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Used 2009 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
247 reviews

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Pros
Cons
2.25 out of 5 stars

HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!

dena, 03/08/2009
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Don't even think about buying this car! I have had it for about 6 months & absolutely regret buying this car. The exterior is great but the interior is cheap & poorly designed. The fabric on the doors already looks worn, the electric seats crack the plastic covers around the legs every time I move the seat back, the rubber seal around the back passenger door fell off... The position of the seat heater knobs is unreachable while driving. Plus, my factory installed remote start doesn't work unless the car is already warmed up. The dealership says there have been other complaints about this happening but nothing is being done to fix it. Subaru customer service is terrible. Don't buy this car!!

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4 out of 5 stars

Sports car

Daryl Matthews Matthews, 04/15/2017
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car is fun to drive.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Forester more each day

1st Time Subaru , 03/18/2009
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was originally looking at Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4, but was concerned about their blind spots and bad rear visibility for backing up. So I looked at the Subaru (with AMAZING visibility in ALL directions) and sold on the appearance, performance and features. The Subaru Symetrical AWD is also superior to the 4WD technology on Honda and Toyota. Regarding other reviews: The base trim does not have cup holders in the back seat center console, but ALL trims have cup holders embedded in the back doors (perhaps the other reviewers haven't noticed?). The radio seems just fine to me. The passenger seat is low, but not a showstopper. The driver seat is very comfortable in the Limited trim.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Somewhat of a disappointment

jsta, 03/27/2009
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought the Forester after leasing a Tribeca for 3 years. Now I wish I had bought the Tribeca which was a far superior vehicle in every way. The Forester does handle excellently in ice and snow but highway driving does not inspire confidence. Vehicle is easily buffeted by wind and uneven road surface. Engine performance meets expectations for this class of SUV. Interior OK but rear speakers malfunctioned in first 6 months and annoyingly loud squeak has developed from the rear tire compartment. Dealer says this is common complaint and they don't quite know what to do about it. Mileage averages 25 combined city and highway. Overall, 2009 Forester does not live up to hype.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Another Subaru for us!

Erik and Kelley, 07/22/2008
2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I just took possession of a 2009 Subaru Limited edition (non turbo). The interior space is far superior to my 2001 Subaru Forester. The "fit and finish" are a step up--still a little plastic, though. Engine is adequate to good, with some pep (but not extra- ordinary speed or handling). Nearly bought a Toyota V-6 Rav 4 which drove a little better, but the extra cost (nearly 3000 dollars) and the smaller interior for me (I am over 6 feet tall) made the Subaru the choice. Looking for 8-10 good years from this vehicle, a good choice for a safe, reliable, practical car that drives quite well in the snow and can handle two small kids and one dog. See you in the mountains of West Virginia!

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