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Used 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars

My First Subaru!

Lori T., Long Beach, CA, 10/08/2016
Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
62 of 65 people found this review helpful

Mostly my review is positive. I have one of the higher-end trim packages of the Subaru Forester, and, it is my first SUV as well as first Subaru. I'd love to see better climate control for the back seat people (they must rely on the front seat AC/heat vents to eventually reach them). There are limited amounts of cupholders, and the front two in the middle console are ok, but they are front to back with each other and the back one requires moving the armrest backward to a position where it's not really much use. I suppose the mileage is good for a car this size (I've only had it a month, and I'm averaging 25 MPG). But, coming from a Prius C prior to this, and having 50-54 MPG regularly, this is a bit hard to take. (Deep breaths, it will be ok). The safety features at this point in my life are more important than MPG. I am loving the "Eyesight Technology"! I love sitting up high and feeling a larger presence on the road. Love the steering responsive headlights, and the backup camera is awesome. It's a smooth ride, and a good looking car. It did have a complicated electrical/computer problem the 2nd day that I owned it, so back it went to the dealer for three days. All seems to be well now, after a special technician was called to make an appearance to come to the computer's rescue. It's only been a month, so I cannot speak to the repair cost issue, nor to the reliability of the car, which I will know as time goes on.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Windshield replacement cost - have “the Eye”

Sharon, Rocklin, CA, 06/06/2018
Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful

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.

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

4th Subaru; 1st Forester

Brian, Ashburn, VA, 02/21/2017
updated 02/25/2019
Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

This is a solid package and a relatively good value for the Touring trim. The gas mileage is ok, not great - I think 26-27mpg is about as high as we will see based on the first 1000 miles of driving. We love the overall package though. It feels roomy for such a short car, and the sunroof is incredible...lets in a ton of light, even when it's rainy and dark out. I don't love the seats- I feel like I'm always sliding forward in them, and the bottom cushions feel too short (I'm 6') but are otherwise comfortable. Went to the snow last week and the car did great (as expected). This is a really great car for the money. 8 month update: Now that we have had it for 8 months and about 6,000 miles, I thought I'd update this. Our early impressions stand: gas mileage is 26mpg with mostly urban driving (easily over 30mpg on the highway), the front seats still aren't super comfortable for me (although my husband disagrees), and we are still happy with the purchase. One thing I'm not in love with is the CVT transmission - it sometimes surges at low speeds as if it can't decide what ratio it wants, and the "slipping" feeling inherent in CVTs still feels weird. In the mountains, though, the transmission is great...smoothly finding the right ratio for the grade/load. Without paddle shifters, though, it's tough to use the engine to slow the car on downgrades, and selecting Low helps but feels like a compromise. And the throttle response is waaay too sensitive for smooth takeoffs...still not used to that after 8 months. Overall we are happy with our purchase...it's a useful, practical, and nice looking little wagon! 2 year update: We’ve now had the car for two years and have 22k miles on it. Gas mileage has stayed around 26mpg overall, with 30 easily attainable on the highway. Not bad for an AWD car like this. My previous review is still accurate - the CVT is weird, the throttle sensitivity off the line is insane, and the front seats are not very comfortable for me, but that’s it for complaints. Our Forester has been amazing in snow and off road, it tows our 1500# camper just fine, and it handles really well for an SUV. Other than changing the oil and air filters, it’s needed no maintenance in its first two years.

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

2500mi on my 2017 Touring

Laura K., Cleveland, OH, 09/28/2016
Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
29 of 32 people found this review helpful

I've driven the wheels off this car in the last month, 2 semi-long road trips for family events. I thought about keeping it parked but it's such a nice drive on the highway, I couldn't imagine leaving it in the driveway. This is my first SUV or crossover, I'm coming from a 2011 Mazda 3 5-speed, so I was a bit nervous about the transition to CVT. The shifting is taking time to get used to, but she will get up and go when I need it. The RPMs are usually low when I look, ~2k cruising but up to 6k if pushing it extra hard. The take-off is lacking but I knew that when I weighed the cost of ownership for the turbo; that said, she'll do what you need her to do. The noise is very low this year and it's noticeably so. I listen to audio books which can sometimes be difficult when doing 70mph. The interior is relaxing overall. The visibility makes me less nervous about driving such a big thing and the controls are easy. The navigation is absolutely fantastic and the bluetooth has worked flawlessly. The headlights that turn with the steering wheel are AMAZING for country driving and has helped me see deer in the road. The automatic cruise control and break assist is equally as fantastic. I can honestly say that the break assist may have saved me from rear ending someone already! Within the first week! The car behind me pulled to the side it happened so very quickly! The ONLY con I have really is the automatic headlights. These things make no sense and basically do whatever the heck they want. If you have automatic headlights turned on, you cant override and turn on the brights without holding the stick back. Seriously, WTH!? When I'm coming down by suburban street late at night, I like to watch for my neighbors cats and such but can't turn the brights on without either turning the headlights to manual or holding the stick.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Still lovMy 2017 Subaru Forester

Joy Bitzer, Bakersfield, CA, 09/23/2016
updated 04/08/2024
Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful

I am still enjoying my 2017 Subaru Forester! A few miles shy of 50t and although i do not drive a lot i love this vehicle every time I am behind the wheel! This car has its regular checkups with oil changes and tire rotation and I am happy to say NO mechanical issues . The finish on my steering wheel peeled and a wheel cover satisfied that issue. My city fuel mileage running the air conditioner averages 26.4 mpg. The car continues to prove to be a great great choice for me and within the price range is a winner hands down. Eyesight feature continues to do a great job and I feel confident the vehicle will stop as it has saved me more than a few times. Adaptive cruise control has been flawless. The cabin noise; mainly some transmission sounds, is no better or worse and I have grown accustomed over time and no longer notice. The leather seats have always been my main complaint and my butt has either gotten acclimated or the seats are breaking in over time and usage. The Anker 12v. charger handles the slow USB ports. My 2017 Forester has provided everything I thought I wanted plus more for this size vehicle and price range. I am thinking about a new Forester but have no reason to run out and get one because the one i have has been, and is, still as good as new!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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