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2003 Subaru Forester Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by SPG900NY

SPG900NY

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Reviewed: 2003 Subaru Forester

4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Why the 2003 Subaru Forester?

Cargo capacity

Decent hauling space, but barely enough power to tow anything else. Still, it could do it if you needed it.

Past personal experience

Had a Subaru Outback Sport and a Saab 9-2X (basically a Subaru WRX) and both were equally as reliable as the Forester has been.

Why Not the 2003 Subaru Forester?

Front seat support & comfort

Front seats can get uncomfortable after sitting after a while, especially for taller adults like myself. Seats are also extremely hard, and seating position is not fully adjustable. Seating is too close to the floor as well.

Powertrain performance

165hp non-turbo engine combined with the automatic transmission is very slow, and feels very sluggish. The automatic often hunts for gears, and when punching the throttle to get kickdown, transmission is slow to shift. Was the same when new.

Fuel economy

21mpg is about all you can expect. AWD is partially to blame, as is the relatively inefficient boxer engine.

Ride smoothness

Noise, vibration and harshness levels are high, and especially noticeable when coming from a European automobile. Engine sounds loud and buzzy at 3000-4000rpm.

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