Subaru Forester 1997 Release (1997-2002)

Great family car and sports car – 2002 gt forester Ive had a fair few carsxand by far this is the most versatile and fun. Handeling is great although feels a little light if used to a commodore. Parts and upgrades redily available and price for a decent condition model is very reasonable. Comfortable for a family on a long trip with enough power to get you out of trouble  Show details

The Forester GT Turbo is still going strong! – I bought the 1999 GT and it's an awesome car. Drives smoothly and handling is brilliant. I have been using Premium or super unleaded petrol since I bought it, but switched over to standard unleaded recently and it does not drive as well. The dash and interior (black) were fashionable for it's time, but is still OK. The car has been very reliable… Read more

and have not broken down yet. Mileage is a 9 to 10 Litres per 100km on average driving around the suburbs.

Issues with the car I wish to point out.

(1) The clear paint started to peel way too early - less than 10 years. The plastic turbo scoop on the top of the bonnet and the roof are particularly vulnerable.

(2) The clock stopped working after about 2 years - this is a common fault due to bad solder on the circuit. However, this can be easily fixed if you have a soldering iron.

(3) The car radio has started to go recently and does not pick up many radio stations.

(4) Extra excess for car insurance since it is a turbo model.

(5) The roof rails on the car are weak and broke recently. I think the design of these rails have improved since then.

About Fuel Economy – Well, after now having put 6 tanks into it, I feel qualified to write a little about the fuel economy of this vehicle. Seeing some of the other reviews here gives me a smile, as some don't seem to appreciate that thrusting their foot to the floor, on every occasion, may have an effect on their car's economy. I have only filled the tank when it is… Read more

below a quarter full, and here are the results : Best economy (3 times) 7.3 litres/100km (32.2 miles/US gallon, 38.7 miles/Imperial gallon). Worst economy (1 time, fully laden with a sea kayak on roof, on very steep and winding roads) 8.3 litres/100km (28.4 miles/US gallon, 34 miles/Imperial gallon). These figures were taken over approximately 3500km (2170 miles) and included two odometer checks. Drive like a fool, your economy suffers...the fault would lay with you, not your car.

Overrated SUV with Poor Fuel Economy and lacks power – Don't be fooled, these cars are just an overrated SUV's with poor fuel economy and need maintenance frequently which is very expensive. We drove 428klms on a full tank(60 litres), highway kilometres the gauge was below empty. When you go to buy some parts you almost need a bank loan, so buy secondhand(used) if you can. No idea how these… Read more

cars received positive reviews and car of the year sometimes.

The one positive is they are comfortable to drive.

These cars have no guts at all, try towing a 6x4 trailer and see how they go.

Poor turning circle.

Ignition switch became faulty after a short time, replacement is too costly to worry about, the accessories including wipers stop intermittently.

Visibility is not that good from drivers seat, especially out the front where its important.

Manual gearbox went bad before 100,000 klms, needs gearbox bearing and driving was very easy not hard driven, cost to replace a $15 bearing was to be $600 quote max.

The torsion bar needed re-welding within 100,000klms where it was attached to, it is a SUV so you wouldn't expect this to happen.

These cars are very roomy, but then most station wagons are anyway.

Don't forget, all the experts reviews are done over a period of hours, maybe just 1 hour when you consider they have to review and drive so many cars.

Driving over rough road was pretty good, nice and smooth, but then, most modern 4x4s and SUV are pretty well sprung.

Paintwork is pretty good.

Dashboard easy to read.

Controls easily accessible.

Good ground clearance.

No doubt the genuine parts are made to last, replaced timing belt at 100,000, old one looked like new still along with other parts like tensioner and water pump etc, so you have to wonder why they recommend replacing timing belt, maybe its like buying insurance, my opinion is the timing belt and all could have lasted another 100,000klms, how many owners don't replace them anyway and done 300,000klms.

15 years of great service, hard to go past – This car has been extremely reliable as well as versatile to boot! It feels solid and well planted and is reasonably comfortable but I would have preferred for the seat to have been able to move back one more notch to be perfect. The car has been been a light duty commuter for about nine years but that changed five years ago increasing its drive… Read more

from a 12k to 60k round trips including some hilly sections.

Over the practically 15 year life, the car has only suffered from a dodgy front wheel bearing (seem to hear from others with that too) a perished boot and suspension bushes (much more recently) . It has only broken down once and that was due to a faulty brand new thermostat which stuck closed and was repaired for free (as you would expect). Also, brakes seem to last for ever on this car.

Car has done its fair share of holiday drives including to cross-continental tours (Adelaide-Darwin) and has been a flawless cruiser.

Car would have benefited from an extra gear, particularly from the automatic transmission which really reveals the low end lack of torque. Up steep hills you'll need 3000rpm for it to work, but the engine is good and it will deliver and its not afraid to rev. Its an amazingly smooth beast.

I've kept my car properly serviced and it still runs brilliantly and looses no oil. Overall its probably done less Km for its life at around 190k and apart from an upcoming CV work in several months time.

Also worth mentioning is that I love to use E10 (94+ octane) as overall engine performance and economy improves, I can easily and consistently achieve a 70km range improvement using E10 (10% ethanol) and sometimes more which means I get around 470-500 K range before the reserve fuel light goes on. This is on a drive which includes about 12K of expressway (hilly) and 16k through mixed suburban conditions. With 91RON fuel, the car is sluggish and unenthusiastic and really runs like a dog. The higher the octane...even a bit, really makes the car distinctly perkier! (and get around 10l/100k fuel economy)

To this day, all the electrics work perfectly (except for one dash globe that needs replacing. And as of about now have noticed that the car falters a bit if poking the accelerator, no engine lights or anything I can see so I suspect its ignition leads. Even so, its the first time the car has missed a beat (in 10 years anyway) between a scheduled service.

In summary, the Pluses for me are overall reliability, OK running costs for car of its type. Easy to drive, good visibility, smooth, good road feel (if tires properly inflated). Quiet smooth engine. Minuses are Transmission not great for handling hills, engine needs extra torque

Good car, can give the big boys a run for their money – I've had my 2000 Forester for 12 mths now, it's been a great car for camping, lugging around a lot of rubbish fun in the mud & sand the 2.0L engine isn't built for performance, the Auto doesn't have a transfer case, but in saying that still does quite well at everything I've thrown at it so far. The old girl has just clocked over 290,000km… Read more

previous owner didn't treated her too well, but oddly enough mechanically doesn't skip a beat, ALWAYS starts gearbox works fine would seriously buy another one.

Find me another one! – Dec 99 Forester GT bought 2nd hand 3yrs,80,000,now done330K just had top end gaskets and new clutch while it was out. Have had 3 rear wheel bearings, replaced centre diff as wrong oil put in gearbox by selling dealer! New stronger rear springs 180K. Using 500ml oil in 10K currently. Service man says good for another100K [It is a full luxury pack model so ticks 'All' the boxes for us.  Show details

Great all-rounder – We bought it with 132.000 km on the clock and added another 35.000 km in over a year. It is simply amazing. No matter where do we go, how long or how far do we drive. Deep sand is not a problem if you know how to handle it. On the Stockton Beach or through Yardie Creek we went pass let's call them "serious 4x4" cars stucked in sand. But we always… Read more

made it. The key is momentum (auto gearbox) and weight often a half of big truck's.

Often other drivers were surprised seeing us in the middle of nowhere in SUV. With care it handles medium terrain, creek and even a few river crossings. I've never saved $ on maintaining it according to service book, it has always had good oils and much love. Maybe that's why it has never let us down.

Another thing, it's good on petrol. Show me other all time AWD or 4WD which takes 8,2-8,7 ltr/100 km. I've put Cooper tires and installed a dual battery system what makes it an ultimate Australian tourer for two. Economical and reliable, bulletproof engine, symmetrical all wheel drive, 200 mm standard ground clearance (Australian market only) 2.0 non-turbo engine does not have so much power. It's not created for racing and if you expect excellent acceleration simply don't buy it

Subaru Forester 2001 GT 2.0 Litre Turbo – MY02 model I purchased 2nd hand in Dec 2003 had only done 7k when I bought it. What a great car this has been. For only a 2.0 litre motor with Turbo it goes like a scalded cat. I have had it serviced at each 12500ks as per the manual. Now at over 150000 still going like a dream. I love it. I would happily recommend this model to anyone. Great car… Read more ·  1

to drive. Very positive. Only annoying things is if you turn off the engine with the windows down you have to put the key back in the ignition to wind up the windows. Reliability it hasn't missed a beat in 10years.

Can't go wrong – We bought a 1997 Subaru Forester Limited about a year ago, as we wanted something small-ish but still high enough to go off road comfortably. It currently has 220,000kms on the clock but still runs perfectly... I expect it will last for a long time to come! It is a really fantastic all-rounder. Interior and exterior are very high quality,… Read more

stylish... It doesn't have a huge amount of space inside but is very versatile. I expect this would be good for a small family or young couple (like us). It's also currently a very affordable car at about $5,000 - $8,000 depending on state and condition.

Haven't had to deal with Subaru directly, so can't comment on this but replacement parts are fairly priced. I actually prefer the old Subaru design than the newer ones (which tend to look more like a full-on SUV. Can be a bit heavy on fuel with city driving but ultimately it's the compromise of having a higher AWD.

Last Christmas we did a very long trip in the Subaru, we travelled 3,500kms to the other side of the country, non-stop with the aircon on (took 3 days). Didn't fail us once, even on the way back again 2 weeks later! [this was with the car fully loaded with us, luggage, 2x Jerry cans of fuel, and one large container of water. 2 spare tyres]

Overall, I love the Subaru Forester. It will be the best car you've ever owned. Can't recommend it enough! reliability, features, handles great on dirt roads, good size, Only thing I can think of is you can't use the electric windows with the ignition off - not really a big deal.

Sooby sooby dooo!! – We bought our 1999 Limited forester with 52,000km on the clock in 2003. Now it has done over 210,000km. The only problems we have had with it in our time has been: - Radio reception problems with in glass antenna and after market radio. I installed an external antenna and have had no problems since. - Left rear wheel bearing went at about… Read more

186,000km. Replaced for about $600. no problems since.

- Hole in exhaust. Fixed for $120. Used a generic exhaust which I think is better than the subaru one.

We have tried many different tyres (yokies, Bridgestone duellers, hankooks, falken). If you can get the Bridgestone Duellers (original equipment) cheap we have found them the best. The yokohama geolandar's were pretty good too.

I am 6'4" (189cm) and just fit. I would not want to be any taller though! We have 2 kids (6 and 10) who are going to inherit my body so we are getting a bigger car. I wish subaru made a bigger version of the forester. We have really enjoyed it - being able to go to the snow or explore bush traks, it has done it all. Fuel economy (8L/100km), storage (fun for kids - counting how many storage spots there are), sure footedness of all time 4wd in wet and dry, ride is smooth. Can be a bit loud on some surfaces, in glass antenna is crap - you will need an external antenna if you upgrade the factory radio/cassette, tyre size is sometimes hard to find.

Excellent! – I bought my Forester 2 years ago. I chose a Subaru as they have the ability to go offroad yet a good city car unlike a real 4wd. I went this route over the usual Commodore most 17yr olds get. Onroad its fun to drive, very comfortable, roomy, economical, safe. Offroad it went well but needed improving for my standards. I installed 2.5inch of lift… Read more

in it with chunky offroad tyres. It goes really well now and with these goes much further and with less damage occuring. For the most part it keeps up with the big 4wd's except for rock crawling where lockers and LSD's are needed.

The 2.0l engine with bigger all terrain tyres has made it really gutless, I find myself almost having to use low range to drive around the city. With the lack of power it makes merging hard and with highway driving I find myself reaching for 3rd gear and having to hit 5500rpm before changing gears to get the speed up enough to pass 2-6 cars at once. Its very practical and just perfect all round, the AWD is great onroad and grips extremely well. Its no hoons car but if you want that then you should get a commodore or WRX.

Loaded up it pulls along alright even with a 1tonne trailer and fully loaded car. The low range is very handy being a 45% reduction plus being AWD and not 4WD you can use low range on the road.

If you are looking into a 2nd hand one make sure there is some recent service history. Boxer engines and Subaru gearboxes don't like missing services and will make you pay for it in the future. I bought my car with 119,000km on it and now 2years later almost at 180,000km its due for engine work (burns 1l of oil every 500km) and the gearbox is completely stuffed, I had the clutch go a year ago too. Yet with all its problems its always gotten me home from the outback or offroad. Just make sure you don't make the mistake I did and don't go with one that has no service history.

I would highly recommend the forester, even for a young person like myself. I can definitely see the practical side if you have a family but from a young persons point of view its a great car to fit the mates and gear in/on. Goes anywhere and great in the city or if you like to venture outdoors and offroad.

PS. If you do use it offroad (beach and sand dunes mainly) I would recommend 2" suspension lift as it makes a huge difference yet is cheap and easy to do. Also don't put bigger tyres on if you change to an all terrain. Reliable, fuel efficient, safe, fun to drive, really good offroad even when when trying to keep up with the big 4WD's. Very comfortable, great turning circle, good physical size for in the city yet quite large inside. Low range, offroad ability, towing ability Very expensive to fix, the 2.0l is gutless. The manual is the only option though as the auto is almost undriveable!

Was good until warranty ran out – We bought this car brand new in 2000 (manual). Was very good until 3 months after warranty ran out(at only 50000KM) and a rear wheel bearing went. Subaru didn't want to know anything about it. They regulary do wheel bearings, we have had to replace 3 and only 160,000km. They also do CV boots a lot and also CV seals. Until recently, the… Read more

only timing belts you could get were genuine at a cost of $1,000+ every 100,000km's. They had a habbit of doing clutches as well, it is unusual to get passed 100,000km without replacing clutch.

For a year 2000 vehicle, it came with a tape player and no CD player???? Also no ABS.

The motor does take a few revs to get going. Have done a few long trips, 12+ hours in it and hopped out fealing like I was run over by a truck. The towball hides the number plate so have to remove it when not in use or risk a fine.

Ours is 11 years old next month and expecting next service to be over $1,000 with a new clutch and CV seal.

Would I get another Forester? Yes, but only the 2011 model as it has timing CHAIN and does not require replacement every 100,000km and only if they give a 5 year warranty like the cheaper cars. Stable on all roads, sufficient room in back for kids. Short warranty, do wheel bearings quite often, timing belt every 100,000km, paint is thin, tape player???

Good – I bought this car for my kids to learn to drive in (ABS brakes, all wheel drive, twin airbags, unpainted bumpers and cladding) and it has been perfect for the job - very forgiving of learners poor gear changes and clutch slipping, and very safe once they get their licences. It is also my car when I go bush, the nose and tail are a bit long for… Read more

steep bush tracks, but otherwise she is great. Bought her at auction for a pittance with 270000km and spent a few thousand replacing struts, springs, timing belt and convenient engine seals.Has worked like clockwork ever since, the handling is great, fuel economy good, very versatile (can carry 2.4m long sleepers)tows the trailer happily, and comfortable to drive Power is down, (i knew this when I bought it, and it doesn't overly worry me)clock has died (very common on this model)

Good – It's been a great car - very reliable and the handling is superb. Would go for the larger engine next time though Absolute quality - bought 2nd hand and can't fault it (with the few 'cons' below). Seats are a bit tough - either the seats or my backside need more paddingA bit gutless up the hills etcBoot space is a bit tight but we've built a parcel shelf setup for the dog with storage underneath

OK – Pretty good value SUV that keeps it's resale value, good for trips to the ski-field and "soft-road" 4w driving. Fuel tank rather on the small side. Good road grip, not too bad as a 4WD if the going's not too rough. 2 litre engine is rather gutless unless you keep it above 3000 revs, dual range a bit of a token affair, engine is burning quite a bit of oil after only 130,000 km

Excellent – Subaru Forester is a great car as it is reliable, safe, economical, roomy and not an unattractive shape. We fit five in very comfortably. Having driven a range of cars in my short life I have now come to appreciate the differernce between a subaru and all the others. I have total confidence that the car will handle well in the wet. It is easy… Read more

to drive, has plenty of leg room in the front, gets good mileage, the seats are so comfortable and has good lumbar support. I just love all the little cup holders, and little nooks in the car. When we purchase our next Subaru it will be one that has better pick up as the Forester is somewhat slow to get up and going.

Good – I have had my 98 model for 3 years now and haven't been happy with the 'lack of' power since I bought it, it is a manual though it seems to make no difference. My car has now done 290,000km and is really starting to cost me money now. From what I've been told, subaru's are fantastic and don't miss a beat until the km's start getting up there. I… Read more

park on a steep lawn and in winter I have never slid and lost grip even though the ground is mud. All in all, as much as don't really like this car (only because of the power issue!), I feel safe, very safe in it for some reason Heaps of little storage compartments, comfotable ride, confortable seating,not expensive to service, boot has a fair amount of room, anchor points for baby carseat, has arm rests, not much safety accessories, can change from AWD to 4WD on the move. 2 litre lacks power, only a tape deck, expensive full comprehensive insurance, good control when driving, gets expensive as the km's go up high, bit squashy with 3 adults on the back seat or even 2 adults and a carseat.

Excellent – Purchased this Subaru in a trade after having a baby, definitely from a mothers perspective roomy as well as having 3 convenient anchor points in the roof (no more pulling off the trim to get to the anchor point yay!) As far as the all wheel drive is concerned we live on a farm and I have yet to get bogged or slide around in the wet. Great car,… Read more

good on fuel, almost power everything (99 model) and plenty of room in to boot for almost anything. CD player would be nice though... Roomy, Durable, Go Anywhere (well nearly anywhere...) Do they make it in a diesel model?

Good – I would recommend this car very good all rounder, now we have three children plenty of boot space, not to high for kids to climb in and not to low for bending over to click safety belts. great car to drive, lots of small handy pockets, my mod has driver,passenger and side air bags, good resale, come in a turbo mod, not much leg room in the back,I think the 2litre lacks a bit off power.

Good – Good, reliable car with reasonable off-road capability and respectable ground clearance, although not a 4WD. Ideal if you want a recreational vehicle for fishing, camping, mountain biking etc that drives like a passenger car. Good fuel economy, but 2.0 litre is a bit underpowered and you need to be fairly precise and deliberate with your gear… Read more

changes. Mine has 118,000 kms, never missed a beat. Comfortable, well appointed, heaps of storage places, standard equipment. Low range 4WD seems to have no effect on gearing whatsoever. 2.0 donk is a bit underdone. Genuine spares prices are way over the top, manual gearbox can be a bit clunky.