2013 Subaru Forester

Rating from sb222

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

"This is just for informational purposes. The 2013 may turn out to be a reliable vehicle. However to the person who wrote why would anyone buy anything else I suggest you do a search on "Subaru Head Gasket Problem". Even Consumer Reports (who love Subaru) finally admitted in the April edition that '03-07 Subaru's have a high incidence of failure. This was supposed to have been corrected after 2002 but as the cars keep aging the goal posts keep moving. A Subaru technician told me it is inherent in the design. Subaru came out with a "conditioner" that you add to the anti-freeze that is supposed to prolong the life of the gaskets. If I were being cynical I would say that Subaru made this a mandatory requirement so that the gaskets would just squeak over 100,000 miles at which point a Subaru of America rep will tell you that "we think at some point the customer needs to take possession of their car". Guess who a rep said that too. The first failure I experienced was right at 60,000 miles when the transmission pan started leaking. At 65,000 miles the crank seal started leaking oil. That seal is in the engine and took 4 hours of labor to replace. At 90,000 miles the valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals had to be replaced. Now? Guess what needs replacing at costs approaching $2000. This is an '04, by the way. Subaru has introduced a redesigned boxer engine in this car. It has separate cooling passages for the block and heads which is supposed to help address the head gasket issue. Time will tell. A word to the wise. I just don't know how many competitive brands need major engine work at 100,000 miles and I am including the domestic brands. Anyhow, it is worth doing the search. Good Luck!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Chris

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

"Woohoo love Subaru! Love the way it looks and drives, Backup camera is awesome. Still need to figure out ally features but still love it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from WW.902

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

"I traded-in my 2004 Chevrolet Venture LS+ Ext that I had owned over 8-years; I no longer had dependent children or teens to transport to school and youth sports. I set out to check compact SUVs and I chose a Subaru Forester Premium. Why Subaru Forester? I liked the all-wheel drive system, BOXER engine, rear storage, overall performance, and Subaru reputation. The "extras" I chose did not break my budget. The sunroof is huge. The 2013 Subaru Forester is a value-packed SUV. I like the zip I get from the BOXER engine when I step on the gas. Although I am thrilled with my Subaru Forester, it is not perfect. Little issues with interior, like no front-seat arm-rests I miss and shall learn to do without. For the overall value, the 2013 Subaru Forester was for me."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Subaru Convert

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

"I recently switched from driving a Volvo S40 to a Subaru Forrester after relocating from southern California to Connecticut. I was looking for an all wheel drive vehicle that offered a lot of features for your money. I chose the Forrester because of the highly rated all wheel drive system, the cargo space compared to competition and the sunroof, leather and backup camera that I got without put too much extra into the car. I would recommend it if you're looking for a reasonably priced compact SUV and if you live somewhere cold. If you're in CT I had a good experience with Jay at Mitchell Subaru."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Outdoor sports (hiking, cycling, etc.)

Rating from SubaruHondaToyota_only

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

"I know the 4-speed AT sucks but the wife uses the AW for just three things:P, D, R. So there is no point of waiting for CVD in 2014 model that is going to be appeared in May 2013. Some dealers offer the car at below invoice for inventory reduction. Other than AT, slightly low gas mileage, and 0-60 accelaration (non-turo), the car is pretty good. Some people don't like the interors well you can get a limited edition with leather and GPS as long as you are willing to pay for this implement with an additional $2k... I am happy with the car and so is the wife."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Skinner

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

"Just bought our new Forester and I could not be more pleased. This is a great all around SUV and suits every one of my needs and then some. The room in this vehicle is awesome, from the people room to cargo hold there is no lack of space. I am not a small guy (6'2" 250+) and I have loads of room in both front and back seats. I traded in a 08 Suxuki SX4 AWD that I loved, but so far the Forester is better in every way. As far as value, I went with the premium with the 5 speed manual to stay in the mid-low 20s and still have a lot of the features to make it livable. This is the one of the only vehicles in its class you can still get a manual with, mind you. Haven't had it long so I can't speak to reliability yet. Gas milage has been right on par and I expect it'll go up as I break it in. The ground clearance and AWD make it perfect for a Wyoming outdoorsman like myself. The traction this thing has is outstanding, it plows through 10" drifts, no problem. After this Forester, I'm sold on Subaru for life."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from New Subaru Fan

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

"We recently have been looking for a family vehicle, and had kept an open mind about all brands. We had looked at the Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, VW Tiguan, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav and Highlander. The Subaru was hands down the best auto for the money - the sunroof is huge, the performance and sportiness is that of the VW, the reliability is great, and the size and comfort is perfect. For the cost, the performance, and the symmetrical all wheel drive (safest vehicle on the road, beat Volvo) I do not know why anyone would buy any other car brand. Subaru we love you! Keep up the great craftsmanship. Can't wait to go back and get myself a Legacy."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from Vegan Lady

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

"I sat in many SUVs before I bought one, and the Forester has THE BEST VISIBILITY by far !! As the driver, you can glance to the right and back and see other cars, people, and obstacles really well. It's due to the shape of the rear side and back windows AND the fact that the glass is untinted. I hate both backing up and changing lanes, and the Forester makes both much easier. I'm delighted with this car !!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Duch

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

"This is my third Subaru and I'm loving it. Have received countless compliments on the exterior style and color (Sage Green)."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Grover

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

"If you decide to buy this car then you had better spring for the leather seats. I'm waiting to have the third seat cover on my driver's side installed and the car is only 7 months old! The passenger seat is showing the same problem which is the thread frays along the seam in the middle of the seat. Thus far they have covered it under warranty but what happens after that will remain to be seen."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around