Used 2005 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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Good functional vehicle
JS, 08/14/2016
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This model year was not high on creature comforts or technology but very high on safety, visibility, handling and high ground clearance for areas getting a lot of rain. Excellent cargo capacity for this smaller size SUV.
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Ugly but reliable and unstoppable in bad weather
Mark, 10/18/2017
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
We got talked into buying a used LL Bean edition Forester while looking at Jeeps at the Subaru dealer, and it's been one of the best 'mistakes' we've ever made. Never had experience with the brand before but are very pleased. It's not particularly attractive (it's silver and gold), but it's been easy and cheap to maintain. I'm no mechanic, and even I've had no issues with oil changes, trans fluid changes, brakes, headlights, etc. My wife no longer needs to worry about when to activate 4x4, and it drives confidently in the <6" snow storms we usually get around here. Has had a couple oddball issues like heat shields rattling and the brake backing pads rubbing, but all have been easy fixes. Only real complaints are that it should sit 2" higher and have another 30-50 horsepower. Acceleration is SLOW for someone who's used to V6s and V8s, but it's fine once you're up to speed. Actively looking for another though, as the downfalls are easily outweighed by the reliability and drive quality.
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Great first car!
redrider05, 08/14/2012
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
This is my first car, which I got for a steal, considering it has a shocking 192k miles. I was very weary about getting a car with that many miles, but it was the only Subaru available in my budget. Subarus have been in the family for years and I know they are reliable. Whoever had this car before took good care of it. Regular maintenance was done and I found nothing wrong. I've had her for a few weeks and she runs great. I plan on keeping her maintained enough to get another 100k miles. I love my Forester and now I'm making fun of my mother, who drives an Impreza sedan. My car is way cooler then hers.
Lots of car for the money
Scott, 08/22/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Forester for my daily commute of 100 miles a day round trip. I gave up a perfectly good running Honda with 260K miles for the Forester and with the exception of gas mileage, I am very happy. The Honda was a consistent 32-36 mpg and this is around 24-26 on the highway, but with premium gas. Doing the math, that is comparable to 22-24 mpg running regular fuel. The car is FAST, fun to drive, practical, reliable (the Forester is built in Japan) and an excellent value for the money when compared to other vehicles. My ONLY complaint is the gas mileage. I would expect a little better with a 4 cylinder engine, but then again it's a turbo and AWD. Passing on the highway is done with ease.
My third Subaru and disappointed
Brent, 10/23/2017
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2005 Subaru Forester L.L. Bean with 69,000 miles on it. Thought I was getting my dream car and was my third Subaru. If you google Subaru problems my car has had every single one of them. A few of the major problems are as follows. Was on long weekend road trip with the family and one of the spark plugs blew out of the cylinder striping the threads. Spent our road trip at a cheap hotel in the winter while the car was being repaired. Since then the check engine light is on and the cruise control light blinks. Took it to a Subaru dealer who was rather uninterested in offering options other than rebuilding the motor. Last week the head gaskets blew, still don't have a repair estimate on them. I've always been a Subaru guy but that feeling is fading. I will say though that I live in a northern state and have never been stuck in the snow while driving my Subaru
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