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2005 Subaru Forester consumer reviews

$21,445–$22,245 MSRP range
side view of 2005 Forester Subaru
(39 reviews)
89% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.2
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.3
  • Reliability 4.4
Explore the 2005 Subaru Forester

Best Subaru Ever!

I bought this vehicle brand new for my 50th, and yes, it almost has a personality. I trust my Subaru unconditionally and I plan to drive for many more years.

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
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Comfort at its best!

This vehicle is like a living entity that provides comfort and safety. It was definitely worth the purchase. I plan to own this vehicle for many years to come.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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273,000 miles...so far!

I own a 2005 Subaru forester, LL Bean addition. It has 273,000 miles on it and it runs like it's new! I bought it used and replaced the water pump, timing chain, and gaskets as a preventive measure and it runs like it's a new car. I found that the repairs and parts are very reasonable compared to other cars I've owned. I live in Colorado and the Forester is amazing on snow. I live on a fairly steep Hill and this is the first car can handle it with no problem. It is an ample power, but if you want more power there is always the turbo option. The Forester can handle a surprising amount of cargo when needed, if you put the seats down and the ample headroom allows me to put my dog's crate in the back when needed. I have several friends who are hard core Subaru fans and now I completely understand why!

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 Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
15 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Head gasket issues.

In 2005 Subaru experimented with cellulose for head gasket material. Before any long trips, change it out- any where from $1000 to 2000. Other wise, good car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Best all around car ever.

Bought it new in 2005 and it has exceeded all our expectations. Essentially trouble free and totally reliable. Simply put, it's the best car I’ve ever owned. Classic design, it will never look old!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great Car For The Money

This car met all my needs has plenty of room great commute car excellent on gas and it's just amazing how it handles and rain.

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 Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Beautiful car with many reliable miles left in it.

This car is very roomy but compact in size. Very comfortable with leather seating, automatic transmission and all wheel drive. Quite sure-footed and comfortable to drive. Also, averages 25+ mpg. Economical to purchase and operate.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Just bought it with 120k miles

This is the perfect commuter car for back and forth to work ! It’s really good on gas and just enough room for my dogs and I.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Head Gaskets

One comment on here complained about head gasket problems. Torque the heads every 50,000 to 60,000 miles and you will not have a head gasket problem.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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A great car with a problem.

A head gasket problem. Motors shouldn't need head gaskets for at least 250,000 miles. Subaru gave us a new engine design in 1999 and for the next 12 years various models in their line-up had head gasket issues. They never truly accepted the problem as their fault so owners had to foot the $2000+ bill themselves. Other than this huge issue, the car was always solid and dependable. With good tires, it could go anywhere. But head gaskets at 130,000 miles left a very bad taste in my mouth and I switched to Honda. If you find this car for sale, find out if the head gaskets have been replaced. If so, you've found a great car. If not, buyer beware!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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