Subaru Forester 2003 - 2008 review
 Subaru Forester 2008, click for larger image |
 Subaru Forester interior, click for larger image |
 Subaru Forester, click for larger image |
Unibody construction. Continuous all-wheel drive is standard. Two engine choices: the base horizontally opposed (Boxer) longitudinally-mounted 4-cylinder 2.5L SOHC engine or the similar, horizontally opposed, turbo-charged 2.5L DOHC engine.
5-speed manual with Hill Holder clutch system or 4-speed automatic transmission.
MacPherson struts in the front, MacPherson struts with trailing arms and twin links in the rear suspension.
Disk brakes in the front, drums or disks in the back. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) are standard.
What makes Subaru special is an advanced AWD system. Subaru calls it Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Models with manual transmission have an AWD system with central limited slip differential. In automatic transmission models the torque distribution between the front and rear axles is controlled electronically by a hydraulic transfer clutch.
Viscous limited-slip rear differential is available on top models. Although the Forester's AWD system is not designed for rock climbing or heavy off-roading, it works pretty well on snowy roads or in moderate off-roading situations.
The Forester interior is plain-looking, but very practical. Front seats are supportive and comfortable in a long trip. Rear seat space is fairly tight. Controls are simple and easy to use. Available sunroof is huge; when it's open it feels like in a convertible. Large windows and side-view mirrors provide great visibility all around. Available front and rear wiper deicers along with heated seats and mirrors are a big plus in winter conditions.
On the road, the Forester is fun to drive. The Subaru's opposite engine design and drivetrain layout provide a low center of gravity, which gives the Forester excellent handling on curves. At the same time, the Forester's ground clearance is high enough not to worry about potholes or hitting the curb when parking.
Overall, handling is comfortable, steering is on the light side, but feels precise; tight turning radius. Driving at low speed over rough road feels a little harsh, otherwise, the ride is fairly smooth. There is some wind and road noise at higher speeds, but it's not too intrusive. The base 2.5L 4-cylinder engine has plenty of power for everyday driving while the turbo-charged version is a blast to drive.
The 2003-2008 Subaru Forester received perfect five stars in the NHTSA frontal and side-impact crash tests. Models from 2004-2008 also received four stars in dynamic rollover tests. Check more details at Safercar.gov.
In the IIHS offset front crash tests, the 2003-2008 Forester received 'Good' overall rating. In addition, the 2008 Forester received 2008 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.
The engine
The 2003-2008 Forester features Subaru's trademark - horizontally opposed ('Boxer') engine, where two pairs of horizontally-arranged cylinders are placed on opposite sides. |
Strengths
- Good fuel economy for an SUV
- Great all-weather handling, car-like ride, maneurability
- Capable AWD system
- Good crash-test ratings
- Excellent all-around visibility
- Decent ground clearance, low center of gravity
- Standard integrated roof rails
Weaknesses
- Plain interior design
- Road and wind noise
- Cupholders too small
- Tight rear seat space
- No telescopic adjustment on the steering column
Overall
If you need a small SUV, or wagon with good AWD capabilities and fuel economy is important for you, Subaru Forester is worth considering. Don't let the plain look fool you, mechanically the Forester is pretty well built, with decent engine, strong body and capable AWD system - no wonder there are so many Subaru enthusiasts around.
The Forester has scored very good in crash-tests, it offers great all-around visibility, comfortable all-weather handling, decent towing capacity for a small SUV and it has plenty of useful features, like built-in roofrails to carry your bike or canoe, available wiper deicer, cargo cover and more.
Reliability-wise the 2003-2008 Forester has been pretty good so far, however it's a complex vehicle, don't expect it to be completely trouble free.
I'd recommend a non-turbo model - it is simpler, easier to maintain and can run on a regular gasoline.
What to look for buying a used Subaru Forester
It's definitely worth to check used car history records. A history report may uncover problems that you may not be aware of such as previous accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, rental use, etc.
Follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the vehicle was properly maintained and hasn't had serious problems such as overheating.
- Look for oil and coolant leaks, if there is any, have it assessed with your mechanic or a Subaru dealer before buying a car; in some cases the repair might be quite expensive.
- For models with manual transmission, check the clutch operation.
- Check if the timing belt has been replaced.
- If you notice a blue smoke from exhaust, even if it's just a brief puff of blue smoke at startup, avoid such a car.
- If the "check engine" light is on, again, have the problem assessed before buying a car; in the worst cases the repair might be quite expensive.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior to purchase, have the car inspected by a Subaru-experienced mechanic.
Shop wisely, check a few vehicles to compare; it's worth paying a little extra for a well maintained vehicle in good condition.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.
Maintenance tips
Few tips how to keep your engine in a good shape:
- To keep your engine in a good shape, have your oil changed regularly.
- Turbocharged engine is more sensitive to the oil quality, don't use poor quality oil.
- Check your tire pressure regularly, unequal tire pressure causes increased wear of 4WD system components.
- Avoid overheating the engine, it may cause serious damage.
- Subaru recommends to use special cooling system conditioner whenever the coolant is changed, check with your Subaru dealer.
- Stick with original Subaru parts and fluids.
- For repairs take your Subaru to a dealer or a mechanic closely familiar with the Subaru products - there are many specifics.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in the garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more car maintenance tips
Subaru Forester short specifications (2008 US model)
| Dimensions: | |
|
Wheelbase: Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Non-turbo models: Turbo models: Ground clearance: Non-turbo models: Turbo models: |
99.4 in (2525 mm) 176.6 in (4485 mm) 68.3 in (1735 mm) 62.6 in (1590 mm) 62.4 in (1585 mm) 8.1 in (205 mm) 7.9 in (200 mm) |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Cargo capacity: | |
|
Without moonroof: rear seatbacks up: rear seatbacks down: With moonroof: rear seatbacks up: rear seatbacks down: | 30.7 cu. ft. (869 L) 68.6 cu. ft. (1943 L) 28.9 cu. ft (818 L) 64.5 cu. ft (1826 L) |
| Towing Capacity: |
2,400 lb. (1087 kg) - when towing a trailer with brakes.
|
| Engines: | |
|
X-models XT-models |
2.5-liter, all-aluminum, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder, SOHC, 16-valve, with variable valve lift; 173 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 166 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm 2.5-liter, all-aluminum, horizontally opposed, turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve, with variable valve timing; 224 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 226 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy: | |
|
2.5L Non-turbo, Manual: 2.5L Non-turbo, Automatic: 2.5L Turbo, Manual: 2.5L Turbo, Automatic: |
city: 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) hwy: 27 MPG (8.7 L/100km) city: 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) hwy: 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) city: 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) hwy: 25 MPG (9.4 L/100km) city: 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) hwy: 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: | |
|
Non-turbo models: Turbo models: |
Regular 87 Premium 91 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 15.9 US gallons (60 liters)
|
Links
Subaru of America
Subaru Canada
SaferCar.gov - compare crash test ratings.
Fueleconomy.gov - compare fuel economy ratings.
Insurance quotes - compare insurance quotes before buying a car.
Used car history - check used car history records before buying a car.
Subaru Owners (Follow the 'Owners' menu on the top) - Maintenance schedule, car care tips, warranty info and more.
Subaru Forester repair information
If you want to find technical information about you car such as repair manual, check engine codes description, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins (TSB), recalls, etc. follow this link:
Where to find technical information about your car
by Vlad Samarin
