2005 Subaru Forester 2.5X SE 2.5 gas

Summary:

Lack of quality control and reliability kill this vehicle

Faults:

The vehicle was delivered with a defective engine. Oil was leaking through a crack on the engine block. Dealer replaced the engine, but now the idling is not very stable. Sometimes the idle RPM would drop too low (around 400) and the vehicle starts to shake. Also now engine has a rattling noise which it didn't have before. Currently trying to replace this with another Forester. We will even try to trade this in for a Honda CRV.

General Comments:

Interior is comfortable and doesn't look cheap

2.5L non-turbo engine has enough power.

It drives like a car not a SUV.

Special Edition extras moon-roof and heated seats are nice to have.

Engine problem masks all possible good points.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th April, 2005

2005 Subaru Forester XS 2.5L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Definitely worth a close look if you're interested in this class of vehicle

Faults:

Nothing so far, but still very new.

General Comments:

I drove everything comparable and researched thoroughly and this vehicle was by far the best choice for me.

I recently moved to Cleveland area and my rear wheel drive Mercedes even with traction, was a bit scary at times last winter on my 25 mile commute. The AWD Subie should be far better. I'm almost looking forward to snow to see how it does.

Mileage so far has been about 30 mpg on the highway, which is mostly what I do. It uses regular fuel which the MB needed premium, as does the Turbo Forester XT.

Handling is excellent for an SUV. No tippy feel at all. I ended up hanging upside down in my overturned Explorer a few years ago (not my fault) and I don't want that to happen again.

Handles and rides almost as well as by MB and the 165 HP is plenty adequate.

Space is very good for a small SUV for both passengers and cargo.

I went with L.L. Bean package to get leather, sunroof (huge) and a couple of other features, but I mostly just liked the look better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2004

14th Dec 2004, 12:22

Just to follow-up on this report...

I now have about 6,800 miles on my Forester and it is going very well.

In my first report, I had not driven it in snow yet. That changed last night.

We received about 10 inches of snow yesterday and overnight and the vehicle was terrific. I had about a 25 mile commute on the interstate and fairly hilly back roads and never felt out of control. The only problem was dodging other vehicles that were stuck.