2004 Subaru Forester User Reviews

Pros

Excellent fuel economy

Cons

Excellent ride

Purchased As Used

Bought this 2004 Forester XS from a family member and really like it.

The ride is like a sports car and the AWD makes wet road handling a breeze. It is loaded with options and all of them are first class.

The only thing I don't like is the wind noise on both front doors. This is due to an inapropiate "seal" where the front doors meet the frame. This seal does not "press" hard enough and at first the wind noise appeared to come from the radio tweeters mounted on the upper corner of each door. The noise starts lightly at about 35 mph and increases to a bothesome noise at 70 - 75 mph. This is the reason for the comfort rating to be "good" only

Other than that, this is a great car.

Review written by user's husband....read morehide

Pros

Plenty of power; handles well

Cons

Turbo slow to kick in; city gas mileage should be better

This is my first-ever brand new car and I love it! BUT, I admit to being disappointed with the lag-time for the turbo to take effect. Reviews I read when researching cars, and which helped me make up my mind to get this one, indicated a quick response time for the turbo. I've had occasions when I needed it and it didn't come on as fast as it should have. Love the AWD, although it (and the turbo) impacts the gas mileage, which is poor for such a small car (average 16-18 city, but up to 24 or more highway). The size is great for parking; visibility is very good and it is a little "workhorse" for trips to the hardware store, lumber yard, etc. It is extremely responsive and has no difficulty maneuvering in snow, slush and ice. The leather seats can feel a little "hard" for long distance driving; would have preferred them to be a little softer. Over all, I think I made the right choice....read morehide

Pros

Great Handling! Great Value! Safe!

Cons

Front End Styling a bit ugly. Semi-cheapy plastic feel dash. No door lock button light.

I love my 04 Subaru Forester! I drove it from SF to Las Vegas and it handled like a champ in the rain and hills. Makes tight u-turns and handles better than almost any car I have driven!

Pros

Safety, safety, safety...!

Cons

None @ this time...

I just purchased this car here in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I wanted a stick, they had none on the lot...except for this XT in the showroom. They wanted it out, they could not get rid of it. I took it off thier hands. I originally wanted just a plain ole Forester...w/ a stick, non turbo. When that asked me about the XT in the showroom, I looked @ it. It was SWEET, however...

I wanted a white, manual, "regular" Forester. I ended up leaving in the Black stick XT. It's SAFE, rides like a luxury auto, has a sound system better than my home audio, performs like a sports car...(I've been taking corners @ 40 plus MPH & the XT handles like it's on rails...). Honestly though, it really was the safety issue. I've done my research & concluded that the Forester is 1 of the most safest SUV's out there....read morehide

Pros

Great Handling with AWD

Cons

Hesitation, loses power up long hills, bucks when shifting between to 3rd or 4th on manual trans.

Probelms are intermittent and dealer can't find anything wrong as the "computer doesn't show a problem"! What ever happened to go old fashioned diagnosis?

Pros

awd, upgraded stereo system, heating system, heated seats

Cons

mileage

this is an all around solid car. in rain or snow a very reliable car. if subaru could bring up the gas mileage by 5 mpg or more in the city, this would be the best value for the dollar vehicle in america. as it is now it is a solid car with ok gas mileage.

At 20,000 miles developed noise in automatic transmission during second to third shift...very annoying...dealer gave up after a week...Subaru tired to make me take the car back with the problem...had to deal with obnoxious Subaru rep...am getting new transmission but first time in 45 years of driving had to fight my way to warranty coverage...very disappointing service by Subaru...read morehide

....hats off to Subaru's fuel engineers.
The 30 Highway EPA did it for me.....I'm the first on my block with an '05 FX. Guess what? At about 60 (cruise) with all the room temp IQ scrotes whizzing by me...(Sacramento to Grant's Pass)...tight new engine and all

We have the XT with stick. It's a wonderful car. It's quite fast, with a slightly detuned STi engine, and great handling and tranny. It's practical, roomy, comfortable, and a lot of fun. I can't believe people haven't cottoned on to this great car.

I own a 2000 forester & i never suffered any major engine problems... i just replaced the radiator pumps & fluid after 4 yaars & its still running like new.
i test drove the new one,
the handling is a bit better,
the engine & accelration on the new ones are amazing...
but i still cant beleive they havent solved the small back seat spacing!...read morehide