Skip to main content

Used 2009 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
247 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
3 out of 5 stars

3 months - I try to ignore the rattles

energizerbunny, 12/28/2008
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Okay, I bought this vehicle since I loved my husband's Subaru outback, but wanted a small SUV for my company car. My previous car was a VW Passat. First, the cloth seats have very poor support for long drives (should've opted for leather). Will be adding a lumbar support unit from a local detail shop. Tried to get the door rattles fixed from the dealership. They were not able to help and made them worse by trying. Am trying to love the car but kind of wished I had opted for the Subaru Outback or another VW Passat. If you do purchase this vehicle, go for one of the higher end packages (> 2.5XP) since you may get better interior quality. Gas mpg isn't bag... averaging about 25 mpg.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Love it!

FLSubaru, 01/05/2009
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was a '98 Outback owner (and proud of it); when the wife and I decided to go new, it was either the Prius or the Forester. We made the right choice as this car is fun, peppy, roomy, sunny and a blast to drive. We were on vacation for 10 days, and we both missed driving it! Everywhere we went, we said, "Wouldn't it be fun to have the Subaru" for hills, curves and wonderful mountain roads... and most especially the Pacific Coast Highway. No rattles, good MPG and more room and visibility than we know what to do with! So far, a worthy successor to my beloved Outback (160k miles).

Report Abuse
2009 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 257 listings
See all 257 listings

2.13 out of 5 stars

Poor Design

Forester, 01/13/2009
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The headrests on this vehicle are designed so that they push the driver's head down and forward. This causes a number of people to have severe headaches and back pain after an average commute. In addition, there are NO cupholders in this vehicle. Subaru does not want a Subaru owner to drink fluids while they drive the vehicle... this according to Subaru corporate. The transmission is tough to get into reverse about 30% of the time. Experience with other makes and models indicates that transmissions that are difficult to put into reverse when new, are maintenance headaches later on. Engine runs a little rough after only 4000 miles.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

We love our Forester

lisaandjason, 07/11/2008
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought a Subaru Impreza back in 2005 and loved it. At the time, I tried to talk my husband into the Forester, but he really wanted the Impreza. As soon as we saw the new design though, he was sold. We absolutely love it! We went on a short road trip with my Mom and our Border Collie, Abby and it was the most comfortable drive I've ever had. There is so much space inside. I was truly surprised at how roomy it is. There is plenty of cargo space as well. We have the Premium Package with the roof rails, tinted windows, etc and it was definitely worth the extra money. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for the convenience of an SUV, but the driving comfort of a sedan.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Best new small SUV

pktsizecub, 08/12/2008
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just bought the 2009 Subaru Forester and am amazed. The interior quality is great. There are no rattles. All the body panels fit together tightly. The driver has excellent visibility of the road and the moon roof is huge. Exterior: The new Subaru now looks much more like an SUV. It's off-road performance greatly exceeds its competitors like the Honda CRV and Ford Escape. It is willing to go wherever you point if. I've averaged between 28-31 MPG on the highway and 22-24 in town. The 4 speed automatic is a bit slow to down shift, but not a problem as you can do it manually with the shiftronic. The 2009 Subaru Forester is a winner

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5