Used 2019 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
Used Forester for sale
Superb upgrade of all the subtle probs on the 2017
MountainClimber, 02/08/2019
2019 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
119 of 123 people found this review helpful
They fixed the little stuff. The stuff your boss won't let you fix at work because there isn't a "value-add" despite the need for better security, comfort, convenience, or just plain fewer button presses! The windows go up after you shut the car off. There is a lock button on the lift gate. The unlocking action is customizable and so is how often the automatic headlights check for darkness. The brightness of the entertainment console can be adjusted automatically with the dash board, auto headlight sensor, and timing. The headlights come on after a few seconds of windshield wipers running. The cup holders hold normal cups. The cruise control drops to residential street norms (20 mph) and will shut off the engine when you (or the car) comes to a stop. This is way better and in a very mature, subtle manner that is pleasing to me in a way I cannot accurately describe. Nope, not a swoopy upgrade, but a very satisfying one!
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2019 Forester is a joy to drive
John Anderson, 09/20/2018
updated 05/20/2025
2019 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
182 of 191 people found this review helpful
***Note: This review is based on first impressions with my base model Forester - I have not had it long*** We were attracted to the Forester for its reputation of reliability, and we appreciate the good sightlines. So far, this vehicle has been a joy to drive. I find it to be very comfortable, with a solid road feel. It tracks very well, and there are no rattles or unwanted noises; it seems to absorb rough roads with ease. The size of the vehicle makes it easy to park, but it's not too small that it's overwhelmed by traffic. I am over 6 feet, and I find there is sufficient room and comfort for the driver. My family reports "more room" than our last small SUV. The cargo area is relatively large. Initial concerns: I am monitoring the stop/start feature. I don't care for it, but I've been able to deactivate it for the most part with a switch on the dash. I say "for the most part", because it occasionally activates, even with the white, crossed out "A" symbol showing. I have also noticed on two occasions an engine restart after quick, stiff braking, which seems unusual. As noted, I'm monitoring it. Also, the rear hatch does not fully latch sometimes. It feels tight, but the dash tells you it's not closed, so you have to reclose it. I'm monitoring that as well. And one final note on the interior. I feel it's very good overall, but the console where the radio is located is cheap-looking plastic - they could have done a bit better, but its a quibble. None of these things are deal-breakers, in my opinion, unless the stop/start is buggy. We'll see. So far, however, its been great! UPDATE: We were very early purchasers of the 2019 model; I believe we got it in September of 2018, which means we're going on 7 years. It currently has about 80,000 miles, and it is going strong. Actually, it's been the perfect vehicle. Completely dependable, great road machine. We've taken it on many 500-1000 mile trips, with no issues. Only once in Virginia a temp control module went out, but the vehicle drove normally to a Subaru dealer and they quickly fixed it on warranty and we were on our way. I see that some people are unhappy with the engine power, but I have the opposite experience. I find the power very sufficient - I've never had any problem accelerating or merging on some of the most challenging freeways in America. We keep it maintained regularly at the same Subaru dealer where we purchased it, where we were told if you take care of the Subaru it will take care of you. This turned out to be true, and we continue to enjoy this wonderful vehicle.
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2019 Subaru Forester for sale near you
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New Suburu Owner
Jay, 11/14/2018
2019 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
115 of 121 people found this review helpful
I love my Subaru Forester. I have been a sports car and sedan driver for the last 30 plus years and was not sure I would like driving an SUV but I love the this vehicle. It does not have the pick up and go that I am use to in my former sedan but in all honesty, I find the engine performance more than adequate. It responds well in traffic and in the open road glides. I recommended it for anyone who is conscious of changing climate and weather conditions, safety, rough roads and fuel economy. My days of zipping in and out of traffic are no longer possible not because my driving skills have change or eroded but the congested roads where I live in the Northeast make it nearly impossible during my normal commute to accelerate at higher speeds, so why spend more on a powerful engine you will rarely use to its full potential. The materials and quality of the Forester are excellent. This vehicle meets all of my expectations. Did I say I love my Subaru Forester?
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Better than 2018 CRV
Tomas Singh, 03/05/2019
2019 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
83 of 87 people found this review helpful
We cross-shopped with 2018 Honda CRV and chose the Forester because it seems to be better than the CRV in many way and we want AWD. Not all the reviews agree with this so I would like to elaborate. In urban driving, never once I found the Forester to be lacking in power. The engine is tuned in a way that in urban driving you get plenty of low end torque so it can dash in and out the traffic with ease. When pushed hard merging into the highway, it performs well. While the engine is loud under stress, I would call it a growl; in contrast, the CRV sounded just crude, despite it is more powerful. The Forester is noticeably quieter than the CRV and the ride is more comfortable. I also like the way the blind spot monitor works in the Forester that it is big and easy to see. The tiny icon in the mirror design is too hard to see in a hurry. We have about 1500 miles now and only have a few minor complains. The built-in voice command does not alway work so we almost always use Apple CarPlay instead. The center screen is by default on all the time, and because it is bright, it can be distracting during day time when auto-brightness control does not work. You have to go into setting to turn it off, which takes your eyes off the road. It also takes us a while to realize how the power button of the radio works. Usually, I stress usually, you press the power button once to turn the radio on and once to turn it on. Not so with the Forester that one press only "pauses" the radio so next time you enter the car the radio is on when you start the car. One has to press and hold it to turn it off completely. Our car has the keyless entry and start system. By default when you shut off the car, the radio stays on, which again is counter-intuitive, and not always welcome. Finally for cruise control, in our Honda, one tap increases or decreases the speed by 1 MPH while holding it changes the speed continuously until the desired speed is reached. To me this works well and is more intuitive. The Forester does the opposite and I find it difficult to change the speed by 1 or 2 MPH with a long press.
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2019Subaru Forester by former 40+year Toyota owner
AM, 01/15/2019
updated 01/23/2025
2019 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
78 of 82 people found this review helpful
Have owned Toyota’s exclusively since 1978. Compared the RAV4 to the Forester. Forester was hands down winner in all areas but acceleration. Better value. More headroom. Easier to get into and exit from the vehicle. Great visibility and safety features plus it’s a great looking SUV. There are small annoyances such as radio coming on every time I start the car and confusing infotainment system. The electronic rear hatch button on the dash won’t work if the drivers side door is open.The passenger seat back lever is trapped under the lap/shoulder belt. Cup holders in center console are set too far back and partially blocked by top of the ultra small center console storage unit. I don’t know how these issues got past interior designers. Despite the quirks and lack of a parking assist system,we are happy with our purchase and feel confident with the expected reliability. Update: Have owned the car for 18 months now. All the little quirks are still annoying ( changing time on clock at daylight savings time was maddening, even Subaru dealer staff had hard time figuring out) but we love this little car. It’s comfortable. Getting in and out of vehicle is easy because of wide doors. It drives and handles beautifully and no mechanical problems in 18 months. Averaging 32-33mpg. Access to trunk area great because of wide with of tailgate. Get monthly email from Subaru with systems check report which is reassuring. Still wish electronics were a little more user friendly but other assets of the vehicle offset those annoyances. Update: 26 months into ownership. There have been zero mechanical problems. That’s huge. Software problem with radio in that the presets disappear somewhere between starting and turning off car. Dealer reports fix available so will live with the annoyance until after covid crisis. Subaru has won me over with this vehicle. Update:32 months. Other than a couple of recall items (promptly alerted by Subaru and dealt with by local dealer) we’ve had no mechanical issues or costs associated with ownership. Still handles beautifully.
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