Versatile, surprisingly quick, accurate shifting, good handling (with adaptations). Will go anywhere !

Gas mileage hasn't been great but I can't keep myself from engaging the turbo either; usually 18-20 with a mix of in-town and hwy driving.

Excellent match between utility and performance. Compared with other small SUVS the XT feels nimble and fleet footed. The turbo is quite responsive and launches you off the line with surprising attack, particularly above 2500 rpm. Shifting is generally feels accurate and 2nd and 3rd gear are very rewarding. Handling on stock 16 inch tires is not great but can be improved immensely with a change to 17 inch performance tires and a sway bar. This allows you to use the AWD to it's performance advantage. Breaking isn't great but not bad either. Interior is logically planned with everything in reach. The seats generally well bolstered and keep you in place around twisty mountain roads. Cabin noise from the road and engine can sometimes be intrusive but only if you're close to redline or driving on poorly maintained roads. Radio with weatherband is a nice touch, as is the in-dash 6 CD changer. sound quality is surprisingly good even when left completely stock.
The versatility of this vehicle is outstanding. The carrying rack on top is actually useful and can support several hundred pounds of gear. The rear cargo area is convenient to configure and easy to access from the back or the side doors.
After 36,000 miles, one set of tires, a few oil changes I have required no other maintenance. Very reliable thus far.
Complaints? Gas mileage hasn't been great but I can't keep myself from engaging the turbo either; usually 18-20 with a mix of in-town and hwy driving.

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2002 WRX, 2004 WRX STi, Toyota Highlander.

Road hugger and fun to drive. Five speed manual smooth. Excellent quality and array of cabin lighting/storage. Good braking response. Automatic incline/stop braking very handy. Good stereo. Good steering wheel controls (wipers/cruise control/lights). 29 to 30mpg on highway (70 mph with no a/c). Great fog/driving lights. Mirrors/rear visibility excellent. Quiet ride with windows up.

Short top out in first gear. Cramped for driver and rear passengers, and not as much cargo room as my '87 Honda wagon. Low view windshield. Adjustable steering wheel conceals speedometer when low and turn signals (that remain on after too-short turning radius) when high. Dimpled upholstery difficult to clean. Loud ride with windows down due to roof rack turbulence.

Good, solid driving performance and convenient cabin extras but a little small in the comfort category.

-Solidly built car -One of the most powerful engines in its size -Nearly unmatched AWD system -Relatively quiet and very comfortable ride, well isolated from all outside factors -Lots of cargo space -Rally inspired suspension not affraid of bumps -A very functional, practicle car -Lots of aftermarket parts available for the car as it shares its chassis and most major components with the Impreza, WRX, and STI varients. Most everything is interchangeable and a direct fit, lots of opportunities for modification.

-Manual transmission doesn't feel or perform up to par; does not like cold weather (seek other oil types to help alieviate/minimize this-lighter weight, something that doesn't turn to jelly when cold) -Very soft suspension/drivetrain/engine/steering rack mounts, good for isolation from noise, vibration, and harshness, but provides no feel or feedback and generates a relatively sloppy ride feel(main cause of driveline slop, bucking, and tough driving at slow speeds) (Key bushings can be replaced to provide a more solid, more resposive feel) -Paint still seems to chip easily, even with a clear coat, not a leader in paint quality in the industry -Engine has power but lacks a spunky, fun feel, not smooth when switching between open/closed looped air/fuel mixture(some annoying jerkiness around 1,500rpm mixed responsiveness when modulating the throttle a lot) (lighter flywheel can help with spunkiness and remapping the ecu can smooth out the loop changes-3rd party auto shops)

This is an update to my initial review as I've owned the Forester a bit longer. I recently got a S version of the Forester after rolling my L after a run in with a deer. Poor L, but the upper scale S is pretty nice in the little details. L -> S Softer, more luxurious seat fabric 16" alloy wheels Heated seats, mirrors, wipers Auto dimming compass Leather wrapped steering wheel + shift knob Rear cargo net Floor mats + winter mats Larger side mirrors Double din radio with 6 disk CD An actual clear coat over the paint(L didn't have a clear coat) Painted body molding in 2-tone style Different front grill design, more chrome After having it for a bit longer and really experiencing the car for an extended period of time and through all 4 seasons, including a foot and a half of snow, I've gotten a better idea of the car. It really is a solid, well built car with a focus on functionality. The fit and finish is top notch and everything feels solid and durable. It makes my mom's CRV feel like a toy. I still think the interior could be modernized, even a 2005 I test drove isn't any better. The S does provide a little nicer feel with softer fabrics and leather touches, but it just doesn't have an up-to-date look, not bad really. The engine is strong and torqy but not real peppy. I haven't found another engine of similar size that feels as powerful. It just needs to feel a little more rev happy(lighten flywheel would help). Keep it above 2,000 and it's fine. Keep it above 3,000 if you want to stay where the power's at. The tranny is still lacking. Shifting is notchy and slow to go in. I've had no problems, but it does "feel" weak or outdated compared to manual transmssions of other companies. As well, below 40F, the tranny becomes difficult/slow to shift. Below 0F, it just plain doesn't work without double clutching and rev matching. After it warms up some, it's good to go, but cold(40F and belwo, especially 0F and below), it requires extra work. The AWD system is in one word, awesome. It's full viscous system, but it is set up well enough to create a very capable, very sure-footed driving experience on just about anything. Pretty much no wheels slip or all the wheels slip. It takes some effort to get a single tire to spin up. Unless you're taking a low speed corner very hard or have a single tire on ice, it won't happen. Even on gravel, the car just takes off from a stop with almost no noticable slip. It's no wonder people say it's the 2nd best AWD system made. 1st place goes to Porsche by the way. I had some fun through this winter's 2 big snow storms, the second putting down a foot and a half of snow, enough to plow some with the front end of the car. I never got stuck. I didn't have a problem blasting down the snow covered back road at 50mph through +12" of snow. I didn't even fear stopping as I knew I wouldn't get stuck when trying to take off again. Unplowed medians, back roads, friends inclined(up to road), unplowed appartment parking lot, it didn't really matter. I don't even have good tires on it, just cheapy, no name tires(Lee brand, ever heard of it, me neither-came on the car). Because of the accident with my L, I did get to "test" the car's durability in construction. When I rolled it, I slide sideways at about 5mph down a ditch, hit the one spot where there was a culvert and a 3 foot drop off(only thing that made it roll). I rolled it 270 degrees, albeit slowly, and ended up with the driver's door facing up. Both sides and top took a good crunching, a lot of dented sheet metal. Beyond that, the car was in good, runable shape. A 4 tires had air, nothing looked bent, even all the windows were in tact short the driver door window as it was the first one to hit(most force?). The windshield was cracked a bit but fully fastened. All the other windows were unharmed. There was that little flex in the chassis. I got in and out of the car a few times to get personal stuff and insurance info. I climbed up the bottom, walked on the driver's side doors and dropped down in through the driver's side window. An intersting fact from this was that the door panels didn't even dent under the weight of me standing/walking on them. It's not like the cheap, ultra-thin stuff used on a lot of these newer cars. I was going to get a Scion tC, very nice car, or a new '05 Forester but came across another '02 Forester for $14k, the S version, and half the miles of my L. I couldn't pass it up.

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Closest was my mom's Honda CRV. It doesn't match the solid feel and awd capability of the Subaru.

Looks Nice

Manufacturer doesn't honor its warranty. Blown Tranny immediately followed by a Blown Engine in first year of use.

First the tranny blew, replaced under factory warranty by dealer in Huntington, NY. 3 hours after return from that repair the engine blew, dealer said it was because I had installed an AMSOIL Dual By Pass oil filter unit. Somethig I did to correct for the 1/2 pint capacity cheapo OEM oil filter. 2 independent auto inspectors wrote reports, after examining the old engine, saying the AMSOIL filter had nothing at all to do with the blown engine, yet it still is unresolved and Subaru has refused to honor its warranty !

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87 Cherokee Laredo(AMC) 94 Grand Cherokee Limited (MOPAR) 04 Grand Cherokee Overland (Daimler) All superior to the Forester

Style. Can't wait to get in and drive it even after 18 months. Engine sounds like a 60's English sports car when revved (a plus). Good stereo/cd. Roomy back seat. Plenty of space in back. Tight steering and great handling for an SUV. Will accomodate a four foot wide piece of plywood or sheetrock through the hatch window.

Original tires (Goodyear mud and snows) terrible. Replaced at 11,000 miles with Blizzak style snows. A little more road noise but much better tracking and handling. Rear window/hatch rattles on rough roads but read from another reviewer that silicone on the rubber seals quiets the noise. Mechanically the only real problem has been squeaky clutch pedal operation. The fault is in the clutch master cylinder which has been replaced twice, on warrantee and with a free rental. The plastic thermostat housing cracked and was replaced.

Bought the DX because I like to shift. The 2.0 liter is a little anemic but fun for around town. Can keep up with highway traffic but cranking 3000 rpm plus. This is my second Mazda from Talarico after driving a B2600 2WD pick-up for a trouble-free 12 years and 75,000 miles. The techs are great and I couldn't be more pleased with the dealership.

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Test drove the Honda CV-R, Toyota Rav4, Subaru Forester. Tribute beat them all.

Safety Handling

Have not noticed any yet. If you have lots of gear and/or kids you might want something a little bigger.

First Subaru I've owned, I bought it for my wife who has always liked the design and look of the Forester. The sure-footedness and safety features are a big plus. The car is perfect for our weekend camping trips too. I'm a Toyota man and have owned several yotas that have been outstanding vehicles. I hope the reliability of the Subie is as good. The Forester only has 1500 miles on it but so far we are loving it. Absolutely nothing negative so far. I love the way the car handles in curves and on wet roads. Very impressive! It's a pleasure to drive even though It's our first auto tranny car and I'm not quite used to that yet. The car feels solid as a rock, no rattles, squeaks etc. So far it feels as solid as a Toyota. The interior and features are great, seats are very comfortable etc. So far we are very pleased with the 2005 Forester. I hope we can say that a couple of years from now.

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Ride AWD Side Airbags

realibilty, it hasn't left us stranded, but I worry now.

I had this for one year, started having a hum noise when air conditioner was turned on, so took it in for 30000 mile service, told me it was just the engine idiling, took back in next day and brought tech with me and oops! you need a new bearing, ok fine, wait car stalling when at a stop to go on to highway, boy that was close, oh we need to send the computer back to subaru to reprogram the computer, heres a Hyundai to drive for a couple of days, ahh glad to have my Subie back, wait air bag lights, oh oh, but wait there are no codes, must be something else, oh wait we had it connected to the wrong connection, there is a problem, the technician forgot to connect it right sorry, heres a Kia to drive for a day. That was our last 3 weeks, and I still feel like there going to be some more issues coming. We got a Subie cause we get alot of snow here in Northewestrn Michigan, thought Subaru was realiable, have not been impressed yet, maybe we are spoiled from our old Honda Civic, but when dishing out almost 20,000.00 for a car I thought we would be trouble free for at least a couple of years, but what can you do, it did get fixed, but we were made to feel like it was our fault or something. Anyway the car does drive nice besides the wind noise, but I think this will be the first and last Subie we will own. Hate to be negative cause it did drive better than the CRV and RAV but if the airbags won't deploy in a accident, its not for me.

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1998 Honda Civic, I wish I had it back, only replaced the brakes and timming belt on it.

fast, agile, fun to drive

warranty episode

At 20,000 miles it developed noise in auto trans at 2 to 3 shift point...Subaru wanted me to take car back until noise "got worse"...had to deal with obnoxious Subaru rep but am getting new transmission

AWD - have yet to run it in snow since I got it just after the snow left for the year. However, it seems to handle gravel quite well(just needs better tires). Light - it's pretty agile for a car that looks like it should weight 500lbs more. Rally inspired suspension - it takes to the rough stuff naturally. Subaru's rally experience seems to have trickled down to the Forester nicely. Engine - despite the low rotating mass, the engine feels strong and torqy when above 2000 and especially above 3000 rpm. It's smooth and powerful all the way up to 5500 or so where it just starts to drop off through 6000 and redline. Seats - front seats are suprisingly supportive, at least the upper. The seatback side support holds you well when taking corners fast.

Interior - Styling and feel that seems about 10 years out of date. A somewhat cheap feel and look but not too bad. The front seats could use a little better side support at the legs. Reliability - Even only having this car for a month, I've begun to have quite a few issues already, uneven shifting, engine lights, now a wheel bearing. The history of the car that I got from the dealer doesn't show much better, even from new. It'll be interesting and potentially expensive to see how things turn out in the long run.

On the advice of my dad to get rid of my old '88 Ford Ranger, I went in search for my first new(close to new) car. I ended up with a Forester for its practicality, AWD for winter, and its high reviews for quite a few years. After owning the car for a month or so, I'm pleased with the car in general. It's light and relatively agile with a touch of understeer. With some better tires, it could be quite fun. The interior is roomy but the material has a late 80's early 90's feel and look to it. It's almost like sitting in my mom's old Civic again, lol. Despite their "classic" styling, the front seats are comfortable and supportive on the sides. Visibility is good all around as well. Most outside noise stays on the outside. The car is quieter than I expected. The ride is suprisingly good and actually prefers a few bumps. You almost can't feel washboard and potholes at speed, but the car lurches around a bit on bumps when slow(I'm used to big, soft cars). The engine is adequately powerful, just enough to work with and still not get into much trouble. It's resposive, but it has nothing for bottom end torque. You have to rev it up to 2000 just to take off with the manual transmission. However, once you're above 3000, it's scoot pretty quick. There's not a lot of rotating mass to this engine. A heavier flywheel may smooth things out. The manual transmission is somewhat goofy. This car doesn't seem to shift easily, weak syncros? I pretty much can't get it into first unless I'm stopped, but the other gears are fine enough. Shifting is smooth if you can get used to the quick-engaging clutch. The laggy throttle doesn't help either(STi is fly-by-wire, not sure about Forester, might be why). It's not unresposive, just not instant. It also seems to hang for a second when the gas is let off, on purpose? I don't know. It might do it to help with shifting since the engine would drop down fast with the small amount of rotating mass it has. It shifts smooth when reved up towards 5000, but it seems to suck gas more. Low rpm driving/shifting is hard to get used to, and the AWD can make things a bit jerky at times if you're not smooth. It's not an easy manual transmission to get used to...in time.

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None Owned: '86 Buick Somerset - good fun car till it got totalled, not my fault(stop signs are there for a reason people, use them, lol) '87 Olds 98 - wonderful car, would still have it if it didn't get stolen. '89 Buick Lesabre - same as Olds but not so upscale fit and finish, no rear air ride either, I missed that climate control *sniff* :( '88 Ford Ranger - was my brothers for 7 years, then mine after tranny went out on Lesabre(180000 miles). Rust bucket but still ran cause of Ford's use of a Toyota engine and Mazda tranny,lol. Did I mention I hate Fords? Now - '02 Forester - we'll see...

There isn't a better-handling, safer vehicle to drive in any conditions than the Forester. I have driven many expensive top-notch cars, and the Forester out-handles all of them on the road. Its off-road performance is also surprisingly impressive, and I say that comparing it to my 2003 Toyota Tacoma, which is the ultimate off-road beast machine. The Forester handles unbelievably well in wet and snowy conditions. Roof rack and trunk are big plusses. The interior materials are high quality even though the amenities themselves are made for very small people, like, elves.

The engine is just barely powerful enough, and could use a little more oomph, say 20-25 HP more. It is small inside, too small, even in its new "larger" size. It's good for a family of three or four at most, without the family pet, and is not really an SUV. Like I said above, its interior is inferior, especially the stupid unconventional electronic controls and simple amenities like cup holders (too small for American coffee mugs) and sun visors (ridiculously small, see above). This car needs to have 6 inches more length and 2 inches more width room inside, with a bit more power and more conventional controls and amenities, and then it will be absolutely perfect and the best family car ever made.

Awesome driving machine with interior that does not match driving quality: Sun visors are very short without sliding inserts or extendable bars, which is hard on tall drivers; radio controls and HVAC controls are unconventional and do not work well; cup holders too small; cruise control in weird place; etc. Interior is inferior and unmatched to the car's driving capabilities. Two different engineering teams?

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