2010 Subaru Forester Review: Unreliable Wagon With Engine Failures

Aug 27, 2022

The 2010 Subaru Forester only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission issues. At $7,113 to $10,817 it’s cheap, but not worth the money when it’ll take thousands of dollars to fix.

The Good

The cargo space is great for an SUV its size, the front seats are comfortable and the safety scores are high.

The Bad

There are a lot of mechanical problems, the transmission shifts poorly between gears and the back seats don’t have enough headroom for taller passengers.

Is the 2010 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?

No, 2010 is a bad year for the Forester. Owner reviews complain about mechanical issues, broken electronics, and a noisy cabin.
Interior quality is better than other SUVs. There are durable high-quality materials used throughout the cabin, and the stereo system is easy to use.
Reliability ratings are terrible. There are serious engine problems on Foresters from 2009–2017, with some quality improvements for 2018–2020
Performance is average from the standard engine, but the turbocharged motor offers very good power.
The 2010 Forester is very safe. It earns a perfect 5-star rating in all government crash tests, with the lowest score being 4-stars in the rollover risk rating.
Fuel economy is good compared to other compact SUVs at around 22 MPG, which should get owners about 371 miles of range out of the 16.9 gallon tank.

Positive Owner Reviews

Pamela W

It's a reliable car that has grown with our family.

It's a comfortable ride, a perfect size for our family and reliable. It's getting older, but with regular maintenance and some upgrades it has been great. It is a 2009, I couldn't select 2009 in the dropdown.

Rebecca B

Absolutely in love with my Forester.

I absolutely love my car! It is extremely safe and reliable. She is dependable and hardy. My mother owned the car before me and I have now been driving it for over 4 years now and it is still as good as new. The gas mileage is incredible. The interior is sleek and comfortable. Honestly I have taken it off- reading and even then she holds up.

Dorothy m

As I said the car has been dependable and a joy to drive

I have been very pleased with my forester. It goes good in snow and since I live about 20 miles from town this is very good. IIt is higher off the ground so it is easier for me as an older person to get in and out of.It has It has been a dependable vehicle so far

Kim M

It's super safe to dive. I trust it would keep my kids safe in an accident.

I love my car. I feel safe in it. It's very comfortable to drive long distances. It's good looking too.

Rachel C

This car is a really great car.

I love this car because it is reliable and well made. This vehicle has been in 2 different accidents and is still running perfectly. It drives really well even on rough roads. I have been driving this car for a very long time and it still drives really well.

Megan K

Subaru Forester - Reliability in the finest

Subaru Foresters are very reliable cars, and I feel that I can completely depend on my car. I live in the mountains, and my hometown is 7 hours away. When I go back home I have to go through many passes and through the mountains. My car has always gotten me through the it safely.

William

One wonderful SUV in Canada

10 years old and I have only paid for tires, brakes, oil changes and nothing else, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Solid as a rock, reliable, comfortable, spacious and go almost anywhere in any weather condition. In 43 years of driving a dozen or more different cars, from top Germans to Americans and Japanese, I have never owned a car as reliable and as trouble free as my Forester. Were it not for the fact that, this one just refuses to die or give me cause to change it, i would buy another non-turbo version with no hesitation what so ever.

Bill D

A BEAST THAT MAKES THE REST IN IT'S CLASS LOOK LIKE TOYS

10 years old and running like a Swiss watch. No extra costs in maintenance other than the usual. Solid as a rock, reliable, comfortable, spacious and fantastic on snow. Will buy another non-turbo Forester in a heartbeat, if this one ever decides to die.

Negative Owner Reviews

Jan See

A LEMON

NO, I wouldn’t recommend this car. I bought my 2010 Forester new.... I have had to replace@ 53,600 miles; valve cover gasket, sprark plugs & wires, coil = $642.00 59,440 miles; catalytic converter $1,530.42 62,000 miles; cylinder head gaskets & timing belt $2,800.00 68,400 miles; replace catalytic converter AGAIN, I filed a claim with Subaru and they paid 100% 68,422 miles (yeah, drove 22 miles after I picked it up) car CSUGHT ON FIRE!! Boot on CV joint split and leaked on to catalytic converter. Repairs = $436.30 Also having issues with running rough with little to no power and wanting to shut off. AFTER replacement of catalytic converters!! So, I have 68,422 miles on my 2010. Have I fixed all the problems? Should I keep it or trade it in for a Toyota? Gesh!

Rhys W

Subaru forester: my own moving castle.

It's a great car, but expensive to upkeep. Handles well in the snow, and has great cargo space. The wheels are a little small, and I don't like that. Also, the rims rust very easily. The best part about this car is how big the backseat area is. You can live in this car fairly comfortably if you had to.

Linda K

Great in the snow, never had an issue. I will not be purchasing another Subaru.

My forester runs great in the snow, never left me stranded, however, I have put 3 sets of tires and brakes in it and it only has 36,000 miles. I don't think this should have happened since I bought it new. Also my air conditioner has a leak. I think I got a lemon.

Rachel V

Buyer beware: speed sensor trouble.

While the car is a good height from the ground the seat sits low in the car. We are having continuous problems with the speed sensors going out. Had to replace the engine. I like the red interior lights. Decent gas mileage about 24 mpg. Color is unique: paprika. I like the heated seats. Wiper control is a button on the end of the stalk. Had a hard time finding that! Like the amount of drink holders.

Carolyn C

It is great on gas and gets you where you want to go.

Seats are not very comfortable they are hard and small and makes for uncomfortable ride when traveling far from home, backseat has little leg room, cargo area is small and does not let you put much in it and you have to either put the back seats down or put bags in backseat.

Sarah P

Has some great features for outdoor enthusiasts.

This vehicle has a great towing capacity and handles well off road. I like sitting higher than in a sedan and there is plenty of cargo space. However, it does not have the best gas mileage. I would consider a newer model when we are ready to make another purchase.

Kevin D

This vehicle is overpriced.

Dependable in inclement weather. This vehicle is not sound proofed so there is a lot of road noise. There is not enough technology accessories.

Re S

Finicky with gas, but good.

I have had one major issue with this vehicle. Over two years ago, I unfortunately filled up with gas at a low quality gas station. Apparently it is common knowledge that Subarus are finicky with gas, but I didn't know this. Since then, my check engine light is on most of the time. It goes on for short periods of time periodically. The code reads for the catalytic converter, but I do not have the performance issues you would see with a failing/failed catalytic converter, so we haven't replaced it because the gas/exhaust system in Subarus is also complicated. We've checked a few sensors and those are not the problem either. It is a frustrating mystery. Most annoyingly, you can't use cruise control if your check engine light is on. No other complaints about the vehicle.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?

Consumer Reports says the Forester has a very comfortable ride and suspension, but owner satisfaction scores are worse than average.
Edmunds gives the Forester a 4.2/5 praising the cargo space for its size, but doesn’t like the clunky 4-speed transmission.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Forester 4.2/5 and enjoy the standard all-wheel-drive system, but owners don’t like the lack of passenger room.

What Common Problems Does the 2010 Subaru Forester Have?

The most common problems found on the 2010 Subaru Forester include engine failures, broken seats, and the transmission is slow to shift between gears. Overall, these problems are more severe than most other SUVs from 2010, and repair costs are higher as well.

Engine failures are the most widespread complaint from owners at around 100,000 miles. Broken head gaskets are the most common source of the problem, which allows coolant into the oil and destroys the engine. Rebuilding the motor costs about $3,000, and replacing it is around $4,500.

Broken seats are another issue that shows up at around 65,000 miles. The front seats frame tends to collapse as the Forester ages and you have to replace the entire seat to fix it. A new seat is fairly expensive, costing about $1,200.

The transmission shifting slowly between gears is another complaint from owners in the first 75,000 miles. The transmission has a design fault which causes it to move slowly between gears as it ages. Rebuilding the transmission costs about $2,200.

There are 16 recalls on the 2010 Forester, which is much worse than other SUVs from 2010. The most serious is for corroded brake lines which can leak fluid and have to be replaced with new ones to solve the problem. Most of the other recalls are for airbags, which is a common recall across all SUVs from 2010.

How Long Will the 2010 Subaru Forester Last?

A well-maintained 2010 Subaru Forester lasts around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $676 per year.

Since most 2010 Forester models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the catalytic converter for $1,600, the brake booster costing $650, and the clutch which costs $1,200.

Laurie O

Yes, it is reliable. I had an engine issue when I first purchased it but it is now remedied. Never broke down.

Amanda W

Completely reliable. Only issue is the windshield wiper fluid container cracked and to replace the engine or wheel well would have to come out

Patrick O

I've only had routine maintenance and several recalls, which were resolved very easily at the dealer.

Patricia C

Very reliable. Any problems have been quickly resolved. Only time any of my three Subaru(s) have let me down was when the head gasket blew while driving on the New Jersey turnpike. Had to be towed and junked the car (it was over 10 years old and second hand to me). Bought my current Subaru the next day.

Francine K

Very reliable car. Minor problems. Problem can be solved and then it never occurs again. Love this car and will be getting another.

Valerie B

It's very unreliable. We can only drive to work and back home. It's a horrible car we are looking for another car. Definitely will not purchase this brand again.

How Much Is the 2010 Subaru Forester Worth?

Blue book values range from $7,113 to $10,817, which makes it cheaper than other small SUVs like the Jeep Liberty and Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $20,295 to $28,495. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?

There are five versions of the Subaru Forester available for the 2010 model year. The third generation of the Forester was introduced in 2009, and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2014.

2.5X is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
Power Windows & Locks
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX

2.5X Premium is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Power Driver’s Seat
Panoramic Sunroof
Reclining Rear Seatbacks

2.5X Limited is next in the lineup and adds:

Leather Seating
Heated Front Seats
Automatic Climate Control
6-Speaker Stereo System With 6-CD Changer

2.5XT Premium adds features such as:

Fog Lights
Premium Cloth Seating
Manual Driver’s Seat

2.5XT Limited is the flagship model and has:

Improved Suspension
Premium Leather Seating
Bluetooth Connectivity
Navigation System

2.5X

170 HP 22 MPG

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2.5X Premium

170 HP 22 MPG

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2.5XT Premium

224 HP 21 MPG

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2.5X Limited

170 HP 22 MPG

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2.5XT Limited

224 HP 21 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?

The standard engine is a fairly weak 2.5L-4-cylinder, which makes 170 horsepower and gets up to 22 MPG.
An available upgrade is the stronger 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo, which produces 224 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. Performance is good, taking about 6.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?

How Big Is the Subaru Forester?

The 2009 Subaru Forester is smaller in size than other compact SUVs including the Ford Escape and Jeep Liberty. Passenger room is good in the front seats, but the back seats have less headroom than many other SUVs due to the higher seating position in the second row.

Cargo space is average compared to other compact SUVs with enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the second row, and over 10 with the seats folded flat.

How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?

The 2010 Subaru Forester is a bad compact SUV since there are so many mechanical problems. Buyers should avoid models from 2009–2017 since engine problems have developed as they’ve aged.

The Subaru Outback is another competitor from Subaru costing $800 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, but the Subaru Forester handles better and is quicker. We recommend avoiding both the Subaru Outback and Forester for 2010 since they both suffer from the same mechanical problems.

The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which costs about $1,500 more. Passenger room and reliability ratings are both better in the Toyota RAV4, but the Subaru Forester’s all-wheel-drive system works better in the snow and dirt. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it will last much longer, and is cheaper to own.

Ranks #2 Compact SUV by Owners

2010 Land Rover LR4

4.83

2010 Subaru Forester

4.58

2010 Toyota RAV4

4.47

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?

Mariah D

Yes, very comfortable and great for having dogs! Feels safe in all types of weather conditions with awesome traction.

Jennifer P

Yes has been reliable and a great value. Has had to have minimal maintenance. The road noise can be a little loud when on highways

Karen C

Yes! I've been very pleased with the car. It is may first Subaru and it's been very dependable. I bought for the safety factor for my family.

Marjorie K

Yes, good cargo space for traveling. Great visibility. Durable, stands up to my dogs and the dog park. Good gas mileage. Easy handling and feels secure when driving in adverse weather conditions.

Andreas A

I love it. Very Reliable. Have had some issues over the years but once fixed the problem never occurs again

Eric S

No a lot of issues.. we had to put a lot of money into it and we are still fixing things on it it's a terrible car

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Gail D on June 24, 2021

10 years old and going strong.

It is ten years old and I have had no problems. Had one recall for airbags but other than general maintenance things like tires & brakes, that is all I have had to deal with. It runs like a tank through snow. Not the most luxurious model, but I never worry while driving. Totally dependable vehicle 10 years and going strong.

Michelle L on June 24, 2021

Subaru is a dependable, comfortable work horse of a car.

My Subaru is very reliable. It has started every single time no matter what the weather. It is very comfortable. I just drove it 15 hours straight and never felt uncomfortable. The seats adjust to the driver. The air conditioning and heater work well. The stereo is standard but has good sound. When it snows I pick up several of my coworkers and bring them to work because their cars are not safe in the snow.

Ross M on June 24, 2021

The four wheel drive is a lifesaver in the winter.

It is a relatively spartan vehicle without any fancy bells and whistles, but it has been more than dependable, especially in the rough Northern Indiana Winters. Maintenance is easy and it handles rough terrain well and that's about all I can ask of a vehicle now.

Amanda F on June 24, 2021

It's manual transmission.

The car is not meant for a short person. I have to sit too close to the steering wheel and I don't sit high enough to have a good sense of where my bumpers are. I like that it's manual transmission.

Kristin P on June 24, 2021

Great gas mileage with little upkeep, does sometimes smell gassy.

Very reliable and comfortable to drive. A big car but easy to navigate. Minor repairs needed annually, nothing too big to worry about. The biggest downside is this car burns gas and it smells gassy inside the car sometimes, but that can be covered with a plug-in. Gets great gas mileage, ideal for long trips across multiple states. Very comfortable seats, everything is adjustable and a lot of fun!

Andrew F on June 9, 2021

Subaru reliable all wheel drive vehicle.

Very reliable car have had it for 10 years. No real issues and is still running strong. I have over 160,000 miles on it and have only done required maintenance. All wheel drive makes it perfect in snowy or rainy roads. I would highly recommend any Subaru.

Jan See on June 1, 2021

A LEMON

Madelynn B on May 29, 2021

All-terrain car for everyone.

It is given me little too problems. I bought it as a rebuilt title and it runs great. I can trust it to keep my family safe and when recall notices came Subaru was there to help me as soon as they could at a convenient location. My husband even prefers to use it when weather is a little tricky.

Anna L on May 21, 2021

My favorite car Subaru forester!

Comfortable car, perfect size for a big busy city and travels with family. I can put in my car skin in winter, a big cooler in summer and bikes in fall and spring. Love it! Use cruise control when I can, very smart car. I recommended it all my friends and family.

Ann D on May 19, 2021

Love the interior, color, easy parking, easy on gas, and lots of room.

Very dependable in the snow. Easy on gas. Easy to drive. Easy to park. I am going to buy a new one. Features are easy to read. Not to many problems. Easy to park. Seats are heated. Large space in the back to haul items such as camping gear, food items, decorations.

Amanda S on April 20, 2021

My Subaru forester is the best car I have ever owned.

I haven't had any problems with my forester since I bought it. It is very reliable but runs through oil very quickly. My favorite part about my car is the heated seats and the sunroof. I would feel comfortable with my kids in the back of this car and plan to get a newer model in about a year.

Carmen H on April 15, 2021

Love my subbie, I couldn't ask for more.

My vehicle has no problems. It is reliable and fun and serves its purpose. The only thing I would change would be the technology in it but it is an older model so I cannot ask for much more. It is great on gas, it is perfect to drive my pups around, the trunk is roomy. The all wheel drive is perfect for all year round. I love my Subaru forester.

Sabrina S on April 14, 2021

2010 Subaru forester review.

This car is an easy driver, very comfortable, and there are minimal blind spots! It drives smooth and handles well in the snow. I love the moon roof, really large too! It was reliable except for the catalytic converters which failed, but that is a common Subaru problem. Overall, it was a great car!

Rhys W on April 3, 2021

Subaru forester: my own moving castle.

Joshua F on March 29, 2021

Very reliable car but not the cheapest to repair. They hold their value well.

This is my second Forester. It's a very reliable car, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. The AWD is great in the snow.

Sabrina I on March 25, 2021

Great color and super sleek.

This is great car! Super reliable, easy to fix and very safe! Keeps its value. Great for any weather and mountain driving. It is very comfortable for long drives and gets great gas mileage. It handles really well on turns and at higher speeds. Highly recommended.

Jason M on March 23, 2021

The most important thing is that it should have a long working life.

I like the vehicle because it has good fuel mileage for being an SUV. The interior is comfortable. I also like the fact that it has a smooth ride.

Christy O on March 21, 2021

Subaru owner for life! Reliable and well made vehicle

Great and reliable vehicle! I've had it for 10 years and besides the regular car maintenance stuff, we have only just recently replaced the radiator, we have the basic model of the forester. When it's time to buy another car we WILL be getting a Subaru!

Brian G on March 20, 2021

Loving my 2010 Subaru forester.

The car works great still at 108,000 miles. It gets about 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 in city driving. Recently it performed well in snow and ice, and I like the all wheel drive for winter driving and mountain passes. The inside is comfortable and easy to clean.

Amber R on March 20, 2021

Love my practical Subaru.

This car is great and very practical. I recommend it for new drivers, as it is the car I learned to drive in. It feels safe and reliable at all times. The comfort level is high, although the passenger seat seems a bit low. There is plenty of space in the back and a handy cover for over your belongings in the trunk. Good size cup holders and space on the door for items. I love that I can connect my phone and play my own music, as well. The only notable problem I have run into is low tire pressure, which is simple to fix.

Mat Q on March 19, 2021

Nice package, feels safe to drive.

Look, the seats are not the most comfortable but the seating position is excellent. You are perched up in a nice position and you can see everything. Window volume is excellent. In the summer, the all those windows can contribute to a greenhouse effect because the entire car is one big cabin that the ac needs to work on. The fuel efficiency is also not great because it is full-time AWD. It is not fast. But, it is a great car. It has a stick shift. I don't even know if I could get a car like it anymore.

Sydney B on March 17, 2021

Subaru forester review of seats.

It drives very smoothly and quietly although recently it had some transmission issues around 100,000 miles,. Everything was easily fixed, however. The seats are electrically adjustable and are very comfortable to sit in, especially since they have lumbar support.

Karen C on March 16, 2021

Awesome car, will buy another.

Dependable, great in all weather, good gas mileage, really great car. Dealership is super to work with, car runs well and only needs routine maintenance. Gas mileage is 24+ city, 32 highway, the forester takes regular unleaded. Will buy another, not sure when, I have 140, 000 miles and still runs great!

Lydia P on March 7, 2021

Like the way it looks. Like the all wheel drive. Feels like a sturdy see. Dislike the poor gas mileage and slow acceleration.

My car is reliable,no matter the weather or terrain.

Alyvia H on March 2, 2021

I am a big fan of the heated seats. It is super cozy and they heat up fast.

I just really focus on the oil and making sure it good. Subarus tend to have oil problems and engine problems, just something to watch out for. Overall it is a cozy car that is reliable always, even in the snow. I am a new driver in the heart of New England and so far I haven't had an accident. Just slipped a few times but that's inevitable.

Greg T on February 25, 2021

Good sturdy vehicle - Subaru forester.

The forester is a good drive with great reliability. It requires maintenance once or twice a year after 10 years, but nothing extensive. The battery did die this year and it wasn't the first time. It has pretty good gas mileage. Overall a sturdy vehicle. The tailpipe needs to be secured every other year for some strange reason. Less expensive maintenance than many other vehicles I have owned this long.

Rebecca J on February 23, 2021

Driver controls the radio.

The 4 wheel drive makes me feel the car is really gripping the road. I do not like the fact that all 4 tires had to be changed, when only one was needing repair.

Brianna P on February 13, 2021

Subaru is a very great family car for being comfortable.

There are no problems with the car, the performance is amazing, the brakes are great, the 4 wheel drive is amazing, the car is so worth buying. It is very comfortable, not to big not too small. Fits 5 people, big size trunk and much more. Also the features are really nice too, there's nice interior, nice seats, and etc.

Linda M on February 11, 2021

It is great and I recommend the brand.

I haven't had any trouble with my car. I take it in for oil changes and that is all. It is a great car and has all wheel drive. It has never stalled and I have never gotten stuck in sand. It has held up very well and I would buy another car just one the one I have.

Abigail P on February 6, 2021

Reliable, comfortable, forester.

Very smooth drive, reliable and I feel safe driving myself and my daughter in the forester. Great value and holds its value as well if I ever want to sell but I am planning to keep it for a long time!! There is ample space and I really like that the back seats lay down flat if I need extra space for carrying.

patricia a on February 2, 2021

My subaru has over 100,000 miles on it and it is still running smoothly. The subarus are fantastic in the winter.

Subarus are great in the winter season on the roads

Derek H on February 1, 2021

It's practical and handy. It does what we need with comfort.

It's a great car. It has lots of room and space. Plus it gets great mileage.

Katie S on February 1, 2021

Subaru forester great car with an issue.

Head gasket is leaking online reviews reveal this is a common problem with this vehicle that subaru has not acknowledged. Problems started at about 120,000 miles . Otherwise this has been a great reliable car with minimal issues when upkeep and regular maintenance is kept up with.

Susan J on January 31, 2021

Subaru over decades reflects changes.

I love my Subaru - this is my fourth one. My last vehicle was first made in America. Sadly a big decline in quality. Have had major repairs several times. Customer service at headquarters is helpful and I felt they listened and helped me out.

Miranda M on January 30, 2021

Works good for what it is meant to do.

It is very comfortable to drive. Has lots of legroom in the front. The radio is a little quiet, have to turn it up a lot. The gas mileage is not the best. The ac and heater work great. Plenty of control over the position of the seat. Good cup holders.

Jordan M on January 28, 2021

Subaru forester 2010 all wheel drive.

Pros: handles very well in inclement weather & ice. Decent gas mileage, spacious & compact. High visibility, automatic, powerful ac & heater. . Cons: last week it slipped gears when parked on a hill. Very scary. Have had issues with oil leaks. & power steering.

Sheri F on January 27, 2021

Great vehicle! I will always stick with Subaru!

Some problems with standard cell phone charger blowing fuses, but otherwise such a great vehicle. Good gas mileage, great look, tons of room, easy to drive and comfortable. Safety features are unparalleled. Great performance on long road trips with lots of gear.

Skye R on January 24, 2021

My vehicle is worth it if you know how to take care of it and like heated seats.

I have had many problems. This car burns off oil and this can cause major problems, such as what I experienced. I had to replace my engine with a refurbished one and it was pretty expensive. It is overall a very comfortable and reliable car. I put a new radio in it because the stock radio is not very great. I really love the heated seats.

Carol K on January 24, 2021

It is a roomy AWD crossover SUV car.

The engine is great, great in the snow.... The inside is not so good and some pieces on the outside have fall off..

Laura C on January 23, 2021

Highly safe but annoying heat shields.

I like that my Subaru has high safety ratings. It is also fairly easy to get a car seat in and out of it. I don't like that the heat shields keep coming loose and have to be secured again. Also I shouldn't have had to replace the mufflers as quick as I did because they rusted out.

Jasmine M on January 20, 2021

All wheel drive perfect for winter

Works absolutely great in the winter. That's the best part if you live in the snow with the all wheel drive. It heats up cools down very quickly which is nice. Drives smooth with sturdy breaks. It's pretty comfortable although the back seat could be a little more comfier. There's lots of room in the trunk

Jean H on January 20, 2021

Great reliable and safe car!

I love my Subaru forester. It is very reliable, safe and comfortable. I have never had any major problems with it and it gets reasonable gas mileage which is about 22 mpg. It has been a reliable and fun car to drive and I would buy another Subaru the next time I need a car.

Susie K on January 19, 2021

The best family car that is safe, reliable and comfortable.

Subaru is the best cars on the market. Safe, reliable and will not break down on you. I had an older forester before and got a newer model due to how much I love this vehicle. That car lasted over 250 thousand miles! I loved that car and it is one of the best family cars. It is surprisingly roomy and spacious.

Tony M on January 19, 2021

It can have engine problems at about 100,000 miles.

I love my Subaru Forester because it can get through anything, especially living in Minnesota. Great performance and very roomy.

Lisa C on January 18, 2021

Safe Fun Subaru: Everything you need and everything you want.

Love ,love,love my Subaru Forester! So much so that my mom bought one then she bought one for her grand daughter. It makes me feel so safe. I have been asked to pick coworkers up for work during snow storms. I stay at work during blizzards when others can't make it in because because my Subaru gets through it all. I get my family where they need to go in hard rain. Miles per gallon are very good for an SUV. I can haul much more in my smaller SUV than the larger over priced ones. I moved a big oversized chair that my friends could not fit in their Durango or Lexus. My friends think the seats are comfortable. The ride is smooth.

Lia V on January 18, 2021

If you want to get the most for your money this car is your answer

Super comfortable vehicle with great gas mileage. Very reliable and spacious. Smooth ride. Great for all types of terrain

Christopher C on January 17, 2021

Love the Subaru Forester, have had it for 4 years now and have barely had any issues with it, still runs smooth, no complaints

The airbags are getting recalled! Subaru has some recall sometimes

Timothy S on January 13, 2021

The car is a very reliable car.

The only issues I have had came with the 100,000 mile turnover. Just had to replace a few sensors which seems normal. The cars performance is good and is very reliable. The car has a very nice and large sunroof. The a/c is not the best but gets the job done. I always feel safe in my Subaru.

david S on January 10, 2021

It's expensive to upkeep it

I like that it is a Subaru, which is a great car brand, my only concerns are that when one tire goes, you have to change them all

Erin S on January 7, 2021

That it ranks high on safety inspections.

I love that it has four wheel drive and is dependable. It is also very safe. I dislike how expensive it is however

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.