2011 Subaru Forester Review: A Compact SUV Focused on Comfort and Reliability

Alex Showalter
Oct 25, 2021

The 2011 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV ranging from $7,641 to $12,023 in the used market. It has the plush ride and power you expect in a larger SUV, while still being nimble and able to go anywhere. It’s easy to recommend this small SUV.

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likeFilled The Good
The Forester has a powerful turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive is standard, and it is more roomy than its competitors.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Materials inside the cabin are not as nice as the competition, ownership costs are higher, the transmission shifts roughly between gears.
checkCircleAlternativeBold The Bottom Line
Well suited to rough terrain and snow, the Forester rides and handles better than other Compact SUVs, making it worth a test drive.

2011 Subaru Forester: Quick Overview

  • For the 2011 model year, Subaru added the more luxurious Touring model to its lineup. It scores above-average in overall reliability.
  • Two engines are available for the Forester including a turbocharged powerhouse.
  • Forester ranks sixth in its class for fuel economy with a combined rating of up to 23 miles per gallon.
  • It scores average for safety, getting 4-stars in government crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards it a Top Safety Pick.
  • The 2011 Forester ranks in the middle of the compact SUV market based on owner reviews. It is missing some of the latest technology and interior material could be better. Long-lasting engines and an all-wheel-drive system help it stand out from the pack.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sarah M
Reliable and great service
Although there was an oil problem, Subaru covered everything under warranty. The vehicle has been very reliable, and I am glad I bought it. I feel safe, and my kids are safe. I did buy a set of winter tires though since the all wheel drive and quality of tires was not up to my standard. This works well for me.
accountCircle Jessica B
I love my Subaru! It's practical, safe and comfortable.
I love my 2011 Subaru Forester. When I was looking for a car to buy, there were a few specifications I had in mind. I wanted a car that was going to handle well in snow and ice, which my Forester excels in. New Hampshire can get very icy during the winter months. The AWD definitely comes in handy. I also wanted an SUV that had a lot of space to pack up all of my camping necessities. Luckily, my Forester has tons of trunk space and the back seats fold down with ease to add more space for me things. Then, of course I was looking for comfort. The bucket seats hooked me in right away. I like to sit far back while driving and the amount of space in the back seat allows my passengers plenty of legroom.
accountCircle Virginia M
Her name is Freedom and I love her. She's one of the family.
Love the look of my Subaru and how well it handles. Good gas mileage.
accountCircle Molly P
Reliable beauty...
It has a lot of miles on it. Starting to fall apart. Oil tends to leak. Starting to rust in some spots. Need an upgrade. Though she is old and starting to fall apart she has never actually ever let me down. I will continue to buy the same make and model, just upgrade every time.
accountCircle A D
Safe and functional: a true performance vehicle.
This is a functional vehicle. It looks great for work and it is built for fun. It is great for kids, dogs, and all of their stuff. I always drive everywhere, because I feel safe. It handles great in every type of weather and road condition. I wish it had a built in ramp for older dogs, and although the pockets on the back of the passenger seat are useful; if you have a car seat, the child's feet rest right on top of it and will tear it.
accountCircle Barbara L
All wheel drive great family car
I love this car. Plenty of room in the back for storage. The back seat is a bit cramped, but works fine for kids. Good gas mileage.
accountCircle Deborah l
I love my forester Subaru it is good on gas, drives well and is very comfortable.
I like the comfort. I am upset because I cannot hook my new android cell phone up to it and my old flip phone worked fine
accountCircle Kordell F
My favorite thing is that It has all wheel drive
My car has been wonderful. I have had to get the brake pads replaced and I am at about 90,000 miles currently. I have new tires that are lasting great and the overall car runs perfectly! I take it on drives around my state and to the beach a lot as well, and it really drives great on the roads as well as on fire roads/ the beach

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Henry W
2011 Subaru forester engine seized within 6 months.
Engine seized within 6 months of purchase. Engine has a problem with over-consumption of oil. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this car to anyone despite hearing all of the wonderful things about Subaru's and how long they last. This car didn't even make it a year for me.
accountCircle Zach P
Bad head gaskets, cheap battery,dents easily
Uses oil and head gaskets failed at 69k. Very high fuel consumption.Poor paint quality. Cheap battery. Need i say more.
accountCircle Wallace
Don't love it.
Bought new in 2011. I really wanted to love this car, my first Subaru. 130K miles. Burns oil, we are always topping it off. When we top it off it puts out lots of white smoke. Check engine light, traction control, and cruise control dash lights come on and off for no good reason. Sunroof had a leak when we first bought it, which was repaired under warranty. Sunroof is now broken, no longer closes. Gas mileage keeps dropping. Loud interior. Otherwise, the AWD is great in the snow and ice. Interior is comfortable for small to average sized adults. The few road trips we've taken it did well but we no longer trust it on longer trips.
accountCircle Elise W
Pain in the butt but I love the color and the large sunroof.
Transmission issues, engine issues, I have to add a quart of oil every 2 weeks, cylinders misfire, the leather is torn, the push buttons for the back seat recline broken, the switch for the driver seat heater broke, control arms of my suspension broke,
accountCircle Angie K
Keep up on the oil or you'll regret it!
Love the feel of how it drives as well as the look. Keeping up on scheduled oil changes is an absolute must, as well as regularly checking the oil (every 1-2 weeks). It is an oil burner, & has been known for frequently blown engines. Gets daily good gas mileage, and is a practical family car.
accountCircle Linda Paral
Utility
I thought I would love my 2011 Subaru Forester but my 2004 Prius is way better in the winter for driving,twice today I’ve used my AWD and almost spun in a circle- not safe!
accountCircle Jessica J
My forester is forest green making it easy to spot.
Electronic problems on the drivers side that has been “fixed” multiple times but the problem comes back weeks later. The car does perform correctly, but the constant electric problems makes all the dashboard lights go off making it difficult to know what the problem with the car is when there is something wrong.
accountCircle Emily P
When it is icy and snowy I always get some sandbags for the back of my car.
There is a weird rattling sound that has always been there that is annoying and concerning. The visibility is poor- lots of blind spots. But it is a good car. It has enough power to get me where I want to go and is good when I go on old dirt roads. I wish it was lifted a bit for more clearance.

What Problems Does the 2011 Subaru Forester Have?

2011 is a good year for the Subaru Forester since it has fewer complaints than other model years. The 2011 Subaru Forester suffers from airbag recalls and one of the most common complaints reported is excessive oil consumption. This can lead to more wear and tear on the engine as oil levels drop. It is a good idea to always top off the oil in your Forester. Other problems reported by owners include soft brake pedal feel and issues with the exterior lights.

There are fifteen recalls affecting the 2011 Forester. Most of the recalls involve airbag inflators, which are common across all cars. Other recalls include ignition switch issues, power relays, and brake line problems.

What are the Prices, Models & Specs?

The 2011 Subaru Forester can be found used from $7,641 to $12,023 depending on the mileage and model. When it was new it had an original price of $20,495 to $29,995. The Forester does a good job of holding its value, depreciating only 40% in the first 5 years.

  • The base model is the 5X. Standard with cloth seating, remote door locks, power-adjustable mirrors, and a CD Player with 4 speakers.
  • Next in the lineup is the 5X Premium. Upgrades include a roof rack, 8-way driver’s seat, power windows, iPod integration, and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Above that is the 5X Limited adding leather seating, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, and an upgraded stereo with 7 speakers.
  • The 5X Touring featuring a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, and power folding rear seats is the next upgraded trim.
  • The 5XT Limited and Touring models both offer the same interior features as the 2.5X models, but with an added spoiler, hood scoop, and upgraded turbocharged engine.
car
2.5X Premium
170 HP 23 MPG
car
2.5X Limited
170 HP 23 MPG
car
2.5XT Premium
224 HP 21 MPG
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2.5X Touring
170 HP 23 MPG
car
2.5XT Touring
224 HP 21 MPG

How Long Will the 2011 Subaru Forester Last?

The 2011 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV capable of lasting over 200,000 miles when cared for. This estimate is based on ownership data and reviews. Repair Pal estimates it will cost $670 per year to maintain a Forester, more expensive than other vehicles in its class.

accountCircle Josef B

Yes it is very reliable I haven't had any significant problems with it since purchased it that weren't covered under the warranty.

accountCircle Mary F

It has been a very reliable car. It has only had routine maintenance at the dealership other than the airbag recall. I am retired and only put about 9000 miles per year on it.

accountCircle Sunny E

Yes; and it does have minor problems, like needing parts replaced sooner than on older Subaru models, but it's nothing terrible

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

  • Base technology includes a stereo with a CD player, auxiliary input, and 4-speakers.
  • A touch-screen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio are options available for upgrade..
  • Anti-lock brakes, stability control, airbags, and an optional backup camera included with the navigation system are safety features found on the Forester.

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What Engine Options are Available?

The 2011 Subaru Forester’s standard all-wheel-drive system helps it handle better than its competitors. With the upgraded engine it goes from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds, which is quick for its class.

  • The base engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 170 horsepower.
  • An upgraded 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder outputting 224 horsepower is found in the 5XT models.

What Colors Options are Available?

How Big is the Forester?

The 2011 Forester is average size for a compact SUV, but it sits lower than some of its competitors. Its cabin is roomy and comfortable for passengers, with good headroom. With the second row of seats up, it has 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. When the seats are folded flat, it increases to 68.3 cubic feet. It offers a good amount of cargo space with more than enough room for luggage on a road trip, but it is not class-leading.

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How Does the 2011 Subaru Forester Compare to Other SUVs?

The 2011 Subaru Forester ranks sixth in the compact SUV class based on owner reviews. A strong competitor is the Honda CR-V. It has less powerful engine options compared to the Subaru, but gets a higher overall reliability rating. Where the Subaru wins out is with its standard all-wheel-drive and a higher safety rating. The two SUVs are a close call and a test drive of each is the best comparison.

The Hyundai Tucson competes with the Forester. More roomy than the Forester and with more up-to-date exterior styling make the Tuscon worth consideration. The Subaru has better overall build quality, making it feel more stable on the road. Close in reliability, the Subaru wins out in overall owner satisfaction making it the better choice.

Ranks #6 Compact SUV by Owners

1
car
4.67
2
Tie
car
4.56
6
car
4.44

Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Subaru Forester a Good SUV?

Yes, the 2011 Subaru Forester is a good SUV. Its standard all-wheel-drive system is better than its competitors. The upgraded turbo engine also offers more power than you will find in other compact SUVs. Interior quality is lower than some competitors and the technology feels outdated. Overall, the Forester is a good compact SUV if you want a vehicle that is well-built, comfortable, and more capable in the snow and mud than others in its class.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Theresa D on June 25, 2021
Being able to turn the interior lights off when doors are open to save battery.
I really enjoy the space/cargo that this car offers. When the seats are collapsed it is a smooth flat surface so things rest nicely on it. The car has good acceleration up hills and good traction on dirt roads. I feel like I have a great amount of control when driving in different weather conditions. If I did have something changed I would prefer my windows a little more tinted.
accountCircle Em M on June 24, 2021
Needs more oil than usual. Is 4wd. Has a lot of space.
My car requires an excessive amount of oil. I have to fill the car with a whole jug every two weeks. Due to this, if the car does not have enough oil it does not work properly. It will shake and the rpms will drop down below the limit for idling. Causing the car to shut off.
accountCircle Katherine P on June 24, 2021
Subaru stands for safety, value, and style.
Visibility in this car is excellent, making backing and changing lanes easier because you are able to see what’s around you. I like that this car is extremely reliable, and even though I have had it a while I have never had any issues. I feel very safe driving this car because of its safety ratings. My favorite part is the large sunroof.
accountCircle Jacki B on May 24, 2021
2011 Subaru forester: all-weather package.
I love my Subaru. This one has the all-weather package (heated seats and windshield wiper area, larger tires, and sunroof). I come from a family of Subaru drivers, so I know they’re super reliable and long lasting. I like the storage area in the back with the rubber mat to protect the car and also the pull shade to protect your cargo. I do wish it came with a hitch, though for a bicycle rack.
accountCircle Martin W on May 15, 2021
They last a long time, but this one had a problem.
I buy Subarus because they last forever. This one though had an oil leak problem from day one. It takes 0w20 weight oil. I finally had engine work done -- they replaced the block -- for about $6000, and it is running fine now. It has about 130, 000 miles on it now.
accountCircle Deborah l on April 4, 2021
I love my forester Subaru it is good on gas, drives well and is very comfortable.
I like the comfort. I am upset because I cannot hook my new android cell phone up to it and my old flip phone worked fine
accountCircle Christian D on March 28, 2021
Why I rock Subaru until the day I die.
I love my vehicle, it is super reliable especially in the rain/snow. It rides really well on the highway and gets decent gas mileage. It is an extremely comfortable car and is spacious and you can store a lot of items in the trunk or backseat if needed.
accountCircle Marcie B on March 26, 2021
The forester is a good family car.
We like our forester because it has room for the car seat and trunk space. It sits up a little higher than sedans. Long car rides with the car packed can get long, but We've survived. The car has over 100,000 miles and we have to be diligent with maintenance, but we plan to keep it for as long as possible.
accountCircle Meghan K on March 26, 2021
It's the perfect balance between interior space but not a massive car.
I think it's great. There isn't anything I would change about it. I plan on buying another one when this one dies many years down the road.
accountCircle Jessica B on March 19, 2021
I love my Subaru! It's practical, safe and comfortable.
I love my 2011 Subaru Forester. When I was looking for a car to buy, there were a few specifications I had in mind. I wanted a car that was going to handle well in snow and ice, which my Forester excels in. New Hampshire can get very icy during the winter months. The AWD definitely comes in handy. I also wanted an SUV that had a lot of space to pack up all of my camping necessities. Luckily, my Forester has tons of trunk space and the back seats fold down with ease to add more space for me things. Then, of course I was looking for comfort. The bucket seats hooked me in right away. I like to sit far back while driving and the amount of space in the back seat allows my passengers plenty of legroom.
accountCircle Melissa P on March 18, 2021
I love my reliable Subaru!
I absolutely love my Subaru! One of the main reasons why I wanted a Subaru was that it has all wheel drive and I heard it was good in winter weather. It is! I rarely slip or slide on snowy icy winter roads. I also love the way it looks, how easily it drives, and how reliable it is.
accountCircle Kathy P on March 10, 2021
Subaru Forester for your outdoor travels
The Subaru is a great vehicle. Being all wheel drive it can go most anywhere. The clearance is good enough to go off roading and handles well in snow. The seats are not as comfortable as I would like and I wish it was about 2 inches wider to give more elbow space between the driver and passenger. The seats lay down allowing for ample storage. All in all I am happy with this vehicle.
accountCircle Jen G on March 9, 2021
This Forester Is a fantastic family car
It is a great family car and safe.It is just a little noisey
accountCircle Jo quig on March 9, 2021
Reliability
Yes! Just hit 100k miles. The dealer respected the warranty automatically for all systems up until about 7-8 years. Amazing! I do think ordinary service is expensive. But the car is in great shape. I intend to keep is as long as possible. Also,the seat is comfortable still and good for my back therefore, has been great for long drives ie NJ to FL!
accountCircle Elise W on March 5, 2021
Pain in the butt but I love the color and the large sunroof.
Transmission issues, engine issues, I have to add a quart of oil every 2 weeks, cylinders misfire, the leather is torn, the push buttons for the back seat recline broken, the switch for the driver seat heater broke, control arms of my suspension broke,
accountCircle Rowland B on March 4, 2021
A reliable, nice handling, good feel vehicle.
The car is definitely reliable, handles well, gets decent mileage, and I like the square build, the elevated driver's position and the interior design. The only problem of any significance I have encountered has been replacement of an oxygen sensor that cost me $740,
accountCircle Sydney B on March 4, 2021
People should know that my car keeps you safe in any weather.
I feel very safe in my vehicle. I can feel safe driving in any weather, even if the roads are icy. I like the features in my vehicles such as heated seats. I also like the size of my vehicle because it's not too big or too small.
accountCircle MK S on March 2, 2021
Comfortable and reliable for road trips.
I love how spacious it is on the interior. The seats are comfortable and there is a lot of room. The sunroof is huge and I love having it open on drives and camping trips. I love taking it on road trips. The back seats fold down so there is a ton of storage space. It is been so reliable!
accountCircle Lauren B on March 2, 2021
I love my Subaru forester! Literally my dream car!
I love my Subaru forester so much. I love the Bluetooth feature for audio a lot, and the seats are super comfortable as well. I also feel really safe in my car and the miles per gallon rate is very good. My forester is super reliable. There also is a good amount of leg space in both the front and back seats, which is nice if you are taller than average.
accountCircle Stephanie R on February 26, 2021
I love my car because I am able to take my dogs with me anywhere I want to.
1. I like to be able to stand and just sit and not squat into my seat. 2. I like that the car is not too low to the ground and I can see around other vehicles. 3. I hate that my passenger airbag light comes on when I sit my purse on it.
accountCircle Dawn W on February 24, 2021
It is reliable and has always run well.
Love the reliability of my Subaru. The features are great. I have had no problems with it. Only have had routine maintenance on it.
accountCircle Shane J on February 16, 2021
Feel safe and secure in a Subaru.
The car performs great in all weather conditions. Transition from driving a sedan was great as the car is heavier and feels more secure in inclement weather. While other cars were spinning tires in snow, I was able to easily plow through without issue. The car also has great storage and is easy to manage adjusting seats to store cargo.
accountCircle winnie d on February 14, 2021
It's affordable and comfortable. Nice car for a small family.
The accessories are cheap and broken easily, but overall it's easy to drive, to make a turn. The interior is spacious.
accountCircle Amanda W on February 13, 2021
Great car and dependable. Ample cargo space. Wish it had a little more power.
I love my forester. Great and vehicle especially living in Alaska. I use it regularly for picking up wood and transporting my dogs. The hatchback is nice for loading and has a hitch for bike rack. The clearance is great in the winter and suspension is perfect for driving to trailheads. The engine is a little underpowered and gas mileage is not great.
accountCircle Sharon F on February 12, 2021
Very good gas mileage and low maintenance.
I have own my vehicle for 2 years. I have only put brakes on. The gas mileage is great I get on average 24 miles per gallon. Only normal.maintenance has been needed. It has over one hundred thousand miles. . I would recommend to anyone a Subaru Forester. It's a reliable and dependable vehicle.
accountCircle Ashley T on January 30, 2021
Subaru forester- great buy.
My vehicle has been amazing. The only downfall to it is that it burns oil quickly. Other than that it has always been reliable, and is very comfortable. I love that it has two chargers in it for phones, and also has an aux input so that I can play my own music.
accountCircle jane w on January 30, 2021
My car is dependable and holds up well through the years
Our car is a front wheel drive and performs well in the snow. We have had very little issues other than maintenance. We have had a couple of recalls.
accountCircle Carolyn M on January 29, 2021
It is dependable and Subaru have great service.
I love the ride, dependability and gas mileage. I dislike the seat comfort, the lack of dual sun visors and difficult to read dipsticks.
accountCircle Patricia P on January 28, 2021
Runs great and fun to drive Safe and heavy duty. Great on gas too.
My car has stood the test of time. Has never let me down
accountCircle Mackenzie S on January 28, 2021
2011 Subaru forester - awesome vehicle!
I love my Subaru forester! The trunk is very spacious so I can pack a lot of things in there. I have not had any issues that are directly related to the make and model of the vehicle, just minor fixes. I have read many testimonies about how this model used oil way faster than it should but I have not had the issue. I think this is a great starter car or a car for very outdoorsy people!
accountCircle Emily C on January 21, 2021
Safe, reliable, easy to drive.
This car is safe, easy to drive, and reliable. It has great features, I really like that it has the option of using an aux cord. I like that it has four wheel drive, I never feel uncomfortable driving it. I like the size of the trunk and the car itself is a good size for me.
accountCircle Kylie W on January 20, 2021
Handles perfectly I love it.
I really like my car and have had it for about a year now and it was owned before me. The only real issues I have with it is that there seems to be a lot of recalls I have had to have fixed on it which I technically do not have to pay for but it is annoying to have to keep taking it to the shop all the time. Other than that it drives great, handles really well, and I really like it a lot.
accountCircle Haley J on January 20, 2021
The speakers are super loud. Out of 3 cars this is my absolute favorite.
Sometimes my Subaru starts flashing random warnings with no explanation at the dealership. It is very comfortable, roomy & works well. I've had this car for 3 years and haven't had any major problems. Gas is wonderful for it. If you keep your oil changes and normal routine checks it will last you a lifetime.
accountCircle Jake K on January 19, 2021
It is available with a manual transmission.
My vehicle suits me well. I like it is visibility out of all directions and it is tight turning radius. It gets fair gas mileage and is easy to maintain. It has a manual transmission which is why I bought it. I wish it accelerated better.
accountCircle Ken S on January 17, 2021
It is a good all round SUV.
It is an all wheel drive with great ground clearance. It gets great gas mileage. It has a great view in all directions when driving. It daft record is outstanding.
accountCircle Shayne D on January 12, 2021
For the love of a first car.
I love it, good space, but just had to replace struts. The miles per gallon could be better, but for its age it is great! The sunroof is huge, the heated seats are a must for New England winters and the leather is easy to clean and has not worn bad, although is hot when it has been in the sun!
accountCircle Sig E on January 11, 2021
My Subaru is a very reliable and safe car. I trust that the car will keep me safe if ever in an accident.
It's fun, easy to drive, reliable and trustworthy. It is safe . It's a good car for individuals and families
accountCircle Jay H on January 10, 2021
2011 Subaru forester review.
It has plenty of room for a small sports utility. It handles great in all types of weather thanks to the all wheel drive. I haven't had any mechanical problems in the eleven years that I have owned it. The standard radio that comes with it is not the greatest in the world and the headlights are not the greatest either.
accountCircle Sean M on January 5, 2021
Great for cross country road trips or adventures in the country!
I love the durability and endurance of my car! It is very comfortable for long road trips or going through backcountry terrain. It is great on gas and has lasted me a very long time! It has been slightly frustrating having to change its oil more frequently than most cars, especially since it has more miles on it but other than that I haven’t had any problems with it!
accountCircle natalie W on December 31, 2020
Safe and reliable, very good gas mileage and comfort seating.
Cv axel and maintenance. Oil change every 3,000 miles. Very good gas mileage and reliable and safe car to drive too and comfortable seating and great for camping and travelling but 1 only thing that is the problem is radiator need to be replaced every 2 years or so.
accountCircle Wallace on December 31, 2020
Don't love it.
Bought new in 2011. I really wanted to love this car, my first Subaru. 130K miles. Burns oil, we are always topping it off. When we top it off it puts out lots of white smoke. Check engine light, traction control, and cruise control dash lights come on and off for no good reason. Sunroof had a leak when we first bought it, which was repaired under warranty. Sunroof is now broken, no longer closes. Gas mileage keeps dropping. Loud interior. Otherwise, the AWD is great in the snow and ice. Interior is comfortable for small to average sized adults. The few road trips we've taken it did well but we no longer trust it on longer trips.
accountCircle Valerie Z on December 29, 2020
Love my marine blue Subaru! Super reliable and good looking too.
I love the smoothness of the ride. I have had no major issues. My car is extremely reliable. I love the color and find it to be stylish. It is also eco-friendly. I would feel very comfortable taking my car on long rides. I feel like my car, while it is mileage is low will last a very long time.
accountCircle Jacqueline S on December 24, 2020
2011 Forester is still a worthy vehicle to own and drive 7 years later.
Many safety features included, which makes a parent driver feel more secure. Great visibility in the windshield and rear window. Engine is very reliable and just keeps going. Car does not take long to warm up even on chilly mornings. Even though it is bigger than a sedan, it is not hard to park. Some comfort features (ex. Heated seats and sunroof) only included in the premium package for our model, but that is okay for now. Extremely satisfied. Could get a little better gas mileage.
accountCircle Morgan V on December 14, 2020
I love my Subaru forester.
I love my Subaru forester! I bought it before moving to Colorado and it has been very reliable and taken me wherever I have asked it to go without any problems. In the future, I plan to buy another Subaru, but will upgrade to something a bit nicer than the base model, and perhaps an outback to give me more room for adventures.
accountCircle Michael B on December 11, 2020
Susan the Subaru: getting all the bang for your buck
I love my Forester. It gets great gas mileage, handles very well in all kinds of weather (rain, sleet, snow, ice), and has plenty of cargo space.
accountCircle George P on December 11, 2020
My car is the best for what I need to do. It is an enjoyable safe option for point to point and has enough room for whatever I need.
I love my Subaru. It is reliable in all weather. I drive in the city often and it is wonderful for getting around and nimble enough to handle the turns and parking. Also love it on the Highway.
accountCircle Kim M on December 10, 2020
A safer ride with all wheel drive.
I purchased my forester to have a safe car in the mountains. The AWD gives me exactly that. I feel confident now, as opposed to frightened, when I have to drive in bad weather or on rough roads. My dogs have the run of the entire back, as the seats are always folded down. It had plenty of room to store all supplies for a week long camping trip, and once unloaded makes for a wonderful 'cabin/tent/sleeper' my only frustration was in learning it is not unusual for this vehicle to lose oil and constantly need to have it added. Aside from that minor complaint, I am extremely happy. I researched extensively before I chose this car and am happy to have gotten exactly what I expected of it.
accountCircle claire S on December 9, 2020
Super comfy, affordable with a lot of room
Haven't had any problems with it at all. The seats are super comfy and I feel safe driving it, which is a huge plus. It's big enough to fit my friends and has a lot of room for when I go shopping. I can even adjust the back seats so I can fit longboards for when I'm traveling. Such a great car and would absolutely recommend
accountCircle Susan C on December 8, 2020
The AWD is reliably safe for winter driving.
I feel safe driving an AWD vehicle in the winter. It is comfortable for long distance driving. It is reliable.
accountCircle Edgar E on December 4, 2020
Leaks oil but cannot find where it is going to.
Love my Subaru forester. I have had it for about 4 years. I haven't really had any problems with it except it uses oil. I have to add about a quart every week. I have had it checked several times and no one can find the problem. It doesn't appear to have any leaks. I think it burns the oil.
avatar 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.