Used 2008 Subaru Forester Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Fantastic Car! Buy it if you can!
luvmycar7, 12/14/2011
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
45 of 45 people found this review helpful
This is a fabulous car! I have owned my 2008 Subaru Forester for about 2 and a half years now. It has been without a single problem the entire time. One of the things I love most about my Subaru is its versatility. It gets good gas mileage, but I have also used it for hauling huge items of furniture, kayaks, pontoon rafts, 5 people, all the luggage of a long trip for me and my entire family, and building supplies for my house. It is such as safe car as well. My wife was rear ended while in our in our 1998 Subaru Forester by a Ford F250 going fast when she was at a stop. The car completely absorbed the impact and saved her life. After that, we had to get another Subaru Forester.
175,000 miles few problems
Bob in Silver Spring Md, 08/16/2016
updated 02/18/2022
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
65 of 69 people found this review helpful
Purchased used in September 2009.. Hard to believe it's at 175,000 miles and still runs smooth and responsive. Replaced rear brake pads one time. Most expensive repair. Right rear wheel bearing which is a common problem on Subaru. $450.00 repair. Most expensive maintenance item. Timing belt with water pump and pulleys. I paid $600.00. The dealer charges $1200 or more. Tires are an issue. Buy good ones and they will last. Yokohama seem to last longest. The seats are not good for long trips. Get a small memory foam pillow and that will take care of that. Weird stalling and idle problems started at 142,000 miles and traced to small valve on intake manifold. Remove electric hook up, remove two Phillips screws, spray valve with intake manifold cleaner and problem solved. Remove spark plug wires and inspect for oil. Valve cover gasket leaks common problem on these cars but I haven't had to replace them yet. Overall it's a good safe solid car. Nothing fancy but reliable when you work through the issues. Make sure when replacing plug wires to use spark plug grease on both ends of wires. Another issue. Headlights started leaking at 160,000 miles. Don't even try to fix them. Order new ones off Ebay for $300. You have to remove the entire front end to replace them. It's time consuming not difficult. It's 8 years old at this point and has held up well. Update February 2017. Still running well. Just replaced front and rear pads. And both oxygen sensors 184,712 miles. Update August 2017. 193,783 miles. Replaced valve cover gaskets. Surge and stalling again. Preparing to change out fuel injectors and gas pedal assembly. Most of the time it runs perfect but occasionally stalls. I also suspect it could be accumulation of bad gas. Update February 2018: 199,980 miles. Car running smoothly again. However, turned car over to one of my children in January 2018. He is now over 200,000 miles. Update February 2019: Son sold car at 223,000 miles. Car still ran fine.
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Best car I've ever owned
danieluga, 06/20/2015
updated 12/22/2017
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
Really hate to be the obnoxious reviewer who gives all five stars, but this car has earned it. It's more comfortable than Cadillacs I've owned and has great fuel economy for an AWD (though I wish Subaru would introduce a fleet of hybrids). I usually get 30mpg hwy, but I don't really drive city. 160,000 miles so far and no issues whatsoever. Definitely will buy another one in the future.
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The Best Car I've ever had !!!!! Period
farside7, 12/31/2009
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I had a Chrysler 300 Limited Brand new, Chevy Impala brand new, a coup deville and to me this is the best car I've ever owned, period. The ride is smooth, the vehicle has great power. I put a remote start on It and a trailer hitch. I get about 26 to 27 on the hwy. The interior room is awesome ! I'm 5'10" and 280 pound! I still have plenty of room!
A good solid B+
walorado, 04/07/2010
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Had a Subaru or two along the way, and decided on the 08 Premium because of a value package. Great vehicle with a couple of small hiccups. Had a minor issue with the AC but was resolved under warranty. Replaced the driver's door speaker 3 times, also under warranty. In fact, the stereo is a real weak point in the car for me. Really lame speakers, and I paid for the "upgrade." Seats are comfortable and fit my rather copious rump easily. Plenty peppy even here in the high country of Colorado. AWD system is very good, but the 2008 model lacks stability control. Without it, the car's rear end can slip out if you aren't careful in the snow. I'd buy the car again, though.
Great Vehicle!
Nancy B, 05/28/2018
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for nearly 11 years. She is now at about 125,000 miles and still rides like new. I, too, changed the headlights a couple years ago when they started to gather water. Well, one did, but I changed both because I didn't want to look at one old and one new. In the last couple of years, I have changed the radiator hoses, replaced the ball joints, steering pump, oil filter. I also had to change the ac compressor. I expect to have to do such things to keep my car in perfect condition. I take her to be serviced for all scheduled maintenance. If there is an issue, I fix it. Soon, i will do something about the wind noise that seems to be coming from the right front door gusset. She has never left me stranded somewhere or left me helpless. She warns me. I listen, and I take care of her. By her 9th year, some rust spots were appearing on top. I took her down to Mexico for a cheap paint job. I regret it, though it is just OK. I wish I had paid a bit more and had a better job done on her. But I am the only one who notices. I take my two dogs to the beach or out to run in the wilderness every weekend. I throw a towel on the back seat and wash that every week. ALL the seats (black cloth) in my Forester look as new as the day I bought her. I can't believe how great they look. Seats remain comfortable, too. I had a bad accident earlier this year. A huge Ford Explorer behind me, with a driver not paying attention. He swerved and smashed into the back, completely demolishing the back driver's side door and the bumper. I rode through the accident like in a magical dream. The car and I were one. I was sent across the two left lanes. Luckily other cars were able to stop without smashing into me. Then, we glided to a stop on the left shoulder, as if we had just performed ballet. All I suffered was a slight bruise to my left elbow. I didn't flail around at all, despite the impact. I couldn't believe it. She protected me like a charm. The auto body shop found a replacement used door for her and also replaced the bumper. No structural damage, despite the monster that hit us. She now looks great again. All fixed up and ready to serve. I absolutely love my car. I have been looking at newer models of the Forester, also anticipating the 2019 model. But I have to say, it will be hard to part with my Blue Baby. She is beautiful in her simplicity. I have aftermarket bluetooth for my phone, a radio and CD player. That's it. The dashboard is that sporty rubbery black. Still looks like new even though she is parked in the California sun every day. I rarely use my phone anyway. Don't even own a smartphone, so I can wait. I may wait 5 more years before I replace her. Oh, and I have driven her through snow and ice in Colorado and Utah, while watching VWs spin out of control. She is gutsy going up mountains. I've driven her over boulders (I didn't even know it was possible) and through streams, and across washboard deserts. She has been on long road trips. She has never let me down. I think no other car will ever impress me as much. She rides better than the day I bought her. What a great car! Yes, I am a fan.
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Best Car Ever Owned
Michigan Winters, 10/21/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car is absolutely fantastic. My Wife and I were looking for an AWD or 4x4 vehicle that could handle our tough Michigan Winters. Along with that, we LOVE to travel. This car fits the bill - it can outhandle snowy roads/ slushy roads/ muddy roads better than any truck or sports utility vehicle I know of. Add the fact that I average around 28 mpg and it's quite the vehicle. It's built with extreme quality, which in itself makes it look expensive. It doesn't need the fancy bells and whistles.
10 years with a Subaru Forester
Harold, 08/14/2018
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I really like the all wheel drive when up in the mountains. The only real downside is that there isn't enough leg space in the back seat. So it would be really difficult if we had back seat occupants on a regular basis, however as there is only my wife and myself the dog normally has this space to herself. This is my wife's car and the mileage is low, but she does get a run up to the Great Smokies a few times a year. Other than normal maintenance expenditures we have only had to replace one of the tire pressure sensors on this vehicle last year. Based on this experience I traded my car for a Subaru Outback in 2017
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Great Subaru
Carter, 02/15/2010
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Love this car. Right before the major 2009 redesign they were making the nicest Forester they could. Everything about the car feels tight and smooth. I had a 2002 Outback before this car, and this car is much better. The automatic and the 4 cyl. engine feel strong compared to the Outback's weak, noisy 4 cyl. and jerky manual transmission. The interior feels premium, with just a few hard plastics to distract. Interior like a greenhouse with panoramic sunroof; bright and cheery in beige.
Wonderful Go Anywhere Vehicle
Awake in Seattle, 08/15/2007
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Had my doubts as to how refined the Forester would be coming from an '02 Infiniti G20. But I was pleasantly surprised by the solidity and finish of this vehicle. The size is just right for our soon-to-be 3-person household and the volume of the trunk cargo area is very useful. The fabric of the seats seems very durable, interior plastics are of reasonably high quality, and the dark gray color us nice. Visibility is excellent and the turning radius is nice-n-tight for in-city driving/parking (trust me, this does matter). The stereo speakers could use a little more low end oomph, road noise is bit loud, and the seats are not as comfortable as our Infititi but otherwise we love our new Subie.
Best Looking SUV
Bob Kelley, 05/15/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The lines on the car are classic, no swoops, triangular windows or forced styling gimmicks. Great visibilty and feelings of safety. Getting 28+ mpg on road. Replaced a Kia Sportage. It's like going from a tin can to a bank vault! Driving it is fun, and the lower center of gravity permits very even and contolled steering. All in all,a great car.
2nd Subaru Forester for Me
Michele, 11/24/2007
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I really like the premium package. My first Forester did not have it. The premium package makes it feel like a luxury car, but the price I paid for it did not! Since the Forester has been around for several years, the familiar technology made me feel more comfortable knowing I wasn't buying a new model or redesigned model that may have had problems. The other car makes I considered before purchasing the Subaru had too many recalls. The Subaru is fun to drive.
Seconds Thoughts
Pencilpusher, 05/26/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Had a 2000 Forester. Got the 2008 with PZEV. Wish I could go back in time. The car idles wildly on start-up, reving up to 2000RPM then down so low it almost shuts off. Told by dealer this is normal. He gave me a copy of a service bulletin saying same. Suggests using gas without ethanol. Good luck finding that in PA. On 90 degree turns vibrates and sounds like going over rumble strips.Told this is normal, seals in rear end need to seat. Car rattles and sounds tinny. Man, wish I had gotten the Nissan Rogue, even though it was $2000 more. The new Forester is built a lot cheaper than the 2000. Most reviews for Forester are very good. Hope mine holds up.
Best For Business
Computer Bob, 06/29/2009
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Can't say enough good things about my Forester. 29 MPG city, 31 hwy, smooth engine, superb visibility, plenty of thoughtful features (except too-small and tightly cramped cup holders). Seats give great support and comfortable for short & long drives. Beautiful paint and workmanship. Easy to do maintenance (oil, filter, brakes, etc.). Love the tire pressure monitor, outside temp gauge, stereo, storage space.
Excellent value
Minnie, 04/20/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I never considered a Subaru until looking at all the others and not finding what I wanted. As soon as I sat in my LL Bean Forester I was hooked. Everything felt right. I love the AWD, the sunroof is amazing especially at night on our country roads with stars twinkling overhead, the heated seats are great, the wood accents on steering wheel and shifter make it look rich, and it handles like a dream. You'd never think this car is a 4 cyl as it has lots of power. Getting 26-28 MPG with just over 3500 miles on her. I'll never own anything else. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee I had for fourteen years and I hope to have this one as long.
On my radar since '98
B Noble, 08/20/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Finally, my '95 manual VW Jetta got tired and I could finally get my dream car, that I first saw debuted in '98 at the NYC auto show. It fit me like a glove. I'm (5'2") and the driver's seat can be raised significantly with a touch of a power lever. Last April when I went looking to buy, I almost had a heart attack when I realized that the design of the '09 was seriously changed (not for the better) and it was bigger I didn't need bigger. I went hunting and had to purchase MY '08 a state away to get the one I wanted. I now have 3,000 miles on it and get 26+ mpg avg. It rides like a dream and I love the style of the dash board above all other new cars (including the Forester '09s).
Quality problems
asdf, 08/19/2010
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 13 people found this review helpful
I have now had the XT 'newer' version for a little over two years. At 9k miles the engine seized up! I had poor customer service until I called Subaru's US headquarters and tried to talk to president to complain about the quality of their cars. In the end; Subaru fixed the car. I have had LED puddle lights short out each winter (one time I actually witnessed smoke!) Now, I need to take back to dealer again with separate electrical problems. I would be satisfied with this car if I didn't have to take to dealer so much. The XT engine is nice, and the cargo space is just right for a small family. The fake color plastic bits by door window switches scratch very easily.
Can't get this car any more; too bad
osvolant, 08/02/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the turbo engine. Getting 24 mpg routinely in suburban/highway driving. Leather seats in Limited trim very comfortable and main reason I didn't buy the Sport. Noisy at highway speeds. Very practical for light off-roading, trailer towing, hauling bikes, dogs, etc. with enough zip to make it fun (more sports car than SUV feel). Good in snow and mud, even towing trailer. Manual trans not available with turbo in '09- glad I got mine.
Subaru For Life!!
Subaru For Life!!, 12/27/2007
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
WOW My first AWD. Loving it more & more everyday. I am hooked on Subaru for life. I really don't know why I didn't look at Subaru earlier in life.
I love my car
Audrey, 06/12/2009
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My husband and I really love this car. It is the first Subaru we've owned, and we'll probably keep buying Subaru cars forever if they are like this one. We've had it for 2 years, I love the turning radius on it (I can make u- turns on really narrow streets). It's easy to handle.
Not Fancy but dependable
Soyoung Chung, 09/13/2009
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I waited for 2 years to review to avoid premature review. Finally, I feel comfortable to say "Yes, it is very dependable and reliable". I don't feel stylish nor luxurious, however very humble and sort of old friend. As other review, engine sounds a bit loud and when I accelerate, response is a little slow/hesitant. Although I am not driving the fastest car...I will be on time and safe! That's all that counts!!! Thank you "SUBARU".
Great Car but get the Turbo
alan akselrad, 02/16/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had some great cars, but, never one that was so perfect on all fronts. The turbo is great for city driving and fun on the highway. The car from 0-60 in 6 seconds/ and has great brakes. Btw-that speed is my old 1995 BMW M3 speed. The cost/ safety factor/ reliability is great. It had not let me down ever. And costs little to maintain. It has a really good sound system/ great visibility/ great on gas/ great on interior storage. I am never afraid of getting stuck in the snow.
First Time Forester
pico, 02/23/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best driving "small SUV" of the RAV4, CRV bunch, even with base engine. There is no comparison. Even in base X form the handling is awesome, confidence inspiring. Turns are crisp, stopping/starting all great. Drove both XT and normally aspirated and was pleasantly surprised with the pull of the base engine. Interior is also roomier than expected, back seat is roomy enough if the front seats aren't pushed all the way back but even if they are I feel I have just enough legroom with front seats at maximum travel. Love the height of the cabin plus the tall stance. And in terms of AWD systems, there is no comparison (especially with these Colorado winters we've been having).
Still a great little car
rickshift, 04/24/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have driven my Forester 6500 miles, so it is broken in by now. The gas mileage for an all wheel drive was good from the beginning but now as the weather is warming, I got just under 29 MPG on mixed commuter driving, I have yet to do an all highway drive. I drive into Boston to work, mostly on state route type roads, but I work nights so the traffic is mostly going the other way, at least in the morning. I love this car. Good road visibility, nice sterio system, love the handling, smooth ride eats up the bumps, heated front seats are very comfortable, smoothest shifting manual transmission I've ever driven.I was a little iffy about committing to always having to shift but now have no regret
XT Sports is an insane sleeper
Willi_illiW, 03/29/2021
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
And the auto isn't that bad, it takes the exact same amount of time as the 6 speed to get to 180kph, but definitely feels slower because you're going through three gears instead of five.
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Accelerator Problem
Sylvia Lucy, 06/27/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
There is one annoying problem that spoils the overall positive driving experience. The vehicle speeds up and slows down constantly while I try to hold a steady highway speed. The dealership ship says all the newer Foresters do that because of the computer settings. Subaru has made a flash program change computer settings for Impreza's that exhibited this problem but haven't gotten around to make a fix for the 2008 and 2009 Forester. I would suggest waiting until they have this problem solved before buying one.
Great Subaru...if you can still get one!
Matt, 05/13/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My wife and I were looking for a small SUV and new we wanted to look at a Forester. We started with a test drive of the new '09 Forester. We were really dissapointed. They just changed it too much. Luckily for us, the dealer still had a few new '08 Foresters on the lot. We snapped one up for $4K off of the sticker price. We love the look of the '08 better, and the front seats were much more comfortable. This car has plenty of power and good gas mileage for an AWD car. We couldn't be happier.
Used 2008 Forester
rich davis, 05/19/2016
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 13 people found this review helpful
Overall car condition was good and got a pretty nice purchase price. Car dealer, Baker Chrysler Jeep, were extremely nice and helpful. I would definitely buy another vehicle from them. Car has things to fix, but nothing major. CD player doesn't work and back panel of lift gate rattles. But otherwise in good shape. Only had for a month so far
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Cold Start
High Plains Drifter, 06/18/2009
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I try to start it up in the morning it is noisy and has a rough idle. The shop has a bulletin for PZEV models that says ethanol in the gas will effect the engine this way on cold starts. All gas in this area has ethanol in it. I have had a lot of cars and never seen an engine start like this every morning. Can't Subaru do better than this?
Initial reaction
Rodmo1, 01/24/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I only bought the car about ten days ago so it is much too early to comment on the reliability or long term comfort level of the interior. However, so far I really like the car. It is fun to drive and performs very well. As everyone else has already said the backseats are very small but I will always be sitting in the driver's seat so what does it matter? This is my first car. I have always owned trucks before but with the cost of gasoline and me living half way up a mountain I needed an efficient AWD. The Subaru fit the bill. My only fill up so far has resulted in 25.97 MPG which I imagine will only get better come engine break- in and non winter blend gas. Great car for the money!
Great car.
cranky consumer, 02/20/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
700 miles in. Seats are comfortable on 2hr+ drives. Cargo space is great. MPG is reasonable. Sunroof noise is fine at 65 and only gets annoying at ~80. The visibility is fantastic.
From Volvo XC70 to Subaru Forester
Denver D, 02/21/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just let my '04 Volvo XC70 go off lease and picked up an '08 Forester and am very happy with the decision. Where I drove the Volvo, the Subaru I just drive; I'm much more in tune with the road, and quite happy with less mass to maneuver (especially parallel parking). My daughter drove it yesterday and commented "It's like driving a go cart!" My wife is on her second of two Foresters, so I knew what I was getting. Hers have been the base model; I am SO glad I spent the extra $1500 on the Premium package. She's already put dibs on the '08 when I move on in two years! It's a no nonsense, supremely competent runabout, with the carrying capacity of a small van.
Subaru Forester
gerri, 02/24/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am so happy with my Forester. It is just as good as I expected it to be. Drives beautifully, albeit a bit noisy. It is a basic straightforward auto. No luxuries, just safety and a good old fashioned "able to see from all angles" car. Absolutely no blind spots... good for us height challenged souls. I adore my suv/car crossover. It fits my bill. My puppies also have plenty of room.
Subaru Newbie
SubaruMum, 10/07/2007
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives like a dream and holds to the road well. Drove the WV mountains back roads and had a blast. Many curves and a lot of up and down hill travel. Good mileage, 29 mpg on this trip. Hope to do better on flat ground. Still breaking the car in.
Cool blue
AC, 08/27/2007
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First SUV ever owned, needed something versatile for small family. Went to get a 2007 leftover and got a good deal on a 2008. Drives very well, was pleasantly surprised by handling on winding roads during test drive. Has small exterior dimensions but has well designed and comfortable interior. Got the WR blue and realized that it resembles Thomas the train which my son loves.
Zippy, Fun, Safe Car
SK, 09/14/2007
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru and I love this little SUV. It has good pickup and it feels roomy inside. It's also easy to park. I was happy with all the safety features and feel secure on the highway in traffic. I can't wait to try it in the snow. I like the cup holders in the doors and the interior is comfortable. I have only had it a month so I'm hoping its reliable. And where I live there isn't very many of them so it's kinda special.
Great little SUV, most everything in one
Rickshift, 11/14/2007
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 500 miles on my new Forester, so far I love it! Good power, 25 MPG mixed driving before break-in period, quick & sure handling and that hill holder function is seamless when I use it. The clutch and shift are hands down the smoothest I've ever driven, pleasant, easy manual to drive.The ride is comfy, heated seats are nice, the moon roof is awesome, stereo wth 6 CD is nice. The ride over washboard pavement is just a little hard but it floats over RR tracks with comfort and control and takes corners and clover leafs like a bear. It's an undercover sports car dressed up like a little SUV, winter ready. The PZEV rating is a nice plus for global non warming. Will rerate 5K,10K.
Truck to SUV
Lee, 11/20/2007
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Settling down doesn't mean slowing down. I had an '02 Tacoma Limited and traded up for this new toy and have no regrets. Great performance and power when you need it while it's tame looks might suggest otherwise.
Forester SXT after 600 miles
Dan, 04/17/2008
2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed the Forester over the first +600 miles. The Sports XT trim level changes the overall appearance of a Forester very nicely. Many cool STi features, like wheels, spoilers, pedals, etc. The turbo is a blast! I am getting 23 MPG using premium, but I also flex the turbo at every opportunity. Build quality seems good, the car runs pretty quiet overall, and reliability is rumored to be very good.
Forester fog taxi
Greg, 11/12/2016
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car great in bad weather great animal transported (220pd 180 pds)
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Loved this car
Michele, 07/26/2019
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We would still be driving it today if someone hadn't rear ended it and totaled it. t was smaller than the newer models, spacious and fun to drive. If only Subaru made hybrids we would buy another.
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Reliable simplicity
Subaru Tone, 06/27/2020
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been buying Subaru vehicles for 22 years and this may be the best one. I read a lot and the Automaker is changing to meet their perceived desire of consumers. But this small maker of cars may be stretching itself. The sweet spot is when they made fun, reliable, simple cars, like the L.L. Bean Forester I have, that joins an unSubie Subie, the Tribeca, and a L.L. Bean Outback.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My first SUV
Jan, 04/03/2008
2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my very first new vehicle ever just a couple of days ago and I think it is wonderful. I haven't had it long enough to really comment on the gas mileage but my old car only got 15 miles/gal so this is a dream. The SUV handles very well and my children love it. It has plenty of room my husband is a very large man about 350 lb. And he fits in the vehicle just fine. I would recommend them to anyone.