2009 Subaru Forester

Rating from Get around town guy

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"We bought the car in the middle of May and did try other similar type of vehicles. Honda CrV, Toyota Rav4, Scion Xb. We did like the Scion Xb, it had alot of room and the ride was good. The down side is the blind spot and the darkness of the cabin. The CrV was a nice car and the ride was nice but again the blind spot and getting in and out of the back seat was below ave at best. With 2 boys 6ft and above that was a major factor. The Toyota Rav4 was nice and alot of room in the car, but it rode like a truck and also it was a little troublesome getting in and out of the back seat. Also the rear door opening the way it does not have a positive attribute for me. The Subaru Forester had all the qualities of car like ride with a SUV look. It has great safety options, a good dash layout and is easy to get in and out of with the rear seats. Having heated seats and not having to upgrade to leather was a plus, The heating and A/C works well and that the visibility all around is fantastic. In city driving we are getting around 22mpg. Have taking it out on the xpressway and the ride and acceleration is fine. The big windows and massive moon roof just add to the overall beauty to the Forester."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Long time Saab Owner

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I have an XT with leather bought at the end of '08 for my wife. So far, so good. I have read the reports here and elsewhere of the imploding Turbo engines. My dealer's service manager has told me that this was indeed a problem with some of the early VIN Foresters. He has told me this has been remedied. I sure hope so. The turbo is smooth, quiet, and powerful. Mine is not getting very good milage, about 15.5 in very short distance city driving, but we'll see what happens when it gets some more miles plus a highway trip. The interior is wonderful for four, a pinch for five. Areas for improvement: the passenger seat sits too low and has no height adjustment; the sound system needs more power though it sounds fine; how about a manual transmission? And get the diesel here so I won't have to apologize for the fuel milage. Summary: I really like this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Chubasco

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Model: 2009 Subaru Forester XT Limited w/o Navigation. Silver Spark Metallic, Leather. -------------------------- After suffering through 40 snow events in Chicago last winter, I decided that, while I loved my BMW sedan, I would not go through another winter without an AWD vehicle. I looked at and test drove AWD BMWs including the sedans, X5 and X3. I expanded to other brands, including Ford, Infiniti, Acura, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Audi. I had been trying to decide between a sedan (the Infiniti M35X) and an SUV (BMW X3) when an old tree-hugging friend recommended that I look at the new Forester. Indeed, that was the last vehicle that I test drove (an XT Limited). I was pleasantly surprised by not only the performance, but the comfort, convenience and utility. I actually delayed my decision for a month, and took it out for a second test drive. I was sold and ordered one that very day. I have had the vehicle for 5 months and have been delighted with its performance in the snowy and icy conditions that have plagued Chicago. In the better weather since the winter, it has been a delight to drive: comfortable, quiet, fast, nimble and very spacious. The fact that it was five figures less expensive that my other choices still astounds me."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from gmvgmvgmv

(2)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Handling:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"In over 35 years of driving stick, this is THE WORST vehicle I've ever owned. The drive by wire throttle control is erratic, holds on to high RPM, and is completely unpredictable when using driveline braking, a feature one buys a 5spd for. In addition, the body roll is frightening, and the handling "squirrely." Without a doubt, the worst vehicle I've every possessed."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from rocky mountain driver

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"We love this car so far, had it about a year. bought it brand new. We have one baby and it works well, his car seat is in the middle and there is room for two adults on either side. Plenty of room for his stroller and you can still fit a ton of grocery bags in the back. We camp and can fit quit a bit but with a baby, we can't fit it all in the back for camping so perfect for running around with kids etc...but if you have more than one kid and do lots of outdoor activities, might want a bigger car. It handles well in the mountains, we have the turbo though which is incredibly fast and we have been getting 24.5 in the city. Also handles well in the snow of Colorado. Only concern is around curves on highways and such, it feels like it skips on the pavement."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from stina

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I'll just list the very minor gripes to provide info. all the good stuff said before is true. The way the steering wheel is configured, it doesn't allow you to rest your palm on the inside bottom of the wheel, my usual steering habit; the passenger airbag light is high up on the dash area right next to the the mileage and time info. and it is a bright yellow and never goes off, I put black electrical tape on top and now you can't see it and can't see the tape; the acceleration is a bit delayed and the AC/heating system doesn't kick in until you've been driving for about 3-5 minutes. I'm getting 21 mpg city and freeway, not very good. The stereo sound system is mediocre. These are very minor things, except mpg which I'll ask the dealer service people about on my first visit coming up; otherwise I do love it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from John in Denver

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I was a loyal Chevy driver, but decided to compare the Subaru to the Equinox. No contest: The Subaru made the Chevy feel like a tank. Basically, this is a well built AWD for very little money. I'm getting 24 mpg in the city. The AWD is great for snow days; the turning radius is great; the All-Weather package is only $400 and includes heated seats, outside mirror defrosters, and windshield wiper de-icers (I'm not talking about the defroster). This is a lot of vehicle for the money. I'm very impressed with my first import vehicle. The interior and exterior are great."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from happy buyer

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"we bought this car because well we needed one. Weve been looking at subarus from a distance but never really drove one. We got in the forester and fell in love. the seats are smooth and soft (leather) and the backseat is plenty big. the cargo area is smaller than our van but we knew that going into the car. the controls are simple and easy to read and the light combination is nice. millage is great at 33.3 highway and 24.7 in the city. the ride is nice and complient, road noise is low too. very quite enjoyable car. since the car has a low center of gravity its a very good handler. we have almost 4000 miles on it now and plan to keep it running untill 200,000 (weve had no problems)"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from dont buy xt

(2)
Comfort:		2 out of 5
Performance:		2 out of 5
Handling:		2 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		2 out of 5
Interior Design:		2 out of 5
Features:		2 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I have had 09 Forester XT 4at-s since June of 08. The car currently has 9610 miles on it. Unfortunately, at 9610 miles [Thanksgiving night on a remote road with 3month old & 3 yr old in car-in a snow storm] the car ground to a halt. Literally, the car ground to a halt with noises just like having all of your silverware in the disposal. The check engine light came and literally 10 seconds later the car was dead. Would not turn over..nothing. Subaru road side service came in about an hour and a half; and dropped the car off at a local dealer. Today, I found out that the engine has seized and it needs a new engine. The car was not driven hard and it has had all the recommended maintenance done at a Subaru dealership. I dont get it. I felt like I did all the research prior to getting this car. It was good on paper with the right mix of safety, gas mileage, performance ,cost etc. All I can do at this point is spread the word to NOT buy this car. It has been a very disappointing experience and I hope no one else has to endure what I'm going through now with Subaru of America. I think I'm stuck with a Lemon. Dont believe all the good reviews. I'm sure that Subaru didnt send the kind of car I got to someone who does car reviews."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from summy

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Just got my first new car 09 Forester 2.5x. In general, great, large inside and pretty outside, but 17MPG in town so far, and there is 85 miles on the car, maybe it will be better for gas efficiency later on. Hope so!!!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting