Used 2009 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
Great Ride... but
I've owned Nissan Sentra before this Subaru-expected big difference; can't compare with other SUVs like CRV and RAV4 because I didn't test-drive them (my mistake,just relied on reviews). Murano has more power (the price is too much though), but Forester is quieter. After about 2 weeks of use, I started hearing this annoying rattle by the dashboard. I also hear a "thug" in the back (right side) the moment it runs after parking. I will have the dealership look into it. It's frustrating to get stuck with the noise for years. Also, I've been reading great MPG from owners; the highest I've got so far is 18.3-based from the dashboard monitor, mostly highway 60-65 mph.
Working Fine For Me
This is my first Subaru and so far I'm pleased overall. However, the lack of lumbar support and position of the head rests do make this somewhat uncomfortable. They take some getting use to. (My petite wife complains even more than I do.) The console holds my travel mug just fine. The biggest plus for this is the sure-footedness I encountered in snow/icy conditions. The AWD really grips, and the handling is very responsive. I bought the manual because that's what I enjoy driving and wanted to get the better gas mileage. The throw into 5th is a bit of a reach. The first four gears are fine and smooth. Gas mileage 26.4 overall. Traveling over 65 brings MPG down quickly.
- 2.5XT 4dr SUV w/VDCMSRP: $8,900227 mi away
- 2.5X 4dr SUV w/All Weather, Premium Pkg, VDCMSRP: $4,450239 mi away
- 2.5X 4dr SUV w/VDCMSRP: $4,995250 mi away
Subi
I love to drive the Forester in the city, it is peppy, turns on a dime, and has great visibility. I hate to drive the Forester on the highway, noisy and wanders all over the road in a moderate wind.
Hooked on the Forester
We were looking for a fun vehicle capable of easy off-road use with decent mileage and towable behind a motor home. Guess what: there aren't many choices that meet all these criteria. After searching the few options available we discovered the Forester. We're glad we did. This vehicle does it all. It's fun to drive, very capable in the snow, OK off the pavement, and has good fuel economy. The cabin is comfortable and very roomy for a small vehicle. Fit and finish is excellent. As with most crossovers there are compromises. It's not a rock crawler and it's not a sports car. However it does provide solid dependable transportation.
Loyalist remains loyal
I loved my old Legacy way (97). The new 09 Forester is a perfect size for my small family. Excellent Visibily, handly, performance, brakes, suspension that dampens road bump, quite cabin with well insultated dooe frames, Versatility (family car on pavement, country car on dirt roads nice clearance. Simple yet functional ergonomics, good power on base.