2011 Subaru Forester Photo

2011 Subaru Forester - Expert Reviews

MSRP: $20,495 - $29,995 FREE Price Quotes
 

Expert Reviews from Around the Web

We have scoured the web for expert reviews of this car and found the best ones for you to read. Found 12 reviews. This list is displayed in ranked order based the reviews we think are the best.
RankingDetails
#1
2004 Subaru Forester
Source: MSN Autos

...The non-turbo engine provides an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 on highways, whereas the turbo motor provides 18 and 23 with the manual and 19 and 23 with the automatic. Still, the popular Ford Escape V6 only provides 18 and 23 with an automatic transmission. Too bad the Forester doesn't have a larger fuel tank, although its 15.9-gallon tank is about the same size as that of most compact sport-utes. Good Ride and Handling Forester occupants sit as low as in a car, and this sport ute drives much like a responsive small auto. Its steering is quick, and an all-independent suspension helps...

#2
2011 Subaru Forester Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...At 5-foot-11, I could have used another inch or two of rearward travel. Legroom and headroom in the backseat is good, but the seat could sit a bit higher off the floor — an issue that dogs many small crossovers. There's also a footwell-robbing center floor hump in back, something many other crossovers avoid. Safety, Features & Pricing With top scores in all evaluations, the Forester earned Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but received just two out of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new side-impact pole ratings...

#3
2011 Subaru Forester Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...Under the Hood Foresters are powered by a choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated engine is still 2.5 liters with 170 horsepower, which is the same as before, but it's a new engine that produces more torque (174 pounds-feet versus 170) and, Subaru says, is more economical. The transmissions come with different all-wheel-drive systems. According to Subaru, the automatic comes with Variable Torque Management, which shifts power to the front and rear axles by...

#4
2012 Subaru Forester Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...The transmissions come with different all-wheel-drive systems. The automatic comes with Variable Torque Management, which Subaru says shifts power to the front and rear axles by monitoring throttle position, battery voltage, generator rpm, wheel speed, brake status, lateral g-force and automatic transmission fluid temperature. The manual Forester has a simple viscous coupling that's reactive rather than proactive. Mechanical features include: 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 174 pounds-feet of torque 224-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 226 pounds-feet of torque Hill...

#5
2011 Subaru Forester, KBB Professional Review
Source: Kelley Blue Book

...Some of the 2011 Subaru Forester's most attractive options include a removable TomTom navigation system (Premium trim) or integrated navigation radio (Limited and Touring), leather seating, power driver's seat, panoramic moonroof, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, premium sound, automatic climate control, satellite radio (choice of XM or Sirius), and cold-climate desirables like heated seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Powering the base Forester X is a newly revised 170-horsepower four-cylinder Boxer engine (a "flat" engine in which the pistons lie horizontally...

#6
2011 Subaru Forester Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...Something else that hasn't changed is that all-wheel-drive capability. We went joyriding on a snow-covered lot with the security of the AWD and vehicle dynamics control that includes all-wheel traction control and is standard on all models. The Forester's 8.7-inch ground clearance was enough to keep the vehicle from getting hung up in deeper areas. Handling was secure and predictable when trying to break the car loose in that lot, but more importantly, it was even more stable on an ice- and snow-covered dirt road with gullies beckoning on either side. On paved road, the ride was refined and...

#7
2004 Subaru Forester Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...The 2.5 XS adds automatic climate control, an in-dash six-CD changer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Moquette upholstery. Standard 2.5 XT features include automatic climate control and a seven-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer. Under the Hood Borrowed from the Impreza series, the Forester?s 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine makes 165 hp. A five-speed-manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. The new 2.5 XT gets a turbocharged 210-hp engine that develops 235 pounds-feet of torque and drives either a standard five-speed-manual...

#8
2011 Subaru Forester Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...A center armrest and cupholders in the rear seat instantly makes the rear seat feel lounge-like and puts passengers at ease. It actually worked well for holding my children's sippy cups, and my son could even reach his cup on his own. In the front row, the driver and passenger have standard heated leather seats. The Forester has a standard MP3 jack as well as steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. There are cupholders and bottleholders for containing all your beverages as well as a tiered center console that offers plenty of storage. My test car also had a standard panoramic...

#9
2011 Subaru Forester, KBB Professional Review
Source: Kelley Blue Book

...Some of the 2011 Subaru Forester's most attractive options include a removable TomTom navigation system (Premium trim) or integrated navigation radio (Limited and Touring), leather seating, power driver's seat, panoramic moonroof, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, premium sound, automatic climate control, satellite radio (choice of XM or Sirius), and cold-climate desirables like heated seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Powering the base Forester X is a newly revised 170-horsepower four-cylinder Boxer engine (a "flat" engine in which the pistons lie horizontally...

#10
2004 Subaru Forester Overview
Source: CarGurus

...Other nice features include a Hill Hold (which also can be turned off) to prevent rollback. The base X comes with foglights, power features, folding mirrors, roof rack, intermittent front and rear wipers, cruise control, and keyless entry. The XS and XT add on automatic climate control, heated seats, a 6-CD player, and leather-wrapped wheel. On both the XS and XT, a Premium Package adds a nearly roof-length power sunroof and leather seats.Rear seats split-fold 60/40 for 64 cubic feet of cargo room, which is still below the 2004 Forester's closest competitors, such as the RAV4 and CR-V. But...


Subaru Forester Related News
 
Sumos for Subaru in new Canadian ad campaign

Subaru Canada Ditches Skinny Supermodels, Goes Sumo

Don't get us wrong, we're huge fans of pretty women, minimally clothed, in close proximity to automotive hardware. We're not alone in that, either. But it's a bit cliched... February 16, 2011 by  3


 
2010 Subaru Forester S-Edition Concept

2010 Subaru Forester S-Edition Concept Makes Debut

Subaru has given us a preview of the changes it has in store for its Forester crossover, with the automaker unveiling a special concept version of the car packed with all its... October 17, 2010 by  1


 
Third-generation Subaru four-cylinder boxer engine

Subaru Redesigns Four-Cylinder Boxer Engine After 21 Years

Subaru has unveiled today the third and latest generation of its trademark horizontally opposed or ‘boxer’ engine, the first major redesign in 21 years. The first... September 23, 2010 by 


 
2011 Subaru Forester

More Powerful Subaru Forester "WRX" On Tap?

The land of Oz is abuzz with talk of a hotter 2011 Forester, possibly wearing WRX badging, due at October's Sydney Motor Show. But just because the Aussies may get it, does... September 8, 2010 by  2


 
2009 Subaru Forester gets 5-star safety rating from NHTSA

2009 Subaru Forester gets 5-star safety rating from NHTSA

The 2009 Subaru Forester has proved its safety prowess once again following another five-star safety rating, this time from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration... May 21, 2008 by  2


 

Why should I also consider these?

The class leader remains the roomy Honda CR-V, but its most recent styling update is somewhat controversial and the Honda won't wake up anyone's driving enthusiasm.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a good alternative for those who like good, carlike handling in a tall wagon; however, its interior is even more of a letdown.

Nissan's Rogue also has a well-executed interior, a smooth ride, and a spacious layout, but the driving experience isn't anything special.

The Toyota RAV4 has an optional V-6 and available third-row seating.

The Dodge Journey crossover was introduced about the same time as the current-generation Forester, and like the Subaru, it comes well equipped and offers plenty of space.

However, its powertrain leaves a lot to be desired, and it’s seriously lacking in the quality department.

 
2011 Dodge Journey
The 2011 Dodge Journey is a crossover wagon for seven, not a Le Mans intender; it's well-suited for a practical family journey.
 
2011 Honda CR-V
The 2011 Honda CR-V is homely, as well as unexciting to drive; yet it's a great minivan alternative on many counts—appealing to practical shoppers with a roomy, versatile interior and top safety ratings.
 
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
2011 Nissan Rogue
The 2011 Nissan Rogue has a good feature set and great packaging for small-family use, but its performance and details aren't always delightful.
 
2011 Toyota RAV4
Don't let appearances mislead; the 2011 Toyota RAV4 is a modern, practical crossover choice and great for frugal families.
 
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