2013 Subaru Forester Review: Reliable & Comfortable Compact SUV With All-Wheel-Drive

Sep 17, 2022

The 2013 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor oil consumption and wheel bearing issues. At $11,477 to $15,284, it’s a good value for a compact SUV built to drive in the dirt and snow.

The Good

Standard all-wheel-drive system works well, the turbocharged motor offers excellent power for its size and steering is responsive.

The Bad

Interior materials are cheaper than other SUVs, the 4-speed transmission is slow to shift and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2013 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 7/10 – 2013 is a good year for the Forester, and it deserves an average rating compared to other compact SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, reliable engine, and decent gas mileage.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are cheaper than most SUVs, the seats feature thick comfortable cushions, and cargo space is good for its size.
Reliability 7/10 – 2013 has fewer complaints than other years. We recommend going with a model from 2012–2013 or 2018–2020. Avoid models from 2014–2017 since they suffer from widespread engine problems.
Performance 7/10 – The standard engine is an average 4-cylinder, while the turbocharged version offers good power for a compact SUV.
Safety 7/10 – The Forester gets an overall rating of 4-stars in government crash tests with 4-stars in both the front & side impact tests. There’s an optional rearview camera available, but no other advanced safety features.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is up to 23 MPG, which should get owners about 388 miles of range out of the 16.9 gallon gas tank. Fuel costs are $2 lower than other compact SUVs, at $209 per month.
Value 8/10 – Prices on the Subaru Forester are lower than some other compact SUVs, if you can find a low mileage example, it’s a good value.

Positive Owner Reviews

Sharon E

Amazing car. Will last forever. Travels nice plenty of room.

Love the gas mileage. Love the hands free phone. Love the Bluetooth radio. Easy to park. Large trunk. Easy to keep clean. All wheel drive is amazing. Wish it had roof racks. The only thing I don't like is the buzzing sound if you don't wear your seatbelt.

Leslie K

My sweet forester. It can be a city or country car!

I always feel safe driving in my subaru. It handles really well in the rain. I feel like I have control. It is also a great car for hauling things. There is lots of room. Even though it looks small, it really holds a lot! I have experienced stalling with it lately. It usually happens when it is cool so I thought it was just because the engine has not warmed up, but even when I let it idle for a good while it still stalls. That is the only issue I have with my car, though. I truly love my little forester!

Melissa W

Spacious interior, reliable vehicle.

Extremely large moon roof. Reasonably good gas mileage. Spacious interior, with large windows on all sides so small blind spots. Car has been incredibly reliable, handles well on the road. . I wish the interior was a different upholstery but other than that, no complaints.

Olesya V

Best car ever for a forever car of your dreams.

Subaru is an amazing car. I have been driving it for 7 years and had no problems. Engine runs a little differently than other cars because it is placed differently. Otherwise it runs great during the winter. I never got stuck in snow, traction is great. Runs great during the summer with all wheel drive. We went off roaring and there’s really no place where this car cannot go. I have a basic version of this car but it is as good as limited version. Has Bluetooth and USB option available for music listening. It is very spacious on the inside. High ceilings. Also the sport mode is great for driving in the mountains. I think that is all I have to say about it.

Sarah L

Great car with a little noise.

Great car that is extremely reliable. I have not had many problems with it except for the noisy-ness of the engine. When you drive, it will roar at times. I've had mechanics check it out, but they all say it is a characteristic of the car. After a while you zone the noise out.

Jane B

It's been reliable so far.

I like that it has a smooth drive and was affordable and also has all wheel drive. What I dislike about my vehicle is it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that newer cars have.

ronda P

Perfect SUV for your family.

My forester Subaru has given me very little problems. There was one recall for an air bag that they fixed for free. The comfort is ok it does ride a lot like a truck. The space in the back end it very nice I have hauled some pretty good sized things. More than enough room for a big shopping trip or a week vacation. I will get a Subaru again when I buy a new car.

Beth B

2013 Subaru forester, love it!

My 2013 Subaru forester is comfortable and reliable. I have never had any major issues or repairs in my 6 years of owning the vehicle. All the features work. It has been on long road trips, we never had any issues with comfort or reliability on long drives. It is not too bad on gas mileage. The only thing this I wish was different is the performance. I wish it had a little more power.

Negative Owner Reviews

Hillaine McCaffrey

Engine Issues Never resolved

My 2013 Forester ran well for a few years and then, my engine developed an oil consumption issue. Subaru was aware of this issue as I had received a letter warning that this was a potential issue and offering extended warranty. My local dealer rebuilt the engine in December 2017. By July 2018, it was discovered that the new engine was not properly sealed and so Subaru re-sealed the engine. Now, September 2019, my new engine is failing but because Subaru provided only a very limited warranty on this new engine, they inform me that it is out of warranty and will cost me over $5,000 to repair. I'm extremely disappointed in this service. Clearly, the new engine provided is also c**p but Subaru Canada was not willing to properly fix this. I'll never buy a Subaru again.

Esther H

Great gas mileage and seat warmers.

This car has had 6 recalls so far, it was sold to me without its previous problems being disclosed. There is a warning label inside the vehicle that says it can easily be tipped. It has very good gas mileage and is super spacious. I also like the visibility in this vehicle.

Krista S

Basic car with room for groceries, dog, without being as big as an SUV.

Pros: fits groceries and can sleep in back with seats folded down, drives well in the winter. Cons: loud, terrible in the wind, have had issues with oil consumption (was resolved under warranty eventually). Overall this is a good vehicle for someone who has a dog and one or two children, doesn't want anything fancy. If you're looking for a fancy all the bells and whistles, smooth riding car... Look at another vehicle.

Alexander S

Reliable, engine and tranny is good.

The problem: it accelerates too fast or too slow. No in between. You have to push it at a certain medium to get the best performance. The pros: very good performance, ac, steering. The cons: the drive is a bit rough but still a decent ride. The pros: it feels tough and safe.

Bill T

Great crossover with character.

My car is fairly loud when it drives and it sounds like an airplane. It has a lot of space in the back and I was able to move all of my stuff in and out of college for four years. It is very reliable and have driven it for 10 hours straight with no problems.

Joseph F

Smooth, comfortable driving.

The vehicle is a very comfortable ride. I have the manual version which I have had two issues in which the clutch has needed replacement. The AWD is a great feature. Plenty of room. The oil filter is in an easily accessible location. The dipstick is difficult to read.

Tash D

Overall great vehicle especially for unpredictable weather

Reliable, great in rain and snow. I had problems with the alignment because of the dealership, but they finally took ownership and fixed the problem. I did feel the car ran differently when you used regular vs premium gas. Very comfortable overall but narrow back seats. Great for moving large items because the middle seats go flat. Rear view camera is decent but does not give a very wide view

Lou K

Good handling and save view from all sides.

The vehicle is fairly comfortable and other than the factory recalls, pretty reliable. It is used primarily to shuttle our grandkids to and from school, sports, music and other functions, where my children's cars will not hold our kids and their friends.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?

Consumer Reports says the 2013 Forester has a more comfortable ride than other SUVs, and average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Forester a 3.7/5, praising the all-wheel-drive system, but doesn’t like the outdated 4-speed transmission.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Forester 4.2/5 and enjoy the responsive handling, but owners don’t like the low 2,400 pound towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2013 Subaru Forester Have?

The most common problems found on the 2013 Subaru Forester include excessive oil consumption, noise from the rear wheels, and a broken dashboard. Overall, these problems are average for a used compact SUV from 2013, however, repair costs are higher than average.

Excessive oil consumption is a widespread complaint from owners at around 35,000 miles. There are known problems with the PCV and EGR valves which cause engine oil to burn. Changing out the valves costs about $800, and usually fixes the oil consumption problem.

Noise from the rear wheels is another complaint from owners at around 85,000 miles. The wheel bearings wear out as the Forester ages, and have to be replaced. Changing out the wheel bearings is a straightforward process, which costs around $200.

A broken dashboard is also reported by owners at around 55,000 miles. The components on the dash crack as it’s exposed to direct sunlight. Some owners choose to install a dash cover for under $100, while others replace the entire dashboard for around $1,000.

There are 11 recalls, and most of the recalls are similar to other small SUVs. The most serious recall is for brake lines which may corrode and leak, increasing the risk of an accident. Subaru will replace the brake lines on affected vehicles for free. Nearly all of the other recalls are for air bags, which is common on all compact SUVs from 2013.

How Long Will the 2013 Subaru Forester Last?

A well-maintained 2013 Subaru Forester should last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than other compact SUVs, according to Repair Pal, at $650 per year.

Since a lot of used 2013 Forester models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the starter motor for $450, the battery cable costing $180, and the drive axle assembly seals which cost $225.

Monique M

It is pretty reliable when serviced regularly. Currently it needs new brakes a wheel alignment and the check engine light is on which could be very costly in the end. Also fuel efficiency has gone downhill since buying.

Matthew M

The Subaru forester 2.5x is extremely reliable. It is small enough to fit in most compact spots while being big enough and strong enough to withstand a crash with minor injuries compared to other vehicles.

Anita N

As with all cars there are always some kind of problems. I needed new brakes and pads at 20,000 miles. When asked why the answer was that they put cheap rotors and pads in the Subaru.

Michelle M

It is fairly reliable the transmission has had some troubles on my vehicle using or burning fluid. It must be a defective model

Chester C

Very reliable. My Subaru has not had any mechanical or electrical or any other issues. The rear view mirror fell off once and the repair was covered by the warranty.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is basic in the 2013 Subaru Forester compared to other compact SUVs from 2013. There’s an optional navigation system available, and a rearview camera is offered on the 2.5X Limited models and higher.

Is the 2013 Subaru Forester a Good Value?

Yes, the 2013 Forester is a good value compared to other compact SUVs. Blue book prices range from $11,477 to $15,284, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or GMC Terrain. When new, the price range was $21,295 to $29,995. Depreciation is average for a small SUV, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?

There are six models of the Forester offered in 2013 from the base 2.5X all the way up to the luxurious 2.5XT touring. The XT models feature a turbo engine.

2.5X is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Power Locks & Windows
Cruise Control
Bluetooth Connectivity
4-Speaker Stereo With 3.5mm AUX and USB

2.5X Premium is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Panoramic Sunroof
Tilt & Telescope Steering Wheel
Reclining Rear Seats

2.5X Limited adds more features such as:

Automatic Climate Control
Leather Seating
Cargo Area Tray
Rearview Camera
6-Speaker Stereo System

2.5X Touring includes:

Xenon Headlights
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seats
Subwoofer For Stereo System

2.5XT Premium is next in the lineup with:

Upgraded Turbocharged Engine
Tom-Tom Based Navigation System
Heated Front Seats

2.5XT Touring is the luxury model and has:

Premium Leather Seating
Larger Touchscreen Navigation System
Satellite Radio
Upgraded Gauges

2.5X

170 HP 23 MPG

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2.5X Premium

170 HP 23 MPG

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2.5X Limited

170 HP 23 MPG

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2.5XT Premium

224 HP 21 MPG

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2.5X Touring

170 HP 23 MPG

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2.5XT Touring

224 HP 21 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?

The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG.
A step up is the stronger turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 224 horsepower and gets up to 21 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Forester?

The 2013 Subaru Forester is a comfortable compact SUV with seating for up to 5 people. The seats are very comfortable and the reclining rear seats are relaxing to sit in.

Passenger room is similar to other small SUVs, however, there’s limited headroom in the backseats, which may make some taller passengers feel cramped.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?

Cargo space is very good for an SUV of its size, with enough room for 6-7 suitcases behind the backseats, and up to 12 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation was released in 2009, and replaced by the fourth generation in 2014.

2011: New 2.5L engine added, and new optional navigation system available.

2012: Standard height-adjustable passenger seat.

2013: Standard Bluetooth connectivity, and new optional touchscreen stereo.

2014: Redesigned for the fourth generation with all new features.

2015: Standard rearview camera added, and new 18-inch wheels available.

2016: New stereo system added with 6.2 or 7-inch touchscreen based on model.

How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Forester does well compared to the competition, the standard all-wheel-drive system is an added benefit for people that live in areas that get a lot of snow.

The Toyota RAV4 is a competitor which costs around $3,000 more. Technology is more advanced in the Toyota RAV4, however, the Subaru Forester handles dirt roads better. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since they are cheaper to own, although both are good choices for 2013.

The Subaru Outback is another SUV from Subaru available in the same price range. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback since it’s larger, but the Subaru Forester is quicker since it’s lighter. We recommend the Subaru Forester for 2013 since there are fewer complaints from owners.

Ranks #4 Compact SUV by Owners

2013 MINI Countryman

4.56

Tie

2013 Scion xB

4.54

2013 Subaru Forester

4.47

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?

Monique M

Yes. Has a lot of space and is great for moving things and going places as a family. Easy to drive and can go long distances. Safety rating is also great.

Matthew M

The subaru forester 2.5x is a great vehicle to drive. It is very spacious and therefore has great visibility. It also has a lot of space in the back for extra storage for anything you can think of.

Rachel F

Excellent vehicle. Handles great on the roads and in snow. It is good on gas. The Subaru gives you a comfortable ride.

Kim D

Great vehicle for on and semi off road ventures. It handles well in every type of terrain. Has good pos traction in mud

Jeff W

Yes. The Forester is perfect for my little family of four. I have two young kids and their car seats fit perfectly, with enough room in the back for our dog and bags. Not a lot of power, but reliable.

Owner Reviews

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Krista S on May 21, 2021

Basic car with room for groceries, dog, without being as big as an SUV.

Donna H on April 13, 2021

Good all around travel car. Lots of cargo space.

It gets great mileage, has lots of cargo room (especially with the seats down), drives easily (automatic transmission). I did have to have the catalytic converter replaced ($1000), and it did have a recall on the airbag (free). I got it in a dark red, so it looks great too!

Dana D on April 7, 2021

It is a pretty average vehicle.

I have had my 2013 Subaru forester for about 2 years. I have had to replace the front left ball joint twice. The abs light and traction control light are constantly on even though I have had multiple people look at it and haven’t figured out why. My tire pressure gauge is also always on because if my tires have a little less air than normal, it turns on.

mary P on April 5, 2021

Great all wheel drive vehicle.

I love this car. No problems, great gas mileage. Some issues with oil when we first bought, but has since been resolved. The all wheel drive is great where I live, and I never have any issues in inclement weather. The Bluetooth/handsfree device is very helpful when driving, too.

Olesya V on March 28, 2021

Best car ever for a forever car of your dreams.

Kelly M on March 28, 2021

Subaru forester 2013 - personal account.

Oil consumption issues. New engine overhaul paid for by warranty. Emergency brake light has recurred. Tire pressure needs to be filled often (probably pa state roads for that, though). Comfortable car but no luxury amenities. Great for kids. Safe and reliable. Good trunk space. Overall like the car, but do not love it.

Hannah S on March 25, 2021

It gets good gas mileage.

I like the gas mileage. I like the clearance. I like the moon roof. I like the amount of space inside the cab.

Brennon B on March 21, 2021

Handles like a small car, with mid size storage.

This car has been rock solid for my family. Comfortable ride. Good amount of cargo space available. Large moon roof is a plus. Really solid gas mileage too. Nice standard features. Durable. Couple cons, the ride is a bit noisy. Also you really need to stay on top of oil levels.

Hillaine McCaffrey on March 14, 2021

Engine Issues Never resolved

Ana N on March 10, 2021

The interior and exterior is sleek black but my favorite part is the sunroof.

Reliable vehicle for the amount of mileage I have put on it in the past 2 and a half years. Routine maintenance is key to keep the car in good condition. Comfortable driving it and I have been in a couple of accidents and have felt very safe.

Brittany L on March 8, 2021

It is one of the most dependable cars I have ever had.

My car has all wheel drive, which makes it really nice in the winter time. One thing that is inconvenient is that when I need to replace one tire, I have to replace all tires because of it being all wheel drive. The forester is also higher off of the ground and more spacious than my ford, which is nice since we have two medium sized dogs and go on road trips often.

Mappy W on March 5, 2021

Forester: a secure, sensible buy.

If you want to feel secure in lousy weather this is an excellent vehicle and great value. It is the kind of vehicle that encourages sensible driving. It is not quick, or fast, and it leans enough to make quick turns uncomfortable. It trains you to drive well and safely. The visibility is excellent. You have a nice perch, lots of window and there are very few visual obstructions. Gas mileage is so-so but it is full-time all wheel drive.

Lily L on March 1, 2021

I have been very impressed with the performance and quality of this car.

I love this vehicle. It has lots of cargo room without being a giant, gas guzzling monster. Great performance, lovely handling, well made.

Esther H on February 28, 2021

Great gas mileage and seat warmers.

Sharon E on February 24, 2021

Amazing car. Will last forever. Travels nice plenty of room.

Julia S on February 17, 2021

In case of an accident, you and your family will most likely survive.

Safety is priority and Subaru is consistently rated high. The vehicle is has plenty of room for all riders. The windows are large and therefore does not block your view which is another safety factor. It is still compact, easy to drive, and easy to park.

Joseph F on February 6, 2021

Smooth, comfortable driving.

Lisa A on February 3, 2021

Very safe and reliable. Will last a long time if you take care of it.

No complaints, I love it. Rides nice has lots of room. It is very safe and versatile. Definitely will get another subaru.

Jessica B on January 18, 2021

Safe family car with great storage for family vacations.

It is a very comfortable car to drive. Lots of storage in the back, good backseat for 2 kids. The turning radius is a lot better than on other small SUVs, and I love that it is all wheel drive. It makes me feel a lot safer when driving conditions are less than ideal. One downside is that you have to check the oil in between oil changes as it tends to run low between shop visits. I have heard that this is pretty common in this vehicle. The fuel mileage is good and it is pretty easy for maintenance. Overall, I would highly recommend this car.

Stephan J on January 15, 2021

The perfect utilitarian car.

I love my car! It is comfortable, luxurious enough, has plenty of space for all my stuff I need to haul around, and nice premium features like heated seats and a sunroof. The only thing I do not like about it is the small gas tank that limits range. It has given me no issues.

shawn n on January 10, 2021

Really good safety ratings make me feel secure at all times

Great field of view. Great safety ratings. Square cup holders are stupid

Jill W on January 6, 2021

It's in good condition and has good gas mileage for my trips

I like that It's a blue Subaru Forester. It's very roomy for my family. Has good gas mileage

Betsy S on January 6, 2021

Love is what makes a Subaru a Subaru.

I love the heated seats. I do not like that the cup holders are square. Cups rattle in them. I get between 20-23 mpg and I think that could be a little better. The sunroof works well and I live the extra light from it, because I do not like the tinted windows. The controls for the sound system on the steering wheel are helpful.

Claudia R on January 5, 2021

Great all weather vehicles!

Love my forester Subaru! It runs great and great with handling curves and going around corners. It has good acceleration. The service department is helpful and offers nice perks like free oil changes and inspections. When there is a recall they are good at notifying me and fixing the problem hassle free.

Allison D on December 31, 2020

It is a small SUV that drive like a sedan.

Very expensive to fix any issues. Car makes a lot of noise while driving it. The brakes need to be fixed every year. The gas mileage gets worse over time.. I love the blue tooth and the size of the car and being able to drive a SUV without the feel of an SUV.

Molly N on December 30, 2020

Great car today and tomorrow.

The Subaru Forester makes me feel very safe. It is not too big. Great visibility. All wheel drive. These are all pros for the car. The cons all 4 tires need to be the same at all times. If you get a flat tire, the same tire has to be purchased. The car is not quiet. It sometimes makes some noises when starting up. This is my second Subaru and would buy Subaru’s again.

Josh B on December 28, 2020

The perfect vehicle for your mountain adventures.

It is a really nice car. We got it for mountain driving in the Rockies and it has held up to all weather conditions! In the snow it alerts you when you are losing traction, and handles very well. I have done many off roading excursions from Denver to Moab and have yet to encounter any issues.

Karen E on December 28, 2020

Subaru Forester highs and lows.

This auto is easy on gas and performs well in the snow and ice conditions. It is moderately priced. The interior is a bit less that what I like, with poor carpeting. The interiors size is also a bit smaller inside than I like. If something falls I will not easily find it.

Sarah B on December 19, 2020

Subaru forester oil consumption.

Its had a lot of recalls including replacing the engine. Even after the engine replacement it consumes a lot of oil. When I drive through mountains it has trouble getting up the incline. The gas mileage is not what it promised. If I were to buy another car it would not be this one.

Leslie P on December 10, 2020

I like the heated seats and the large moon roof

I have had no issues with my Subaru. I have over 166,000 miles and the car is still going strong. The performance of the car has been fine. The car is very comfortable and I have plenty of legroom. This is good because my partner and I both have very long legs.

Guy C on December 4, 2020

Built safely. Smooth ride.

4 wheel drive. The front end seems shorter than it is. It is a very smooth city drive. Excellent mileage.

jahqiel P on December 3, 2020

Subaru forester is a good working car & great for daily commute.

It's a good running vehicle, runs great when used to its full potential. Not very great with music, speakers need to be louder. The gas is affordable and could last you a long time when used correctly. It has a lot of space for its size plus it's great for driving in bad weather setting. Among ranked the best in performance.

Janet S on November 30, 2020

The safety feature is the best. It runs quietly. I love it

The gas mileage could be better. Will look for a bigger suv next time

Ashley M on November 27, 2020

Would not re-buy another forester in the future.

Burns/consumes excessive oil. Extremely noisy when its started before it warms up. Terrible in windy conditions. Interior is not "classy", simple and plain. All wheel drive, good for all season driving. Plenty of room for groceries, family, dog. Simple interior - not a lot of buttons to learn to use.

Jamie R on November 21, 2020

It is a great car for the outdoors.

This car has good visibility and a fairly good turning radius. Easy to drive and pretty good gas mileage. It is good for driving on a variety of terrain and good for driving long distances. Parts are not too expensive and so it is easy and moderately priced to get fixed.

Nissy M on November 21, 2020

Subaru forester: it is an amazing vehicle that everyone should try out.

Very smooth to drive. Easy to manage. Able to break easily with so much grip being used. Excellent for a family.. Long trips and so on. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. The car is easy to clean and usually tend not to give anyone a hard time.

Josh R on November 15, 2020

My car has all wheel drive so I am less likely to have problems in the winter.

I appreciate having all wheel drive. It's the first vehicle that I have owned that has the ability to haul things.I like being a bit higher up on the road .

Sheila E on November 13, 2020

It is very convenient you can haul a lot of things with it.

The vehicle is good and not too bad on gas. It is comfortable and not too big for a SUV. It has a good reputation... Gas mileage could be improved..

Sarah S on November 9, 2020

It goods in the snow and bad weather.

I like that it has all wheel drive. I like that it has large trunk space lots of room. I dislike that it does not have a sunroof.

Harry B on October 30, 2020

I use synthetic oil to help improve mileage.

My vehicle is 2013 base Forester. It is white with a black interior. I purchased this vehicle primarily to deal with the snowy days common in my area during the winter. The vehicle works very well for Its intended purpose.

Donna H on October 25, 2020

Great car, but disappointed in some repairs needed.

Negative: had to have the catalytic converter replaced. It is easy to drive, gets good (25+/mile) gas mileage, am able to haul a good size quantity in the back. It now has 180,000 miles on it and needs to have the oil checked regularly. I have had it in for the airbag recall, and for regular service.

Kayla C on October 24, 2020

My vehicle is good for outdoor activities and for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, I like the space of the vehicle. I am able to take it camping and road tripping and pack a lot of stuff with no problem. So far it is been a reliable vehicle. The seats are also comfortable - I have been able to take out on long drives. Performance is also pretty good.

Karen E on October 22, 2020

It holds Its value well and is easy on gas mileage

I like that it handles well in the winter weather. I like the mpgs. I don't like the interior carpet and I don't like size

Jen S on October 19, 2020

It is a very safe car that many people would like.

I like the safety of the vehicle. It has good gas mileage, and is a good size. I do not really dislike anything.

Lila G on October 15, 2020

Handles great in Minnesota winter!

I haven't experienced many issues with my forester. It is a great car, I like driving it. The SUV handles pretty well in the winter, in Minnesota - which is saying something, but of course I would absolutely love it if it handled it even better in the snow and ice.

Sarah L on October 12, 2020

Great car with a little noise.

Lyndy P on October 11, 2020

That it is great for all seasons. Great for traveling and rated top for safety.

I love my Subaru Forester because it's compact and easy to park, yet roomy. The maintenance can be expensive but the car lasts a long time and with regular maintenance you can get up to 300k miles on it.

Freya K on October 4, 2020

The car is very comfortable.

My car drives very well and has enough space for luggage and passengers. The moon roof is very nice when car camping. The back seats lay flat so two people can lay in the back and sleep comfortably. The car is able to drive in manual, which is very helpful on dirt roads. The engine has enough power to accelerate quickly.

HOLLY M on October 2, 2020

Clean, easy going SUV. Subarus are the way to go.

Positives: very comfortable and spacious. All applications work well - heat, air, radio, power windows etc. I have the basic model, and the only problem I experience is it does not have a lot of power going up hills including when there is any weight on the car. This is with a manual transmission. Love the look and the feel.

Jojin J on September 13, 2020

Subaru forester 2013 is a very forester is a reliable car.

It very smooth driving with easy to break and no sound. The suburb forester, model 2013 is a silver color and bought it as used. Yet the performance is very well. It is very reliable. I believe I had issues with the car once, however it is was simple to fix.

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.