Used 2005 Subaru Forester Wagon Consumer Reviews
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2 Fast 2 Furious
Johannes, 01/10/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After reviewing the CR-V, RAV-4, and Forester, we decided on the Forester. Not only did my wife agree, but so does Consumer Reports. It was rated their top small SUV. Once we decided on the Forester, I got prices from the internet. There were serious price ranges. Dealers were adding on options and trying to pass them off as necessary items. However, I have found that the only options necessary are the cargo tray, splash guards, and bumper cover. The above options come as a package. After much debate here are the following totals: price $26,100 plus tax & license. I took the $1,500 cash rebate. Bringing the total to $24,600. Seriously shop around to get best deal.
05 2.5 X is dreamy
jeremy in AZ, 01/15/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I feel I got a lot of car for the money. Has been great in all conditions: highway, snowy weather, muddy backroads, rough and loose jeep- type trails. Lots of cargo room. A nice balance of performance and gas mileage. Yes, the upgraded models have a plusher interior...but the X is bomber as is.
great car
chris, 06/10/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife and I love this car! We have the base 2.5 x and it has all of the basic features plus many safety features we wanted and is surprisingly quick. Performs really well. Only regret not getting a sunroof and the clutch is a little rough but overall a really solid, good looking SUV that is easy on the wallet.
Issues-Cold weather fuel smell
Mary W, 01/07/2010
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car used at 30K. With Subaru reputation I wanted one. Bought a turbo because I love to drive! I've been disappointed with the fuel mileage, but felt it was a price to be paid for the performance, which I love! There have been minor integrity issues that are very annoying; fuel door latch and the dashboard glove box latch broken. Glove box expensive to fix...the entire unit has to be replaced, about $160, not nice. However what might take me to another mfg. is the cold weather fuel problem. Strong gas smell in cold weather; no recall on it, but because it is a turbo the fix is about $800!!! Very disappointed.
2005 Forester
Traci, 01/27/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We really enjoy our new car, we love driving Subaru's. We had a Impreza Outback Sport and loved it also but just needed more room for the family.
After 1500 miles
Hamilton Coolidge, 02/24/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very satisfied overall. Comfortable, Excellent All wheel drive control in snow and slippery conditions. Very responsive steering, braking and acceleration. Many interior storage opportunities, no waste space. Full size spare tire. Interior lighting excellent. Tail gate easy to operate. Good storage space.
reliable car
bob, 10/11/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very roomy and handles well for a wagon. The 4wd is awesome. I can't figure out why it doesn't have privacy glass, it's ridiculous that they have not figured that out yet when virtually every other automaker has it. The sun is always shining in my kid's face. And the keyless entry is way too sensitive.
Great Deal
The Analog Kid, 03/08/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my first car purchase, and for the money, gas mileage, performance, safety, and reliability I am very glad I bought the Forester. Great design, fun to drive, and great in the snow/ice/wet roads. The mountains are no match for this car and I have had no qualms or buyer's remorse. Lots of space, good for highway or city commute. I would recommend Subaru's college graduate program for it too. A lot of car for the money.
Want to love it, but can't.
scoobiephobe, 02/04/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Like the car, the look, the capabilities. We are very disappointed with the early head gasket leak. This weakness, as I later found out, is a common problem to this engine model. Keep in mind this car only has 9,000 miles on it. The transmission is also a weak spot. It seems to hunt constantly and will hesitate to engage. We will not be keeping this car past warranty. There are websites devoted to the problems we've had, I wished we had done a little more research before we bought. Most reviews for this car were excellent. We have had good dealer treatment so far regarding our concerns. We really like the car, too bad we can't keep it the 10 years we wanted to.
Disappointed
Drapley, 10/12/2007
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I owned a 1998 Forester, and when it went up at 150,000 miles I had no hesitation at buying another. I feel that the 2005 is not as good as my 1998. Already the carpet on the driver side has a big tear (thin carpet), the windows rattle, and the compressor in my ac just went up. And the transmission doesn't shift smoothly. I'll be shopping around for a new manufacturer when this one goes up.
Brand new Subie convert
BillyMc, 02/14/2023
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I’ve heard. Known. Many years now. About Subaru loyalists. I laughed. ‘Granolas and tree huggers’. Dare ya, Try keep up with me in my 4 wheel drive pick-up or Jeep. I was so wrong. I underestimated Subaru by far. Recently bought, 4 weeks ago, an older 2005 model Forester, high mileage, 2.5 Boxer 4 cylinder., w/ a , powerful, ‘throaty roar’ a 5 speed manual transmission ( yes! A stick shift). impressive performance. Radio system ahead of its time, connecting to my current iPhone. New Subaru loyalists.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Basic and practical
Joseph Goralik, 08/21/2007
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Always wanted to own one but there are hardly any used ones available in So. California. So went out and bought a brand new one. Although basic model, driving in the past 2 years was a pleasant experience. I like the easy self-maintenance, such as oil and filter (cabin and air) changes. Interior is simple and durable. Driving position is very good and handling is fine. Body integrity could be better - a rattle developed in the rear/left without being able to localize the source. The extras that do not come with the car are easily available from Subaru dealers and fairly simply to install. Quality and workmanship is excellent.
Traded in my Explorer
Robert, 07/20/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded in my Explorer for this Forester. Having now driven more than 14000 miles in 6 months, I have saved quite a bit on fuel costs, as well as having the comfort of a smoother ride. It has all the room I need, even when taking extended trips, and it looks good. I caught the dealer at a good time, and they took $4000 off the sticker before my trade.
SPORTS and Utility
FXTreme, 08/07/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just traded my 2003 Mazda Tribute for a 2005 Forester XT. Although the Tribute served us well, it wasn't exactly the "driver's SUV" as it was advertised. I needed a compromise. A car that will give us similar utility as the Tribute but also the driving performance of a sports car. When I test drove the XT, I knew right away that I've found such a car. This car is as quick as it is fast with enough handling and braking to complement such beastly power (I think Subaru underrated the 210 horsepower). I may have sacrificed a little bit of passenger and cargo space, but the amazing performance, better safety rating, and slightly better gas mileage pretty much made up for it and then some.
What a car!
jeeper16, 08/03/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has got to be the best handling vehicle that I have ever purchased. It go through the turns like it's on a slot-car track. I've put 2,000 miles on it so far and am getting 28.5 mpg on the highway. City is about 23mpg. The leather seats are firm and comfortable and with the 8- way power driver seat, you do not tire on longer trips. The 6-CD player has decent sound and all of the driver controls are easy to read and reach.
Great Car
ForesterAccord, 09/17/2004
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Only have 3000 miles on it but it is perfect! Over 30 mpg in city; great shift. Very comfortable. Dealer was great.
Too much of a compromise.
kdburns, 11/29/2008
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Rattles, rattles everywhere, so let's go trade it in. This car rattles so much I almost drove it straight to a dealership to trade-in on several occasions. Overall, the Forester is too much of a compromise, it does a lot of stuff okay, but nothing very well. The XT accelerates fast, but doesn't corner to match. The all wheel drive does well on slick roads, but the cheap plastic skid plate will tear off on the first snow berm it finds. 7 inches of clearance is nerve-racking on rocky roads; I was constantly asking myself, "is that rock over 7 inches?" I averaged 25 mpg from a manual XT over 60000 miles. I saw several tanks over 30 mpg, but several tanks well under 20 mpg in city traffic.
You can't go wrong with the Forester XT!
debred, 09/20/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My wife and I are expecting our first child and she needs something bigger. Looked at the mid-size SUVs (Honda, Toyota, Mitsu, BMW, & Land Rover) but nothing compared to Subaru's financing. 0.9% for 60 months, you can't go wrong with that. Plus, AWD living in Utah. I will have to see how it will perform in snowy conditions.
Fuel saver safe fun
GJM, 10/03/2004
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just purchased 2 weeks ago and already have over 2000 miles on it.I'm getting 30 plus on the highway and I'm looking forward to the snow.Handles well.I never drove a stick before but picked it up quickly on this model.
Practical with a twist
NewSubieFan, 08/02/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
How often do you find a practical vehicle that is tons of fun to drive? This car is my first Subaru and I'm very happy. The cargo compartment holds things I didn't think would fit (I fit an entire Charbroil smoker in there once!). Acceleration is lively. Get the cargo tray - makes cleanup of messy cargo a snap. Mileage on premium fuel (I get about 20 mpg in mixed driving) is a little disappointing but that's what you give up for the HP and the AWD. Mileage is significantly better (22 mpg mixed) with more conservative driving, but that's hard to do in this car. Great dog car with the leather seats and easy access. Impress your friends with the monster sunroof! No problems so far.
I love it!
agesau, 02/28/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
We just bought a Subaru Forester XT and love to drive it! It turns on a dime, easy to park, and drives like a dream. We've only had the car about a month but so far we are extremely pleased with our purchase.
2005 Forester Ultimate Crossover
rbidasio, 08/02/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Subaru Forester was cross-over before cross-over was cool! The '05 Forester XS fits our needs perfectly. A sturdy blend of wagon, car, and SUV makes this offering a super value. Excellent safety and gas mileage also make this an attractive buy. The Forester wipes the competition in handling. It can out-corner and out-slalom anything else in its class. The ride is unbelieveably smooth and quiet. Honda CR/V and Toyota Rav4 were noisey and handled terribly. The Forester won our business due to its low center of gravity and total lack of body roll. Seating position is optimum and the most quality and comfortable seats I have ever felt, and heated too.
Subaru not what they used to be
mark33, 08/08/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I thought that Subaru made good cars until I bought one! I have had nothing but problems with my Forester and even more problems with the company(Subaru) In my opinion I would buy a Honda or Toyota
The Subaru experience
Forrester XS 2.5, 03/30/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was/is the car of my dreams. The price was right, and it drives like my dreams. No trouble in over a year, has all the bells and whistles and they all work with out a problem. I could wish for better in city mileage, but would not give this car up. I would buy it again.
Fun to drive do everthing vehicle
peter james, 09/28/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I couldn't be more pleased with my Forester XT. Two features stand out for me. One, the car's performance exceeds my expectations every time I drive it. The acceleration is outstanding and it holds the road better than many sport sedans. The second feature is the build quality. This is a very solid car. I've taken it off road twice now. The forester is very solid with no extraneous shaking and the all wheel drive tracks very well in loose dirt. I'm actually looking forward to winter. The car also has nice features like the "no role back" breaking for hill starts. It isn't a beautiful car unless your into form following function.
Just what I wanted
car37, 04/09/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased with my Forester XT. It is fun to drive, just the right size, nicely designed though not flashy. The right price/value for the overall package. I will upgrade tires, battery and brakes when the time comes to replace for better performance and on battery for stronger starts in cold weather. I have gained a number of paint chips on the front (in 5.5 months which I'm not happy about and need to get fixed. I wonder if I should install a "clear bra" or some other type of paint protection. I also wish I'd purchased the cargo nets for the back to hold basics like extra washer fluid. I'd buy another one for sure!
Be Aware of the TURBO !!!
marcel , 10/09/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great practical vehicle for snowy regions, comfortable and easy to drive. Blends into traffic, and surprises everyone with it's eat my dust acceleration. Extremely maneuverable once you get used to the car's power, and breaking abilities, but start SLOWLY as the turbo power will really overwhelm you! Install a remote starter and your winter mornings will feel very cozy, with heated, seats, mirrors, and wipers. I drive alone most of the time, so removing the passanger, and rear headrests greatly improved visibility, which you need in order to handle the turbo in traffic. GREATEST ALL AROUND VEHICLE FOR THE PRICE.
Good Value
Jeferty, 10/19/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You get a lot for your money with this car. In my price range, with my height, I narrowed the search down to the Subaru and the Nissan Altima. The Forester won hands down with a more solid build, better features, and tons of cargo room.
This SUV is versatile
Mickey, 04/17/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased an XT in Jan '05 and the biggest problem is keeping our eyes on the road. It is so quick I keep taking my eyes off of the road to check the speedometer. I researched vehicles for over a year and test drove a few and narrowed it down to the Honda Pilot and CRV, Volkswagen Passat and Toyota RAV4 and Highlander. All are acceptable choices but I'm happy with the Subaru. This XT is as fun to drive as my early version of the Toyota MR2 and and my wife's Audi A4 and hugs the road like a true all wheel drive vehicle. It handles like a car and is versatile. We didn't want a huge SUV that couldn't fit in the garage but a fun to drive car. It is perfect for me. I highly recommend it
Driving the Forester
Frank Costanzo, 04/16/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's the perfect car for me. Short runs with an occasional long run. Good on gas. Fun to drive. Dashboard layout great. I like all the little amenities that come with this model such as storage spaces, seat adjustments, locking mechanism, etc. All well thought out and executed. Highly recommended for my type of driving.
Fun to drive
naomi1, 10/30/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Subaru Forester 2005 for about one month. I was previously driving a dodge caravan which was not great in the snow. I love this car. Great traction, smooth quiet ride, great on gas. Lots of room with the back seats folded down. Easy to drive, I thought it might be slow but it is quite peppy!!
The Best Small SUV
Bob, 04/29/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is hands down the best small SUV available on the market today. Great performance and excellent MPG for an AWD vehicle. Drove all of the competitors extensively and NONE of them comes close to the quality/features/performance and bang for the buck of the Forester. Feels extremely safe and secure on the road, yet is very fun to drive and a pleasure to ride in. I have owned many vehicles, and this is by far my favorite.
forester feedback
margo, 11/12/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Moonroof (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2003 s forester has consistently handled all road conditions at high speed as well as bumper to bumper trafic.
Subaru for ever.
Josef Goralik, 05/04/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After thorough research on Edmunds, talking to friends and comparing with RAV-4, CR-V, Audi and Escape, Subaru came out clear first for the money spent and buying experience.
subaru forester
epatrovs, 11/13/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little SUV. Fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.
Wonderful Auto
a_bum, 11/29/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one well built car! Extremely solid feeling and it seems that everywhere you look, it is evident the engineers put a lot of thought into the design. Despite not being a turbo, I haven't found myself in a situation where I needed more power than what this naturally aspirated engine puts out. Good low end torque gets you moving pretty quickly. Chose this over a Honda CRV because of the lower risk of rollover and a superior interior.
a great suvon "suv wagon"
letsgoyankees, 12/15/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A very fun car to drive. Great performance on wet and dry roads once you get a set of good tires on. Gas milage is not that bad for the amount of power you get. Great visibality for merging into traffic.
Zoom....Zoom
Zoom....Zoom, 12/16/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After having the XT for four days...I'm hooked. The power from the turbo beats most sports cars and the ride is comfortable. The heated seats are awesome on cold days and the climate control keeps the temperature nice and even. It was nice to fill up for $25 instead of the $45 I used to spend in my truck. Overall, I would say this is the best built, fastest, well featured car I've owed. Hats off to the Subie.
great all around vehicle
mcbrunl, 05/29/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our first AWD vehicle. We did a lot of research via web/word of mouth and were led to the Subaru Forester. We were not disappointed, it has performed in a very admirable manner since we got it. The ride is very comfortable, the gas mileage is very decent (around 24mpg). the handling is exceptional. We did have a couple of body discrepancies that came with the car, but dealership rectified them promptly. We are totally content with this vehicle at this time.
Subaru Forester
B .R. Broock, 12/28/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wanted a small-ish SUV. Checked out the deluxe Forester with auto & TURBO: What a surprise - this item SCOOTS! Handling is more like a small sportscar. Ample room up front. Couple of added pin- stripes lifted a bland exterior. Execel. mileage, fit and finish. Pricey for size ($28,000+-), but worth the bucks just for the FUN of it. Check it out! Bo
So far, very good
new to Subaru, 12/29/2004
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My pregnant wife and I bought a new Forester 2 months ago. She's been eyeing Foresters for a while, but I always thought they weren't "tough enough" for a big guy like me. She finally talked me into it, and I'm glad she did. We just had our first big snow of the year and the Forester was awesome! We felt safe, comfortable, and confident that the Subaru would get us around safely. So far, I've been impressed by the sportiness, handling, engineering, reliability, and fuel economy. We're getting about 24 mpg. After two months, I'm considering buying my own for my next car too, something I thought I would never say. We feel like we made a very smart decision and we highly recommend it.
2nd Subaru in the family
Joe Popsy, 01/04/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon w/Moonroof (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd Forester in the family; my father has the other one. Cross shopped the CR-V. Forester feels more 'solid'. Open and close the doors, grab the seats, touch the controls; this is a well made vehicle. Driving around in the vehicle, you really feel connected to the road; it handles corners nicely and feels confident. The 2.5l engine (non turbo) is perfectly fine for every day driving; no it won't pin you to the back of the seat but then again I didn't buy a vehicle like this for that reason either. You want acceptable performance, reliability, good resale, solid build, and nice mileage? Buy a Subaru Forester. Oh, the moonroof if you can afford it is phenomenal.
Awesome Ride
Chris Sososoni, 01/15/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm loving my new 2005 Forester X, Subarujust purchased a week ago. As a college student I drive to and from Troy, New York with a diversion to Burlington, Vermont several times a month. My vehicle has to have the reliability, fuel economy and durability to accomplish what I need. That is why I chose the Subaru Forester to accomplish that goal. This vehicle has a tremendous reputation and a terrific resale value that goes beyond American made cars. I was convinced as I began looking around at the price of the Subaru. The used cars were right up there in value. The more I looked at the Subaruthe more I desired it. Now, I'm driving one and I'm sure glad I am. Test drive one today
GREAT SUV TO DRIVE, BUY, OWN!
D. Pysh, 07/21/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have only driven this car 4000 miles so far. We did take it up to Canada and had no problems. Handles great especially on curves and hills. Good gas mileage. I have always driven a v8 and this is my first 4 cylinder. For all you drivers out there with long legs this just might be the vehicle for you! The Forester really surprised me. This was one major plus for me purchasing this SUV. I've turned down tons of vehicles due to front seat leg room. And the back seat leg room doesn't matter much anyway with me driving. The moon roof is huge, lots of storage, bells and whistles a plus. Only gripe is no auto door locks. Have to keep reminding myself to lock the doors. I'll adjust because car is great.
Great, safe car!
???, 01/22/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th Subaru. I need, and can rely on, its all wheel drive. It's very dependable. Nothing bad to say about it except I really don't like the Yokohama tires.
Great Little Arctic Urban Commuter Car
majort, 08/11/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 05 Forester is a long overdue replacement for a 91 Suzuki Sidekick. The Forester is very solid, well-built, responsive and fun to drive. The driving position is excellent and the extra leg room up front is wonderful. The fit and finish seems very fine and so far I have not found any flaws needing correction. Gas mileage is super, even in an all city commuting usage. My Scottish Terrier enjoys the small back seat. The cargo area seems large enough to handle shopping and hualing duties.
Great SUV
jason vanderpool, 02/06/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have been looking for a long time for a new car/suv, we have looked at EVERYTHING out there that is the size of the Forester. It came down to the Forester and the RAV4. First,i have to say i am a die hard Toyota fan, I belive the best cars on the road. However the Forester fit more for what we needed. So far the Forester seem to be good, the transmission seems to shift hard and there is a whine out on the freeway but the dealer has said that it is the AWD. Not sure if I belive that, I will do more checking for mysefl. There is one rattle in the dash that IS going to get fixed, Ii hate rattles! All in all I think it will be a good car.
Bad mileage!
Elizabeth, 08/12/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car only two months and the mileage is very bad. It is lucky if it gets the 22 mph and it plummets from there if the air conditioner is used. Also, it hesitates on take off, leaving me waiting for VERY clear intersections before accelerating. I'm told it might be better when it is more broken in. Too late. I wish I had gotten another Honda.
10,000 miles follow-up
kb, 03/05/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 10,000 miles my '05 Forester XT Premium 5M is still wonderful. I average 24.7 mpg city/highway with a 5 day-a-week 100% city commute. So far best mpg 33.4, worst 15.2. The car is an excellent value, lots of standard features, great handling and excelleration. All better than its primary competition, like the CRV, Rav4, and Liberty. I looked at them all, including more expensive vehicles like X3, Touareg, and 4Runner (any anything else you can think of). It's a little difficult to pack all my gear into, including my dog's crate, but it can be done if you were any good at Tetris. I use a roof box, a Thule Cascade 1500.
I love this car
Carol Bevis, 10/26/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did my research through Edmunds, looked at CR and made my decision to purchase the 2005 Forester LL Bean. It has been a fantastic car, small SUV, perfect for everything. Great sunroof, nice leather seats, all automatic heater/air conditioner, and perfect size cargo area. Fuel mileage city around 26mpg. Can't wait to try the windshield wiper de-icer (actually I could wait). Never had a Subaru before and feel that this one is a true winner.