Faults:

The particulate filter clogs easily.

Failed particulate filter regeneration cycles can cause unburnt diesel to drain into the crankcase, diluting the oil and raising its level dangerously.

Premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel and clutch disc, especially when towing or maneuvering on a slope.

Creaking and slight vibrations in the door panels and dashboard trim.

Clutch broke at approximately 130,000 kilometers.

General Comments:

In addition to the spacious interior, the best things about this car are its excellent driving dynamics and the very high quality of its materials.

In terms of driving dynamics, the steering is light and precise, making low-speed maneuvers easy, though a bit more resistance at the wheel would inspire even greater confidence when cornering.

The Forester’s wagon-style body and low center of gravity, thanks to its low-profile boxer engine, deliver agility and stability on both wet and dry surfaces, whether on asphalt or gravel. Suspension modifications (including the addition of rebound springs and a thicker stabilizer bar) have firmed up the ride, yet without compromising its ability to soak up bumps or handle those sudden potholes that appear out of nowhere, often unseen until it is too late. The tires' relatively tall profile also plays a role in this.

Dominated by the three central heating and air-conditioning dials, the dashboard features soft-touch plastics with an excellent finish; however, the doors use hard, rough plastic that detracts from what is otherwise an impressive improvement in quality.

There are plenty of handy little cubbies for bottles, phones, and wallets. It may not be what you would call a luxurious or opulent space, but given its role as a family car, its practical, robust, and functional finish is likely just right.

Another positive aspect of the car is safety. I feel very secure driving it with my family; I would say it is a pleasure. It features seven airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as a driver's knee airbag. Furthermore, thanks to an ingenious innovation, the passenger airbag incorporates a slot that reduces neck pressure in the event of an accident.

A final word on the engine: the 2.0 turbodiesel is very economical, averaging just over 6 liters per 100 km—impressive for a heavy vehicle like the Forester. Aside from the particulate filter, it gave me no trouble at all, and I’d say it’s quite quiet (except at startup, though only slightly).

I have to be honest and say that I wasn't very excited about this car, but over the years I realized I was completely wrong. It is a very good vehicle, and I recommend it to anyone with a family of five or more members.

Faults:

02/21/2020 - both rear coil springs broke/snapped. One did so while the vehicle was sitting in our garage. Subaru issues a recall for this and similar vehicles, as the suspension coil springs appear to be breaking on at least two models. The remnants of the coil spring showed a lot of rust, but manufacturing defects may have been a causal factor.

So far, the coil springs have been the only thing that has gone wrong with the vehicle.

General Comments:

So far the Forester - our first Subaru ever - has been a great little vehicle. It performs well off the line, but lacks a little passing power. It is roomy and comfortable with tons of headroom and great visibility. Once we replaced the stock light-truck tires with grand touring all seasons, the ride was much improved.

Our model (used) came with the Eyesight system, which I think is terrific, especially if you are an aging driver, or are easily distracted by the kids you are hauling around to various activities :-)

The all wheel drive system is truly awesome, but we mainly use it on roads and highways, and only notice the difference during moderate to heavy snowfalls. We really have not tested its light-duty off road capabilities yet.

Except for the somewhat surprising suspension problem mentioned above, it has been a great vehicle. It has a reputation of being a vehicle that can keep running for 200,000 miles, so we will likely aim for that goal. Our experience with Subaru has been top-notch, and they have been very easy to work with regarding the suspension recall.