2004 Subaru Forester Reviews

The many fans of Subaru’s four-wheel drive models were rejoicing with the news of the Forester in 1997.It quickly attracted a legion of followers after its launch, and Subaru was eager to build on that momentum when it released an updated model in 2002.The new MY03 model was an evolution of the previous one rather than a revolution. It followed the same theme, but complaints levelled against the earlier model were addressed.A lack of performance from the 2.0-litre engine was the most common grumble about the older model, and Subaru was quick to promote the change to a 2.5-litre engine in the new car.Another negative sometimes aired was that the Forester felt a little flimsy. It wasn’t, it just felt that way.In response there was a new, stronger body shell that boosted cabin space, and offered better side impact protection.For your X money you got more safety features and more equipment.The growing popularity of the SUV demanded companies like Subaru offer more to satisfy the increasing variety of needs and wants of a new buying clientele switching to the new-age wagons.With that came a new model line-up, starting with the X at the entry-point.For your X money you got more safety features and more equipment.Dual front airbags, anti-lock ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, seat belt pretensioners boosted the Forester’s safety, while standard air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, an adjustable steering wheel, roof racks, and a radio cassette player with four speakers added to its comfort and convenience.For more there was the XS, and for the extra spend you got 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, a six-stacker CD player, fog lights, and automatic self-levelling suspension.But like the steak knife salesman Subaru had even more in the form of the XS Luxury.On top of all that you got with the XS the Luxury sub-tag got you the added safety of side airbags, leather trim, and a power sunroof.The sizzling hot GT was discontinued in MY03; at least the GT badge was dropped.It came back as a MY04 model in 2003, but carrying an XT badge. It still had the performance of a turbo engine, but not the image of the GT.The XT spec mirrored that of the XS.Like the XS there was also a Luxury version of the XT, its spec mirrored the XS Luxury.An update in 2005, dubbed MY06, boosted the engine’s performance, and improved its offroad capability with increased ground clearance.Towards the end of its model life Subaru added a special model, an X with sat nav.But anyone looking to have Bluetooth to connect an iPhone or Android device, a touchscreen, parking sensors, reversing camera, or a park assist system would have been disappointed.The new body promised more elbow and legroom for those in the front and rear seats.It was a rather bland place to find yourself; awash with plastics that felt hard to the touch, but at the same time it was on a par with most other models coming from Japanese carmakers.Trim on the bulk of the models was durable cloth; those tagged with the Luxury badge had leather.It was of a time when buyers were expecting, of all things, more cupholders, and Subaru obliged with seven in the MY06 update, and threw in a small picnic table in the rear for good measure.Lap sash seat belts allow for the fitment of a baby car seat, but there were no ISOFIX mounting points.Like the first Forester the MY03 was powered by a horizontally-opposed, flat-four petrol engine, but unlike the previous model it was a 2.5-litre engine designed to address the complaints about a lack of performance of the earlier 2.0-litre engine.Power and torque were both increased, up to 112kW (150 horsepower) and 223Nm respectively.When required the 2.5-litre models would do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.4 seconds, the turbo models in a blistering 6.4 seconds.Both ran on petrol, the base 2.5-litre engine could use 91-octane regular, but the turbo needed 95-octane premium to run at its best.The transmission options were a five-speed manual gearbox, or a rather dull four-speed automatic transmission.Manual versions had dual-range all-wheel drive; the autos had an on-demand system.When the XT arrived in 2003 it came with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine putting out 155kW/320Nm.The MY06 update saw the performance peaks of both engines increased.The base engine jumped to 121kW/226Nm, while the turbo engine went up to 169kW/320Nm.A shortage of ground clearance meant it was necessary to stay away from the hard going off-road if you didn’t want to be stranded. Keep that in mind and you won’t go far wrong, it’s quite capable.On the blacktop it’s a great performer. Sure-footed with all-wheel drive it’s a good thing to drive.With only a four-speed automatic it lacks the smoothness and driveability that comes from having a fifth ratio.The good news was that ANCAP gave the Forester a full complement of five stars.In base form it came with dual front airbags and seat belt pretensioners, and an array of electronic safety features, like ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution.Further crash protection in the form of side front airbags were added in 2005.The Forester’s reliability is exemplary; owners report few problems even though some have had them for quite a long time.The flat-four ‘boxer’ engine is strong and reliable, but it’s important to check for oil leaks and signs of oil burning. It’s quite common to see a puff of smoke from the tailpipe on start-up in the morning; it’s generally oil that has accumulated in the piston rings while the car has been sitting idle overnight.Like all cars the Forester thrives on regular maintenance and oil changes. Subaru recommended servicing every 12,500km or six months, and it’s important that this routine is maintained.Use the recommended 5W-40 oil and you won't go wrong.The engine employs a cam timing belt and this requires changing every five years or 100,000km. Ignoring it is to risk serious internal damage to the engine.It pre-dated capped price servicing, but service costs aren’t expensive and any mechanic can do it.The warranty when new was for three years/unlimited kilometres.This model Forester was not affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall.Look for evidence of off-road use by checking the underbody for damage, and walk away if you see any. There are lots of other cars on the market that have only been used on sealed roads.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Subaru Forester problems.Kevin Oakes: My X rides smoothly and handles well. It’s economical and the performance is quite good for my needs.Karen Hardy: My 2004 XT never fails to excite me; it goes hard and pushes you back in the seat when accelerating. It’s sturdy, handles well, and it’s been reliable.Terry Harrison: I have an XT Luxury, which has been great for everyday use, but even better when I get away on weekends. It’s fast and so far it has been reliable.Tanya Thomson: Our 2006 XS is the second Forester we’ve had. I love the performance of the 2.5-litre engine, but I’d like more room in the back.Colin Adams: I’ve loved my 2007 XT since I bought it new. The performance is great, the economy reasonable, and the cabin is roomy enough for a couple or small family.Hyundai Santa FeMuch improved, but still great value-for-money, and there is a diesel.Ford TerritoryMuch maligned for its suspension troubles, the early Ford SUV is one to avoid.Toyota RAV4Grown up SUV was larger, roomier, with good performance and road manners.Nice blend of everyday practicality and off-road capability for weekends.

When the Forester was introduced to Australia in 1997 it was closely related to the Subaru Impreza hatch. It also reminded Subaru lovers of the Subaru 4WD station wagons. Over the years the Forester morphed into a medium SUV in styling.However, even as it entered the crossover era the Forester still had useful ground clearance so can tackle tougher than average conditions in the bush and on the beach.Forester's suspension has longer travel than the Impreza, and more rugged specs with semi-off-road tyres. The latter may have been replaced by normal car tyres at some time during the Forester's life, so check for this if you're considering doing some mild to medium off-road driving.Early model Subaru Foresters, have relatively long overhangs front and rear, a legacy of being adapted from a car.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machineGood interior room is a real advantage of the squared-off styling. The front seats have plenty of legroom, width and headroom. The rear seat can take three people without too much of a hassle, though it's better if they are children, rather than adults.Entry and exit to the back seat is easy, partly because of the taller than average styling but chiefly because you don't have to climb up into the seats as you do in an off-road 4WD.There's a good luggage area and practicality is further improved by the Forester having numerous storage areas throughout the vehicle.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machine, so don't hammer it too hard at bends. However, see the notes on the Forester GT (later tagged as the Forester XT).Subaru Forester first reached Australia in August 1997 and was joined by the Forester GT in September 1998. The latter is a fun little hotshot powered by a slightly detuned Subaru WRX engine.Forester GT was renamed Forester XT in the second-generation model in an attempt to fool the insurance companies into thinking it's not a GT. The Forester GT and XT are performance off-roaders, though certainly not to the same extent as the WRX.August 2003 saw the introduction of the second-generation Subaru Forester. It features a bit more style than the original series, particularly around the multi-faceted tail but, yet again, function takes preference over fashion. The latest version arrived here in 2008 and moved further towards an SUV shape in style.Power for the standard Forester models comes from a 2.0-litre flat-four motor. Upmarket variants received a 2.5-litre motor from 2002 and that larger capacity was continued into all Foresters since then, with improvements in consumption and emissions introduced in several stages.The extra capacity of the 2.5 goes into generating more torque rather than going for pure power - very much in the conservative way of thinking that's so appealing to many Australian drivers.Manual gearboxes are mated to a two-speed transfer case, but the automatic versions only have a single-range. Subaru considers the torque multiplication through the converter largely replaces the need for a low ratio on the auto.Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonably priced though we have heard a few complaints about high prices on some less common parts.Insurance premiums are generally moderate for the standard Foresters, but check on prices on the GT and XT, particularly if you're classed as a young or inexperienced driver; insurance costs could break your bank account.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lagA good amateur mechanic should have no trouble doing most jobs. It's always wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before beginning work. Please leave the safety-related items to experts.Older engines often have that typical flat-four 'dak-dak' beat when they get a lot of kilometres on them. If it seems too bad the engine may be approaching overhaul time. Newer ones are more refined, but it's still wise to have them checked out.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lag.On a turbocharged model, check the clutch isn't slipping - this usually shows up on fast upchanges. Subaru makes the clutch a sacrificial component so that it fails first to protect other transmission parts.Check underneath in case the Forester has been seriously used in off-road conditions. The front and rear bumper corners and their mountings are likely to be the first areas to suffer.Scrutinise the door sills, the protection plates under mechanical components and the lower parts of the underbody for signs of damage.Hot versions of standard Subarus seem to lead a harder life than the their equivalent from other makersLook at the condition of the seats, carpets and boot in case the Forester has been knocked about, particularly in off-road use.Lots of sand in the carpet may mean it's spent time on the beach. If you suspect this, taste for salt in the areas under the car.Look over the complete body for signs of crash repairs. The easiest to spot are generally poorly matching paint colours and slight ripples in the panels.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Forester as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Subaru Forester as a used buy.