2008
Subaru Forester

Starts at:
$21,195
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New 2008 Subaru Forester
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Man X
    Starts at
    $21,195
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Man Sports X
    Starts at
    $21,695
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto X
    Starts at
    $21,995
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto Sports X
    Starts at
    $22,495
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Man X w/Premium Pkg
    Starts at
    $22,695
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto X w/Premium Pkg
    Starts at
    $23,495
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto X L.L. Bean Ed
    Starts at
    $26,695
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Man Sports XT
    Starts at
    $26,995
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Man XT Ltd
    Starts at
    $27,895
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto Sports XT
    Starts at
    $27,995
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto XT Ltd
    Starts at
    $28,895
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbo Gas 4-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester

Notable features

Available L.L.Bean Edition
Standard AWD
More powerful turbocharged engine in 2.5 XT Limited
Manual or automatic
Carlike structure

The good & the bad

The good

Maneuverability
Performance of 2.5 XT
Driving ease
Quietness while cruising
Fuel economy of regular engine

The bad

Some turbo lag with turbocharged engine
Minimal offroad capability
No low-range gearing
Ride comfort over harsh surfaces
No side curtain airbags
See all specifications

Safety review

Based on the 2008 Subaru Forester base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
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    4.4
    Subaru Forester
    Starts at
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    20 City / 27 Hwy
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    Seat capacity
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    Engine
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    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2006
    4.6
    Subaru Baja
    Starts at
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    MPG
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    Turbo Gas 4-Cyl
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    Starts at
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  • 2006
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    Subaru Outback
    Starts at
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    MPG
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    Seat capacity
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  • 2011
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    Starts at
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  • 2012
    4.2
    Subaru Forester
    Starts at
    $20,595
    21 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1998
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    Volkswagen Golf
    Starts at
    $13,495
    22 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
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    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

88% of drivers recommend this car
4.4 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.6
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

By Jerome from Sturgis Sd
Owns this car
April 16, 2022

2008 Subaru Forester

I bought this 2008 with 98000 on it now I have 199000 uses oil had timing chain replaced 2 times water pump replaced 2 times engine replaced one wind noise when on freeway
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 3.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 3.0
Value 3.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 3.0
28 people out of 31 found this review helpful. Did you?
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By UKkid89 from Jefferson, GA
Owns this car
September 18, 2020

I'm surprised at the ride

I had low expectations the previous one was no power but sure footed. This one has lots more power and the same sure footed feeling in all weather. I've been converted to a Subaru fan. Not for myself but for my kids.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 3.0
13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

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Subaru Plans Largest Ever Recall for Impreza, Forester: Report

According to a report from Reuters, Subaru is planning its largest ever recall for approximately 2 million model-year 2008-17 Impreza cars and Forester SUVs. Read more
See all news

Subaru dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2008 Subaru Forester?

The 2008 Subaru Forester is available in 6 trim levels:

  • Sports X (2 styles)
  • Sports XT (2 styles)
  • X (2 styles)
  • X L.L. Bean Ed (1 style)
  • X w/Premium Pkg (2 styles)
  • XT Ltd (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2008 Subaru Forester?

The 2008 Subaru Forester offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2008 Subaru Forester?

The 2008 Subaru Forester compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2008 Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2008 Subaru Forester has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2008 Subaru Forester owners.

Is the 2008 Subaru Forester a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2008 Subaru Forester. 88.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.7

Subaru Forester history

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