2021 Subaru Forester Review: Reliable Compact SUV With Affordable Ownership Costs

Irish on December 29, 2024

Purchased a 2024 Subaru Forester Sport in March of 2024 to commute from Phoenix to Flagstaff. All was okay till 2 days before Thanksgiving. Autonation Subaru has been okay to deal with. After 3 weeks said nothing wrong with it, got it back. Broke down again heading back from Flagstaff. All the lights came on in dash for second time and lost all power. It's back at dealer again. They couldn't diagnose it, and said the diagnostic code says bad fuel pump, but they said it's not. Suddenly now, after being on the phone with Subaru America it's the fuel pump. They've had it now another week, and supposedly it's now the fuel pump. The Service folks have been good to work with, but Subaru America hasn't returned my last 2 phone calls. I'm sorry I purchased this car. If it breaks down again, I'll be getting an attorney that specializes in the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, and asking Subaru for a Buyback. Subarus suck now. 26k miles.

Felix Chan on May 25, 2023

I like the solid feel of the car and the sturdy and high ride. Good acceleration. It would be a better SUV if the ground clearance was at least 10” or 12”, with the exhaust pipe properly tucked away!

Mike Big on August 31, 2022

Spontaneous windshield cracked to 2 1/2 feet in just seconds! No stones seen, without warning, bang. The part cost $850.00 more for eye-sight calibration! Subaru dealer said total cost, around $2000!

Ken on June 30, 2022

One of the best cars I have ever owned. It drives like a dream, has more get-up-and-go then I ever thought a 4 cyl. could have. I make a 3000 miles trip from Texas to Utah in may and averaged 34 miles per gallon. I would recommend them to everyone.

lily on March 28, 2022

[Most satisfied] All imported, all full-time four-wheel drive, horizontally opposed engine. [Most dissatisfied] The car system is too old. Without Carplay, Carlife is also more laggy. [Space] The wheelbase is 2670, and I sit at 1.78 in the front, so there is enough space in the back and plenty of space in the trunk. [Power] It is very easy to overtake within 0-100. [Control] The horizontally opposed engine is blessed with full-time four-wheel drive, and it drives like a car. Braking performance: The automatic brake is a bit sensitive, [fuel consumption] It has only driven more than 300 kilometers. At high speed, the fuel consumption is 12L. Everyone said that if it is within 10, it will fall off after going out for a self-driving tour and running at high speed in the later period.i got this car from idealauto last year ,that was a marvelous experience . that dealer so reliable .

Jael1818 on March 14, 2022

This car is abysmal and Subaru LIED about the mpg. It's absolutely absurd. In mixed driving - cold weather, warm weather, whatever - is 20mpg. On the hwy it gets 21.5. It's disgusting. And it has ZERO pickup. It sounds like it's dying when I try to get up to speed on the hwy - much less up a hill. My previous car was an Alltrack. They claimed I woudl get 31/22. I got 33/28.5. Sure, it wasn't as good in the snow, but at least I could drive more than a week before filling up again. And I never feared for my life when trying to accelerate accross a street! So awful. But the seats are cushy!

JSlater on June 15, 2021

I have only been leasing this car for a few weeks but I am in love! The handling, safety features, styling, and technology are all on point.

chuckster on June 14, 2021

Did not answer Reliability as I just got it but the reviews are good. So far I really - really like it! The more i drive it the more it seems to fit me better. Not a fan of a CVT but this has pep without using the sport drive. Lots of nice soft surfaces in this vehicle which is really nice. Great stereo system. Handles really great! Gas mileage is really good for AWD.

Gary and Kathryn on June 11, 2021

We looked at Lexus, BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes SUV’s. This Forrester Touring has similar comfort but greater practicality and visibility. The other luxury cars are clearly more comfortable and refined but not for $25K-$40K more. We are in our mid 70’s and wanted safety and confidence in adverse weather situations. We believe this was a more intelligent choice. It also is attractive and rides quietly and nice.

CIndyB on June 10, 2021

Great car. Reliable. This is the third Forester and fourth Subaru we own. Won’t hesitate to continue with this make of vehicle. Staff was excellent to work with and very attentive to our needs.