Used 2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Simply The Best Small SUV
CC Rider, 08/13/2010
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
28 of 30 people found this review helpful
We've had our Forester XT Turbo for 5 years now and it has over 130,000 miles. It sees hard daily use for both business and personal reasons. In comparing this with other small SUVs which we test drove, like the RAV4, CR-V, Liberty, Highlander and Pilot, there was simply no comparison. It easily out accelerated, braked and handled all the others. The interior has lots of neat little compartments to store everything from pens, pencils, cups, change, glasses, map books and more. The H4 engine performs very well, but tends to use more oil than most fours we've had. Problems at 100,000K have been a new radiator, cam timing belt and power steering pump. Gas mileage is mediocre at 20.
New Subaru Owner
ICW, 06/01/2005
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.
2005 Subaru Forester for sale near you
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- XS L.L.Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $5,995504 mi away
- X WagonMSRP: $6,795583 mi away
- XS L.L.Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $6,999853 mi away
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It just keeps going!
Scuby, 08/10/2010
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.
The costliest 40,000 miles I've ever put on a car.
Ugghh, Rock Island, IL, 01/11/2018
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
18 of 25 people found this review helpful
I've wanted a Subaru for a while. I finally had the chance to buy one and it sure was a mistake. The car had a rebuilt engine at 120,000 miles. I bout it with 124,000 miles. Since then I've had to replace Radiation, Radiator Hoses, Power Steering Pump, Oil Cooler Gasket, Valve Cover Gaskets, AC Gaskets, Knock Sensor, Brakes and Rotors all around, Rear Wheel Bearing. The harmonic balance failed and I had to replace timing cover, belt, tensioner, pulleys, and water pump. Lower Ball Joints. Front Sway Bar End Links. At around 142,000 miles the car started to get really loud when warming up in cold weather. Took it to Subaru and was told it is Piston Slap. Nothing I can do. I was quoted $3500 for lower end rebuild or $5200 for a used motor. It is now at the dealer again for another coolant leak. It is on top of the engine block. It's either $160 to put in a 4 inch elbow hose or if the line going to that hose is bad $500. I'm over this lemon. Also my valve covers are leaking again and my head gasket is seeping oil. I'll never buy a Subaru again. Every time I have to research a problem I find out all of the other horror stories that others have experienced. I can't believe I thought American cars were junk. I should have kept my 94 Silverado. It only got 13 mpg, but I could buy a lot of gas with the $6000 I've spent on repairs on this car. Please avoid Subaru Motors at all cost.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Pleasant Surprise
Bob C, 02/12/2005
Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Trying to find my wife a useful non-barge wagon or SUV, looked at Outback, took a chance on Forester. Congratulating myself. Turbo is very quick, handles way better than most sedans, feels bulletproof, great build quality. Took it from GA to New England over holidays, got into big snow, AWD very confidence building. Highly recommend.