2017 Subaru Forester Review: Safe & Reliable Compact SUV With Great All-Wheel Drive

Alex Showalter
Nov 29, 2022

The 2017 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor transmission software and oil consumption issues. At $16,750 to $22,075, it’s a decent value for a nice compact SUV with a lot of advanced technology available.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
Standard all-wheel drive system works well in the snow, the optional safety technology is better than other SUVs and the stereo system is very easy to use.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The cabin is noisy at highway speeds, the CVT transmission is slower than other automatics and the steering is loose.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Subaru Forester since it has no widespread problems, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the safety tech, luxurious interior, as well as the all-wheel drive system in the snow.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a compact SUV, the seats offer excellent cushioning, cargo space is also good for the Forester’s size.
  • Reliability 7/10 – There are fewer problems with the 2017 Forester than earlier years. Avoid models from 20142015 which have engine problems, while 20162022 are better choices.
  • Performance 8/10 – The base 4-cylinder engine offers similar power to other small SUVs, while the turbocharged motor is very quick.
  • Safety 9/10 – The 2017 Forester is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera. Optional upgrades available are Subaru EyeSight, which has pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic braking, as well as lane departure warning.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG, giving 445 miles of range out of the 15.9 gallon tank. Fuel costs are $63 cheaper than average at $185 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2017 Subaru Forester is cheaper than many other compact SUVs with low ownership costs, making it a good value.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jackson M
Very spacious dependable vehicle.
Very nice. Good power. All wheel drive. Comfortable interior. Quality build. Nice looking vehicle. Lots of room.
accountCircle Jean M
I love everything about it!
We have only had my vehicle since the first part of October. I love the way it drives I love the headlights - they are nice and bright - the stereo system is awesome- I just love everything about it. There are many things I can do on my vehicle I just haven't taken time to look at the booklet to get them adjusted.
accountCircle Julie D
Subaru Forester performance review.
I like my vehicle a lot because it is reliable and safe. The performance of the vehicle is great. I like the way the vehicle looks. The gas mileage is pretty good. The vehicle is roomy and comfortable. The vehicle has good features. I really like my vehicle.
accountCircle Amanda M
It has the best gas mileage for an SUV of its size.
I like that it gets decent gas mileage for an SUV. I like that it is large and comfortable to sit in. I like that it is a safe vehicle. I dislike that it isn't an extremely smooth ride.
accountCircle Kathi Z
Comfortable and safe. Great gas mileage.
My Subaru gets great gas mileage. I never worry about my safety regardless of rain, snow or ice. It is extremely comfortable. Three of us drove from Southern California to southern Washington and we all had no complaints.
accountCircle Jaya R
The technology is great! It has been really helpful, especially with newer drivers.
It's a brand new car so it has been working well. It has the capacity to stop if the car in front of me stops all of a sudden and it tells me if I'm not quite in my lane. It's comfortable and I love it
accountCircle Henry Y
Subaru Forester 2017 all wheel drive.
My first Subaru forester 2017 is fantastic, especially for severe weather, snowing day, raining day, something like that. Wheeling control is excellent. Good to climb up the hill, etc. Boxer engine and all wheel drive system is excellent compared to the other competitors.
accountCircle Callie B
It has some of the best safety features that actually come standard on most Subaru's without having to purchase a more expensive package.
I love the safety features of it. I really like the size. It's spacious and comfortable inside without being too big to handle or park in a parking space on the outside. And I really like the way it drives and handles on the road.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Dr. M. Dennis Ellis
Transmission is a nightmare!
Bought Subaru Forester 2017 new. It immediately began to have transmission problems. The dealership upgraded the computer but no improvement. Now I have had the car for three years and it still stalls, jumps, hesitates and lunges forward and backward. Subaru and dealership have given me scores of reasons but it is a horrible experience. Subaru refuses to give a recall on the transmission but instead of recall to repair they extended the warranty. I've driven Subaru's for over 30 years but no more.
accountCircle Dr. M. Dennis Ellis
Transmission terrible.
My wife and I love our 2017 Subaru Forester. Our love for it has been spoiled by 3+ years of the same problem it has had from the beginning. Subaru has admitted that there is a problem and has even extended the warranty to 10/100,000. However, this is not the recall Subaru owners deserve. Earl Duff's Subaru has tried on multiple occasions to fix the problem but it continues. The car now has about 29,000 miles on it. It is low because we parked it for a year waiting for Subaru to fix it. The problem is: HESITATION AT MULTIPLE SPEEDS. LUNGES FORWARD ON FREEWAY. RANDOM - SHUTTERS AND/OR JERKS SURGING FORWARD WHILE PARKING OR TAKING OFF. The problem exist whether or not it is reproduced by the dealer's representative. I'm telling again that the problem exist; Subaru admits that the problem exist and hundreds of other Subaru Forester owners are saying the problem exist. Why no fix? It has nearly caused several finder benders. Personal Note: I am highly offended that it says on my complaints, at the dealership, that I ride with my foot on the brake pedal. I have driven now for 56 years and not one time have I driven with my foot on the brake pedal. I have driven hundreds of cars while working a leasing manager and have not had this performance in any of them. Sincerely Submitted, Dr. M. Dennis Ellis
accountCircle Michael Lawhorn
Will never buy another Subaru
Vehicle bucks and shutters during acceleration and at low speeds. The fan for the heat and A.C. Cuts off, speeds up, and slows down. The d***y light for the windshield washer fluid is always on, even though the reservoir is full. The hatch is a joke, controls are in the wrong location. If you hit the wrong button, the hatch will go up a third, halfway, or not work at all. Navigation system is useless.
accountCircle Kelly L
Not made as well as I thought.
My car was in an accident after 1 year and the car has not run right since. It has had over 14k of damage and been in and out of the shop. The air conditioning compressor was already replaced. I barely drive the car and the tires and breaks are already very worn. It was a decent car prior to the accident and drove good in the snow but now I cannot wait to get rid of this car.
accountCircle Nicole O
Vehicle not what was promised.
The CVT transmission is terrible. The car hesitates a lot; when you put it in drive from reverse and sometimes on the highway when it would normally change gears. The mpg is not anywhere near what was promised. It gets about 17 miles per gallon and when we bought it they said it will get between 30 and 35 miles per gallon.
accountCircle Janet D
2017 Subaru forester that is difficult to operate.
Battery keeps dying the first 3 months I owned the car. The lights do not go off automatically when I shut the door. The hatch sometimes does not close. The navigation system even though updated is out of sync. The drivers side window stopped automatically working for a while. It handles very poorly in the wind.
accountCircle Haley S
It is a nice vehicle with slight inconveniences.
The car drives quite well but is very difficult to see when turning to look behind yourself in order to switch lanes. Also when stopping the stop is not the smoothest, causing you to lurch in your seat a bit. The car is a good size and has a good amount of space for groceries. You can also push the seats down in the back if you are in need of more space. The car has heated seats which is nice in the winter and also has rear view cameras for when you are backing up. I really like how there is a light that flashes on your mirrors if there is a car in your blind spot.
accountCircle Kirstin P
The foresters great gas mileage.
I own a 2017 Subaru forester. It gets great gas mileage. I have never been stranded on the side of the road with this vehicle. As far as performance, this vehicle has a slight acceleration delay. The radio volume malfunctions as well... The volumes goes up and down on it own.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2017 Subaru Forester offers excellent passenger space, with average owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Forester at 4/5, praising the strong all-wheel drive system, but doesn’t like the CVT transmission.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Forester a 4.3/5, enjoying the excellent fuel economy, but owners don’t like the lower suspension than other SUVs.

What Common Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Forester Have?

Common problems found on the 2017 Subaru Forester include shuddering while shifting between gears, excessive oil consumption, as well as premature battery failure. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs, with slightly higher repair costs.

Shuddering while shifting between gears is a common complaint on the 2017 Subaru Forester at around 5,000 miles. The problem is caused by a problem with the transmission software. Most Subaru dealerships will update the software for free on affected models, while some may charge up to $100.

Excessive oil consumption has also been mentioned on some Forester models at roughly 20,000 miles. Subaru engines tend to consume slightly more oil than some other brands, so usually it’s just part of normal operation. Many owners simply check the oil regularly, and top it off with more oil as needed.

Premature battery failures also have been reported by owners, happening about every 15,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories on the Subaru Forester, which may drain the battery while it’s parked. Diagnosing any excessive electrical draw costs around $100. Some owners have also chosen to upgrade to a stronger AGM battery, which is about $350.

There’s only one minor recall on the 2017 Subaru Forester, which is better than many other compact SUVs. It covers the occupant detection system which may deactivate an airbag. Subaru will replace the sensors on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2017 Subaru Forester Last?

A well-maintained 2017 Subaru Forester can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the highly-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other compact SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $535 per year.

As a 2017 Subaru Forester reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the coolant temperature sensor for $280, spark plugs costing around $400, as well as the A/C blower motor, which costs $350.

accountCircle Lauta T

It is very reliable. No problems so far but I have only had it 2 months. It has plenty of room for 5 and lots of cargo space.

accountCircle Ilene W

Very reliable! As previously stated the Bluetooth is a problem. People complain they cannot hear me or phone connection is static.

accountCircle Ren S

So far, it is very reliable. I haven't had any major issues with it. There was a problem with the ac though. But that was covered under the warranty.

accountCircle Barbara H

I bought this car as a certified pre-owned vehicle 6 months ago. The only maintenance I have performed is an oil change after 6 months of ownership.

accountCircle Kristi S

Yes. I have not have any problems with my car. Besides routine maintenance I haven't had to bring my car into the dealership.

accountCircle Karen S

It has been very reliable. I have not had any problems with it since purchasing it almost three years ago.

accountCircle howard c

I find this model to be very reliable. I had an air conditioner problem due to a rock hitting the compressor and it was fixed via a warranty.

accountCircle Perry H

My Subaru forester has had next to no problems during its two years of service. As long as regular service and maintenance is performed, it should continue to drive perfectly.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is very good in the 2017 Subaru Forester since it has a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen with Subaru’s Starlink software, while a larger 7-inch touchscreen is optional.

Safety technology is better than many competitors, offering a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include the EyeSight driver assist system, which has pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, as well as reverse automatic braking.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a Good Value?

Yes, the 2017 Subaru Forester is a good value for a small wagon with standard all-wheel drive. Blue book fair market price ranges from $16,750 to $22,075, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Audi Allroad. When new, the price range was $22,595 to $34,295. 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 four main models of the Subaru Forester offered in 2017, from the base 2.5i all the way up to the luxurious Touring. The Premium & Touring models are also offered with the optional 2.0L engine. All models come standard with all-wheel drive.

2.5i is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-Inch Steel Wheels
  • Cloth Upholstery
  • Bluetooth
  • Rearview Camera
  • 2-Inch Touchscreen
  • Four-Speaker Sound System

Premium is a step up, adding:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Power Driver Seat
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Reclining Rear Seatbacks
  • 7-Inch touchscreen
  • Satellite Radio
  • Six-Speaker Sound System
  • Optional EyeSight Safety Package

Limited is next in the lineup with:

  • Leather Upholstery
  • Automatic Headlights
  • Upgraded Driver Information Display
  • Power Liftgate
  • Foglights
  • Optional Eight Speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System

Touring is the flagship model which adds:

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Keyless Ignition and Entry
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Standard Harmon Kardon Stereo
car
car
car

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 28 MPG. It’s offered with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
  • A step up is the stronger 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, which generates 250 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. It’s only offered with the continuously variable automatic transmission. 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 2017 Subaru Forester offers a very comfortable interior with seating for up to five passengers. Seating throughout the cabin is supportive and made of high-quality materials.

Passenger room is good even in the rear seats, which have enough legroom to fit taller adults easily.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?

Cargo room is smaller than some other compact SUVs on the market with enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the rear seats, and around 10 suitcases with the seats folded flat.

VehicleHistory Image

What Are the Differences Between Years?

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

2015: Standard rearview camera on all models, new 18-inch wheels available.

2016: Upgraded stereo system with 6.2 or 7-inch touchscreen depending on the model.

2017: New EyeSight safety system with lane departure intervention, new front grille

2018: Black edition available with dark trim & wheels.

2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with more standard safety tech, better passenger room, as well as a stronger engine.

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

2021: Standard automatic high beams on all models

How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Forester is among the best compact SUVs offered in 2017 since it has standard all-wheel drive, a nice interior, as well as advanced safety technology available.

The Subaru Outback is another SUV offered by Subaru which costs around $1,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Forester is easier to park and maneuver in large cities. We recommend the Subaru Outback since the extra space is worth the money.

The Toyota RAV4 is a competitor which costs around $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are better on the Toyota RAV4, while the Subaru Forester has better optional safety technology available. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since ownership costs are lower as they age.

Ranks #3 Compact SUV by Owners

1
car
4.68
2
car
4.67
3
Tie
car
4.65

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?

accountCircle Lauta T

Yes. Very zippy and sturdy I feel safe in it and it is good in snow. Also a nice radio. It is red and has a sunroof.

accountCircle Ilene W

Yes. The windows and sunroof are large and provide good visual fields for driving. Love the automatic lift gate and the sensors on the mirrors to alert you if there is a car in your blind spot for lane change. The car is very reliable and has good pickup. The only complaint I have is the Bluetooth. People who I am talking to often complain that they cannot hear me, staticky connection. I would definitely consider leasing another Forrester when my lease is up.

accountCircle Ren S

Yes, very good. I enjoy driving it, and it feels safe. It is good in bad weather and high off the ground.

accountCircle Barbara H

Yes, it is a good vehicle. It has a lot of pick up and it hums along so effortlessly. I love the back up camera and the many options for climate control.

accountCircle Kristi S

Yes! I love my Subaru. It rides smooth- it is good for winter. The addition of heated seats and steering wheel make it wonderful for winter.

accountCircle Karen S

Yes it is a good vehicle. It is safe and reliable. It was cost efficient and handles well in bad weather.

accountCircle howard c

Very good, and reliable. Other than a minor issue it runs just fine. I always have purchased Subaru's for you get the most for your money.

accountCircle Perry H

The Subaru forester is an extremely spacious vehicle that is perfect for families with young children. The forester has the driving feel of a smaller car while providing the premium interior space of a SUV.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Deanna B on June 24, 2021
My great Subaru forester that takes me wherever I want to go.
My Subaru is fabulous. It is a really stylish automobile. I like to drive it on all kinds of road surfaces. It does really well in all weather forms and is comfortable for all passengers. The company wants to know that they are doing the best for you and will frequently ask for feedback. That.’a nice!
accountCircle Kim M on June 24, 2021
Brown Subaru forester touring model.
Forester is very reliable, absolutely love it and after much research it was definitely the best choice for me. The visibility was a big draw for me, I'd say that is what stood out most compared to comparable vehicles. The interior leather and exterior paint color are what drove my decision to upgrade to the touring model versus the base model.
accountCircle Felicia P on June 19, 2021
Good except for cruise control and trunk issues.
The number one problem I have with my forester is that when you lay the seats down, there is a bump between the seat end and the trunk which makes unloading and loading things very difficult and also comprises the size of which it can fit. Other than that so far everything seems great. Handles snow and dirt well. Oh also you cannot use cruise control when you eyesite is off and that is very annoying because sometimes the eye site just shuts off for no good reason.
accountCircle Kristina K on June 18, 2021
Shiny blue forester with no scratches.
The only thing is my uncle put in the wrong wiper cleaner and it won't stop streaking the windshield so it gets blurry really quickly. Sometimes the engine does start to hesitate a little bit. But the overall performance is great, and gets me to where I am going in one piece.
accountCircle Williamm F on June 6, 2021
Superb Subaru mountain and city driving.
Coming from North Carolina Subaru is all you see for the terrain there. The comfort, Drivability, reliability is above and beyond anything I have driven. I felt I had to buy a new car here but this automobile is exceptional and drive and handle great in city driving.
accountCircle Hannah O on May 31, 2021
The Subaru: a car for families.
I love my Subaru! When deciding on a new car to purchase, we did a lot of research on reliability and safety especially and Subaru seemed like the best for our future family! It has a ton of space in the back and there is plenty of leg room in the back seats! I personally love the heated seat feature because I am always cold. We have Bluetooth connectivity for phone and music which is great because I can call hands free and listen to Spotify without any issues. We’ve only had the car for 3 months but we have had absolutely no issues with it.
accountCircle Sandy P on May 22, 2021
Subaru great car great mileage comfortable nice car.
Drives great comfortable good on gas great mileage, sun roof. Pretty color handles the road good has side approaching warnings in the mirror when your near someone or something, back up camera. Heated seats air menu options to keep track of information, Bluetooth for phone.
accountCircle Eva C on May 19, 2021
Reliable and fun to drive.
Very comfortable to drive. Has great pick up speed. Handles extremely well. We've driven it over some rough roads and it handled very well. I have had no issues mechanically with the vehicle. I have owned the vehicle over a year now. I would recommend Subaru to anyone as it is very reliable.
accountCircle Sonia A on May 18, 2021
Subaru, the perfect family car.
My Subaru forester is a very reliable and comfortable vehicle. I have had a Subaru in the past and will always purchase a Subaru. I recommend it to anyone looking for a safe vehicle and stylish SUV. I am thinking of upgrading to a Subaru 2021 soon! A+ vehicle.
accountCircle Gabrielle C on May 16, 2021
Happy mom car happy mom life.
I enjoy my vehicle. It drives smooth. Very easy to maneuver. It is spacious. I love that I have heated seats, push to start a sunroof, and enough room in the trunk for the many groceries or other activities. It is also really good in gas. I drive an hour to and from work and everyday and my mph is 32.6 which I feel is good for an SUV.
accountCircle Margaret N on May 16, 2021
Too expensive for the quality.
The color and comfort are great. At only 3 years old the exhaust system has a problem. I will not buy this car again. The brakes have been done already too. It just does not seem the quality I was expecting. I thought Subaru was better quality and it cost a lot of money.
accountCircle Odwar A on May 12, 2021
This is a great family car.
It is a great family utility car for the family and pets, it is definitely very spacious and it is very safe as well. It is also very good on gas. The 2017 Subaru forester is a solid compact SUV. It has a spacious interior, a car like drive, and a ton of available active safety features. This Subaru is also one of the only compact crossovers that comes standard with all-wheel drive. On the downside, class rivals have better fuel economy and nicer interiors.
accountCircle Marcus H on April 26, 2021
Forester meets my standard of review.
I have not had any really problems with this particular vehicle. It drives smoothly and has not given me any issue while driving. I enjoy the amenities of the vehicle particularly the seat warmers. The large touch screen console is also very nice as well as the moon roof.
accountCircle Ryan M on April 25, 2021
2017 Subaru forester w/eyesight is a great car for driving near & far.
The 2017 Subaru forester is a fantastic car. My favorite car I have ever driven. It came with premium cameras for backup as well as pass-assist to help if the car drifts out of the lane or alerts me to someone else in the passing lane. It will also put the breaks on automatically if it detects something in front of you. It is also a very comfortable car to drive and to be a passenger in!
accountCircle Pam B on April 24, 2021
It is the safest car on the road.
I love my forester. In fact, it is my third forester. It has always been an excellent performing car and I love the looks of it. I have never had any issues with any of my foresters and I highly recommend it to my friends. The best thing about my forester are all the safety features on it. Especially the airbags and the automatic stop braking feature. I always feel safe in my car and know if someone should hit me, the airbags in the front and sides will be a factor with saving my life.
accountCircle Nadine S on April 23, 2021
One of the most spacious compact SUVs available!
Reliable vehicle that is large and roomy. However, not as fuel efficient as I would like. I do really appreciate the many safety features, especially the rearview camera. I wish the ride were a little smoother, definitely feel the bumps on the road as I drive. The interior is while spacious and roomy is very practical and drab.
accountCircle Brian B on April 22, 2021
Subaru forester: very large sunroof with easy control.
This car takes too long to shift out of reverse and into forward. Has a couple seconds delay before it engages, and seems to be like it could be a safety issue. I also do not like the auto air control. It is not user friendly and I cannot seem to shut it off.
accountCircle Vince C on April 19, 2021
Overall solid ride with reliability.
Very reliable and comfortable to drive. It is high off the ground and has had to make for good handling off road if that is what you like to do. I get pretty good mileage on highways averaging 33-38 but poor city mileage at 25-27 mpg. Overall it is a comfortable ride with plenty of space. I just wish the city mileage was better.
accountCircle terra F on April 18, 2021
Great for winter but need more features.
4 wheel drive is great for winters. Love the color options. Comfy seats. I would love added pieces like seat warmer or sunroof. The inside of the car is spacious but the trunk is pretty small compared to other Subarus. The car is easy to drive. 3 different ways to adjust the seats.
accountCircle Maritza C on April 15, 2021
Why purchase a Subaru? A Subaru is a very dependable car.
Subarus are very dependable cars. Makes driving easy even on rough weather. I've had my Subaru for 3 years and is a car I depend in good and bad weather. I have recommended the Subaru to family and friends the ones that choose to get Subaru are happy with their purchase.
accountCircle Shannon S on April 14, 2021
The perfect car for a family of dogs.
There are three different ways to adjust the driver seat which allows for comfortable long drives. The tires glide on the road so smoothly, bumps are barely felt. The channel and volume control on the steering wheel allows me to feel safer while driving. My only issue has been trying to figure out when I really need to use the x mode. I'll eventually figure it out. I'll forever be a Subaru owner.
accountCircle Alex G on April 12, 2021
The Subaru forester is one of the safest crossovers on the market.
The 2017 Subaru forester is a solid compact SUV. It has a spacious interior, a car like drive, and a ton of available active safety features. This Subaru is also one of the only compact crossovers that comes standard with all-wheel drive. On the downside, class rivals have better fuel economy and nicer interiors.
accountCircle Nicholas P on April 4, 2021
The Subaru forester is the best vehicle I have ever owned!
I love it! I love the way it drives, very responsive. It hugs the road, corners well, and the turning radius is good. It feels substantial. The safety features are well thought out and they work. It is beautiful inside and out. It is the perfect size. Wish list: higher quality leather interior and 360 camera.
accountCircle Nalia B on April 3, 2021
The perfect family vehicle for everyone.
It's a very spacious and very comfortable car. It can take great mileage, I rode it across country so its very reliable. It is pretty good on gas about 300 miles per gallon. It comes in some great colors, the premium model I have has seat warmers in the front seats. There is also an x mode on the car for when you want to go off roading. Overall great family car.
accountCircle Mike K on March 31, 2021
A great every day car for families.
The Forester 2. 5i is a great option for families needing a go everywhere all terrain fuel efficient vehicle. The six speed manual is smooth and the entertainment options like Bluetooth and Pandora work well. The voice phone feature is slow to react. Overall a great car.
accountCircle Maggie G on March 31, 2021
Greatest Subaru forester car.
My vehicle has been incredible so far. I live in a cold and snowy climate and it has handled very well. Moreover, I really enjoy the luxury aspects of the car including the high class sound system. Lastly, I feel incredibly safe in my vehicle, more so than in my last car.
accountCircle Sandra B on March 31, 2021
Great gas mileage. Comfortable interior.
Great gas mileage, over 30 mpg on highway, one trip had 40 mpg. Great head and leg room, visibly is wonderful, can see around tall vehicles. Good sound system and Bluetooth capability. Trunk space is very good. Like the sun roof and cover, easy access for older individuals, controls are in a good location.
accountCircle Kelly H on March 29, 2021
Very comfortable, easy to drive, does not feel like a bus.
The forester is very easy to drive. Has lots of space for our family. The dog can easily jump in and out. The trunk is very large and can hold a great deal. I love being in the forester it is high up but does not feel like I am driving a bus. The Subaru last a long time is smooth on long trips as well.
accountCircle Dana C on March 28, 2021
An interesting detail of my vehicle would be the eyesight feature.
I really love my vehicle! There are a lot of safety features of the car that make me and other passengers feel safe.
accountCircle Kelley C on March 28, 2021
SUV with a manual and sunroof - hard to find.
Was hard to find a SUV that had both a sunroof and came in a manual. The sunroof is huge and amazing but incredibly noisy. The premium is a pretty basic level but the only one that offered a manual so it doesn't have very many upgraded features. Love the heated front seats. Had a problem with the shifter vibrating while driving in 4th gear right from the beginning, took two separate trips to the dealer to get it found and fixed but it was covered under warranty.
accountCircle Gabrielle A on March 28, 2021
Drives fast, smooth, and perfect family vehicle.
Subaru Forester has been very reliable, comfortable and great door kids in vehicle. Super safe for family. Drives smooth and fast. Good in snow, dirt roads, and great in rain. I would recommend Subaru Forester. The maintenance can be expensive, but make sure to have warranty with the dealership.
accountCircle Denver H on March 27, 2021
A super reliable vehicle.
The Forester is a very reliable car. I have taken it on many road trips, and it does great. It also gets really good gas mileage for an SUV, and handles great in rain and snow. It struggles a slight bit when I try to drive fast uphill, but still not too bad.
accountCircle Mike S on March 24, 2021
It is a fuel efficiency vehicle that gets me anywhere and everywhere
It is comfortable ride. It is roomy. It gets me around in snow. It's got a sunroof
accountCircle Barry A on March 24, 2021
Subaru forester: a great family SUV.
Great handling, good in snow, quick, easy in and out. Sound system is very good for a base model. Mileage is ~21 city, 28 highway. Good seat comfort and the warmers work very well for cold weather. Very good visibility. Rear storage is excellent with extra storage under truck floor liner.
accountCircle Redmond P on March 21, 2021
Decent family car that is comfortable and reliable.
It is a reliable car, and we love all the large windows and space to carry passengers and/or things. We like that the rear seats can recline for a more comfortable ride. The CVT is a little bit too jerky at times, but once used to it, not too bad. Pricing is not bad for what you receive, but definitely not a luxury ride.
accountCircle Karen S on March 18, 2021
Love the car despite some flaws.
One of the warning lights (coolant) comes on everything you start the car and remains on for the first 5-10 minutes of driving. There does not seem to be a fix or way to clear it. The second issue is that my side mirror cover will not stay affixed to the mirror.
accountCircle Shelley G on March 18, 2021
This is my 4th Subaru and I drive them because they are safe. My last accident i would have died in any lesser of a car.
It is very safe and has a lot of room for cargo. It is also very dog friendly.
accountCircle Geet D on March 17, 2021
Safe, comfortable and reliable.
It is extremely comfortable, reliable and great in snow. Very stable and has lots of safety features. My vehicle has eye sight that warns you if you are about to hit something or if there are big objects in front or close to your vehicle. It also beeps if you ride into another lane from being tired or distracted. Filled loaded with airbags. Extremely good on gas and mileage. Highly recommend.
accountCircle Nanette S on March 16, 2021
2017 Subaru forester with touring package.
My forester is reliable. My forester is quiet on the road and the ride is smooth. I enjoy all of the extra features and camera assistance. The traveling and lane control features are helpful on my forester. The main concern I have is setting the clock which is very difficult.
accountCircle Chris C on March 14, 2021
Great utility in a relatively small vehicle.
It is a great small size SUV. It can transport fairly large items and cargo. It has off road capability. It drives smooth. It has a great sunroof. And it gets about 30 mpg. I also like the capability to monitor driving and mpg on the dash. The sound system is solid as well. Great utility vehicle that still feels like a compact car.
accountCircle Sandra P on March 14, 2021
My Subaru Forester has high safety ratings,and is backed by a great warranty.
I trust the Subaru name, and I like that it is all wheel drive. It is roomy but not huge. My Subaru is very basic with minimum frills. I only have minor complaints such as no light in the back when you open the hatch. And I would love to have heated seats and EyeSight if I had been able to afford those options.
accountCircle Katie M on March 12, 2021
It has all around windows!
It has some problems accelerating quickly because it's only a 4 cylinder. It gets pretty great gas mileage for an SUV even in the city. It has 4 wheel drive which is great for the snow and the mountains and its a cost effective SUV option compared to other vehicles that give you the same features.
accountCircle Jeffrey S on March 12, 2021
I have a 2017 Subaru forester, that overall is fantastic.
Has a hot restart problem where it almost stalls completely when pulling out.. I have to think fast and floor it so the it does not start out. It happens mainly in extreme temps. Could be fatal. It happens most right after a short stop i.e.: go in to pay for gas, fill your tank and re start. When you go to pull out the engine acts as though it is out of gas with a severe deep hesitation..
accountCircle Brianna S on March 11, 2021
Comfort and room found in Subaru.
I really enjoy my Subaru. It has lots of storage space and good gas mileage. I have used it to move across the us twice and it was super comfortable for the long drive. I have been rear-ended in it and, when that occurred, I wasn't even sore the next day as my car took all the damage. I strongly recommend a Subaru.
accountCircle LEE G on March 8, 2021
IT'S VERY SAFE AND EASY TO DRIVE. IT'S ALSO FUN TO DRIVE
IT'S EASY TO DRIVE AND GREAT IN THE SNOW AND RAIN. I FEEL SAFE IN IT.
accountCircle Charlotte M on March 5, 2021
Safe car with great mileage I could find for a new college graduate!
My Subaru Forester is very reliable I was able to drive it across the country multiple times with no problems. Very comfortable interior with great AC and leather trimming. Love how it handles and love the option of going into 'X-Mode' where I can go off roading and my car will balance the load in my car so it is level. Love that it automatically breaks for me if needed and the blind-spot indicator has helped me a few times in preventing accidents. Great space in the back for my dog and when I moved I was able to haul a lot of my stuff just in my car.
accountCircle tina o on February 28, 2021
It is incredibly safe! The safety features included in it like the eye-sight and adaptive cruise control are very helpful and so responsive.
I love the sleekness of my car and all of the features inside. It gets amazing gas mileage and has amazing safety ratings. I can feel good about driving my family around in this car. My only complaints are the front driver and passenger seat are uncomfortable when driving long distances and my in dash navigation/entertainment center always freezes. The gps also likes to add random u-turns to my route and can make navigating in new areas confusing.
accountCircle Nami A on February 26, 2021
Subaru forester is all black with all black interior and red interior lights.
The appearance of this vehicle is sleek. The interior contains a large screen for the radio and Bluetooth. My phone connects to the car easily and you can add multiple devices to the car easily. It is a safe reliable vehicle for a growing family. The only thing I dislike is the fact that it's a rough ride. I am not sure if it is the shocks or what it is but if you run over a mild pothole or bump, you will most certainly feel it. If I were to choose and spend my money on a car with a smoother ride I would but it being such a reliable and safe vehicle counteracts it.
accountCircle Evelyn S on February 25, 2021
Practical, roomy, and comfortable crossover vehicle.
I really love this vehicle. I downsized from a minivan because of a change in family circumstances. The gas mileage is much better than the van, about 29 mpg. It has ample cargo space for hauling stuff. It is comfortable to drive and feels much more like a car than a van. I have had no mechanical difficulties, although I am admittedly overdue for routine maintenance. The controls are easy to use and even after two years, I am discovering features I didn't know it had. The only complaint I might have, and it does not pertain to me because I am short, is that taller people are a bit crunched in leg room.
accountCircle Jerome B on February 24, 2021
Perfect car for a small family!
Great car. Have not had a single issue with the vehicle since purchasing it. Gets very good gas mileage and drives smooth for an SUV. Very good in the snow with the all wheel drive. Plenty of back passenger space and love the fact the seats fold down to put something large in the back. Definitely will stick with Subaru for a while!
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.