2009 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

7 month review

Written by: S on 11/19/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

So I've had my Subie (1st time Subie buyer) for 7 months now and here are my thoughts. Overall, I love the vehicle. It handles very well (haven't had any snow yet to test the all-wheel) and is quite roomy. The only "problem" that I've had thus far is the paint on the plastic in the interior doesn't stick to the plastic. The paint literally wore off of the driver's door handle from my knee resting on it while driving! This occurred only after 3 months of ownership. The dealership immediately ordered a new door handle and handled the issue w/ the utmost professionalism. Problem is, when the car is out of warranty, I'm stuck w/ the problem. The silver paint scratches off very easily.

Favorite Features

Moonroof, handling, great visibility.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage: in summer, with no air and moonroof closed I was getting approx. 27-29 mph. hwy. Turn the heat on and it goes down to 23-24.5 hwy. Fix the paint/plastic problem noted above. For 27K I expect much better quality in this regard. Move heated seat buttons to more accessible area.

11 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Best compact SUV available for the price

Written by: accupolka on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/All Weather, Premium Pkg, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We chose the 2009 Subaru Forester over the 2008 Honda CRV in that I like the exterior design better, especially enjoying the large rear windows. During test drives, the Forester has good acceleration, whereas the Honda CRV struggled to get up to speed. The CRV has a slightly better interior with upgraded cloth seats in the EX model. I don't like the fact that you need to buy Subaru accessories separately after purchasing the vehicle. But, overall, the Subaru won me over.

Favorite Features

Excellent MPG with adequate power 2) excellent visibility (large rear windows) 3) pleasing interior design 4) ample headroom and rear seating space 5) tight turning radius and fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Center console has somewhat cheap plastic knobs 2) Radio and heater illuminates with red lights that should be reserved for alarms 3) Rear cloth bench seats are uncomfortable during long trips (needs more cushioning).

22 out 23 people found this review helpful

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Transmission Problems

Written by: Smitty on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I had less than 8,000 miles on my forester, and had noticed a whining noise. Took it to dealership and they tore down diff. and replaced bearings. Still made the noise. Took it back and they tore diff down again, and replaced pinion bearing. Still made noise. They FINALLY put new transmission in. Hopefully this is just an isolated incident. First Subaru I've ever owned and feeling nervous if this is what's to come later after warrantee expires. I didn't lease this vehicle either. Other than this problem, I've no problem with its handling and performance. While forester was in the shop (approx 4 weeks total between repairs) I had an Outback for a loaner and fell in love with that too.

Favorite Features

Handling, huge moonroof, too early yet to tell for winter driving.

Suggested Improvements

Give automatic trans. a 5 speed.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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A good purchase overall

Written by: Blackjack72 on 10/28/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/All Weather, Premium Pkg, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Overall, I like this car. I considered buying a Forester a few years ago, but I couldn't get over the wagon-type exterior and small back seat. The 2009 Forester looks better and is bigger inside. I have almost 3,000 miles now and I enjoy the ride and the interior and exterior styling. I definitely love the moonroof. I am 6'4" and I have enough room in the driver's and rear seat. The major concern I have is the weak stereo. You have to turn the volume at least halfway to hear it, and even higher when listening to the iPod. I haven't encountered any snow yet here in New England, but if this car is as good as my previous Legacy, I'll be happy. Mileage is good for an AWD vehicle.

Favorite Features

Moonroof, room inside, exterior and interior styling.

Suggested Improvements

A more powerful stereo and slightly better gas mileage.

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My subi review

Written by: donaldb on 10/24/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC, Nav (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

Wife and I bought the 09 XT LTD w/navi. about a month ago. So far we are extremely pleased. Only a little frustrated with the dimming of the navi system while underway. I don't like someone else deciding what tasks I can perform safely and those I can't. Other than the navi dimming, we are both very pleased with our new Forester and only 2 weeks after we bought it is when Motor Trend named it their sport utility of the year against some of the stiffest competition on the market. We drank the kool aid... and became Subaru owners... come join us. Build quality seems excellent, owner satisfaction is ranked well, safety and comfort is A-1, if you like the looks then jump in.

Favorite Features

Symmetrical AWD and the turbo is an absolute blast. High ground clearance, tremendous cargo space, fun to drive and excellent safety rating. We are loving this subie.

Suggested Improvements

Do away with the navi dimming feature.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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09 Forester

Written by: Brian on 10/15/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC, Nav (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I really like the looks, utility and AWD nature of this vehicle, although I'm disappointed with some key issues I've had with rattles which started popping up a few weeks after purchase. Don't buy the iPod adapter, not worth the $$$.

Favorite Features

Interior is nicely done... love the size of the moonroof!

Suggested Improvements

I've had several rattles that have been utterly annoying (front right door, headliner, moonroof, cargo cover and rear hatch). The front right door is a problem and has stumped my dealer. Radio is weak, body panels/paint are thin.

26 out 30 people found this review helpful

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Sounds like percussion section

Written by: JW in ETx on 10/13/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/Premium Pkg,VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car after extensive research and what a thrill to have after almost 10 years. Everything was great for about 450 miles when back end started rattling. Dealer had it 5 days and couldn’t fix it or trade, Subaru wouldn’t cover it because it’s a “normal condition” of this vehicle but thanked me for bringing it to their attention so that "even though this is of no comfort to you," others may not have to experience the same defects. At 6K miles began rattling in back end, right front door, glove compartment, dashboard, in the roof. Mileage at 18/23 is also disappointing and at now having power steering problems. It’s now on the market, live and learn! Wipers work great

Favorite Features

Performs great in sand, mud, ruts, etc., but since everything inside rattles, it's no fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

Build it right! Needs quality workmanship to ensure that not everything inside rattles and power steering works beyond 6k miles

17 out 21 people found this review helpful

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Extremely Disappointed

Written by: MikeS on 10/05/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4dr SUV AWD w/All Weather, Premium Pkg, VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I don't know about any of you but this vehicle is a rattle trap. Drove off lot with 11 miles and was already rattling from multiple locations. My wife wishes she had her 05 Forester back. Love the exterior styling of this vehicle and like the ride, however they really skimped with quality of interior trim. Cannot get past the rattles & vibration. Vehicle has 415 miles and dealer fixed most rattles except the hatch vibration over bumps. I cannot live with spending $26k for a Forester that rattles. Luckily the dealership is allowing me to return it for 100% refund and get an Outback. The Outback is a much superior vehicle. One other note, two loaner 09 Foresters also rattled.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, large moonroof, vehicle stability control, heated seats

Suggested Improvements

Build quality, rattles and vibrates, cheap interior quality

17 out 24 people found this review helpful

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Two years to decide

Written by: djones on 10/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We compared the CRV, Rav4, and Torrent. Subaru was in 3rd place until 2009's redesign. After checking out the available features, it was our top choice. It was the best car for my wife in terms of entering and exiting. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. Drives great. Average 26 mpg, only 1000 miles so far. The climate control system is great, set it and forget it. This is our first AWD car and our first Subaru, but I'm sold. It drives like a car. There is plenty of space, and according to friends who rode in the back seat, we made the right choice. We have had a number of compliments on the car since we purchased it. It was the right choice for us.

Favorite Features

The heated leather seats, moon roof, climate control, and drive. It is very comfortable compared to the others we tested. The road noise is minimal up to 65 mph. Plenty of space. Extra leg room in back seat. All weather package. Great car.

Suggested Improvements

Better drivers right arm rest and a telescoping steering wheel.

11 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Sensible choice

Written by: 1stsubie on 09/14/2008

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/VDC (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Upgraded from a 2003 Focus station wagon with leather and moon roof – I was looking for something practical, competent and reliable. Found it in the spacious Forester. Just would have wished road feel less SUV. Nevertheless, the Forester beats its competitors’ handling and demeanor. So far drove 900 miles in city and on a trip to Texas Hill Country. 3 adults plus driver very pleased with comfort during 5 hours road trip. Noise level remains low under 80 mph. AWD shines on wet roads. AC is more than sufficient for Texan heat. Lots of goodies for colder climates. Positively surprised by fuel consumption (comparable to old Focus).

Favorite Features

Interior design and assembly quality. Large moon-roof (remains and quite unless fully opened). Supportive driver seat and room (I am 6’2). Cruising range. Power and transmission beating old Focus. Manual gear control. Rear seats’ room, armrests and cup holders. Sound of stereo in SRS mode.

Suggested Improvements

Note, none of dislikes come close to being a deal breaker. Front cup holders (fix with an add-on insert console), lack of telescoping steering wheel. In case of a flat rear, messy spare tire procedure. Put Outback’s genial split moon roof design into Forester. Bring back an engine temp gauge.

18 out 19 people found this review helpful

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