2009 Subaru Forester consumer reviews

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.

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.

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.

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'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 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.

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 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.

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 purchased my 2009 Forester (Limited with auto trans) a few weeks ago after 10 great years driving my 1998 Forester (209,000 mi and still in my driveway). After driving the 2009 Forester on an 800 mi road trip from MA to PA during Columbus Day weekend, I can now give a proper review. The 2009 Forester is a "solid" machine with firm responsive controls. I was able to power it though turns, exit ramps, etc., and was surprised how it hugged the curves with very little lean. The brakes are excellent as is the suspension with good road feel. Mileage was surprising at 27 mpg during the 800 mi trip (averaged highway speed at about 75 mph). Interior controls are logical and simple to use. The sound system (6-cd changer w/6 speakers) is adequate but I plan to upgrade the 4 door speakers with something aftermarket. The driver's seat (10-way electric adjustable) is extremely adjustable. I set the seat for highway cruising and it was like I was driving down the road on my couch. Another nice feature is that the seat moves quickly...you don't feel like your waiting for the seat to get to the right position. The moon roof is so big that everyone who sits in my car says, "That's a big moon roof." It is great for back seat passengers. Regarding the back seat, it's comfort is excellent with large middle armrest with foldout cupholders. Acceleration is the only downside for this vehicle but I did not want to go to the turbo model (premium fuel only). Plan your merges accordingly and use the Sport shift when needed. The rear cargo area is larger than the 1998 model (overall car is about 4 inches wider, higher, and longer than 1998 model). Even the hood underwent a makeover by the addition of struts which open the hood and hold it open (no more prop rod). I can't wait for snow to test its all-wheel drive. My 1998 Forester is excellent in snow (have driven up 20 degree driveway in a foot of snow) so I expect the 2009 version to be as good or better. The new version has VDC which can be turned off to aid in getting out of slippery places. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my new 2009 Forester.