Skip to main content

Used 2005 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
141 reviews

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.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

Fast, Tough, and Versatile

Nick, 11/22/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

With a little one on the way, we wanted something a little bigger with that still offered reasonable mileage. Went with the TURBO due to our high altitude (7200ft) and plethora of mountains. Very peppy with our AVG MPG of 22-24. On backpacking trips we've taken it on unmaintained roads that are difficult to walk much less drive over. Our Forester handles them amazingly well. No problems to report. We change the oil every 3K and wash it every couple of weeks, that's it. We bought a 15 cu.ft. Thule box for long road trips. Fits great on the factory roof rack. The ride is much quieter than the '05 CR-V and the climate control had no problem with 115+ heat of Death Valley. We're very happy with it!

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

the little subaru that could!

john, 12/16/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

i enjoy driving this truck very much, it has confidence-inspiring handling, great acceleration, and certain fun factor that is unexpected in a small suv. my other car is a 2004 corvette so i value driving fun when i consider a vehicle for purchase. and this subie does't disappoint! fit and finish is great. the wagon has a fine tailored look with supporting comfortable leather heated seats that truly warm your buns! there is plenty of cargo room for all,except perhaps large families going on a long vacation but there is a roof rack to help resolve that issue. i've had subarus in the past and the allwheel driving system is unstoppable in all weather conditions. this is a great car, forget about price points.

Report Abuse
2005 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 32 listings
See all 32 listings

4.63 out of 5 stars

a good family car

slipsheet, 02/17/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Purchased to add a second car to family for my wife. Hadn't needed two cars for previous three years as I was a night shifter. Primary factors driving this purchase were snow driving, safety and fuel economy. Additionally it's a very good looking car. Car handled great in the one or two snowstorms we had this year. Also mpg is 10 higher than some of the slightly larger suv's in same market. We weren't looking for a tank, just a car that handled better in the snow than our '00 Jetta. Backseat is a little tight for adults but the only person that uses it is our three year old in a car seat. We also shopped the Honda CR-V but chose this because it fit us better.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Subaru # 7

ihtpsswrds, 02/26/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This buggy replaces my wife's 2004 Forester that was hit TWICE while stopped in traffic. An incredibly safe vehicle. We walked away both times with very few injuries. Both times we were plowed by much larger trucks; you should see the other guy:). My wife prefers the zero hip entry height of this over my slightly lower Outback. The Turbo adds zip and a feeling of "lightness" during acceleration and the "smart" airbags front and side are a great comfort. The seat heaters and the climate control system are perfect for the local climate, where an hour's drive may take you over a 40 degree temp change. If it wasn't for the outside temp display, you might not notice the difference.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Compact SUV

Ed, 03/30/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fabulous acceleration. Handles and rides like a sedan. Subaru AWD is excellent. Slippery conditions are handled like they do not exist. Plenty of compartments for storage throughout the vehicle. The cargo area is large and very well designed. Drop the flat folding rear seats and the area is cavernous. Very comfortable and we love the power seat and the upgraded audio system that is standard. Turbo engine is really powerful and there is no turbo lag. Overall, a great compact SUV. Kudos to Subaru.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5