Subaru Forester

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.44 of 5, 18.00 votes

Price Paid:  $19500.00 from Galles & Davis Subar

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Subaru Forester

Summary:
DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR IN SNOW OR ICE!!!! I have twice wrecked my stupid car in winter weather. Today I was toodling through my subdivision at about 5 mph in the snow. I crested a hill and started a slow descent when much to my chagrin, the snow on the roads had been packed to ice and alas I began a slow motion slide. The angle of the slope was steep and I knew that the momentum would pick up quickly and I would end up barreling into a house or another vehicle before my car would stop the slide. Having my 3 yr old and 2 dogs in the backseat, I had no choice but to pull the e brake and throw the car into the ditch at the side of the road. It is stuck now, possibly totaled since the front and rear bumpers are both embedded in the ground. We were not hurt. This is the second time this stupid all wheel drive car has failed me when I really needed it to function like it is supposed to! As I sat in the ditch pondering my situation (3/4 of a mile from home with 2 dogs and a toddler in 28 degree weather) I watched a MINIVAN sucessfully traverse the very same icy road that had become my demise. WTF!?!?! A Subaru (supposedly the AWD vehicle to end all) got spanked by a stupid 2wd minivan. I am disgusted. I hated the size and lack of comfort in the car but this is just icing on the cake. Also my stereo has been possessed since I bought the thing brand new off the lot. The volume likes to go up and down on its own. Gas mileage is good 28 mpg on average. I have put 50k on the car in 2 years and no major breakdowns except for it failing to behave in slippery conditions. I'm done with the Forester though.

Strengths:
Good gas mileage.

Weaknesses:
Lack of traction control and anti-lock in winter weather. Pathetic AWD capability. Funky wiring issues. WAAAYYYY uncomfortable for road trips longer than 45 minutes. The back seat has 3 seat belts but will NOT fit 3 normal size people. Cannot fit 3 car seats in back - parents beware. Tan cloth interior impossible to keep clean with children and dogs. Engine lugs and bucks in 1st and 3rd gears.

Similar Products Used:
Always drove trucks before this piece of crap.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.33 of 5, 6.00 votes

Price Paid:  $33000.00 from Dexter's Subaru

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Forester

Summary:
This is a good vehicle. It handles beautifully and has a great turning radius. This is my first AWD and I can't believe the difference it makes as I live in the country. It's comfortable inside, but not glitzy.

Strengths:
Stability, nice drive, safety, roomy (people complain about the back seat not being roomy but I think it's fine). I'm no car expert but I love this car. It's actually fun to drive.

Weaknesses:
Lousy cup holder placement in the front seat and yes, it does buck at lower RPMs. So far my fuel consumption has sucked.

Similar Products Used:
I test drove a CRV, Jeep, and Highlander. I liked the feel of the Subaru best. Also the bang for the buck