The 2008 Subaru Forester is better than most budget SUVs, cheaper than most crossovers, and more versatile than just about anything in its price range. If you’ve got $6,000 to $7,000 to spend on a used SUV, you could do a lot worse.
Is the 2008 Subaru Forester a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – There are better compact SUVs out there, even for the price. But few this versatile.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – This is the one area where the Forester really feels its price tag, with cheap feeling trim and cramped back seats. At least cargo space is generous.
- Reliability 8/10 – Repairs are cheap and the vehicle is likely to go the first quarter million miles without issue.
- Safety 8/10 – The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS on release, and it comes standard with anti-lock brakes.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – 2008 didn’t have a lot of all wheel drive SUVs that could do 18/23 miles to the gallon.
- Value 9/10 – The 2008 Forester might not be the best SUV at this price point, but it’s certainly the most versatile SUV you’re going to fund for under seven grand.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Subaru Forester?
Consumer Reports called the 2008 Subaru Forester a “solid choice” in its segment. They liked the comfy ride, responsive handling, decent fuel economy, and competent acceleration. They note that the interior is pretty bland, and a bit noisy, and that the back seat could use a few more inches of leg room.
Kelley Blue Book named the 2008 Forester as one of the better performing vehicles in the compact SUV market. But, with a choppier ride than you’ll find in comparable Nissans and Hondas, and with a fairly mediocre fit and finish.
Edmunds liked the peppy base engine, and they were especially impressed with the turbocharged XT model. Standard all-wheel drive, solid crash test scores, and car-like handling all earned some praise, while cramped back seats and excessive road noise landed in the minuses column.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Subaru Forester Have?
The 2008 Subaru Forester has generated a scarce 47 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 6 of these are for engine problems, with reports of overheating engines, knocking sounds coming from under the hood, and blown gaskets.
There are nine complaints on file for suspension, with drivers reporting the lower control arm coming detached as a result of excessive rust in the suspension system. A recall was issued in 2011, with the latest complaint being registered in 2022.
A handful of drivers have reported issues with the occupancy sensors in the airbag system, leaving the passenger airbags deactivated despite the presence of passengers. Failure mileage has been reported as low as 13,000.
The 2008 Subaru Forester has only been recalled a single time. Combined with a very low number of driver complaints, this makes the Forester one of the safer and more dependable vehicles in its class.
How Long Will the 2008 Subaru Forester Last?
There are reports of Foresters lasting a half million miles before giving up the ghost, but, realistically speaking, with regular care you should expect a maximum lifespan of around 250,000 miles. Less if you’re skipping oil changes, more if you can find one in great condition to start with.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $647, which isn’t bad for a compact SUV. Engine compression tests are the most expensive common repair, ranging in cost from $164 to $207.
Yes. Totally, tho Subarus are a bit persnickety in the. Routine maintenance area, especially the timing. Belt.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Subaru Forester is decent for the model year. CD players come standard and the SUV is available with an MP3 player and 6-disc CD changer.
Safety technology is decent for a 2008 SUV, if basic. Anti-lock brakes come standard, and that’s about as fancy as it gets. Rearview cameras wouldn’t be commonplace for a few years to come.
Is the 2008 Subaru Forester a Good Value?
The 2008 Subaru Forester is a pretty good value. The entry-level X trim typically sells for around $5,929, while a high-end XT Limited will go for around $7,000.
There were better compact SUVs released in 2008, but the Forester is one of the better budget models available, far outclassing most of the competing models from Hyundai and Chrysler.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Subaru Forester?
The 2008 Subaru Forester is offered in five trim levels, from the base X to the high-end XT Limited.
With the entry-level X you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- Fog lights
- Remote keyless entry
- CD player with 4 speakers
- Manual air conditioning
- Anti-lock brakes
The Sports model adds:
- Automatic air conditioning
- 16″ aluminum wheels
- 6-disc CD changer and MP3 player
The Sports XT features:
- 17″ aluminum wheels
The XT Limited adds:
- Leather seats
- 8-way power adjust driver seats
Finally, with the LL Bean Edition you’re adding:
- Heated mirrors
- Alacantara leather and suede seating
- Heated front seats
What Engines Come In the 2008 Subaru Forester?
- The base 2008 Subaru Forester come packed with a 2.5L flat-four engine delivering 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in all wheel drive, and it should average around 20/27 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- XT models feature a turbocharged version of the 2.5L flat-four, delivering 224 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. of torque at 19/24 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic in all wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2008 Subaru Forester Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Subaru Forester?
The 2008 Subaru Forester is moderately comfortable for a compact SUV. The back seat stretches a decent 51 inches across, but leg room is a bit tight, the ride isn’t as smooth as you’ll get from a Honda CR-V, and you’ll have to crank the radio to drown out the road noise.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Subaru Forester Have?
The 2008 Subaru Forester offers around 30 cubic feet of storage space with the seats up, and up to 68 cubic feet with the seats down.
If you go with the optional moonroof, that shaves a foot or two off of each measurement, but you won’t notice the difference. Either version of the SUV packs more cargo than you’ll need for a typical road trip or camping expedition.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2008 Subaru Forester was the last model year in the SUV’s 2nd Generation, running from 2003 to 2008.
2006: The Forester got a handful of tweaks under the hood for 2006, with the turbocharged version delivering 20 more horsepower than before.
2007: Larger wheels and improved anti-lock brakes made the 2007 Forester driving experience a little bit smoother.
2008: Sports models got a new front bumper.
2009: The 3rd Gen relaunch of the Subaru Forester added steering wheel mounted audio controls and a 6-disc CD changer as standard features, and the body design was made a little sleeker.
2010: Subaru dropped the LL Bean trim level in 2010.
How Does the 2008 Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 Subaru Forester has been compared to the throwback station wagons that were trendy in the late 2000’s, and it compares very favorably to those. The Chrysler PT Cruiser, for instance, may be a little cheaper than the Forester, but it’s cramped, prone to early failure, and comes up 23 horses short in the base model.
Comparing the Forester to something like a Honda CR-V, on the other hand, and the CR-V is the hands-down winner in more ways than not, being one of the most reliable and comfortable vehicles on the road today. However, the Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, and that may give it the edge if you want to feel safe in rough weather and on dirt roads.
The Forester excels as an affordable all-arounder that can handle city streets and backroads with ease. A Toyota Sienna is bigger, there are Kias and Hyundais that are cheaper, and a CR-V is more comfortable. But the 2008 Forester is one of the most versatile, capable SUVs for the price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Subaru Forester?
Love our Subarus. So trustworthy in the snow. Easy to drive around in the city. Handles the snow filled alley.
