The models of Forester produced in the couple of years after 2003 are great cars, reliable and sturdy. They can tackle pretty rough off-road terrain and also fit easily into suburban environment. Their fuel economy isn't great, but is better than more extreme off-road vehicles and there's a lot of boot space. They're much like their earlier counterparts but with a few more extras and some refinements made to the design.

However, more recently the design of the Forester has changed dramatically. They've started to become a luxury car. While m...Read more

Overall, happy with the vehicle, have issues with Subaru staff on occasion but do my servicing myself so thankfully only have to deal with them once a year or so at the spare parts counter. I have experienced MUCH better and IMMEDIATE service with Peugeot, who also by the way provide free of charge (usually better models than your own car) a courtesy car until my vehicle is ready.
I had a lease MY06 Forester XT Luxury pack for 3 years and was very impressed with the turbo power, AWD system, safety features and sunroof. Steering wheel audio cont...Read more

I really like this car. It is quite noisy (for a family car but quite reasonable for a turbo and an all wheel drive), thirsty and drinks premium, but it is a 2.5 turbo all wheel drive and you could really feel where the petrol has gone to because there is just SO MUCH POWER!!! It is a tall and square-ish lookin car but the symmetrical all wheel drives allows every single NM of power to work at every imaginable slop and corners, put your right foot down and it would go no matter what its carrying and what road it is on, you could have rolled out...Read more

The Forester XT is hugely fun to drive with acceleration and handling more like a sports sedan than an SUV (but replace the original wheels and tires with premium tires suited to the car's intented use). Magically big on the inside but smaller than it looks, actually smaller than a 3 series BMW. Super reliable.
Handles like a sports car and the turbo has a better weight to power ration than most SUVs and staion wagons. Huge sunroof. Convenient in-dash 6 CD player. Plenty of storage. Fully automated climate control. Roomy and comfortable....Read more

I absolutely love this car. It is my second Subaru and my first Forester. I did a lot of research before buying it to determine the right model and features for me, and having discounted other makes and models I am very happy with it. I happened to buy the MY05 from someone who was upgrading to the MY07, at time of purchase the previous owner confirmed my decision with this quote "you are getting the better car, it far outperforms the newer model". Looking forward to many happy driving days in the Forester!
The size is easy to move and park...Read more

My 03 Forester XS has now done 106,500kms+ and has returned 9.27L/100K for combined City/Hwy cycles and that is acceptable to me at the present time. I like the safety and build quality of Subaru's over a lot of other vehicles that compete with it in the sales arena as I said in the Pros section safety was the #1 reason why I bought a Subaru and that continues to be prime consideration when buying a new vehicle. I would recommend a Subaru to anybody who is in the market for a new vehicle but a lot of people consider them to be under powered but...Read more

A terrific car that would have to be the best i have owned taking into account all factors. The knowledge that you can get into it and have a bit of fun or drive very casually without getting bitten. Just love to drive it anywhere anytime, day or night, country, city or peak hour traffic (stereo keeps me occupied). Would have to be one of the best (if not only) performance wagons in the world for the price.
Forester XT Luxury: Performance, build quality, smooth power delivery, stereo, ride, seats, controls, handling, looks, space, visability, e...Read more

This is a fantastic car. It handles very well and although it isn't suited to very rough terrain it is slightly higher then a sedan which gives you better clearance. It offers plenty of space in the boot and has the option of folding down the back seats for even more space. It rides like a sedan and would be great for a couple who don't have children and want plenty of space or for a family who doesn't have a newborn or won't need to put a newborn in the back.
Country Womans Car of the Year! The sliding cover for the boot to prevent things g...Read more

Great car. Love driving it and have to fight the wife on who takes the RAV and who gets the subie.
Love the look on the 'pretend V8 supercar falcon and commodore drivers' when a little 4WD blows them away at lights - especially in the wet!
MY05 XT. This is my 3rd subie and the best. Have 75k km on it. Prev 1990 liberty, 1993 liberty RS turbo. The 2.5 with small turbo gives great low down power. On the open road the cruise control easily keeps speed on hills etc in 5th gear. No need to change down. Love the AWD with LSD in the rear, goes anywhe...Read more