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2008 Subaru Forester consumer reviews

$21,195–$22,495 MSRP range
side view of 2008 Forester Subaru
(36 reviews)
88% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.3
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 2008 Subaru Forester

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

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
29 people out of 34 found this review helpful. Did you?
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
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still running after 190,000

We got the 2008 LL Bean Forester because we heard the Forester was a safe car and with a little 5 year old I wanted to be sure we would be safe. I had no idea how much I would love this car. I was not planning on the LL Bean but when I test drove the regular Forester and then the LL Bean it was obvious that I had to get the LL Bean. As soon as I sat in the seats, I knew I want that car. The seats on the LL Bean Forester was like a big comfy easy chair. The only issue I have is I wish the center armrest extended forward more. I'm short so I sit up close to the wheel and my elbow can't reach the center armrest. However, I still love the LL Bean even more than my 20017 Forester but since my son who is now 16 needed a safe car to drive, I gave him the LL Bean.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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It's a Subaru with a lot of life still in it!!

This car has served my needs for the past 5 years and 9 months. Never a break down or tow during ownership from 54,000 - 127,000 miles. The Forester is still built in Japan! An issue with the motor using oil was settled with the previous owner at 36,000 miles with a short block replacement. This new motor still uses no oil to the point of ever needing to add additional between oil changes. I've driven back and forth over the passes on I-70 in Colorado. Driven through snow and extreme weather with substantial success. Hey, It's a Subaru. It's still the best All Wheel Drive system out there.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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The second most dependable vehicle I owned.

Metes all my needs. It could use 2-3 more 12 volts receptacles up front on the dash somewhere. ( for radar detector, for charging cell phone and a heated coffee travel mug. I own a 2003 subura baja truck.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I have yet to be disappointed.

I purchased my 2008 Forester L.L.Bean used, with about 191k on the clock. At that point I would assume its been decently broken in, but it looks and feels like new. The steering is very responsive, the suspension is somewhat soft as you would expect being that it is a family wagon, not a sports car. Comfortable soft, not worn out. The interior, while simple and clean in design, is very well made. Unlike the dull gray in other models, the Bean has a bold black and tan color scheme, with appropriate use of leather and suede that still show well 11 years later, and feels more luxurious than my 2003 Mini Cooper S. If I had to complain about anything, I would say its the acceleration and throttle response, which are perhaps par for the course. Having come from a decent history of sports cars, the performance does leave a bit to be desired, but all in all my 2008 L.L.Bean Forester has proven to be one of the most comfortable and most reliable vehicles I've owned.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great car

I am fully satisfied! This is the best SUV I have ever had. It runs and drives just GREAT!!! I hope it will be a good car for me this winter.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Reliable, powerful, plenty of room, but not a boat

The older Foresters are much smaller and have plenty of room without feeling like behemoths to drive. I like a small car and was hesitant at first, but this smaller SUV was perfect! Lots of power in the engine, and known for reliability!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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AWD Subarus make it easy to commute in Maine

A very versatile SUV that is very good on gas. Sporty styling in the premium package with all the bells and whistles including the heated front seats and over-sized Moonroof make it extremely desirable.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I love my Forester!

The older Foresters are a perfect size. I can enter and exit easily. I can see all around. And, unlike the Honda Civic I just unloaded, I always know where the front end and back end are. I am a happy, happy camper!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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