Used 2017 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
2017 XT Touring w Eyesight - Fun to drive
Was considering the 2.5L normally aspirated engine and but I am so glad I got the 2.0L Turbo. This SUV is quick and fun to drive with a 0 - 60 in 6.3 seconds. Those reviewers who have said it is not I doubt actually own one or neglected to read the owners manual which describes how to use the SI Drive system to choose Sport Sharp mode for maximum driving fun. I know it was a struggle for me to find one to test drive since only 10% of Foresters shipped are turbos. I have had the Forester XT for over a month and have not regretted a single day of driving - in sun, rain, snow, sleet and really bad ice. Nothing stops it. See the SubaruGlobalTV channel on YouTube for the development videos for this current generation Forester which detail how the engineering is brilliantly executed in a well thought out design (Why? Subaru Episode....). I got the Eyesight package and really appreciate all of the features. Only disappointment is the Navigation system but it is bundled with Eyesight. There are so many features in the 2.0XT Touring trim level with Eyesight that I would insist on having in any future vehicle - adaptive cruise control, lane sway warning, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking/throttle management, adaptive LED headlamps, reverse automatic braking, X-mode...the list is extensive. If you are fortunate enough to get the Touring with turbo, add optional Eyesight and are willing to wait for a custom order (in my case, 3 months), you will not be disappointed! To top it off, Subaru was offering very competitive financing (0% at 36 mos or .9% at 48 - 63 months) and deals at or below invoice are common.
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Back to Subaru))) Very happy.
Let me start with saying that I’m a Mazda guy. I owned 8 Mazda in 15 year period. My wife drives 2016 CX-5 GT model and we love that car. I had 2011 CX-9 GT with to many miles, so it was a time to get a new car. Went to Mazda to see what I can get for cheap, like $250-$300 per month lease. Liked the new 2017 CX-9, but it was to expensive. Then my brother told me that Subaru has cheap lease specials. Same day went to see what will I like. I liked the Outback but it was to slow with 2.5i engine option. Outback is much heavier then Forester. So I end it up leasing 2017 Forester because the cheap lease special ($250 per month tax included. $400 down) and the way it drives. This is my second Subaru. The first was 2007 Impresa 2.5i. I loved that car. Drove 95K miles with zero problems, that’s why I decided to get Forester. So far I’m very satisfied. Good acceleration, good MPG for AWD, very comfortable seats. AWD is a big plus. Good handling, very nice and quiet ride. I love all the safety futures, lane assistance, blind spot monitor and break assist. New entertainment system is awesome; 7” touch screen is very easy to use. Backup camera is OK, low quality when it’s dark. The only concern I have is the towing capacity only 1500lb. I have a trailer with 3 dirt bikes on it. Total weight is 1400lb, so I should be OK I hope))) I drove both 2016 and 2017 Forester. 2017 has a better CVT transition (more responsive), less road/wind noise, better interior and looks meaner))). Over all I enjoy driving this car.
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- 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUVMSRP: $16,39517 mi away
- 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUVMSRP: $14,00016 mi away
- 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUVMSRP: $12,50024 mi away
First Forester
This is the first Subaru that I have owned. I was looking for a small SUV and I had done a lot of research on them and I was impressed with the Forester. I have had the Forester for almost a month and her are of my observations: Ride: Smooth, quiet and stable; Acceleration: Quick, better than expected; Instrumentation: Excellent; Interior quality: Excellent; Visibility: Excellent with huge windshield and large windows all around; Sunroof: Largest I've ever seen; Car quality: solid as a rock; Safety: There isn't a safer car on the road; Seating comfort and space: Excellent; Cargo capacity: Copious; Gas Mileage: I averaged 33MPG for the first 1000 miles. The Forester is not as swoopy looking as some of its competition but is still a handsome well built compact wagon like utility vehicle. I've had it for over 6 yrs and have never had any problems. I've put 71,000 miles on it without any problems. A very good reliable car. I still have no problems with this car and I sometimes wonder if it would be time to trade it and get a new one. The answer is always the same "you'd be nuts to do it." I'd be gaining nothing . A car is a mode of transportation to get here and there. I already have it in this reliable car. Current mileage is 85,000 miles.
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Windshield replacement cost - have “the Eye”
I like my Subaru Forester, however ..... If your Subaru has the safety package “The Eye” and a rock hits and cracks your windshield ... replacement windshield can take up to three weeks to come to your dealership, as apparently it is considered a special order. You, the car owner, pay’s special order delivery fee. I was quoted a price of $856 total for this new windshield by two different Subaru dealerships and Safelite too. When I complained about the cost, I was told the safety package needs to be recalibrated once installed. As a Forester owner I am “extremely” disappointed with replacement time and part availability, and think Subaru’s cost of $856 is outrageous for its car owners.
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New Forester after 40k miles
Still some of the same feelings I had initially (see review below after 500 Miles). However, I can now say that 40k in, I have had no problems with the car. None. I was concerned going from lifelong Honda and Toyota owner, but I am very impressed with the reliability of the forester after 40k Miles. Overall, I think was good bang for buck (especially after just driving in snow). I test drove many used Foresters, Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5, and husband's 2013 Rav4. Ending up liking new 2017 Forester most. Ordered from factory with all weather package minus some accessories like cargo net but including upgraded Kicker stereo and remote start. Took about 1 month to get. Pros: good quality materials, entertainment system look and functionality, decent gas mileage for small SUV, tight steering, sticks to road, very quiet under 50 mph, lots of storage, some bells and whistles (love sending and receiving text messages through car stereo) but not absurd amount, minor 'pro'-color of dash when lights on (nice red hue). Cons: wind noise on highway-one reason I bought this car was for how quiet it seemed compared to others. It IS very quiet under 50mph, BUT cruising on highway, LOT of wind noise. I think this is because even though they added more sound dampening, there's so much glass, that it's still, imo, hard to lessen. This is my biggest gripe. I drive a lot, and I like a relatively quiet cabin; pretty substantial delay when shifting between drive and reverse. I've never experienced this, and it is especially annoying when in a parking lot; finally, overall, acceleration is pretty sluggish, especially 2nd 'gear'-not a total dog, but other small SUVs much quicker from starting gate. Obviously these are my impressions, and others may agree/disagree. I'm writing this because I found consumer reviews very helpful when I was deciding on what to buy. I will update this review after 5k miles.
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