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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Subaru Forester

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Subaru Forester

Overview

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2008 Subaru Forester Review

By KBB.com Editors

When the SUV craze took off in the mid-nineties, Subaru, which had built its reputation on the all-wheel-drive category, found itself without an entry. But Subaru didn't take long to remedy this problem, giving birth to its first SUV: The Forester. Based on the Impreza platform, the Forester is basically a very tall wagon with some added ground clearance. As such, it retains all of the safety and stability features found in Subaru cars, but offers headroom and cargo space exceeding the popular Legacy and Outback wagons. Chock-full of options and with a choice of a normally-aspirated or turbocharged engine, the 2008 Subaru Forester serves up a bit more spice than either the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, and for not much more cash.

You'll Like This Car If...

If performance is a prime selling point, Subaru claims that a manual-shift 2.5 XT Limited can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, which is rather swift for a compact SUV.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Because the Forester delivers a choppier ride than some rivals, it might not appeal to those who favor an always-gentle road experience. Refinement is approximately on par with the competitive Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, but it falls short of Honda's CR-V.

What's New for 2008

Forester Sport models receive a revised front end, while turbo models equipped with the optional automatic transmission receive the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Driving the Forester

Driving Impressions Especially with the turbocharged engine, Foresters are eager and frisky performers. Acceleration is especially snappy with the manual gearbox, which gives a more enthusiastic nature to the driving experience. Considerably...

more snug inside than Subaru's Tribeca, the Forester offers ample headroom in both front and rear, while rear-seat legroom is fair and toe space, under the front seats, is excellent. On smooth surfaces the ride isn't bad, though some choppiness and road vibration might be evident. The turbo engine is a little buzzy but delivers responsive performance. Gauges and controls are ordinary but sensibly arranged for ease of viewing and operation.

Favorite Features

Hill Holder
Manual-shift models are equipped with a Hill Hold feature that helps keep the Forester from rolling backward when starting on an upgrade.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive means, in Subaru's terminology, that the system was designed from the start to be an all-wheel-drive layout and not converted from an existing two-wheel-drive arrangement. The Variable Torque Distribution system utilizes an electronically-controlled hydraulic transfer clutch to control the distribution of torque between front and rear axles.

2008 Subaru Forester Details

Interior

Stepping inside the Forester is easy, and its familiar interior has received modifications that increase its utility and comfort. A multi-functional center console features a sliding armrest, while, in the cargo area, floor bars are accompanied by four utility hooks. The 2.5X features a passenger seatback net storage pocket and offers front and rear cup holders and a rear-seat folding armrest. A wide rear seat with plenty of thigh support welcomes passengers and the standard retractable cargo cover is high enough to accommodate tall items.

Exterior

Fresh front-end styling gives the 2008 Subaru Forester a bit more pizzazz, creating a "more unified, sophisticated, and more modern form," according to Subaru. Smooth side cladding and curvaceous rear glass produce a clean look, while eight inches of ground clearance provides ample ability for plowing through deep snow. The Forester sports a handsome fascia, flared front bumper and fenders and large outside mirrors with integrated turn signals available. The heavy-duty four-wheel independent suspension promotes enhanced performance.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All Foresters with the naturally-aspirated engine are called 2.5 X and include head/chest side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, an AM/FM/Weather-band stereo with CD player and remote keyless entry. The 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition adds desert beige leather-trimmed upholstery with perforated Alcantara bolsters, a security system with shock sensor, Momo wood and leather steering wheel and an L.L. Bean-embossed cargo-area tray. The 2.5 XT Limited includes a 224-horsepower turbocharged engine, leather-trimmed upholstery and sporty electroluminescent gauge pointers.

Optional Equipment

Subaru's Premium Package, available on the 2.5 X only, includes rear disc brakes, eight-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic glass moonroof, heated front seats, automatic climate control, a six-CD changer, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and trim upgrades.

Under the Hood

Subaru's 2.5-liter, horizontally-opposed (boxer configuration) four-cylinder engine is naturally-aspirated for 2.5 X models and turbocharged for the 2.5 Sport XT and Limited. One advantage of the boxer-configuration engine is that it offers a lower engine height, and thus a lower center of gravity, which can contribute to enhanced handling. It should be noted that Subaru recommends premium gas for its turbocharged models.

2.5-liter Boxer-4
173 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
166 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 (manual), 20/26 (automatic)

2.5-liter Boxer-4 Turbocharged
224 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
226 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 (manual), 18/23 (automatic)

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2008 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 298 Ratings for the 2004 - 2008 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.4/10

I loved this car !!

By Ed Sherman (NY) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Damaged beyond repair-Hurricane Sandy - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Safe, reliable, dependable, unique looking."

Cons: "None !!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased this new in November of 2003. I absolutely loved everything about this vehicle. The car was flooded during Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. I had very low mileage, and was pleasantly surprised by how much my insurance paid me. Subarus are known for maintaining a high value, even older models. I replaced my damaged 2004 with a 2013 almost exactly to the day-9 years later. I miss my old Forester,but I do love my new one !"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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5th Subaru I've owned, LOVE them!

By Li (CO) on Monday, April 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 69,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great mileage, very comfortable to drive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I live in the country and drive over 20 miles of gravel roads just to get to the grocery store. My county is poor and the roads are horrible. Never have a problem with my "Roo". People can't believe how much I can get in it when I fold down the back seats, I have a small business so this is very important, also."

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Reliability and it goes in snow and ice!!!

By Dan (NJ) on Monday, April 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 86,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "see above... great value!"

Cons: "it's not a sedan,it rides a bit hard on long trips"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My main requirement is reliability... the car needs to start in cold weather, run faultlessly and get me to work every day without a hassle ... this car has done that for 7 years, day in day out without fail! Good gas mileage, easy handling, small turn circle, easy to parallel park, good front and rear visibility. I have never opened the engine hood.. always had it routine serviced at the dealership and never wanted to know what/where/when ... just do it and don't bother me with the details.. that's what this car has done for me. My one point of reservation is that it delivers a fairly stiff, noisy ride on bumpy roads. I like the high, flat rear space which is easy to load without bending over and I was able to get a boxed bathroom sink, cabinet, toilet and medicine cabinet/mirror easily in the back."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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High maintenance, gas guzzling unreliable moneypit

By neveragainsub (NY) on Friday, March 15, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Costly to maintain and drive, unreliable, many repairs - My approximate mileage is 139,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "great in the snow"

Cons: "costs way to much to own and maintain, unreliable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We purchased the 2005 xt manual turbo engine forester and at first we loved it despite its extreme high maintenance schedule and need for premium gas. Over the years it has blown the turbo twice (no aftercooling system), many electronic failures (mirror, trunk lock, rear wiper, etc), constantly burns through oil, lots of body rattles and wind noise while driving. It needed new wheel bearings, cv joint and exhaust before we finally stopped throwing money at it all the while paying $4.40/gallon of gas to get about 16 mpg. Its only saving grace was that it was great in the snow."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Second Subaru, BEST I'VE EVER OWNED

By Kevlin (TN) on Wednesday, March 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 199,050

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Ultra reliable under a variety of conditions."

Cons: "2 wheel bearings had to be replaced."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought my 2005 Forester new, and have driven it with pleasure for 7 years. One thing I have an issue with is replacing two wheel bearings... Our Outback also had two replaced. Subaru needs to look into the issue. We've kept up with the maintenance, and the rates are about right. It goes everywhere I ask - in snow, in mud, across a creek almost up to the top of the tires. It just pulled a 2-horse trailer (empty) from Oklahoma to Tennessee, though it did struggle going up hills. It's comfortable for long hauls, it will "lay you back in the seat" with acceleration. I wouldn't change a thing... except maybe to have a newer one."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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lOVE THIS CAR!!! Its awesome in snow or icy condi

By tAYLORSMOMMIE (CO) on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 84,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"tions. Never slips or feels out of control at all. Also good for kids/car seats. Wish it had a dvd player built into the back head rest or ceiling for convenience. had to buy dvd player to fit over headrest. good gas mileage, dealer always wants me to trade it in since I have low mileage. I drive I 70 a lot and rush hour in Denver during snowy conditions__ I'm always praising it to coworkers and even told a lady she should buy one!!! Very reliable."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 298 reviews