2016 Subaru Forester Review: Comfortable & Safe Compact SUV With No Major Mechanical Problems

Alex Showalter
Nov 10, 2022

The 2016 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with minor sensor and paint issues reported. At $15,00 to $19,125, it’s a decent value for a compact SUV offering decent reliability and great safety features.

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likeFilled The Good
Passenger room is fantastic throughout the cabin, the engines are fuel efficient and the standard all-wheel-drive system is great in the snow.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The cabin is noisier than other compact SUVs, the suspension feels overly firm and the base engine isn’t as powerful as some competitors.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2016 is a good year for the Subaru Forester, it’s more reliable than older models, earning a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the luxury features, safety technology, as well as the quick turbocharged engine.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are good for a compact SUV, the seats are more comfortable than some competitors, cargo space is also great.
  • Reliability 7/10 – There are a no widespread problems found on the 2016 Forester. Buyers should avoid models from 20142015, while 20162022 are more reliable.
  • Performance 8/10 – The base 4-cylinder engine offers average power, while the turbocharged motor is quicker than most other small SUVs.
  • Safety 9/10 – The Forester is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include EyeSight which adds lane departure warning, forward collision warning, along with automatic braking.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 27 MPG giving 429 miles of range from the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $56 cheaper than average, at $195 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2016 Forester is a good value since it offers decent reliability paired with more advanced features than other compact SUVs.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Vivian Z
I love the visibility and practically no blind spots. It is reliable for snow days. It has the best safety rating.
It is very good safety features. It has good resale values. I definitely love the big moonroof
accountCircle Lydia S
Best car on the road hands down!
I fell in love with the heated leather seats, large radio display, panoramic sunroof and navigation! I will forever be a Subaru owner! I love my forester, I have always enjoyed the bigger vehicles personally, but I have family members with Crosstrek. We are a huge Subaru family!
accountCircle David H
Satisfied Subaru forester owner.
I have had no problems with my Subaru forester. I love the eyesight feature that gives me adaptive cruise control. The car automatically slows up when you get too close to the vehicle in front of you. It has good acceleration and breaking. It handles well in all types of weather.
accountCircle Nancy M
Smooth and safe ride at a fair price.
I have not experienced any problems with the vehicle which has less than 30k miles. The ride is smooth and I feel very safe. The vehicle is fully equipped to provide me and passengers with total comfort and safety. I fully recommend this vehicle. My lease is up soon and I will most likely either purchase or lease another Subaru Forester.
accountCircle Theresa D
The most important thing a about my Subaru Forester is that it is one of the most safest SUV you can buy today.
I like that it is all wheel drive. I like that it sits up high and has a very large front windshield. I like the roominess in the cab and the cargo area is really and easy to load in groceries and etc. I don't have window guards and I don't like when it rains how much rain gets inside the vehicle. Also I seem to catch my foot when getting into front drivers seat maybe the way the door frame is on bottom causes me to catch it.
accountCircle Ashton L
Sheila the Adventuring Subaru
The stock battery is very weak, we had to replace within the first year due to the car dying multiple times and not recharging itself. Also the lack of air vents in the rear is unpleasant in the summer. Other than that we absolutely love the car, very reliable with the new battery and is a great rock crawler just on street tires.
accountCircle James C
Subaru forester noises in the engine.
The Subaru we have is great but it has had some weird clunky noises in the engine. We've sent it to the shop several times but it kept happening. Whenever we drive it, there tends to be a lot of noise that the car makes. It is like you can hear every bit of the car working. Aside from that it is a good car.
accountCircle Hannah S
It is a great family vehicle.
I love the design, durability, and reliability of subarus. I really do not have any complaints. This is my 2nd subaru and I cannot imagine driving anything else.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jennifer W
It feels like you are driving a golf cart and it is a very bumpy ride.
The car has no shock absorbance. You feel every bump on the road. Steering wheel is unstable and very loose. Car lights don't automatically turn on when dark. Radio features our outdated. Safety features for notifying lane changes are annoying and cannot be turned off permanently. I have to turn them off every time you turn on car.
accountCircle Trent F
Disappointment. Subaru over sells their cars on safety.
I have only owned the vehicle for seven months have already received multiple safety recalls, plus interior and electronics are cheap. Seats are very uncomfortable on long distance drives. Electronics suite not user friendly. Vehicle is rather fuel efficient.
accountCircle Amanda H
Love the moon roof. Very large!
Safe! Reliable car drives smoothly. Display updates you if maintenance needed. My issue with this car is that there's not much room. There's limited legroom and trunk space. Additionally there are no rear air controls.
accountCircle Eileen W
Subaru is the best. It has the longest lifetime. It has the best resale time.
I like the 4 wheel drive in the winter. I do not like the bouncing on rough roads. The reliability of this vehicle is awesome. I like the back-up camera. This has saved me many times. Also I love the heated seats. Steering is very comfortable. Seat is easy to change heights. Roomy back seats.
accountCircle Stacey M
Love the price; has quirks.
Great visibility around vehicle when driving due to large windows. Love the standard AWD that cost more at the time for all other small SUVs. Bluetooth slow to sync when starting out in drive. Also note perceptible delay when changing from reverse to drive. Nav screen not visible in bright daylight, backup camera then becomes useless.
accountCircle Gabriel P
Riding down the street while rolling deep in sweaty pants.
The paint job scratches easily. The air conditioning is horrible at cooling, not a big issue now that I live in the north but was almost useless in Florida. Also no vents in the back seat area. I would suggest if you buy a forester to opt for a newer model that eyesight included.
accountCircle Samantha W
Foresters are almost worth the price.
Lots of road noise and very sensitive to drive. The radio does not like to work all the time and I have taken it to be replaced twice now. It is roomy so that is nice. The seats are white so not kid or dog friendly. Lots of room and has all wheel drive so good for road trips or camping.
accountCircle Ken S
Disappointed in forester.
Windows are not tinted to reflect UV rays. When sunny, car get hot even with a/c blasting. Do not like red dashboard lights. Never noticed ahead of time, because did not test drive at night. Since day 1 car has hesitation when accelerating from stop. Problem is worse on hot days. I guess a solid car, but would not buy another Subaru. I am not sure why so many have a love affair with this manufacturer.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?

  • Consumer Reports says the Subaru Forester stands out from the competition with a space-efficient design, with good owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Forester at 4.1/5, praising the passenger room throughout the cabin, but doesn’t like the loose steering.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Forester a 4.3/5 enjoying the advanced safety features, but owners don’t like the relatively basic interior.

What Common Problems Does the 2016 Subaru Forester Have?

Common problems found on the 2016 Subaru Forester include decreased power while accelerating, failure to start, as well as paint chipping issues. Overall, the problems are similar to other compact SUVs, although repair costs are slightly higher than the competition.

Decreased power, while accelerating, is a problem owners mention at around 35,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a failed mass airflow sensor, which will throw the Forester into limp mode. Replacing the sensor is fairly easy, costing around $150, depending on local labor rates.

Failure to start is another issue brought up by some owners in the first 30,000 miles. There’s a brake sensor switch which has a high failure rate. Changing out the switch costs around $50, and is a very easy project.

Paint chipping issues have also been reported in the first 50,000 miles, especially on the front bumper and hood. The OEM paint seems to chip easier than some other cars on the market. Repainting the affected areas is the only way to solve the problem. A new paint job costs around $700 to $1,000 per panel.

There are 3 recalls on the 2016 Forester, which is better than other compact SUVs from 2016. The most serious recall covers the turbocharged intake duct which can crack, leading to the engine stalling. Subaru will replace the duct work on affected models for free. Other recalls cover brake lights and airbags, which are not mechanically serious.

How Long Will the 2016 Subaru Forester Last?

A well-maintained 2016 Subaru Forester should last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly more expensive than other SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $547 per year.

Since many 2016 Forester models have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the oxygen sensors for $150, A/C condenser costing $550, as well as the front shocks which cost around $450.

accountCircle Amy H

It has been very reliable. I have only owned the car since august 2019 but I have not had to do any repairs to it.

accountCircle Sophie M

Yes this car is very reliable. I have driven it from Maryland to Florida multiple times and have never had any issues. I have never taken this car into the shop for anything going wrong.

accountCircle Jen S

It is very reliable because of the eyesight features that help you drive safer and with more focus on the road. I have only had a few issues with the seat/airbags but it ended up being recalled and fixed great!

accountCircle Robin K

Very reliable. No problems. The vehicle is sturdy and strong with features. We never have issues with it.

accountCircle James H

It has been reliable for me, I haven't had any problems with the engine or drivetrain. It has had a recall recently with an issue on the brake lights though. Easily fixed.

accountCircle Kayla C

I haven't experienced any problems yet, I did have one issue when I first bought it. The car was put in park and it wouldn't come out of park. I kept getting a notice that the brake system needed maintenance. Turned out there was some switch that needed to be replaced, and it was a easy fix and free since I just got the car. A quick google search and I was able to get the car out of park to get it home.

accountCircle renee w

It is reliable so far no problems -although there is a recall on passenger side air bag that is still not available.

accountCircle Haley B

So far the only problem is I do not like that the back seats do not have air vents. I think every vehicle should have air vents in the back for kids.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is very good in the 2016 Subaru Forester with a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen stereo system. There’s an optional 7-inch touchscreen available with smartphone app integration. Safety tech is excellent with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane departure warning, forward collision warning, as well as automatic emergency braking with the EyeSight driver-assistance package.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester a Good Value?

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Forester is a good value since it’s reliable while also offering all-wheel-drive. Blue book prices range from $15,000 to $19,125, making it close in price to a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $22,395 to $33,795. Depreciation is similar to other compact SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?

There are six models of the Subaru Forester offered in 2016, from the base 2.5i all the way up to more luxurious 2.0XT Touring.

2.5i is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-Inch Steel Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Power Windows & Locks
  • Cruise Control
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Rearview Camera
  • USB Port
  • 2-Inch Touchscreen
  • Satellite Radio
  • 4-Speaker Stereo

2.5i Premium is a step up, adding:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
  • 7-Inch Touchscreen
  • 6-Speaker Stereo System

2.5i Limited has features such as:

  • Automatic Headlights
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Liftgate
  • Rear Roof Spoiler

2.5i Touring offers upgrades including:

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Xenon Headlights
  • Keyless Ignition
  • 8-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo System

2.0XT Premium is next in the lineup with:

  • Sport Tuned Suspension
  • Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Upgraded Instrument Cluster

2.0XT Touring is the flagship model with:

  • Premium Leather Seating
  • Heated Exterior Mirrors
  • Subaru EyeSight Safety Suite
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
car
2.5i Premium
170 HP 25 MPG
car
2.5i Limited
170 HP 27 MPG
car
2.0XT Premium
250 HP 25 MPG
car
2.5i Touring
170 HP 27 MPG
car
2.0XT Touring
250 HP 25 MPG

What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?

  • The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower while getting up to 27 MPG.
  • A step up is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which generates 250 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Forester?

The 2016 Subaru Forester is very comfortable for a compact SUV with seating for up to 5 people. Seating is great throughout the Forester, with supportive seats made of high-quality materials.

Passenger room is great throughout the cabin with enough space for adults in both the front and back seats.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?

Cargo space is better than other compact SUVs on the market, with enough space for 5-6 suitcases in the cargo area behind the seats, and over 10 with the rear seats folded flat.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Subaru Forester was released in 2014, and replaced by the fifth generation in 2019.

2014: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.

2015: Standard rearview camera added, new optional 18-inch wheels offered.

2016: Upgraded stereo system added with 6.2 or 7-inch touchscreen.

2017: EyeSight safety system has lane departure intervention, new headlights & front grille.

2018: Black Edition offers black exterior wheels, reverse automatic braking added.

2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with more powerful engine, standard safety technology as well as more passenger room.

2020: Standard lane-centering assistance, updated all-weather package added to Premium model.

How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Forester ranks well among the competitive compact SUV market since it offers standard all-wheel-drive paired with a nice interior for the money.

The Subaru Outback is another wagon from Subaru which costs around $1,500 more. Where the Subaru Outback stands out is with better passenger room, while the Subaru Forester offers a more nimble driving experience. We recommend the Subaru Forester for most shoppers unless they need the extra room found in the Subaru Outback.

The Toyota RAV4 is another compact SUV which costs $2,000 more. Where the Toyota RAV4 stands out is with lower ownership costs, while the Subaru Forester offers standard all-wheel-drive. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since they are slightly more reliable, although both are excellent compact SUVs worth checking out.

Ranks #2 Compact SUV by Owners

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4.7
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4.7
2
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4.62

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?

accountCircle Amy H

Yes. The seating is comfortable, the window configuration offers a good view, the backup camera is helpful and I like the sound system.

accountCircle Sophie M

Yes. It is very reliable, lasts a long time, and comfortable to both drive and ride in. I have never had to take this car into the shop.

accountCircle Jen S

Yes, I love my Subaru. It does well in all kinds of weather conditions and I always feel very safe when I drive it.

accountCircle Robin K

Yes it is. We always feel safe in it. We have used it for different travel. I love our vehicle and so does my family.

accountCircle James H

Yes it is, I like the all wheel drive and moonroof. For the size the gas mileage is great and there are limited blind spots.

accountCircle Kayla C

Yes it is a very reliable vehicle. I feel safe driving this vehicle, especially with my children. Living in rural New Hampshire the weather is unpredictable and a all wheel drive vehicle is a no brainer. Switching from my front wheel drive dodge dart to a all wheel drive Subaru was the best decision I could've made for myself and my family.

accountCircle renee w

It's ok - I do not like the speedometer it only has 10 mile increments - the same with the mileage to gas.

accountCircle Haley B

It is a very good vehicle! It is the best one I have owned so far! I bought it to get me through harsh winters and so far it is done a very good job.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle MM on February 6, 2023
Thought it was great until.....
I just reached 89K miles and had to put $3k into the vehicle AND the transmission needed work, thankfully that was under warranty. Safety wise I give it 5 stars but the rest I'm really disappointed in. I just had to replace rear wheel bearings, front control arm bushings and transmission "brain" all within a week. So disappointing!
accountCircle Amanda D on June 25, 2021
The best car for crazy seasons.
Since I live in the northeast, this vehicle is perfect for winter time! I can drive it without even having to put snow tires on it every winter. The handling is absolutely fantastic. The u-turns are phenomenal, the turning radius is incredible. The back seats are a little bit uncomfortable, but it is a very good road trip vehicle with excellent gas mileage. I bought this car because it has one of the best safety ratings on the market, and I do believe that I chose right.
accountCircle Brett M on June 25, 2021
Rear hatch is a plus. Never had that feature before.
I love it. No problems so far for the last year I have had my car. I would but another one when the time comes due. I just love my Subaru's. Starts every time. Heater and ac work well. The vehicle holds the road. I like the color. Has all the features that I was looking for.
accountCircle Lynne M on June 11, 2021
Subaru forester is a great investment.
This car is very reliable, gets good gas mileage, is very comfortable to drive, has great visibility, as well as great safety features. It was a great value for the cost. It has a good warranty and great resale value. The passenger seats are comfortable too and the size of the car is perfect for me.
accountCircle Sloane W on June 5, 2021
Subaru is a practical vehicle with the moon roof as a highlight to any drive.
Very spacious and efficient SUV with smooth driving capabilities and excellent handle on backroads. The safety features are convenient and helpful proving to be a reliable and safe vehicle. The one downfall I would say is that the seats are pretty stiff and uncomfortable on a long drive but overall it is a practical SUV with great performance ratings.
accountCircle Lila L on June 1, 2021
Love my Subaru's my little pack mule.
I love my Subaru. It is very dependable. My car before this was a Subaru and it was excellent. I have always been able to depend on my subaru’s. They are always there for me in the rain wind sleet and snow. It is like having a little pack mule but more attractive.
accountCircle Sarah A on May 24, 2021
The perfect scenic drive car.
What is most frustrating about the 2016 forester is the lack of up to date features. The Bluetooth capabilities are quite terrible compared to what was available with the 2017 and newer models. This car has a sweet spot of 55 mph. At that speed, the mpg is amazing, which makes this the perfect road for driving scenic roads through our nation's public lands. Overall, an extremely reliable car if you are able to look past the lack of modern features.
accountCircle Eileen W on May 23, 2021
Subaru is the best. It has the longest lifetime. It has the best resale time.
I like the 4 wheel drive in the winter. I do not like the bouncing on rough roads. The reliability of this vehicle is awesome. I like the back-up camera. This has saved me many times. Also I love the heated seats. Steering is very comfortable. Seat is easy to change heights. Roomy back seats.
accountCircle Grace B on May 19, 2021
The best car we have owned so far.
I love this car, we have a toddler and it is a great mom-mobile. Lots of room, easy driving, great technology, and it is been a huge upgrade from our other vehicles. I not super sure about how the car looks from the outside, I wish it looked a bit different but I am so glad we decided to buy this car. Love it.
accountCircle John D on May 14, 2021
Subaru forester comfortable.
Only one maintenance since I bought it a year ago, it is great having a car that actually greats good gas mileage and is large enough for me to drive. As someone who is taller some small cars do not feel comfortable. The sunroof is nice but do not know if I need it as much as I thought I would.
accountCircle Fred J on May 11, 2021
My Forrester's complete review.
My forester has good performance with good mileage. The continuously variable transmission is smooth and supports good mileage. It has good size trunk. I have not had any problems with my forester. It has great all around visibility. The radio and CD player are deficient.
accountCircle Caitlyn H on May 11, 2021
Perfect all around vehicle!
Performance has been impeccable. No issues, and any small recalls there have been Subaru has taken care of quickly. I love the acceleration on the vehicle, and the smoothness of the ride. It handles well and I always feel safe driving it. The seats are comfortable and I love that the back seat reclines.
accountCircle Lydia S on April 20, 2021
Best car on the road hands down!
I fell in love with the heated leather seats, large radio display, panoramic sunroof and navigation! I will forever be a Subaru owner! I love my forester, I have always enjoyed the bigger vehicles personally, but I have family members with Crosstrek. We are a huge Subaru family!
accountCircle Rachel P on April 11, 2021
Great car for Colorado winters.
I love my 2016 Subaru forester! I live in Colorado and ski every weekend during the winter/spring. I am originally from the south and did not know how to drive in the snow, but this car does amazing! The back-up camera and seat warmers are life-savers.
accountCircle Rob M on April 8, 2021
Forester: a great car for all occasions.
Super reliable vehicle that performs well in all types of weather conditions. I really enjoy the all wheel drive, and the gas mileage on the highway averages between 26-31, depending on your speed. I also enjoy the amount of cargo space, as well as how large the windows are which reduce blind spots.
accountCircle Merritt L on April 6, 2021
A safe family centered care!
I love our car it is spacious without seeming huge on the outside. I am a very anxious driver, but I feel very safe when being the passenger or when driving. The biggest thing for me was that we could fit two kids and all of our vacation gear or our camping gear into the car.
accountCircle Jay E on April 2, 2021
I absolutely love it and am so thankful I went with the forester!
I absolutely love this car. I bought it used and I have had it for over two years now and in these two years the only issue I have had was a dead battery. Which was my fault for leaving the door cracked all night. It drives great and most importantly I feel safe while I am out on the road. I absolutely love that I have heated seats and the large sunroof is amazing. I have been able to move decently large pieces of furniture (dressers, desks) which is wonderful and helpful. I live up north and we get a lot of ice/snow. And it is great having a car that I know will make it up a slippery hill that some others have issues with.
accountCircle C S on April 1, 2021
The Subaru Forester is a great, reliable car.
My vehicle has great safety features and handles very well. My car is very reliable and was a great choice for my lifestyle. I enjoy driving my car and look forward to having it for a long time.
accountCircle John F on March 31, 2021
My Subaru is a 2016 Subaru forester in sage green with gray leather interiors.
The car is very durable, I have taken it on many long trips. It does not accelerate as quickly as I like. The interior is spacious. Shock absorption is not as good as I’d like. Otherwise, the gas mileage is really good and overall it is a very reliable vehicle. I would recommend especially for first time car owners.
accountCircle Rahel R on March 31, 2021
Great safety futures, backup camera, warns out of lane and too close to car.
It's very comfortable, reliable, great gas miles. It's a very safe car and has great outcome after accidents. It has a lot of safety features, like brakes when you are too close to a car in front of you. It warns when you cross a lane, has back up camera.
accountCircle Fred J on March 30, 2021
The all wheel always on can be a lifesaver in usual circumstances.
Great usability and very versability. I like the way it handles.
accountCircle Erica V on March 29, 2021
The seat warmers are my favorite part since I live in a cooler climate.
It is really comfortable for long drives up to 12 hours. It is a quick car but still roomy & safe for kids & families. Haven't had any problems yet, just some cosmetic issues like side view mirror being taken off by garbage trucks. My car is in dark red & I love it. It is okay on gas, in my area it takes about $40 to fill up all the way.
accountCircle Joni B on March 29, 2021
Subaru equals reliability.
I feel my Subaru forester is a workhorse. No bells and whistles I do not have time due. It has great rear window visibility and good gas mileage. It has good cargo space and never breaks down. It protected us in accidents that others caused. It is comfortable and provides support for my back injury.
accountCircle Amy D on March 29, 2021
Safety, reliability and comfort.
I love my Forester! It handles extremely well in the snow and heavy rain; very comfortable driver's seat with lots of custom options for comfort; lots of room in the back behind passenger seats for hauling home improvement items and garden supplies. Very reliable car.
accountCircle Dan P on March 28, 2021
Happy with Subaru good and strong car for a family.
Since we have the Subaru forester we are very happy with the car, very comfortable ect. Not problems at all the car drives very good, has the most comfortable sits in front and the back. Since we had the car we drive far for our vacation and the Subaru never disappointed us.
accountCircle Patricia S on March 26, 2021
My vehicle is a silver gray color, black inside.
My Subaru Forester and a great vehicle, it rides smoothly, good on gas, it goes through snow very well,fits 6 people comfortable. I take it on long trip with my family, I I helped move people with my vehicle, I can load lots of groceries in my car, I like the color of it, I like washing and waxing it
accountCircle Lisa K on March 24, 2021
2016 Subaru forester review.
Zero problems with this vehicle. It goes through snow like a 4x4! I have never been stuck with this vehicle. This is a very reliable vehicle. This is a comfortable vehicle. The features are great, although the GPS has a little to be desired. It has a great stereo system.
accountCircle Christine T on March 24, 2021
My wonderful Subaru forester.
I love my Subaru. It is exceptional, it is a black forester. The safety ratings for Subarus are the best! I bought mine new in 2016, and will purchase again once this one gets too old. It has a very smooth ride, it is a compact SUV so you do not have to worry about size and parking! The rear facing camera is a life saver.
accountCircle Cindy A on March 24, 2021
Very dependable and efficient vehicle.
Very dependable automobile. I've never had any mechanical issues at all. There was one recall. I don't like the navigation system too much, but it does work. The only problems I've encountered are the battery can fail rather quickly and the seat belt alarm for the passenger seat goes off when nobody is sitting there.
accountCircle Faith K on March 24, 2021
It is so very dependable. I have no qualms about driving long distances with my kids, and can't foresee any for a long time.
I love my forester. The trunk space is a little small but other than that it's perfect.
accountCircle jenny t on March 20, 2021
Have had no trips to mechanic except for oil changes
No problems with it. Wish it had more storage and better tires
accountCircle teresa C on March 20, 2021
Automatic trunk with button.
It drives very smoothly and the color is so pretty. Gas is usually pretty cheap. A lot of people fit in the car. Automatic trunk and locks. Bluetooth radio, 3 aux areas. Leather seats and carpet floors, can go pretty fast, comes in different colors mine is green. Not super popular.
accountCircle Marie R on March 20, 2021
It rates high on safety tests.
It rides high. It is easy to drive. It rates high on safety tests. It holds its value very well for trade in..
accountCircle Barb L on March 19, 2021
The Subaru has an amazing sunroof, it is huge!
My Subaru forester has incredible power, it handles really well and it is comfortable, I am able to fit suitcases and golf clubs in the back and 5 people very comfortably. The only problem I can see is the heat is. Or very good and I live in a very cold winter state.
accountCircle Robert E on March 19, 2021
2016 Subaru forester 2.0xt touring edition- comfort, performance and affordable.
My vehicle has all of the bells and whistles. Leather trim, performance package & upgraded audio. It runs like a dream and get really good gas mileage. I have taken on several day trips and it is very comfortable. I purchased this vehicle used and saved myself $18,000 instead of purchasing new. I also added an extended 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
accountCircle Erin K on March 16, 2021
Subaru forester has it all.
The Subaru forester is very reliable. We have driven it all over the western part of the country. It is great on snow and in rugged environments. We love we have room to haul our sporting equipment like bikes and skis. The ride is very comfortable and the are many comfort features that we enjoy such as heated seats. We love that we love that the vehicle sits high so we have a good view of the road. There are many safety features that we like, such as the backup camera and various sound alerts that draw one's attention to a possible hazard.
accountCircle Sheila S on March 16, 2021
Graduate from a minivan to a fun 'adult' car!
This car is comfortable, driver sits 'up' like a minivan, but does not look or feel like a minivan. Great for elderly parents getting in and out of the passenger seats. Feels sporty to drive, but lots of room inside. Four people can comfortably ride inside. Can be a little loud with road noise, and the air flow in the back seat is not great.
accountCircle Angie L on March 13, 2021
My Subaru can go off roading with a ton of space.
I personally love my Subaru. However recently I have been having issues taking my key out of the ignition. So I am not sure how to go about it. But this car has loads of space and very much a 'mom's' car. Also want to add I am not a mom. But I love the seats and space!
accountCircle Jess M on March 12, 2021
Great gas mileage and appealing design.
It's great, hard to fit a rear facing car seat though. Wish it was a tad bigger. Otherwise it rides smooth, love the back up camera and heated seats.
accountCircle Kaitlyn W on March 10, 2021
I love my Subaru. It is comfortability and reliability stress-free.
My Subaru is very spacious and comfortable. I love that the seats and headrest are adjustable. The hearing and cooling are fantastic and quick to start up. The mileage is fantastic. I can get up to 30 miles per gallon. Overall, I find the vehicle to be very reliable. I have not had any issues. Subaru is a fantastic brand.
accountCircle Maggie M on March 9, 2021
A great all around car that does everything I need.
The car is reliable, comfortable, good on gas, and has just the right amount of space needed to camp in if need be. It drives smooth although a little loud on the highway. Feels like a light car and sounds like a tin can when you close the doors. It has been a great car for camping and has enough space for my dog and cat to be comfortable too. Although I have not taken it off roasting it has driven well over old rugged roads lacking maintenance.
accountCircle Hannah D on March 7, 2021
Good model, but this year has an excessive amount of recalls.
Has had several recall parts. And some of the accent details are not holding up to wear and tear, such as the playing on the interior door handles. Other than that, it is super dependable and nothing has broken, not even the recalled parts. Gas mileage wise it does pretty well, I usually have to fill it once every week to two weeks when I am driving 40 plus miles everyday.
accountCircle Lola R on March 7, 2021
Good gas mileage especially for long distance driving
Comfortable traveling Good gas mileage Adequate space
accountCircle Amie T on March 6, 2021
All Wheel drive is awesome, Subarus last forever. I love my car
I like that it's a subaru. It's rugged. I don't like how the car seats fit in the back. I would like more space.
accountCircle Taylor F on March 6, 2021
It is a roomy four door SUV, perfect for driving in bad conditions.
It is extremely comfortable for long car rides. We moved across country and had everything we needed in the back of two foresters. It is spacious enough to seat five people comfortably and it is nice that even if you need extra space, you can lay the seats down.
accountCircle Haily K on March 5, 2021
2016 Subaru forester sport utility vehicle.
Very dependable car, if you are someone who is capable of working on cars, the engine compartment is roomy and it does not take much to get under the car. This car is very roomy and good for long road trips. If you like hiking it is great for service roads and driving in the snow, is capable of hauling bikes, kayaks and luggage racks.
accountCircle Joan S on March 5, 2021
Positive Review based on Safety, Storage and Drivability. High Trade-in Value.
We purchased this car brand new from dealer. We have never had any issues with it thus far. I love the size to park and drive, yet it still has plenty of storage room in trunk area. If you lower back seats, the storage room increases. The back seats are very roomy for additional 2-3 passengers. Gas mileage is excellent. Before purchase, research I read rated the vehicle one of the best for safety.
accountCircle Lori C on March 5, 2021
Best vehicle I have ever owned.
Great gas mileage, space, performance and reliability. It handles with ease in all weather conditions. It is comfortable. I can carry 2 large dogs and other supplies with plenty of room. Visibility is great, better than the outback in my opinion. I would buy it again.
accountCircle Ruth H on March 4, 2021
Great Car, would gladly buy again and again
Super in the Snow and Ice. Wonderful for long trips. Very good gas mileage. Good but not great price but almost no problems. Fun car and a great one with the kids and grandkids. Soft seats, good A/C and really good entertainment center. Keep up the good work Subaru !
accountCircle Cassie O on March 1, 2021
My Subaru can take me anywhere, no matter the weather in Alaska.
Moving up to Alaska, I wanted a car that could handle icy road conditions and all kinds of inclement weather. In my opinion, this car is one of the best for getting around in or out of town. I also love the gas mileage it gets on long car trips and how much you can store in your Subaru.
accountCircle Dea I on March 1, 2021
The safety features it has.
It is comfortable, with a smooth ride. Easy to get in and out of tight spaces. I love the safety features, and back up camera. I would recommend this car to anyone.
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.