2005 Subaru Forester

Pros: Great engine and handling. Highly rated regarding safety. Fun to drive.

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: If you like to have fun driving while still having the 'just in case' security, buy this vehicle. It is a sporty SUV.

Review: The following comments apply to the Subaru Forester 2.5X, 5sp manual: 1. Ride. Very good, firm (as in sporty), and well controlled under all conditions. No overstuffed seats or mushy suspension here. Very comfortable for both driver and passenger. ...

Pros: Handles like a dream, even in the toughest situations.

Cons: The functions could be more automated and digital.

The Bottom Line: I would recommend this car to anyone, it's safe, reliable and has a wonderful consumer reports rating - best small SUV.

Review: I bought a 2005 Subaru Forester XT Premium in September 2004, when they were first available. It is the greatest car I ever owned. For starters, it is the turbo edition, so the gas mileage is less than it could be - but that was my decision. The turbo ...

Pros: Tough vehicle, very intelligently designed. Easy to modify and amazing AWD.

Cons: Very hard seats, a little on the small side inside. Stock Yokohamas are trash.

The Bottom Line: Excellent all around vehicle, can be very utilitarian if equipped. AWD better than most 4x4's I've seen. Value for the dollar is very high.

Review: I am going to keep this as short as I can, and as some others have done, I will leave the tech specs to the other reviews. They are widely available. If you are one of those people who are overly critical of such omissions, I suggest you just skip to ...

Pros: Sure footed, attractive, nimble, handles well and is affordable.

Cons: Should have retained the roof rub bars (between the racks) on this model year.

The Bottom Line: If you need transportation, want AWD and want to stay away from huge SUVs. The safe Forester is the way to go.

Review: I just bought my second Forester, a 2005 X (the base model). It replaced a 2001 Forester L (the base model in 2001). My 2001 had 58,500 miles on it and was in perfect shape! However, Subaru had two programs running that enticed my to trade: 1) ...

Pros: Smooth turbo. Exceptional weight/power ratio. Huge sunroof. In-dash 6-CD stereo. Fully automated climate control.

Cons: Mediocre stock tires. Doors don't lock automatically. Inconvenient aircon filter location. Stereo needs more power.

Review: I love my Forester. It handles more like a sports sedan than an SUV. It looks big but is actually smaller than a 3 series BMW. This makes it easy to park and a joy to toss around on Hong Kong's narrow twisty mountain and coastal roads. The Forester's ...

Pros: Mileage, handles well, comfortable, good visibility, strong heating and cooling ability.

Cons: Buzzing, whining, road noise. Windows have no frames, sloppy and floppy. Too low, entry difficult.

Review: I started out to buy a Honda CRV but the local dealer was out of stock and I needed a replacement for my broken 91 Suzuki Sidekick. The Forester was my second choice and the dealer had a good price at year end close out, nearly $3000 below msrp. I got ...