The Good
The 2004 Subaru Forester offers a compelling blend of practicality and fun. Its symmetrical AWD provides confident handling in various conditions. Reliability is a strong suit, appealing to practical buyers. The comfortable ride and spacious interior offer daily usability. The turbocharged XT trim delivers a sporty, emotional appeal, while the overall value is excellent due to its longevity and low running costs.
The Bad
Common weaknesses include potential head gasket issues, especially in the naturally aspirated engine. Oil consumption can also be a concern. Rust, particularly in areas with salted roads, is something to watch out for. The automatic transmission can exhibit some issues over time. Check for worn suspension components due to age.
2004 Subaru Forester: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated flat-4 (EJ251)
- 2.5L DOHC turbocharged flat-4 (EJ255 - XT trim)
- Horsepower:
- Naturally Aspirated: 165 hp
- Turbocharged: 210 hp
- Fuel Economy:
- Naturally Aspirated: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (manual), 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway (automatic)
- Turbocharged: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (automatic)
- 0-60 Times:
- Naturally Aspirated: 9.5-10.0 seconds
- Turbocharged: 6.5-7.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs (all trims when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- X: Base model; includes AWD, power windows and locks, and a basic stereo system.
- XS: Adds alloy wheels, upgraded cloth upholstery, keyless entry, and cruise control.
- XT: Top-of-the-line trim; features the turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and premium interior trim. May include leather upholstery and a sunroof.
- All trims offered options like sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and automatic transmissions.
2004 Subaru Forester Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2004 |
| Make | Subaru |
| Model | Forester |
| Trim | - |
| Style | SUV |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
| Engine Size | 2.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | 4 Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 4-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2004 Subaru Forester Have?
Rust is a common concern, particularly in areas with road salt. Check the undercarriage, wheel wells, and body panels for rust formation.
The automatic transmission can sometimes develop issues, such as slipping or rough shifting, especially in higher mileage vehicles. Regular transmission fluid changes can help mitigate this.
Recalls for the 2004 Forester were issued for things like potential fuel leaks and issues with the airbag system. Always check the VIN with the NHTSA to confirm if any recalls are outstanding on a specific vehicle. Suspension components, such as struts and bushings, may wear out over time and require replacement due to the vehicle's age and mileage. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
How long will the 2004 Subaru Forester last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were limited, with cruise control being an optional feature on some trims. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking available.
Safety features included standard dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Side airbags were optional on higher trims. The Forester performed well in crash tests for its era. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave it mostly 4 and 5-star ratings for frontal and side impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rated it as "Good" in their moderate overlap front crash test.
Built-in tech was rudimentary compared to modern vehicles. Entertainment was focused on basic audio functionality. Safety was a priority, with a focus on airbags and ABS. The optional features enhanced comfort and convenience rather than advanced technology.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2004 Subaru Forester Prices and Market Value
2004 Subaru Forester Cost of Ownership
2004 Subaru Forester Fuel Efficiency
2004 Subaru Forester Safety Rating
NHTSA
2004 Subaru Forester Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2004 Subaru Forester Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
In terms of reliability, the CR-V and RAV4 are generally considered slightly more reliable than the Forester, particularly concerning head gasket issues. However, the Forester's AWD system provided superior all-weather capability.
Feature-wise, the Forester was competitive, offering similar amenities to its rivals. Price-wise, it was generally comparable to the CR-V and RAV4 when new.
Alternatives to consider include the Honda CR-V for superior reliability and the Toyota RAV4 for a blend of reliability and practicality. The Mazda Tribute offered a similar driving experience to the Forester but with potentially lower long-term reliability. The Subaru Outback of the same year is another viable option, offering similar attributes with more space.
Ranks #468 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 468 | 2004 Subaru Forester | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2004 Subaru Forester a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Toyota or Honda on November 21, 2024
Head gasket needed replaced at 135,000 miles.Head gasket needed replaced at 135,000 miles. A/C compressor went bad at 140k. Seats uncomfortable. Lower control arm snapped when driving. Very dangerous. Recall was useless. Subaru would not reimburse. Very disappointed. Reliable? My experience NO.
Brandon on November 17, 2024
Insanely reliable.Insanely reliable. Nothing needed to be replaced in the time I’ve had it, and its 20 years old! Currently at 146k miles. Hope to see my specific Forester reach up to the >250k miles mark like many others!
Chad on March 14, 2022
still going after 277K milesI am the sole owner of a 2004 Forester XS which is still going at 277,000 miles. It has proved to be a reliable car with proper maintenance, and have trusted it so far on many backcountry and off-road adventures. By 2022 standards, the car is just adequately powered, but I was able to tow a
Will I am on October 14, 2020
kinda sucksA lot of road noise ( wind etc...)stereo( audio )system sucks. Hard start a lot of times. Doesn’t seem reliable. Drives pretty good as far as acceleration and handleing, but doesn’t seem as great as I hear from most people.
Ianb on October 7, 2020
The subaru forester is a reliable carIt has plenty of leg room as for parts i take mine to subaru to get the parts they are like any other car some parts are expensive but i know i get a great job and have no complaints whatsoever i suppose other garages could do the jobs but with subaru i know il get a great job done and no complaints ..
Courage car on January 3, 2020
Good performance especially on slippery roadsIt's a wonderful car my first Subaru to drive and am satisfied Secondly the stability on the road is good and it's fuel efficient .
alecs on October 24, 2019
dependable used carsMy previous car had broken down and needed a quick cheap fix to the situation while resolving my finances. I had heard horror stories about used car dealerships so went in as a skeptic. They were nice enough to explain i was buying a used car and to expect a few wear and tear issues. I bought it with the express intention of just owning it for a few months. I took it to my mechanic changed the fluids and it served me well with minimal maintenance for three years before i decided to get another. After this experience and how much i saved i do not see myself buying a brand new car
Mike on March 19, 2019
This is by far the best car I've ever owned.This Forester has stuck with me through thick and thin, has been reliable and extremely useful transportation both for commuting and for vacation trips. It’s been well maintained on a regular basis and has a new oil change and a new battery. My mechanic says it’s in good shape and he’s sure it will pass inspection as-is. The car is extremely clean and has had a thorough professional detailing. Snow tires with wheels included. Roof rack for kayaks can also be included. Foresters regularly last many more miles. Subaru's description of its specifications: This XS model includes automatic climate control, heated seats, a 6-CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 16†aluminum wheels, as well as the standard foglights, hill hold feature, folding mirrors, roof rack, intermittent front and rear wipers, cruise control, and keyless entry. Safety: The AWD Forester is praised for its performance in bad weather and road conditions. It earns 5 stars from the NHTSA in front and side crash tests, owing to dual front and side-impact air bags, ABS brakes, 16-inch tires, and active head restraints.
Queenmother on January 25, 2019
Reliable Stylish and RoomyThe Subaru Forester is a great car. As a tall woman, 5’10â€, I need room for my legs when driving and as a passenger. This vehicle gives me plenty of head and leg space. The interior is comfortable for long trips and holds a lot of gear in the back. It is well built and dependable. Our prior Forester lasted with its original engine to 297,000 miles. That is why we bought another one!
Tim on October 16, 2018
Best snow car ever.This car is a great apex of power, performance, and utility. This car also gives good returns on fuel economy. I would buy it again if I could.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.