. Changed the oil every 5K, gone through 3 sets of tires and one brake job 2 weeks ago.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great Sleeper

Corkfish, 01/27/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

With 10,000 miles on the clock, I've had no problems. The car was just what I was looking for because I wanted something that was fun to drive and offered serious (not just spirited) performance, but in a plain jane package. I'm 45 and conservative so I did not want a sports car, muscle car or anything else that would attract a lot of attention. There isn't anything out there that offers so much versatility and performance for the money. AWD, 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds, and you can carry a big TV in it. No, you won't be blowing the doors off of Mustangs or 350Z's, but it's pretty amazing that they won't blow your doors off either.

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun Crossover SUV

BTR, 01/12/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The Forester is an awesome crossover SUV. While slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, considering what is included makes it a superior value. This is a truly FUN car / SUV to drive; its peppy engine (largest standard engine in its class) and excellent handling (aided by AWD technology) make it a winner! Lots of room inside, and plenty of storage nooks. A great all-around vehicle - enjoy!

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5 out of 5 stars

Happy Subaru owner

J, 02/01/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I used to drive a 2750lbs 175HP Nissan Sentra so my new Subaru with 3135lbs 166HP felt a bit sluggish at first. I also test drove an XT but decided to buy X because of the price difference and gas price. After the break-in miles, the car responds much better and I don't feel it's slow at all. In fact, Forester X has more than enough power. The ride is great and the mileage averaged 27MPG so far (80% highway 20% city). The best mileage I got was 34MPG on a 100% highway trip with cruise set at 65MPH. I couldn't believe the mileage and I made sure I calculated right! I hope it improves further since I have only 4000 miles on the odometer.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

It just keeps going!

Scuby, 08/10/2010
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought this car for its size, performance and reliability. I now have over 100K miles on it and it has had no issues and drives like the day I bought it. I will say the OEM tires had to go at about 15K miles. I also installed sport springs and stiffer sway bars. Those simple improvements greatly increased handling. The automatic has performed perfectly but could use a extra gear which would help in the gas mileage. I do get about 25 MPG overall as I do a lot of highway driving. The fits well in my small garage too.

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