2012 Subaru Forester

I like it but it's not the best car in the snow!

By Matt (NY) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

Pros: "Powerful, fuel efficient and fun to drive"

Cons: "Disappointing in the snow"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The forester is great to drive and has plenty of power. In fact I have gotten myself in trouble on more than one occasion. And while the power is more than I expected from a four-banger the gas mileage never drops below 24 mpg. The car has excellent ground clearance for off road use and deep snow. My only complaint is the ability in the snow. Maybe it's the Bridgestone Dueller H/T. Maybe the car is too light. In comparison with subarus I've owned in the past this one slides around a bit much. Whatever the reason or reasons, the 2012 Subaru Forester is a disappointment in the slippery conditions of western NY."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I love it!

By Cowgirl (GA) on Thursday, April 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,800

Pros: "Great driving"

Cons: "Much improved design from the first model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I love this car. I feel safe, the ride is really comfortable. I like the carbon footprint and everything Subaru stands for in it's manufacturing practices. I love the ease in which it handles. My sister is buying her 2nd...the first one is being handed down to her son. It's 15 years old."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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A GREAT Car

By CleElum (WA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

Pros: "Everything--especially handling in bad weather."

Cons: "Need keyless start."

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

"Our second Forester. Live in snow country--it just keeps going--and no chains for us when chains are required on the Pass for non-AWD/4WD. It's comfortable, a pleasure to drive. We leave the back seats down unless we have passengers so there's room for all the extra stuff we keep in the car and the dogs. We average about 23-24 mpg in winter and 26-27 in summer and a year's average of 25 mpg with mostly highway driving but lots of hills that suck up the gas. Our next car will be a Forester."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle, interior mediocre

By Marcy (FL) on Saturday, March 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,800

Pros: "Decent MPGs, AWD/fun to drive, great visibility"

Cons: "Uncomfy seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I drove a jacked up 2006 6.0 F250 until a couple of months ago. I traded it for a used 2011 2.5X with less than 5,000 miles on it. Going from a diesel truck to a gas crossover has been nice in many ways, including the fuel mileage and decrease in fuel bill by about $350 a month. I get about 24 in the city, and get 27+ on the highway, and about $50 for a fill up (much improved from my $105 fill up in the truck.) The engine does make an interesting noise when turning over after it has been sitting for a few days, shifting isn't always incredibly smooth when I'm really pushing it on tight turns (from 1st to 2nd gear I'd imagine). The awd is great! Makes it fun to drive and comforting in bad weather. My biggest complaint is the interior. The seats aren't that comfortable by any means with zero lumbar support. It's also weird that the passenger's seat rides so low and has no real adjustment mechanism either. Audio system could use an upgrade. That's about it. These things, while we expect to get exactly what we want (unless we can afford to order custom) is unrealistic. Lumbar support can be purchased for the vehicles aftermarket, as can an audio system upgrade. If you really want to throw the money into it after market, I'm sure someone has come up with a solution for the passenger's seat to become adjustable. The parts of the vehicle that matter, which are engine, safety, fuel efficiency (if driven with mpg's in mind), and handling are all there in a big way. Everything else is colored bubbles, either you have the money for the top model with all the nice features, or you have to upgrade them later. Take your pick, but I love this vehicle for its bare bones and despite what it is lacking."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Good value - uncertain quality and reliability

By Chevalier (WA) on Friday, February 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

Pros: "AWD, great value"

Cons: "Intermittent starting problem that won't go away"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"New 2013 Premium 5MT with Plus package. Terrific value for the money: AWD, heated seats, mirrors and windshield, large panoramic roof, height adjustable drive and passenger seats. Weird problem with starting sometimes; having to crank the engine at least 3 times to start, each time about 3-5 seconds of cranking. Dealer installed shim kit for camshaft sensor; starting problem occurs less frequently after the dealer repair but still happens occasionally. Rattles in the dashboard and A-pillar almost from day one. Stereo is weak even with the upgraded 6 speakers. Otherwise, overall a good car with great value."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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