Skip to main content

2018 Subaru Forester consumer reviews

$22,795–$23,795 MSRP range
side view of 2018 Forester Subaru
(514 reviews)
94% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 2018 Subaru Forester
Shop the 2018 Subaru Forester

Smooth, well-designed, sharp looking, great acceso

Just what I was looking for at an excellent value. This car has it all. It moves well, handles smoothly, has excellent safety features and looks great. I am very happy to be driving it

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

So happy!

The amount of visibility I have in the Forrester is the main reason I bought it! Super comfortable and roomy front and back seats. Perfect amount of trunk space and all the back seats fold down.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Better Than Expected

This is our first Subaru, and so far it is better than expected in ride comfort, quietness of the cabin at speed, seating room, and fuel economy. The 2.5 with six speed manual shifts smoothly and offers enough power for everyday driving, and has so far exceeded the rated fuel economy. The controls for the base model are simple and intuitive, the visibility is great, and the base sound system is excellent. Up here in the mountains, it holds the road well, although there is some expected (for the class) chassis lean if you push it. The all wheel drive and ground clearance will come in handy on the Forest Service roads we like to explore. Subaru's reputation for durability was a selling point for us, as it is replacing a 16 year old Mazda that has served us very well. We tend to hold on to things that work well, and have high hopes for a lengthy service life.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

I love my car!

I have my 2013 Honda Pilot and I have my 2018 Subaru Forrester. When I want to drive away on vacation on a long drive on good roads, I will drive my Pilot. When I am driving in the mountains in bad weather in January, February and March, I will be very happy to be driving my Forrester. Driving through the snow is not a problem whatsoever. Good gas mileage, very confident driving in bad weather conditions, very reliable car. Excellent value for the money. My only criticism is that the technology of the sound system and radio is counterintuitive. Not thrilled with that, but I am willing to overlook that since I love everything else about the car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

New to Subaru still checking it out

My wife and I are very satisfied with this car it's a thrill to drive. Can't wait to take it on a vacation to Wyoming. I think we're going to like this car a lot. We were not pleased with what they gave us for the Nissan Altima so I think this car will make up for this when we trade it in.Looking forward to many miles of Comfortable safe driving. George Gruber

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

first one i own

My wife likes it, I think the steering can be improved, seems to wobble. vehical seems top heavy, sways, seems like it could upset, jerkey turning

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Best car to date

I think it's one of the best cars, especially for where I live. When it was snowing heavily, I didn't have to think twice about getting to work safely. It's very responsive, feels comfortable for long distance driving, and it loves going uphill especially and going over bumps and potholes effortlessly while driving in the city. This is my first Subaru, and I am sold.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Excellent small SUV

The Forester is replacing a Crostrek that we really like. The extra room is wonderful and the amenities on the Forester are great. I look forward to keeping and using this car for a long time to come.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I did my research with Consumer Reports before deciding on the Forester. It's everything and more of what I wanted. I chose the Eyesight safety features and it's well worth it, being an aging driver. Also, no need to lift one's leg so high to get in and out.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Love Subaru. I won't ever buy anything but a Subar

Love all it's features including the all wheel drive and how it handles in WI winter weather. The extra room for traveling is a plus!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No