2013 SUBARU Forester

Trashy Tranny

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 2

My 2013 Subaru seemed wonderful at first. The first problem I noticed was large oil consumption. It is using approx 1 quart of oil every 1300 miles. The dealer has been doing oil checks but nothing happens. The car now has 36,000 miles and the transmission has leaked fluid all over my driveway and the neighboring roads. I have owned a 2002 forester previously and this car was rarely a problem. Someone crashed into its rear at a rather high rate of speed with my entire family in it. No one was hurt! This is why I bought the 2013 Forester. Unfortunately, I'm beginning to think my latest purchase is a lemon. I am worried that the oil consumption is going to destroy my catalytic converter ($2,000) and I fear being stranded with another transmission leak. Needless to say I am very disappointed in this purchase. I will wait to see what Subaru does about these huge problems and let everyone know how it goes.

Foresters belong in the forest!

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 5

I needed to access unimproved property and have mostly logging roads. I own a two wheel drive truck but it uses a lot of gas and some of the roads are impassable if it is wet. I bought the Subaru Forester mainly on the reputation of their all-wheel-drive. I have not been disappointed. It is very sure-footed and has a great turning radius, important off road. It is not fancy inside, I put in seat covers to protect the cloth seats. It does have more scheduled maintenance than a normal car, mainly the two differentials that have the oil changed every 30k. Not expensive to do so, but the tires have to be the same diameter due to the AWD. That means if you blow a tire after 20-30k miles, you will more than likely have to replace the whole set. The engine pulls strongly, I pull my small boat easily. I replaced the radio head unit, the stock one is weak and a new one is not very expensive, plus I have a backup camera now. If I lived in snow country, owning a Subaru would be a no-brainer.

Subaru Forester Oil Consumption

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1 Safety Rating: 1 Technology Rating: 1 Value Rating: 1

The Subaru Forester - is an oil consuming machine. The dealer and manufacturer do not stand behind their products. So much oil consumption that the catalytic converter will need to be replaced every 50000 miles to the tune of $2000 each time. Subaru has acknowledged the issue but does not stand behind their products. Anyone thinking of purchasing a Subaru should seriously consider another manufacturer.

Amazing on every level, just not mpg!

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 4

This is my first Subaru, I am technically the second owner, the first being my mother, she love it as much as me, and in fact purchased a 2015 Non turbo touring as her replacement. As far as comfort its a great car, driven it in my cross country move from Texas to Pennsylvania. My only complaint about the car is the gas millage and having to use Premium Gas, this is the cars only down fall. I have to drive almost 100 miles a day and she sadly chugs gas like a frat boy chugs beer. No issues mechanically, only a puddle light has gone out. Oil changes lasting as long as they do is a god sent. All in all a great car!

Oil Burner Fixed by Subaru

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: Technology Rating: Value Rating:

Bought a 2013 Forester new for my daughter. It consumed oil right from the start. Presently has 55,000 miles and uses one quart every 1300 miles. Will be taking it to dealer for their assessment. Assuming they give me a runaround, will probably trade it in. Wonder how many other Subarus out there have a similar problem. So watch out . Will update this if they make it right. Update: 5/4/2016 Dealer did not give me a runaround. Dealer suggested a 1200 mile oil consumption test. They measured 1.5 quarts used in 1200 miles. This qualified for new short-block which the dealer installed. No cost to me. Currently we are doing our own mileage test to see if the new short-block made any difference. She now has about 600 miles on the new block and I will update this post when we get more miles. The dealership in this case has been extremely helpful and I give Subaru credit for standing behind this problem. Hopefully the short-block solves the problem. Update: 5/5/2016 Good news. I got a chance to check the oil level on my daughter's car. Since the new short block was installed she has driven 1800 miles. The oil level on the dipstick has gone down 1/4 of an inch from where I first measured it. If this rate of consumption holds, I will consider that the problem has been solved. At this rate she should not have to add oil between oil changes at 4000 miles. And if this rate of consumption holds, my faith in Subaru will have been restored and I would consider buying another one.

Short people need NOT beware..

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

I'm 4 ft 9" , yes you read that right lol. This car is awesome for someone who loves the great outdoors and also need an everyday car. The seats lift up manually on the passenger and drivers seats. The steering wheel is very nice, seats are very comfortable. The inside is spacious, and the auto headlights are very handy. My only regret is how much the dog hair shows on my black seats! Brakes work fantastic, the value is really good. The stereo is basic but still nice. The ride is decently smooth, and the interior noise could also be better, but again overall this car is awesome. I got the 2013 once my 99' forester died and I would absolutely purchase it again!

short people beware

Performance: 4 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 2 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 3

I bought a used 2013 forester with about 13,000 miles on it. The car is really spacious, pretty good on gas (average 24.6 mpg, although I can get up to 30 mpg on the highway) and looks beautiful. I am about 5' tall. But, I can't reach the brake pedal, (it is too high up and I have put two pillows under the floor mat), the seat doesn't go high enough and I need two pillows for that also, the steering wheel is to wide and my hands are cramping up from holding it, I have severe lower back pain, (am now trying an attached back support for the seat), sciatica pain, and cramps and soreness in my feet (from stretching to reach the pedals). In addition, there is no shade darkening on the top of the front windshield, my legs burn up. So I am updating this a year later. I still have back pain, leg cramps and foot pain and need pillows on the floor and on the seat. I got a special car lumbar support thing and that helps a little. I would never buy another subaru. It doesn't handle well (although snow tires made a big difference), and I am unimpressed with all-wheel drive. I still miss my jeep. I went to trade it in, and was told it is only worth $12,000 now. I tried to return it to Gengras, the dealer in CT I bought it , week after I bought it, and they refused, even though they advertise that they will take back a used car if you aren't happy. So there are things I like about it, but as soon as I can afford it, I'll get something else...

Pay MORE

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Do yourself a favor by opting for a higher trim...if you have a BACK problem. I purchse 2013 base model just because of the color. It is brown/burgundy (new for 2013) and either wait 8 weeks or take the base model. After 13,000 miles later, I regret my purchase only because of the lacking(or Non) lumbar support and a thigh support. I have a back issue since purchasing this CUV. Of course, if you are moderate sized person, this would not be an issue. Otherwise, it is a very solid vehicle. This is my 4th Subi and would not be the last.

2013 Forester - Practical and Reliable....

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had my 2013 Subaru Forester since February 2013 after my 1999 Subaru Legacy quit running. I use non ethanol gasoline and I'm averaging between 27-29.2 MPG since I purchased the car. It has plenty of room and enough acceleration for normal & daily driving. I am still disappointed Subaru does not offer a limited / leather model with a 5 speed transmission. I decided to buy a 2013 over a 2014 because I do not trust the long term drive ability of the new CVT transmission yet!

Great little Subie

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had my 2013 Forester for about 7 months now and so far, so good. It isn't the fastest, most luxurious, or most tech savvy car on the market, but what it is, is a great all around car. In todays market there are not many CUVs you can run to the store in one minute, and then the next go out in the back country. This is what made this vehicle so impressive to me being a Wyoming native who very well may do both of those activities in the same day. This little crossover is just so well rounded and good at so many things it makes me happy everytime I drive it. The interior does have some cheap materials, and the stock mud guards are terrible, but other than that I'm happy with my foz.

My 2013 Subaru Forester

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my 2013 Subaru Forester, so here comes the nit pickin'. I bought this SUV in November of 2012. I hate the gray plastic dyed interior trim inside, looks great until you scratch it. Too expensive to fix or replace! Don't like the silver plastic front grill, there is no touch up paint for it! The inside carpet is fraying around the floor mat, but it's not too bad so far, could use better quality carpet. The ride is not bad, but could be smoother. The Bluetooth doesn't filter out noise very well, when trying to call out! No exterior temp gauge! This vehicle could maybe be 3 inches higher. Keep in mind, these things I mentioned may be improved on the 2014 model!

Subaru Forester 2013: Meh...

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I purchased my Subaru in Feb, 2013. The Subaru does very well in poor driving conditions - I used it through 3 snowstorms. Get the winter package - heated seats and windows. But in regular conditions, the Subaru disappoints. The engine is geared to punchy in city driving, which I like, but on the highway, the engine is all noise, and little pickup. Once up to speed it is fine. Gas mileage has yet to crack 21mpg in mixed driving. Which brings me to the handling. On city driving it is fine, but at highway speeds, the steering wheel vibration is pronounced - I gather from the forums that this is rather typical for Foresters. Overall, a boring, but competent vehicle.

Basic and awesome.

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my first Subaru, and I love it. I was looking for a comfortable and basic SUV that can handle weather, terrain, and carrying bikes, camping gear, whatever. After 8 months of ownership I'm completely satisfied with the Forester. It's great fun to drive (the base model with manual transmission, I drove the automatic at the dealership and didn't like it), it's hard not to feel happy when you're in it. Handling is solid and it doesn't feel top heavy at all (helps that the Subaru engines are mounted very low to the ground). In terms of interior comfort I love how spacious the interior is. The controls are a bit plasticky but I like them that way. The seats are quite comfortable.

Great Value

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 5

This is our first Subaru. We sold our 2000 Honda CRV, which we loved, and thought the Forester provided the best value among the competition. Initially our best gas mileage was about 22 during a half hour commute, but after our first oil change it rose to 24.5 on the commuting run which is more acceptable. There are no blind spots with this vehicle and it drives great. The AWD is as good, if not better, than my Silverado truck. It scales my steep driveway covered with 4" of snow and ice with ease, something the CRV had trouble doing. It is a nice looking car that we hope will serve us as well as the CRV. The base vehicle with alloy wheel package is a great value compared to the others

Great little car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought the car new in September of 2012 and thus far it has been a great car. I have nearly 10,000 miles on it already and everyday i still look forward to driving it. It has the 5 speed manual tranny in it and with that it has plenty of get up in go. The cornering on road is great for how big the car is and offroad it is even better. I have plenty of clearance for mild to moderate offroading and plenty of grip as well. Also performs excellent in the snow with no slipping unless i forced the car to do it. Highly recommended to anyone looking to buy.

7th Subaru, 5th Forester

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Obviously I am sold on Subaru. This is my 5th Forester and the first I have had with power heated seats and telescopic steering wheel. That makes all the difference in the world in comfort. None of my Subaru cars have given me any problems, and all of the dealerships have been excellent to work with. I appreciate the 7500 mile maintenance schedule and the self contained aspects which require no service at all. 2014 has a better transmission, but I could not pass up the 0% interest rate and great end of model year discounts. Fit and finish seem to be just average, but I have no complaints as I didn't pay a premium price for an Audi, BMW, or Lexus. Great small SUV!

A costly mistake

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 3

I've owned other subarus and thought I'd try an SUV. Forresters were generally highly rated. I can't speak for prior year models, but I feel like Subaru really cheaped-out on this one. Pro-large cabin, good all around view, no blind spot, huge moon roof. Cons-cheaply appointed interior, leather seat wrinkled first week. the plastic is incredibly cheap, there is even just a piece of black "paper" behind the steering wheel as a dust protectant, not even vinyl. The body is thin guage steel, and you hear every "ping" from road debris. .The radio quality sounds like an old transistor.I am so disappointed, I am actually looking to trade it in, and take a loss....

Nice Car - Seats are extremely uncomfortable - Cause Back Pain!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I recently purchased a Subaru Forester Limited 2013 and it has been really tough on my back since I bought it. Of course, it felt great on the test drive, but now that I am driving it 84 miles per day, it is really causing aches. I try to stretch as much as possible, but this only seems to provide temporary relief. Getting back in to the car starts the cycle all over again. I splurged (out of budget btw) for the 2013 limited because Consumer reports said it was more comfortable to have power leather seats. So far, I have been disappointed. I previously owned a 2000 Lexus ES 300 and the seats were extremely comfortable.

At last

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Pondered buying one of these for 2 years, watched prices and finally took the plunge. Out the door for $21,998 with all the equipment I wanted/needed and nothing extra. Love the smooth shifting 5 spd, cargo space, comfort, and the visibility out all windows. Coming from a sport wagon to means I have to learn patience as this is not a speed demon and I'm ok with that.

You get what you pay for

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 3

I like a lot of things about this car but a huge problem is the very poor quality of the interior . I have had it 4 weeks and had to buy after market seat covers because the seats are so poorly sewn I thought they would not hold up to normal usage . My dog stood on the front seat console and his claws put a hole in it . The same dog rode in my Jeep for years , stood on the same thing and it never left a mark let alone made a hole . My keys scratched the plastic , the dog put his feet on the dash and it left a scratch . It's almost impossible to use the car and not damage the interior . My Chevy Truck and Jeep Cherokee have the same usage and no damage . I truly hope it is mechanically sound