| | | 2004 Subaru Forester -  (SUV , Subaru, 2004, 5 Seats, 2.5L - 4 Cylinders)
Arrival of a turbocharged version highlights changes to Subarus compact SUV for 2004. Forester shares its powertrain and many underskin components with Subarus Impreza subcompact car. Forester comes as the base 2.5 X, uplevel 2.5 XS, and new turbocharged... Read More Arrival of a turbocharged version highlights changes to Subarus compact SUV for 2004. Forester shares its powertrain and many underskin components with Subarus Impreza subcompact car. Forester comes as the base 2.5 X, uplevel 2.5 XS, and new turbocharged 2.5 XT. All use a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter 4-cyl engine with 210 hp in the XT and 165 in the others. All offer manual or automatic transmission. The manual transmission includes Subarus Hill Holder feature designed to prevent rolling on inclines with the clutch pedal depressed. ABS and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing are standard. Head-and-chest-protecting front side airbags are standard. An in-dash CD changer is now standard on XS and XT. All Foresters have 16-inch wheels, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt steering, and remote keyless entry. Leather upholstery is available on XS and XT models. Short description | | | | | | 11 reviews provided by Epinions.com | Product Rating: | | | Reliability: | | | Seat Comfort: | | | Build Quality | | | Roominess: | | | Handling And Control: | | | Author's rating: | | | Reliability: | | | Seat Comfort: | | | Build Quality | | | Roominess: | | | Handling And Control: | | Who Says Wagons Have to be Boring when they Have TURBO POWER! by bettega , Sun Dec 17 06:47:59 EST 2006 Pros: Engine, gearing, AWD, small size/maneuverability, interior cargo room, reliability, safety, versatile, inexpensive.
Cons: Shifter, noisy, extreme character, smallish back seat, suspension not up to motor/chassis.
Review: I have driven a 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT (T as in TURBO) since I bought one new in January of 2004 for 23,000 dollars. I have had it for almost three trouble free years of snow belt driving and have used it mostly for commuting to work in mixed... read full review
The bottom line: A practical sleeper low on refinement. The suspension disappoints but it can cheaply fulfil many different missions in varying weather conditions very QUICKLY! | | | | | Author's rating: | | The turbo helps, yet left me less satisfied; now reviews both transmissions by mkaresh , Thu Sep 11 07:23:41 EDT 2003 Pros: Power, handling (for an SUV), all-wheel-drive traction, interior style and materials
Cons: Tires, wheels, and seats unsuited to a quick vehicle; nasty shifter and clutch Review: The last few years have witnessed the emergence of a new class of vehicles: the car-based SUV. These are for people who desire the image and interior versatility of an SUV, and perhaps all-weather capability as well, but want ride and handling more like... read full review
The bottom line: The turbo helps, but the additional power leaves me wanting a firmer suspension, stickier tires, and more supportive seats. Still the best compact SUV--with the autobox. | | | | | Author's rating: | | | Reliability: | | | Seat Comfort: | | | Build Quality | | | Roominess: | | | Handling And Control: | | We Love Our Breadbox - UPDATED 1/07 by kentva , Tue Jun 01 10:44:00 EDT 2004 Pros: Safety, handling, acceleration, interior (except seats). Cons: Seats (for tall people), gas mileage, exterior design. Review: UPDATE - JANUARY 2007: I decided to put this at the beginning of the review rather than the end because I think it's really important. Just before Christmas my wife was in what could have been a horrible car accident. She was driving about 65 mph on a... read full review
The bottom line: If you want a small SUV, stop looking. It is safe, handles well, and is surprisingly fun to drive. If you can, spring the extra $$ and get the turbo. | | | | | Author's rating: | | | Reliability: | | | Seat Comfort: | | | Build Quality | | | Roominess: | | | Handling And Control: | | I love it! by missichic , Thu Aug 12 10:43:42 EDT 2004 Pros: Fun, versatile, 4WD/price point, thoughtful design, roomy cargo capacity. Cons: X model=aluminum wheel cover. Moonroof issues? Review: This car is so cool! I had a 1988 Subaru XT that just wouldn't die...but I was ready for something more substantial. By the way, this seems to be the Official Car of Portland!! They're everywhere. I almost bought a VW Passat Wagon, but the... read full review
The bottom line: This is a great value, a fun, versatile vehicle, and I am confident it will be a reliable, safe vehicle. | | | | | | | |