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Subaru Forester

I wish they'd brought the 2.0D over. That's one sick vehicle and being able to tow 4400# is awesome! If they made a TDi version I'd instantly be sold.

That said, I'm looking to pick up a Forester XT or a Impreza Wagon WRX for my next DD. Probably gonna wait a year for the funds and to sell my civic.
 
I looked at consumer reports and saw 65/100 other reviews give the 2011 model only 6 or 8 . I am a bit worried about the fuel economy if it is as advertised and the reliability. I just can't find anything about long term from Subaru.
Which model do you think is best?
 
The new ones don't ride like the older ones. They're much more "tank" like. We have a 2003 model and my aunt's friend has a 2010. The 2010 Forester is a bit taller and wider and is more SUV like than the older ones. If you're looking more for a wagon than SUV the Outback is the way to go, but it's more expensive. With that said, they did switch over to timing chains on the new engines which is sooooooo much better of a setup than timing belts.


As far as reliability, we bought our 03 used with 143000 miles on it. So far we've replaced the rear wiper motor, liftgate handle & the auto transmission oil cooler lines with the rear wheel bearing up next. Looking through the service history provided by the previous owner the biggest repair they had to do outside of routine maintenance was a new starter. The older Foresters do like to eat wheel bearings, not sure on the new ones. However, provided you take care of the car you shouldn't have any issues.
 
I had one for a rental in Hawaii. It was a 2011 low end model. It handled fine and had decent power. The engine was loud, but expected from an SUV. The interior felt really cheap and the styling was like an old car, but this is probably due to being a low end trim. The fuel efficiency was pretty good considering all the city driving I was doing. For some odd reason the auto transmission would never go past 4th gear even after going 60+.
 
acrosome said:
For some odd reason the auto transmission would never go past 4th gear even after going 60+.
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That would be because 4th is the highest gear available in the automatic. Manual foresters have a five-speed, but the automatic is still the 4EAT.
 
I love Subarus, but I would skip it if you are going the auto route. It still has an antiquated four-speed, and resulting poor fuel economy.

The Outback CVT is great, and the upcoming 36mpg Impreza will likely be fantastic.
 
I took it for a spin and I have to say it handles like crap looks like something from the 90's fuel economy is garbage. All the cars had terrible paint finish orange peel galore. I walked away not being very impressed.
 
OlafSicky said:
I took it for a spin and I have to say it handles like crap looks like something from the 90's fuel economy is garbage. All the cars had terrible paint finish orange peel galore. I walked away not being very impressed.
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Get an older one. With a turbo.

Then put a bigger turbo in it.

:awe:
 
Personally I think Subarus are over-rated and the Forrester is the most over-rated model out of the bunch. I seem to be the only one who feels that way though so my opinion probably isn't valid.
 
I have a 2010. As soon as this lease is over, I'm getting the old bodystyle. I hate the new one and it drives like shit. I am about as loyal a Subaru fan as you'll find, and I used to sell them even. They caved to consumer demand (they think it was good) and now it's just like everything else and has soggy handling.

In general, they are about as safe and reliable a vehicle as you'll find. Keep in mind that people usually go online when they *don't* like a product, and less so when they *do* like one.

If you are concerned about fuel economy, get the Outback instead. The crappy 4 speed auto is crappy. It's better in manual mode, but I still wish I'd gotten a manual tranny and not listened to Sagalore.

Overall, is the new Forester good? Yes. But how good really depends on what you require/expect/want from it.
 
adlep said:
Why the hate?
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jlee said:
'splain please.
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It's an opinion, do I really need to explain? Nothing about Subaru is better than average, reliability, MPG, styling, power, cost, etc. About the only thing Subaru has going for them is the AWD, but it's more of a novelty or a gimmick than anything else in my opinion, most Subaru owners will never drive in a situation where they'll need AWD. Other manufacturers offer AWD, they just don't have the "it's a rally car" image so those models are often dismissed unless you live in a northern state with harsh winters. To top it off, Subaru owners are just one step below Prius owners in smugness. Just one man's opinion, no further explanation.
 
My wife's DD is an '09 Forester with a 5MT. It just ticked over 66K and aside from regular maintenance the only things we've replaced were the rear lift gate, rear glass, rear lights etc. That's what happens when your wife flies out the garage and doesn't look backwards to notice the giant fucking white Fairpoint truck with giant flashing yellow lights.
Anyways she loves the manual tranny. We had to "special order" for her. Refuses to drive an automatic.
Mileage is decent considering it's AWD. And the ride is decent. Great utility car for the $$.
 
kornphlake said:
It's an opinion, do I really need to explain? Nothing about Subaru is better than average, reliability, MPG, styling, power, cost, etc. About the only thing Subaru has going for them is the AWD, but it's more of a novelty or a gimmick than anything else in my opinion, most Subaru owners will never drive in a situation where they'll need AWD. Other manufacturers offer AWD, they just don't have the "it's a rally car" image so those models are often dismissed unless you live in a northern state with harsh winters. To top it off, Subaru owners are just one step below Prius owners in smugness. Just one man's opinion, no further explanation.
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Well, if you think they're overrated, clearly there should be a reason.

I don't have numbers, but I'd venture a guess that the majority of Subaru sales are in snowy regions. AWD is beneficial in snow even if it's not necessary.

Ah, so to finish it off...you don't like Subaru owners, so you dislike the cars? Not exactly fair, now, is it... 😉
 
Subaru Safety and Reliability are above average. And the previous body style Forester I know for a fact has a huge piece of reinforcing at the B pillar such that they need special equipment to cut through there should you need it. It is something specific to the Forester and it was why it had such good side crash test ratings.

AWD is better for more than snow.

You have vague objections which really just comes across as not liking the "stereotypical Subaru person."
 
No, stereotypical subaru owners insist subarus are better for reasons that are vague and come across as fanboys. You even cite reasons the current Forester is inferior, then go on to state it's still a good verhicle.
 
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