2009 Subaru Forester X Premium 2.5 gas

Summary:

Think twice before you buy it. Go with the Outback, maybe it's better

Faults:

Power steering leak at the joints at 5000 miles. Dealer replaced under warranty. They said part was rejected.

Rear seat latch.

Rear door lock, won't lock it

General Comments:

I'm 6'3". The seats are really uncomfortable, they are short upper and lower section. Made for smaller people.

The car is rattles a lot. It's really annoying. Rear seat, sunroof cover, side doors, dash board where windshield meets, sun glass area, glove box rattles. I've been at the dealer several times. They can't do anything about it. They did change the rear seat latch once, but the rattles are still there.

I want to love this car because of the handling, the size, the look, the performance are great. But I've had enough. I did removed the door panels not once to fix the rattles. But come on, it's a new car with very cheap quality. I would never buy this car again.

This is my second Subaru, the first one was better; 2005 Outback.

The sound system is horrible, better you turn it off. The speakers are cheap paper quality; of course made in China. It's a shame.

The aux input isn't better; if I leave the cable connected and I turn on the headlight, the radio unit starts to make a noise, like a contact error.

This is not what I expected from this car. Too many little problems.

Now I'm trying to get rid of it and get another Toyota or Mercedes wagon. I owned both before, and never had a problem like this.

The Subi drives great on snow, great easy off road vehicle. Good gas mileage 19-29mpg

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th March, 2010

22nd May 2010, 12:53

You're absolutely right. This car is cheap, cheap, cheap. Poor build quality. I'd never buy another and never recommend one. Shame on Subaru.

3rd Oct 2010, 11:40

I am forced to agree with many of your comments. My father has owned Subarus since the 80's, and his current Subaru, a 2009 Forester, seems almost like a step back in quality from his previous vehicle (a 2003 Forester, which was totaled after getting rear ended at a stoplight). Lots of cheap trim and hard plastics inside that are not wearing well, fewer storage spaces, and the leather is falling apart. And then there are the rattles... sigh.

Mechanically however, it was doing fine, but just the other day, the transmission has started to act up with a harsh 2-1 shift/lurch when coming to a complete stop... Made a call to the dealer for an appointment tomorrow, and was told that his Forester is going to be stuck with them for a while (eg. waiting for new transmission, if so diagnosed), and I would have to rent a car for the interim, because Subaru Canada no longer offers free loaners for warranty work. Fail.

In reply to 3rd Oct 2010, 11:40

8th Apr 2016, 03:52

Foresters are made in Japan. Legacy & Outbacks... All of them... are American made.

Outbacks have 87% American content & are 100% American made (!).

And: Guess which is better?

I have 5 Subarus. All but the SVX have needed a head gasket job. It doesn't bother me a bit... because... once fixed... they STAY FIXED.

As of last week: all my Subarus have over 285,000 miles and all are amazingly reliable. I never set out to want to like these cars. But their reliability and how they behave in deep snow changed my mind.

I take 800 mile drives from Tahoe to Scottsdale every other month. Never a problem. Not once. I'm 63 and my wife and I can do the HG job for $325 in parts (and machining each head). And it's finished in 5 hours total. Granted... the first one took twice that long. But it was a short learning curve. It's just not a big deal.

There's nothing better in the snow. I've had Explorers (the V8 is wonderful) and Jeeps... Not bad!

But... The American made Subarus (Outbacks & Legacys are from America with 87% American content) are wonderful machines. Great ride from the Indiana factory.

And best of all:... Once the HGs are fixed, the car stays fixed. In deep snow I totally trust them. And I live where 550-600 inches of total seasonal snowfall is typical.

I also trust my Subarus in 114 degree summer days in AZ... I trust them. Never had a problem. What more can I ask for?

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium 2.5L 4 cylinder

Summary:

An affordable, fun and comfortable car to own and drive

Faults:

Minor rattle occasionally in the area where the moon roof retracts into. This goes away when the roof is retracted and closed again. Will look into it further, but my guess is that it simply a loose clip or something similar.

General Comments:

Subaru finally listened to its customers and has lengthened the Forester to add almost 4 inches of legroom for the back passengers. They maintained the fantastic gas mileage while increasing horsepower and torque slightly. This car is quieter, more comfortable and spacious than previous Forester models. They also lowered the price from last year by nearly $1200 U.S.

Did I mention that it is incredibly smooth and fun to drive?

I owned the 97 Forester when it was first introduced in the U.S. and kept it for 3 years before I had to get rid of it because the leg room in the back was prohibitive for my then 7 year old daughter. Other than that, the 97 Forester, while being a bit homely, was a flawless performer. This included as far as reliability went as well.

When I heard the 2009 would increase the leg room, I immediately went out and drove one. Much to my surprise Subaru completely redesigned the car inside and out, as well as in the suspension, and with changes to the mechanical features also. The back seat has plenty of room for me and my long-legged family to sit in comfort with room to spare before our knees touch the back of the front seats in the fully pushed back position.

They also now allow the back seats to recline 4 inches back (the earlier models' suspension did not allow for this).

The overall size is slightly larger while holding on to it's "car" status (which really helps with insurance costs).

The reliability of the Forester (still built in Japan) has been constantly in the "above average" category and I expect this one to be the same.

I will post more as we put more miles on it, but I am delighted to have the privilege of posting the first review of the 2009 Subaru Forester.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2008

8th Aug 2008, 19:59

Thanks for sharing. I actually just test drove the Forester and I am very interested in it. How many miles per gallon are you getting on your Forester? Thanks.

12th Aug 2008, 23:22

I've got a new Forester and average 27 MPG and can push 30 MPG if I just use cruise control on the freeways. Hope that helps. Keep in mind that I drive conservatively and don't do jack-rabbit starts nor do I go past the speed limits.

9th Dec 2008, 11:39

I am a proud owner of a new 2009 Forrester Limited. I LOVE IT! I searched for a month and test drove a variety of different makes and models. On my way home, I decided to try the Subaru lot. I drove it, loved it, and bought it. I think this is the best car! It has everything. There is comfort, room, luxury, etc. without a huge price tag. I feel you pay for what you get. You might actually get a little more :)

I have only had my car for 4 days, but I love it more everytime I get into it!!!

I would definitely go with a Forrester if you are looking for a compacy SUV with luxury and reliability!

8th Jul 2009, 12:47

I bought a new 09 Subaru Forester. Love it; it handles and drives great, very sporty and the extra room in the back seat is a plus. The car sits higher too.

Still own a 02 with 120000 miles. Never a problem even with some off road abuse; sand dunes, dirt, mountain roads, never a complaint with this car.

Now the 09 3000 miles and the engine ate a rod bushing; the engine is toast, and I babied it as I usually do for the first 10000 miles. I hope the Subaru dealer replaces it properly. I still am very happy with this car and I hope this was just a fluke happening.