Used 2005 Subaru Forester Wagon Consumer Reviews
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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 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.
2005 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 39 listings
- XS L.L.Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $4,990385 mi away
- XT WagonMSRP: $3,995496 mi away
- X WagonMSRP: $7,995500 mi away
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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.
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, 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 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.
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.
The perfect mix
TWBnMD, 03/10/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The LLBean edition Forester is the perfect mix of utility/performance/value! It's as roomy as a Pilot on the inside, but gets better overall numbers than the CR-V. Extremely comfortable interior, even for tall/large individuals - I'm 6'3", 235 lbs.). I'm already getting mpg in the 26-27 range, and it's not even broken in good yet. This is an amazing vehicle that I'm positive I'll enjoy for years to come. If you're looking at CR-Vs, stop looking, because Subaru delivers the ultimate SUV!
EPA Mileage Joke
Bluepassion, 03/15/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Forester, but the mileage is horrible. After several road trips I am lucky to get 22 MPG. This I find unacceptable. I have been driving like a Grandpa as well. I also find the performance to be sluggish at high speed. I can only muster 108 MPH top end from this car. Pathetic. I will drive it and I am going to start driving it hard. I had hoped for a more economical vehicle. At this juncture I almost should have opted for the Honda.The only reason I dont go back to an Audi is the arrogant price.
Buy it!
John, 03/19/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great in snow , comfortable...gets great gas mileage and has ample horsepower. One of the best all around cars.....It weighs in at over 3000 lbs so is not dimunitive. Highly reccommend for safety, fun and value.
Satisfied Multiple Forester Owner
Norman Griffin, 03/20/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Subaru Forester is one of the best Vehicles that I have ever owned. We bought our first Forester in Sept 1997 a new 98 model. In October we went to Maine to visit friends, We had a very comfortable trip from PA. It snowed 8" and the Forester was a pleasure to drive in snow. I drive 65 miles each way to work and since 1997 our Forester got me there every day. That Forester now has 195,000 miles on it and when we decided we needed new car for my 130 mile commute there was no thinking about it - off we went to our Subaru dealer and drove home with a new 2.5XS. The original Forester is the L version and now it takes my wife on her daily commute of 5 miles. It feels good in the snow she says.
Finding Forester
ksub, 04/02/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In looking for a smaller SUV for my wife, the search really came down to a CR-V or Forester. The key decision points were full-time AWD, top safety scores, and price. Little things like heated seats, 6-disc CD, and auto climate were nice too. Also, and more subjective, this vehicle handles much more carlike - very nimble with good visibility. This vehicle also creates confidence with it's great traction - on road or off. I really think this is a well-engineered and well-built vehicle.
Highly Recommended
Steve H, 04/05/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Being a previous truck owner, not sure why I waited to test drive a Subaru...now I don't want to drive anything else; 30 mpg, room for three pasengers and gear, off-road ability (had it in the mountains last week, got dirty quick, snow and mud couldn't stop it) and an overall driveability like no other vehicle I have ever had. It grips the road no matter what the weather is and let's not forget the five star crash rating.This vehicle has it all!
Fun, Safe and practical
Giantomaso, 04/03/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very car-like. Extremely responsive for what is considered an SUV. Fuel ecomomy is good considering it is on all-time AWD. CR-V is only part-time AWD and has similar MPG. Excellent fit and finish. Most extras included in price, whereas Toyota and Honda get you with the extra options (resulting RAVs and CR-Vs more expensive than the Forester with the same options).
Worthy Audi successor
Phil C, 05/24/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
"El Coche Frijol" (The Beanmobile!) replaced our Audi A4q V6 and in 3 months has won our hearts! With its comfortable interior, creature comforts, HUGE sunroof, excellent handling and good gas mileage (the Audi was terrible!) it is hard to beat. We wanted a comfortable, well appointed and nimble AWD car without a premium price tag and it delivers in spades. The combination of the White/Platinum exterior and light tan/beige leather looks very sharp and makes it a good "hot climate" vehicle. Important as we live in Texas!
Forester Fun
scooby, 05/25/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a very comfortable and fun car to drive. Plenty of power when needed even though fuel mileage is not that good. Fit and finish exceptional.
Forester XT
Mike C, 06/16/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this auto wanting the performance of a sedan and the cargo capacity of a mid-sized SUV. I feel that the XT has the "sports car performance" and SUV attributes that are equal or better than other autos in its class. Similar to the performance is the quality of the powerplant and drivetrain. I feel that the Forester XT has the quality and longevity that will make it enjoyable for many years to come.
I love this car
PW, 06/17/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After hearing some of my friends rave about their Subarus, I had been looking at buying the Forester for 2 years. I finally decided to buy in April and this is the best car I've ever owned --- it's a pleasure to drive, has plenty of cargo space, and great gas mileage.
Good Value Overall
Speedwagon, 06/20/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first Subaru I've owned and it compares favorably to the RAV4 and the CR-V. It's a tremendous value for the money. However, the interior lacks the refinement of European counterparts - both in terms of materials and ergonomics. Road noise and wind noise are excessive. Although the engine has nice low-end torque, it has inadequate passing power on the highway.
Quite the little power house!
Ruben Escatell, 07/12/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Subaru (my first!) exceeded my expectations of a mini SUV ... handles more like a sports car with its breathtaking acceleration and road-hugging suspension. With state-of-the-art sound system, this car as a highway cruiser year round has no peer, whether in snow, sleet, rain, or sun!
My first Subaru
bktoy97, 07/31/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru; I've always driven GMC's but this time, for the gas mileage, we went with this. So far there has been no real disappointments.
More fun than a WRX or Mustang
bellis, 09/03/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Quicker from a standing start than our previous WRX's and our '05 Legacy 2.5 GT turbo. No serious turbo lag felt in the XT, as well as being stronger through the gears. Doesn't handle as well as the WRX's, but it is a lot more comfortable and versatile, especially on a long trip or bumpy gravel roads. Mileage of 24-25 mpg in mixed driving with generous use of the turbo is excellent for such a high performance vehicle. A trip with 4 people on board through mountains (6,000 to 10,000 ft) did not diminish its performance/fun factor. Not as cute as the V8 Mustang we had, but feels just as fast and a lot better handling (safer) in inclement weather. Actually fun to drive in the rain.
The Perfect SUV
Andrew, 09/05/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wanted to get a small SUV, but not too small. I test drove everything in the market (RAV4, Escape, Liberty, Tuscon, Equinox etc.) The Forester beats them all. Picked the car up from the dealer and the next day packed it up with a wife, two kids, two small dogs and a weeks worth of luggage and beach equipment and hit the road. Tons of room, very comfortable and a great drive (all for the base X model). Drives like a car (unlike the other small SUV's I tried) and just feels huge inside. Love the handling and can't wait to battle the winter. Grabbed a 2005 because loved the Green (which they don't have in 2006), below invoice price and huge rebate. Surprisingly great car for the price.
Bad Drivetrain
Chris , 11/26/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of head room, fairly fun to drive, but has a loud clunking sound coming out of the transmission when you take off. Also has some bad rattling sounds already coming from the hatchback. Stuff that shouldn't be happening with 12,000 miles on it. This is the second Subaru i have had with drivetrain problems. They are very expensive to fix! I won't be buying another one and will be trading this one off before the warranty runs out. It sure goes through the gas with city driving. I will try a Toyota next, or maybe a Honda.
Second Choice But O.K.
Major T, 12/03/2005
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Started out to buy a CRV but they were sold out. The Forester was on sale with a couple thousand off the MSRP and it certainly had a good reputation. It replaced a 1991 Sidekick. The Forester is more comfortable and handles better than the Suzuki. With one month of winter driving I am not sold on the AWD system on the Forester, seems pretty easy to get this car going sideways on slippery roads. The Forester is an O.K. vehicle but I find it hard to really be enthusiastic about it.
Wolf in sheep's clothing
JSBuck, 12/03/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After sampling other small SUV's, I was "sold" on the XT two minutes into the test drive. This vehicle is near ideal (for me): high performance (blazing acceleration, great handling), safety, exceptional build, roomy, well thought out interior, comfortable, good sound system and marvelous technology. Gas mileage is fair to middling: 20 in the city and 24 on the open road. Still ... a small price to pay for exceptional performance. After seven months, I still look forward every day to driving this machine. It is that much fun to drive! How many people can say that?
Ok, but lacking in certain areas.
Mister R, 01/17/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed a AWD SUV and didn't want another monster (I had a Tahoe) and had options that were a must. The Forester seemed like a good compromise. Or so I thought. I bought it sight unseen based on reviews and comparisons. BIG mistake. The suspension is such that you feel every pebble in the road as if it were a boulder. Driving noise invades the interior and the gas mileage is no where near what I had expected. At 6'4 and 250 this is clearly the wrong vehicle for me. My right leg rubs against the console and steering wheel. I have to put the seat all the way back and down to accommodate my height - but then have to lean forward to reach the steering wheel. Under powered and transmission slips.
Subaru will get you there and back...
LISA CARNAHAN, 03/02/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Subaru Forester is an excellent car over all. However, in the 2nd month of ownership a fuse blew controlling the rear brake lights. This was unknown to the driver until pulled over by police, creating a very embarrassing & dangerous situation. Car would be better if it had a warranty like an Isuzu.
nice vehicle
mike, 04/29/2006
2005 Subaru Forester X AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great wagon, got this last year after selling our minivan. Gas mileage is better than expected with the manual. Gets 30 mpg easy on the highway. About 26 city. AWD is great. Solid, well made vehicle. Seats are firm and supportive.
Fun and function in one!
Bob Kelly, 06/21/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The XT's performance is exceptional, not only the engine response, but the overall handling also. It replaced a M-B E-Class and had big shoes to fill. It hasn't disappointed. Hauling capacity is adequate and it is usually our car-of-choice. No problems in over 15,000 miles.
Kicken off road
Going anywhere, 09/25/2006
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great visibility, excellent handling, zips along at 70+ and still gets 27MPG or higher. The Forester is the real deal when it comes to all wheel drive, sand, mud, snow; you can't seem to stop this thing.
Wolf in sheeps clothing
DonE37, 04/05/2008
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Forester new and now with 44,000 plus miles on odometer it has not stumbled once nor had any mechanical problems. My purchase was based mainly on its practicality, power,and sleeper demeanor. It seats 4 comfortably. Can hold loads of cargo, and is fast as a whip. It's 4 wheel drive capability helps put all those turbo ponys to the ground and you giggle with a menacing glee as you rocket forward out of stoplights. Nobody knows that this car screams and that is pure joy. Doesn't look much different than the lesser non turbo foresters, except for hoodscoop and XT badging. I loved pulling away from my brother in his beloved Hemi Dodge Magnum. Priceless, he never saw it coming!
I would buy another one
DOGFACE, 12/09/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This CAR is fun to drive. Lots of aftermarket performance options.
Good All-a-round Car
kdburnsforester, 08/24/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Forest XT provides excellence in almost every category w/o much sacrifice. The turbo provides excellent acc + other recent improvements produces enough power at 2200rpm's to climb a 5% grade in 5th gear w/o engine "lug-down," resulting in better gas mileage. So far, my combind highway/city gas milage has been 27.4mpg - highway almost 29. The XT /w premium adds luxury to a practical car. The "competition" (Rav4/CRV/Liberty) does not offer comparable features, performance, or handling: more comparable to an X3/Touareg/Freelander. More car for the $$.
1st time Subaru owner
1st time Subaru , 10/23/2004
2005 Subaru Forester XT AWD 4dr Wagon w/Premium Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We tested the Honda Pilot and Toyota 4- Runner and ended up with the Subaru! Our second choice was the Honda Pilot. Thumbs down for the 4-Runner.
I love this car!
Nanc, 03/09/2005
2005 Subaru Forester XS L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wanted an SUV for my sports, and a safe and reliable vehicle to transport my family and grandchildren. This car is wonderful!