Overrated
Clutch needed replacing.
CD player only works intermittently.
I live in the tropics and the car handles the road very well in the wet.
The rear door is very heavy to close.
Too many things compartments that are of no use.
Long distance travel becomes uncomfortable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 15th February, 2004
Very disappointed in the reliability!
The service engine light has gone on 7 times and each time it was taken in.
It was not fixed until I contacted Subaru directly.
The EMC was sent out to Subaru to be reprogrammed.
Parts already needing to be replaced have been numerous - rear brakes, oxygen sensor (twice), battery and clutch.
Most recently it will not start in cold weather.
There appears to be no end in sight.
We are still trying to get the problems corrected.
Love the heated seats, sunroof and heated mirrors.
Very disappointed in the unreliability.
Did a lot of research before buying.
Reliability was my first concern.
Did not expect to spend so much time at the dealership while I'm still paying and under warranty.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th January, 2004
A mega-dud. The beauty of No wheel drive
This vehicle has only 18000 miles on it and it is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever seen. The Crank malfunctioned at 17,900.
The timing system malfunctioned at 18,100.
The entire engine control system failed at 18,100.
This vehicle is dangerous. Three times the drive train has failed (leaving my wife with no power in rush hour traffic.) The Subaru people have a lot of pictures of Subarus in the forest; it must be because that's where their owners push them. You did read correctly, this car cannot take my wife or daughter on their 5 mile commute to school each day after only 18,000 miles.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 14th May, 2003
It sounds like you were sold a lemon. What has been done at this point? Are you fixing the repairs? Have you traded it in..?
Your Forester must be a lemon because my wife and I have a 2002 with 75,000 miles and no problems at all.
Of course, if you're having problems at 18,000 miles, the warranty should cover everything including a new car if necessary.
Close to perfect
The six-disk CD changer would not eject CD after first use. Dealer ordered new one and replaced under warranty. Dealer said they'd seen this problem before.
I became a Subaru buff with the purchase of my 99 Legacy L sedan. Having previously owned Toyotas, I quickly came to appreciate the security and handling of all-wheel-drive.
So when I needed a car with a more flexible interior, I stayed with Subaru and bought the Forester. I've not regretted that decision.
Other than the somewhat higher seating position, you feel like you are driving a car. Unlike the unwieldy, gas-guzzling truck-based SUV, the Forester is a pleasure to drive. It combines comforts such as cruise control and heated seats with mechanical features like the viscous limited-slip differential - all standard equipment on the S model.
I also like the non-Rambo image of the Forester and Subaru's emphasis on respect for the environment.
No car is perfect, but for me, this one comes close.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th October, 2002
I have just purchased a 03 Forester Turbo, I live in England, Somerset to be exact, in a rural place. I have only owned the car for a few days, but am totally in love with it. It provides good space, and a invigorating driving experience. The quality is very good and it is the only car I have owned that has provision for connecting a towbar to the electrical system as standard. The only criticism I have is the positioning of the radio, down low, and the tiny buttons to control it.
Andy
Great car, crappy agent
The car performs beautifully, road holding is superb. Able to take corners at fairly high speeds without even hearing the tyres screech.
The BIG LET DOWN, was the service from Motor Image Singapore (part of TanChong). After taking your money, all your problems, please refer to the salesman.
Car was delivered with leather seats, but they obviously used the left overs and all the seats had a different shade. Motor Image did not even get any management staff to help, but threw everything to the salesman to do. But unfortunately, the leather shop was really not bothered about entertaining the salesman. Had to personally deal with Motor Image supplier, caused me 3 days, but no results. After more than 1 month, the problem is still not solved.
On top of that, there were lots of broken clips and missing screws, ALL FROM THE LOCALLY INSTALLED EQUIPMENT like IU, AIRCON, SEATS.
IF only parallel imports were able to get this car.
Great car, but destroyed by poor local dealer Motor Image, with poor service and poor workmanship on local kits.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd April, 2002
31st Jan 2004, 06:43
We are having the same problem with our 2003 Forester: it does not start well in cold weather. Recently, it takes nearly 10 attempts before starting, whereupon it will stall and need to be restarted. When the car starts, black smoke emits from the tailpipe.
The first time we returned it to the dealer the EMC was reprogrammed. The second time the dealer could find nothing wrong and said it was normal. Has your problem been resolved yet? Any suggestions concerning measures the dealer can take? We're concerned because of the wear on the starter and future reliability.