2009 Subaru Forester X 2.5

Summary:

I'm disappointed, because the attention to details is lacking for, "Made In Japan"

Faults:

Front & rear passenger side door is misaligned when I picked up the new vehicle.

Hood was not adjusted properly. During highway speeds, the hood would bounce up and down. I actually thought it was going to fly off.

Door and or window seal is on the driver's side is defective. I feel like I have a big sea shell on my ear when I'm in the driver's seat.

General Comments:

The handling is good on the Forester.

Fuel efficiency can use some improvements.

The bucket seats are OK. As for the rear, it would have great if the back seat could slide back and forth like the RAV 4.

When the rear seats fold down there is a downward slant to the rear door. It would have been better if the cargo was true flat.

I upgraded to the Limited model and got the HID lights. It's nice, but it over powers the fog lights. You end up with nice bright headlights and dull pale looking fog lights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th January, 2011

2009 Subaru Forester X Premium 2.5 gas

Summary:

Think twice before you buy it. Go with the Outback, maybe it's better

Faults:

Power steering leak at the joints at 5000 miles. Dealer replaced under warranty. They said part was rejected.

Rear seat latch.

Rear door lock, won't lock it

General Comments:

I'm 6'3". The seats are really uncomfortable, they are short upper and lower section. Made for smaller people.

The car is rattles a lot. It's really annoying. Rear seat, sunroof cover, side doors, dash board where windshield meets, sun glass area, glove box rattles. I've been at the dealer several times. They can't do anything about it. They did change the rear seat latch once, but the rattles are still there.

I want to love this car because of the handling, the size, the look, the performance are great. But I've had enough. I did removed the door panels not once to fix the rattles. But come on, it's a new car with very cheap quality. I would never buy this car again.

This is my second Subaru, the first one was better; 2005 Outback.

The sound system is horrible, better you turn it off. The speakers are cheap paper quality; of course made in China. It's a shame.

The aux input isn't better; if I leave the cable connected and I turn on the headlight, the radio unit starts to make a noise, like a contact error.

This is not what I expected from this car. Too many little problems.

Now I'm trying to get rid of it and get another Toyota or Mercedes wagon. I owned both before, and never had a problem like this.

The Subi drives great on snow, great easy off road vehicle. Good gas mileage 19-29mpg

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th March, 2010

22nd May 2010, 12:53

You're absolutely right. This car is cheap, cheap, cheap. Poor build quality. I'd never buy another and never recommend one. Shame on Subaru.

3rd Oct 2010, 11:40

I am forced to agree with many of your comments. My father has owned Subarus since the 80's, and his current Subaru, a 2009 Forester, seems almost like a step back in quality from his previous vehicle (a 2003 Forester, which was totaled after getting rear ended at a stoplight). Lots of cheap trim and hard plastics inside that are not wearing well, fewer storage spaces, and the leather is falling apart. And then there are the rattles... sigh.

Mechanically however, it was doing fine, but just the other day, the transmission has started to act up with a harsh 2-1 shift/lurch when coming to a complete stop... Made a call to the dealer for an appointment tomorrow, and was told that his Forester is going to be stuck with them for a while (eg. waiting for new transmission, if so diagnosed), and I would have to rent a car for the interim, because Subaru Canada no longer offers free loaners for warranty work. Fail.

In reply to 3rd Oct 2010, 11:40

8th Apr 2016, 03:52

Foresters are made in Japan. Legacy & Outbacks... All of them... are American made.

Outbacks have 87% American content & are 100% American made (!).

And: Guess which is better?

I have 5 Subarus. All but the SVX have needed a head gasket job. It doesn't bother me a bit... because... once fixed... they STAY FIXED.

As of last week: all my Subarus have over 285,000 miles and all are amazingly reliable. I never set out to want to like these cars. But their reliability and how they behave in deep snow changed my mind.

I take 800 mile drives from Tahoe to Scottsdale every other month. Never a problem. Not once. I'm 63 and my wife and I can do the HG job for $325 in parts (and machining each head). And it's finished in 5 hours total. Granted... the first one took twice that long. But it was a short learning curve. It's just not a big deal.

There's nothing better in the snow. I've had Explorers (the V8 is wonderful) and Jeeps... Not bad!

But... The American made Subarus (Outbacks & Legacys are from America with 87% American content) are wonderful machines. Great ride from the Indiana factory.

And best of all:... Once the HGs are fixed, the car stays fixed. In deep snow I totally trust them. And I live where 550-600 inches of total seasonal snowfall is typical.

I also trust my Subarus in 114 degree summer days in AZ... I trust them. Never had a problem. What more can I ask for?