Used 2018 Subaru Forester SUV Consumer Reviews
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CVT transmisson not smooth
Dick M, 07/30/2018
2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I originally wanted a manual, which was not available in my area, so I got the CVT automatic. The transmission downshifts when encountering the slightest uphill grade and, like most inexpensive automatics, revs too mush before shifting in some circumstances. The "CVT" is not actually a continuously variable transmission, since it shifts to pre-set ratios, rather than true continuously variable ratios.
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TRANSMISSION NEEDS WORK
GRANDPA, 04/06/2018
2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
45 of 52 people found this review helpful
Just bot a 2018 Forester with cvt transmission. I no more than got it home and the car would cut out 1-2 seconds or more from a stop or slow movement. Apparently this can be a problem with some cvt transmissions. It is dangerous in close traffic or pulling out into oncoming traffic. Took it back to the dealer who told me it takes a while for the car to get used to my driving habits. I cant buy this. Once the car cuts out it starts back up with a sudden jerk forward. This is unacceptable and am considering envoking the lemon law. Also the spedometer is set back under a cover and is hard to read.
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GREEN ALL THE WAY
Marilyn Ferguson, 04/05/2019
2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
We purchased a Jasmine green metallic Subaru at the Green Dealership in Springfield, Il. I like the large windshield as one can see really well. We purchased the premium Forester. It gives us everything we need. The ride is smooth and quiet. The last three vehicles we have purchased have been Subaru's. The Forester offers everything that a more expensive SUV would offer. I highly recommend it. The controls are very easy to use. At nighttime the mirror keeps other cars from coming up behind and blinding you. The Forester sits up high enough off the ground that you can clear a 6" to 8" snowfall in the wintertime. It has climate control to where you just put the temperature where you want it and it stays that temperature in the summer and wintertime, too. For a couple or one with a couple of kids, this SUV is the perfect pick for going on short or long trips. There is plenty of space in the back seat for passengers. For those looking for an SUV that doesn't break the bank, a nice ride, easy to use controls, etc., the Forester has it all! I have a bad back and it has a comfortable ride. It has all wheel drive and is perfect for those who live in states where one battles the snow, etc. The outside mirrors are heated to melt away snow and ice as well as heated seats if one chooses to warm up quickly.
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Solid
Pashanan, 11/07/2018
2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2018 Touring Forester, 50th anniversary edition. I had owned a 2008 Forester sports model in the past and had kept it for 10 years. The older Forester kept me safe in a bad accident, and although I had her repaired at the auto body shop, I wanted some of the newer technology to help me on ever-more crowded roads. I sold the old Forester to a friend. Newer Forester chirps and blinks lights to alert me if car coming up in blind spot or if a car or human is advancing from behind as I pull out in reverse. I love those features. I use them much more than I thought I would. I have yet to use the navigation system. I am used to looking up my destination ahead of time at home and having printed directions. Also, when I learned that new "maps" have to be purchased every three years, I lost interest in trying. Maybe if I am desperately lost somewhere, I will try the GPS system before it expires. I also enjoy the Sirius radio. I listen to the news and have my pick from numerous music or comedy stations. I find the bluetooth system works fine. Driver's seat is comfortable. On the rare occasion when I am riding shotgun, however, I find seat buckle bothers me as I seem to slide left into it. On driver's side, this is never an issue. I was very hesitant at first to buy a car with a leather interior, but it has been very comfortable. I had a brief break-in period where I felt I was sliding too much, but this feeling soon went away. I keep a sunshield in the windshield of the car whenever I park it, and this keeps the interior nice and comfortable, even on very hot summer days. I have yet to try it in colder climes. Another reason why I purchased the 2018 model is because I knew the 2019 Foresters would no longer have the manual emergency brake. I did not want an electronic brake, and am very happy I made the move when I did. I am indifferent about the sunroof. I would be just as happy without it and don't know when I would use it. I have taken it through the car wash several times without any issues. My preference would be not to have it at all but that is not an option unless buying the base model. I have had very good experiences with Subaru and am a diehard fan. I put a seat protector on back seat area and a towel atop that to protect the area from my dogs. Beach and trail outings are a weekly deal. I could easily live without the automatic hatch/trunk door, but that too comes with the package. My motto is keep it simple and you will have less problems, but the safety technology I mentioned earlier is a definite plus and makes me feel much safer on the road. If you are looking for a safe, fun, and practical vehicle, check out the Forester. It is several inches shorter in length than the Outback, and it seems to sit higher. So, I prefer it to the Outback, although we do have an Outback, too. I had also considered buying the 2018 XT Forester turbo, but I find the regular engine suits my needs just fine and has no trouble at altitude or on the freeway. I am very happy with my new Forester.
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Traded in my 2009 Cadillac CTS for 2018 Forrester
Brad K., 10/04/2018
2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2009 Cadillac CTS. Nice looking car but it hurt my legs, back and neck. A nightmare to run errands in. My son had a 2009 Forrester which I borrowed to drive when I visited on vacation. I fell in love with his Forrester . It had great viability, lots of pickup and tons of room for me and my wife. I traded my Cadillac for a 2018 Forrester. That weekend I drove it out of sate and back for more than 500 miles. On the instant average I got up to 32.8 MPG. I thought the gas gauge was broken but it was not. It uses like 9 gallons of gas. I was shocked. I listened to songs on my iPhone on the radio. I set the climate control and was kept at the perfect temperature. The front seat was large and comfortable. My wife and I could stretch out and be conformable on the trip. I was able to open the front drivers door and jump right out. What a saving on my back. The first time my wife drive we were hit with a large rain down pour. The all wheel drive kept the car planted and gave us both piece of mind in such bad driving conditions. BTW, I purchased the Premium model. Some after thoughts. I think the car needs automatic door locks. I wish I had spent the extra money on the Isight system. Its truly remarkable. I am 60 years old and expect to get many years of service from this great vehicle.
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