- 2010
2009 Subaru Forester
- Used Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester - What the Auto Press Says
The third-generation Subaru Forester gets a complete makeover. Overall, automotive experts like the Forester's smoother drive and more stylish look.
The Forester's first redesign since 2003 yields positive resuts. In fact, Motor Trend has named it 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year. The new Forester was also one of Road & Travel's top three nominees for 2009 International Truck of the Year and a finalist for Kelley Blue Book's 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle award. "The actor playing the role of the 2009 Forester could be George Clooney instead of George Plimpton," says Motor Trend. "Trust me, you're going to give it a double take: It's bigger. It's better mannered. It's cloaked in an okay suit of sheetmetal. Thank heavens, it's still amusing and playful, but now it'll even catch the eye of the opposite sex in the room."
Despite the praise, some reviewers still find that the quality of materials is inconsistent, and a few say the exterior has lost its distinctive look. However, with a base price even lower than its predecessor and standard all-wheel drive, the Forester is a bargain in its segment. The Forester is in the top half of its class for fuel efficiency, but if you want even better fuel economy, consider the Toyota RAV4 or Ford Escape Hybrid.
The Forester comes in several trims -- the base 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition, and the turbocharged 2.5 XT and 2.5 XT Limited. As is the case with all Subarus, all models come standard with all-wheel drive.
- "For 2009, the Forester has undergone a redesign that has made it larger, more SUV-like, and, well, more normal. And although the new Forester looks a lot different from the previous model, it manages to retain many of its predecessors' strengths while expanding its appeal." -- Automobile Magazine
- "In the end, you can make rational arguments for RAV4 and CR-V, but neither has the mix of appealing personality, sophisticated AWD, straightforward presentation and carlike manners that give the new Forester exceptional allure." -- USA Today
- "Other than the sound system, we found nothing to dislike about the Forester, and would recommend one to any consumer who is joining the trend toward cross over vehicles. It's well made, the four-wheel drive will come in handy in wet and snowy weather, and the price is right." -- MarketWatch
- "Subaru has spent 11 years building up customer good will for the Forester, and there's nothing about the new model that will threaten that. Nothing at all." -- Orlando Sentinel
- +"All around, an improved Forester that competes well against the best of the compact crossover breed. And it's priced well for an SUV that feels luxurious and loaded with standard features." -- Arizona Republic
- "The 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium makes for a practical road trip car but comes up short when it comes to cabin tech." -- CNET
- "Subaru fans will lament the loss of Forester's quirkiness. Truckier styling and larger dimensions will make it easier for Forester to compete with the likes of Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but also erase its 'truck alternative' micro-ute charms. The new-generation model also costs less than its predecessor. Those savings come largely at the expense of interior materials quality, which went from near-premium in the out-going model to just class average." -- Consumer Guide
- +"Seriously, the Subie proved to be a stout and reliable road tripper. We used it to haul a fair amount of stuff back and forth too. So we were pleased that the rear seats folded so easily, opening up the rear cargo area for transporting chairs, building materials and a fair amount of photo equipment for a few Saturday Mechanic photo shoots. And whether we were bumbling around in town or eating up miles on the freeway, the fuel economy was enviable." -- Popular Mechanics
Forester Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2009 Subaru Forester's performance is sportier and more refined than the previous model. "On the road, ride and handling are better than you'd expect, regardless of horsepower or trim level," says Orlando Sentinel. "Cornering is relatively flat, with little of the tipsiness found in older Foresters. Braking and steering are linear and properly sensitive." However, the praise doesn't carry through to the four-speed transmission. Read More
Forester Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)
On the outside, new styling for 2009 makes the Forester look less like a wagon and more like an SUV. "As solid as the previous Forester was for toting Kayaks and hauling a cabin full of hikers, it wasn't exactly a looker," says Popular Mechanics. "Well, Subaru has fixed all that with the 2009 Forester. We'd go so far as to say this new Forester is the most handsome and stylish Subaru in years." Despite the good feedback, not everyone has praise for the SUV's styling. Read More
Forester Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2009 Forester's redesigned interior receives praise fr its larger back seat and cargo area. "Inside, the Forester is noticeably roomier and upscale," comments Popular Mechanics. "For the first time, a navigation system is available. And, yes, they've added practicality behind the front seats, too." However, reviewers still have a few gripes, including interior quality. Read More
Forester Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The redesigned Subaru Forester does well in federal government crash tests and is an insurance industry "Top Safety Pick." It offers plenty of safety features, including new curtain side-impact air bags. The Forester's visibility also compares favorably to its rivals. Read More
Forester Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Subaru Forester reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Forester comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
