Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2005 Subaru Forester Full Review
Date Published: 6/10/08
2005 Subaru Forester Review
Addition of an L.L. Bean-themed model highlights 2005 changes to Subaru's compact SUV. Forester is basically a tall wagon built around the platform and powertrain of Subaru's Impreza compact car. It offers four models: 2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XT, and the new 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition. Every Forester has all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter 4-cyl engine. The 2.5 XT is turbocharged and has 210 hp; other models have 165 hp. Automatic transmission is standard on the L.L. Bean and optional in place of manual transmission in the others. The manual transmission includes Subaru's Hill Holder feature designed to prevent rolling on inclines with the clutch disengaged. Head-and-chest-protecting front side airbags are standard, as is ABS; all but the 2.5 X have 4-wheel disc brakes. All Foresters have 16-inch wheels. For '05, wheels are of a new 8-spoke design on the 2.5 XS and a new 10-spoke style on L.L. Bean. The Bean also includes beige leather upholstery embossed with the outdoor outfitter's logo, and is the only Forester with self-leveling rear suspension. Also for '05, all models get a new 3-spoke steering wheel. All but the 2.5 X gain a power driver seat. And the 2.5 XS now comes with monotone exterior appearance vs. contrasting-color cladding on others
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
News
A redesigned Forester was said to be on for 2006, but sources now expect the model will only be freshened. The changes could be extensive, however. We'll know soon enough.

Also coming for '06 is the Tribeca, a high-profile crossover wagon with five- and/or seven-place seating, Subaru's 3.0-liter "boxer" 6-cyl and, of course, standard AWD. It's said to be priced above the more-conventional 6-cyl Outback wagons, likely in the high-$30,000s to start. Despite that, Subaru thinks it can move 40,000 a year. Tribeca will be built at Subaru's Indiana plant, which suggests much underskin sharing with the Legacy/Outback models that are built there, but the crossover is visibly larger. We've heard wheelbase will be about 108 inches on an overall length of some 195. Styling, previewed through several concepts the past few years, introduces a new face destined for other future Subarus, with a prominent triangular grille flanked by slim "wing" air intakes. The interior is said to be highly flexible, with 2nd- and 3rd-row seats that fold flat and can be rearranged several ways. We should have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.
2005 Subaru Forester Road Test
Pros Cons
Visibility Rear-seat room
Maneuverability
Cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
4 4 6 4.3

Nonturbo models slow off the line, but adequate thereafter. Expect about 9.3 sec 0-60 mph. Turbocharged XT usefully quicker off the line and has especially satisfying passing power. Automatic transmission smooth, but tends to upshift prematurely, can hesitate in downshifting.
Fuel Economy

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
6 6 5 4.8

Better overall than more-traditional SUVs, even compact ones. Test automatic-transmission models averaged 19.4-24.2 mpg. Expect slightly higher with manual. Test XT with automatic averaged 18.5 in mostly highway driving. XT requires premium-grade fuel; other models use regular.
Ride Quality

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
5 5 5 4.5

Clearly the most carlike compact SUV, with the stability and absorbency of a taut-suspension small car. Still, rough roads at highway speed can turn the ride jittery.
Steering/Handling/Braking

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
6 6 6 4.7

The most-agile compact SUV. Has slightly elevated ground clearance, but low, carlike center of gravity, so lean in fast turns is evident but not excessive, and Forester never feels tippy. AWD aids grip in all conditions. Steering feel is light but responsive.
Quietness

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
5 5 5 4

Quiet around town. Wind and road noise levels rise markedly with speed, compromising long highway trips. Engine throbs during rapid acceleration, but unobtrusive otherwise.
Controls

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
6 6 6 5.5

Clear, simple dashboard layout. Adequately sized controls. Automatic climate system standard on all but 2.5 X. Leather upholstery dresses up cabin on XS L.L. Bean Edition and XT with Premium Package; interior decor otherwise appropriate for price level.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
6 6 6 5.7

Ample head room for 6-footers. Good comfort, though passenger seat lacks lumbar adjustment. Relatively tall cabin for easy entry/exit. High driving position, large windows, thin roof pillars contribute to great outward visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
3 3 3 4.5

Seat is tall, supportive. Rear leg room sufficient if front seats are less than halfway back; tight otherwise.
Cargo Room

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
7 7 7 6.7

A useful 32 cu ft with rear seatbacks up, 64 cu ft with split backrest folded--competitive with many larger SUVs. Big tailgate opening, low liftover for easy load/unloading, though no separate-opening liftglass. Plenty of cabin compartments, but none with substantial capacity.
Value within Class

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
7 7 7 6

If you can live with limited towing capacity and constrained rear-seat space, Forester is a highly rational alternative to any number of bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. This Recommended pick combines AWD security, plenty of cargo space, a stable ride, and respectable fuel economy in a pleasantly carlike package. Nonturbo models never feel spritely, but the 2.5 XT has impressive scoot.
Total Score

XS, man. XS L.L. Bean, auto. XT w/Prem. Pkg., auto. Class Average
55 55 56 50.7
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
30
Average Score
50
High Score
61
2005 Subaru Forester Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/14/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2.5 X 4-door wagon $21,295 $19,685 $575
2.5 XS 4-door wagon $23,695 $21,784 $575
2.5 XS w/sunroof 4-door wagon $24,695 $22,692 $575
2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition 4-door wagon $26,395 $24,235 $575
2.5 XT 4-door wagon $25,695 $23,698 $575
2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg. 4-door wagon $27,395 $25,237 $575
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.5 X
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, hill-holder clutch, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, overhead console, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 215/60HR16 tires.
2.5 XS adds to X:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/weatherband radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, windshield-wiper deicer.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels.
2.5 XS w/sunroof adds to XS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof.
2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition adds to XS w/sunroof:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: hill-holder clutch.
Self-leveling rear suspension.
2.5 XT adds to XS:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg. adds to XT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power sunroof.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Popular Equipment Group 1
2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$289
$186
Cargo tray, mud guards, rear-bumper cover. NA X.
Popular Equipment Group 2
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS w/sunroof
$429
$280
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, theft-deterrent system upgrade, tailpipe cover. NA XS L.L. Bean Edition, XT, XT Premium.
Popular Equipment Group 3
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$174
$114
Armrest extension, cargo net.
Popular Equipment Group 4
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$170
$105
Cargo bin, rubber floormats.
Popular Equipment Group 5
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$232
$148
Rear, side, and seatback cargo nets, cargo spot light.
Popular Equipment Group 6
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$272
$175
Cargo tray, mud guards, tailpipe cover.
Popular Equipment Group 7
XT, XT w/Premium
$387
$252
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, theft-deterrent system upgrade.
Protection Group
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$632
$392
Brush guard, hood protector, rear dust deflector, differential protector.
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$800
$727
Std. XS L.L. Bean Edition. Deletes hill-holder clutch.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Premium Sound Pkg. 1
X
$1,101
$770
In-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
Premium Sound Pkg. 2
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof
$375
$245
Upgraded sound system. Std. XT, XT Premium.
In-dash 6-disc CD changer
X
$525
$394
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$183
$119
Includes compass. Std. L.L. Bean Edition.
Gauge Pkg.
2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$725
$518
Oil-temperature gauge, voltmeter, vacuum gauge (XS), turbo-boost gauge (XT). Deletes digital clock. NA X.
Turbo-boost gauge
XT, XT Premium
$310
$202
Rubber floormats
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$55
$33
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$353
$230
Security upgrade kit
X, XS, XS w/sunroof, XS L.L. Bean
$204
$133
Std. XT, XT Premium
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
2.5 X, 2.5 XS, 2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XS w/sunroof, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT w/Premium Pkg.
$295
$192
Alloy wheels
X
$659
$495
2005 Subaru Forester Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Subaru Forester 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 99.4
Overall Length, in. 175.2
Overall Width, in. 68.3
Overall Height, in. 62.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 3090
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 64.1
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc H4 Turbocharged dohc H4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.5 /150 2.5 /150
Horsepower @ rpm. 165 @ 5600 210 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 166 @ 4000 235 @ 3600
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 23/30 19/24
4-speed automatic 22/29 19/25
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Subaru Forester 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Japan
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2005 Subaru Forester
Trim Level:  2.5 XS L.L. Bean Edition
Arrival Date:  09/30/2004
Engine:  sohc H4
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $26,295
Price as Tested:  $27,084
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3360
Mileage at End of Test:  3973
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  25.319 gals.
 

Major Options:  Splash Guards, Bumper Cover

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  24.21 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek I really can't see much reason to buy the Forester. Who wants a small, semi-useful wagon with mediocre fuel economy and a tepid engine? Add in the fact that the vehicle is overpriced by about $5000 and the Forester quickly becomes one of our worst Best Buys picks.

Tom Appel I think only price prevents this practical Subie from reaching the ranks of Best Buy. 27 large is a hefty price, but this little SUV's inherent goodness justifies it.

Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car


    Sell Your Car
Powered by: