2004 Subaru Forester

Pros: Power, handling (for an SUV), all-wheel-drive traction, interior style and materials
Cons: Tires, wheels, and seats unsuited to a quick vehicle; nasty shifter and clutch

The last few years have witnessed the emergence of a new class of vehicles: the car-based SUV. These are for people who desire the image and interior versatility of an SUV, and perhaps all-weather capability as well, but want ride and handling more like ...

Pros: Engine, gearing, AWD, small size/maneuverability, interior cargo room, reliability, safety, versatile, inexpensive.
Cons: Shifter, noisy, extreme character, smallish back seat, suspension not up to motor/chassis.

I have driven a 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT (T as in TURBO) since I bought one new in January of 2004 for 23,000 dollars. I have had it for almost three trouble free years of snow belt driving and have used it mostly for commuting to work in mixed ...

Pros: Safety, handling, acceleration, interior (except seats).
Cons: Seats (for tall people), gas mileage, exterior design.

UPDATE - JANUARY 2007: I decided to put this at the beginning of the review rather than the end because I think it's really important. Just before Christmas my wife was in what could have been a horrible car accident. She was driving about 65 mph on a ...

Pros: Safe, practical, reasonable, and efficient. Fun to drive anywhere, anytime.
Cons: I don't have any

The 2004 Forester XS is my 3rd Subaru. Before buying this car, I looked at the competition just to see if I hadn't been missing something during the last decade. I hadn't, as there really was no competition in this price class. I couldn't find ...

Pros: PERFORMANCE. Safety. Build Quality and Value. Did I mention Performance ?
Cons: No Prius mpg's. OEM tires are for an SUV.

I was shopping to replace my '92 Explorer. This model was one of the first years for Explorer and the "SUV mania". While I was looking for a large family vehicle, suitable for vacation trips, I also bought the Explorer for the possibilites it allowed ...

Pros: Turbo, Cargo Room, Stereo, Tons of traction
Cons: Gas mileage in low 20's, cost of new windshield

I thought that I would also ring in considering the New XT Forester. I was on the market for a new SUV and drove about all there was available in the marketplace. The turbo Forester was the only one that had me smiling the whole time. A side note ...

Pros: comfortable, tasteful, performance, fit/finish. form/function/performance/reliability.
Cons: A little (very little) loud at highway speeds

My girlfriend just bought a 04' Forester x 2.5. Great value for the $ $18,370 plus ( tax/lic) & it came w/ the optional tow package and center console with tweeters and stereo upgrade, tailpipe cover, and auto dimming rearview mirror. The upper model XS ...

Pros: Fun, versatile, 4WD/price point, thoughtful design, roomy cargo capacity.
Cons: X model=aluminum wheel cover. Moonroof issues?

This car is so cool! I had a 1988 Subaru XT that just wouldn't die...but I was ready for something more substantial. By the way, this seems to be the Official Car of Portland!! They're everywhere. I almost bought a VW Passat Wagon, but the ...

Pros: Roomy, handling is nice, 6CD changer, and More
Cons: No Light in the glove compartment, the sun shades or wisers are not great

This is my first ever Subaru and I have had it for over one year and it has served me well. If I had to buy it all over again I would do it in a heartbeat. Here are the things I liked about the car: 1. It drives great, it is really smooth and ...

Pros: Handling in all situations, interior layout, sunroof, sheer power, the seat armrests, cargo area
Cons: Inchape smartalec dealer network, no distance to empty estimate, not really anything else

My first new car purchase, after company supplied cars for the last 10 years. The only downside to the Subaru buying "experience" is the smug pr*cks who reside in most of the Melbourne dealerships. When having a go at price negotiation, the attitude is ...

Pros: Power Audio System Space Supportive seats (I'm only 5'8") Tight noise free construction Quiet ride
Cons: 8 Way Power Seats would be nice

After having owned several Subaru's back in the 70's I was shocked to see just how much more sophisticated they had become. Had I been blindfolded and brought into the Premium XT Turbo I would have sworn I was in a Audi Quattro Turbo (which I have ...

Pros: Reliability. Handling. AWD. Peppy engine. Versatility.
Cons: Gas mileage.

I've had mine about 1 yr. & have 11K trouble free miles on it. I had a 2000 Forester which was also trouble free. The '04 has a more comfortable back seat & a better quality paint job. (Still, you wouldn't want to be stuck in that back seat for a long trip.) I have the X model with an auto trans. There's a long steep road leading to my street and I jump right up it. We live in the northeast & I got around fine during another snowy/icy winter with the AWD. The down side is that gas mileage is not great for a small vehicle, about 19 around town & 23 on the highway. But it's sure better then what full size SUV's are getting or what you would get if you went to the turbo model. With the rear seats down there's plenty of room to haul a bike, mower, snowblower, TV, etc.

Pros: decent mph, ROOMY, great in all seasons
Cons: underpowered AC noisy tires lack of exotic radio choices

First of all I must let you know that I drive a lot. 50k a year is about average for me. I purchased a 2004 Forester in November 2003 and have put 23k on in in just over 8 months. I have not had ANY problems thus far mechanically. Its smooth riding albeit a bit loud on the tire noise. The front seats let my ample american body fit comfortably and enjoy the world go by at 80 mph. I drive in every conceivable weather condition and this car has not failed me. Driving rain -5 degree weather, 102 degree weather and a foot of snow were all taken in stride. Ive driven it as fast as 100 mph and it had plenty of power left to go.

My only few complaints thus far are that the AC seems a bit underpowered for the passenger compartment and the lack of availability of an mp3 sound system.

Pros: Very tight handling. Good mileage. Great sunroof. Fun factor was bigger then I had expected.
Cons: Still feels slightly cheap inside- loads of plastic everywhere and lots of rattles.

I originally bought this car for my wife. I didn't care for the styling, but she did and since she had to drive it, it didn't bother me. Shortly after purchase, I recieved a promotion and gained a car allowance. I used the allowance to get her a Lexus and I took over the Subaru. I quickly was charmed by its nimbleness and fun. A huge sunroof is an added bonus as is the very tight handling. I feel that I can easily cut in and out of traffic with only the worry of the small engine keeping up. I do believe that the AC has a hard time keeping up with the Texas summer, but once I get the windows tinted, I am sure it will be better. The safety rating was just an added bonus.

Pros: When turbo worked it was fun. Snow tires made it a TANK in the winter
Cons: Horrible gas mileage, cabin noise and turbo malfunctioned.

Had high miles on mine and could never get the excessive cabin noise fixed. Whistled at high speed on the highway....Very annoying. At 135,000 well maintained KM's the turbo blew. The cost is $4000 to fix it. Due to high miles the warranty has expired. 1st and last Subaru I'll ever own