Research the Subaru Forester, all years and models

Learn about the Subaru Forester, all years and models:  2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998
... including 2.5, 2.0, X, L, SE, XT turbo, XS, Premium, Black Edition, Limited, Touring,  LL Bean, Navigation ... prices, options, colors, what's new, photos, and more

all new redesigned 2014 Forester, Premium model burnished bronze color shown	the 2014 Forester is all new. Jasmine green color shown on a 2.5 Premium model
silver 2011 Touring- notice the silver roof rails and turn signal mirrors	new for 2011- Sky Blue
Forester Limited, sage green, 2009, 2010	new color for 2010 Forester- Paprika Red Pearl,  shown on a Premium

2001 Forester with 300,735 miles, July 27, 2008	2007 Forester X, Newport Blue shown
redesigned 2006, XT Limited, regal blue shown	2003-2005 front, X shown
if it's a factory sunroof, its a large one!	2008 Forester XT turbo nicely optioned with aftermarket accessories, owned by Glenn W
fold-out roof top tent fits a 2009-2013 Forester!  NOT a Subaru accessory so pls don't contact me. Check your local camping store.	fold-out roof top tent shown opened on a Forester (fits 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 models)  Aftermarket only- not a Subaru accessory. Contact your local camping store.

2009, 2010 2011, 2012, 2013 Forester front doors have an easy place to hold to help you  get in or out. Great for seniors and others who need support!

high seats and tall, wide doors with a place to hold on to make the 2009-2013 Forester  an  easy choice for those who need help getting in and out.

About the Forester
The basics.. The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive car based SUV made by Fuji (Subaru) in Ota, Japan.
Introduced in 1998, it shares wheelbase and dashboard with the Subaru Impreza
Only one engine, the 2.5L is available. Turbo starting in 2004.
Size and price wise it fits between the smaller Impreza and the larger Legacy and is popular with commuter, campers and small families. People appreciate the practicality, looks, strong motor, smooth ride and excellent handling.
The Forester has done very well in Insurance Institute crash tests and various consumer magazine ratings, usually earning top spots and recommended ratings.

Spec pages, with full  information, details and lots of photographs 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

2013 model updates

4/20 2013 Foresters now available for orders. No prices, specs or changes announced yet.

2012 model updates 

4/2/12 PZEV required on all Foresters and Impreza. All Foresters allocated to dealer and Imprezas allocated or ordered starting 4/1/12 will have  PZEV emissions which adds $300 to the MSRP.

3/30 final day for 2012 factory orders for all Outback, Legacy, Forester, and Tribeca models. 2012 orders for Forester, Tribeca, Outback and Legacy end at 3pm today 3/30. This is early for Foresters, perhaps the 2013 model will get some updates (CVT?)  in advance of the 2014 make-over. Outback and Legacy manual transmission and 3.6L models had already stopped on 3/6. Dealers will continue to receive 2012s but in diminishing numbers. Low production models will sell out quickly. Subaru already announced 2013 Outback and Legacy details yesterday.

10/7/11 2012 prices and specs announced.

There are very few changes for the 2012 Forester. They're expected to arrive starting late October.
All models get a new manually height adjustable front passenger seat. This is a first for Subaru.

2011 model updates

new 12/28/10. engine block heater now available for the new FB25 engine used in the 2011 X models. A block heater has always been available on the XT models. Block heaters are dealer installed only, not available installed fronm the factory or port.

new 10/31/10 optional side window rain deflectors. They look good and work well. For 2009 and newer Foresterrs. Dealer installed only, not available factory or port installed. See your local parts dealer.

10/1510- the first 2011s start trickling in

9/22/10 2011 Prices and specs announced.
Cars expected late October.
No diesel or CVT
Small price increases considering the upgraded features. X $200, Premium $400, Limited $500.
Manyu new features like telescoping steering wheel, upgraded stereos, new Tom-Tom Navigation GPS on X Premium

7/3 2011 Forester details. Initial information released. Looks like no CVT transmission, or diesel engine (but no one really expected a diesel).
The 2.5L engine is upgraded to a new engine (#FB25) chain-driven double overhead cam DOHC (replacing belt driven SOHC). the same 170horsepower at slightly at lower RPMs, 174ft-lbs torque at 4100rpm (20110s have 170 at 4400), and the new engine is rated at 1mpg better fuel economy, up to 21/27 for both the manual 5 spd and automatic 4 spd.
New for 2011 - the 2.5L requires synthetic 0W-20, and the XT turbo requires Synthetic 5W-30 oil.
New top of the line X and XT Touring models.
All models except base X have Bluetooth, and driver's window auto up/down feature.
Model line-up
> 2.5L X, Premium, Limited and new top of the line Touring.  Premium gets redesigned alloy wheels. X Touring model adds HID low beams, dual front zone climate control, silver roof rails, electroluminescent guages, outside mirrors with turn signals, upgraded stereo
> XT turbos are Premium and new top of the line Touring. XT Limited is dropped. Premium gets the 10way power seat, and both get a redesigned rear spoiler.
> new Stereos:
X Premium and XT Premium get a new single cd/am/fm with 6 speakers, handsfree bluetooth, audio streaming, iPod control, USB and auxiliary jack. Sirius radio capable.
Optional on X Premium: very cool sounding Tom-Tom removable 4.3" touchscreen Navigation GPS unit with handsfree Bluetooth, audio streaming, iPod control, USB and aux input. Back-up camera is optional.
X Limited and Touring, XT Touring all get a new 4.3" audio screen with back-up camera (camera optional on Limited), single cd/am/fm with 6 speakers, handsfree Bluetooth, audio streaming, iPod control, USB and aux input. Sirius radio capable. (note- not sure if this is the same removable Tom-Tom navigation gps unit).

June 1st, 2009. No firm or confirmed upgrades or arrival dates announced. Rumor is there will be a CVT transmission but this is unconfirmed rumor.
Car is expected September or so.

2010  model updates
1/24/2010 updated Forester brochures now available with new X 'SE' and Limited 'Navigation and Convenience Package' information
1/12/2010  New Forester Option Packages announced at the Detroit Auto Show (and I was hoping for news about the diesel).
New Option Packages available on Foresters arriving starting February 2010.
X gets a new Special Edition (SE) Option Package (code #21, MSRP $400) with 16" alloy wheels and roof rails.
X Limited gets a new Navigation and Convenience Package (code #22, MSRP $2300) which adds cargo cover, HID headlights, tilt and new telescoping steering wheel, and one-touch folding rear seats to the current Navigatioin Package (pkg #10).

6/5/09 Brochures and cars starting to slowly arrive at dealers
5/5/09 Models, prices and major 'Option Packages' announced. These Model Option Packages are new for Subaru for 2010.
Price changes - 2.5X up $400,  Premium with All Weather Package up $400 (the 10 base Premium is the same price as 09 with AWP), 2.5X Limited up $100,  XT Limited up $200,
with Navigation  $300,

New for 2010s
New for all 2010 models (not just Forester), Subaru is using major  'Option Packages' to equip cars. These are factory-only installed upgrade packages available on appropriate
models. Example - the All Weather Package (standard on 09 Premiums) is now an Option Package (#02) on the 2010 Premium, so not all Premiums will have it, but it was standard on all 09 Premiums (except for the very first few months production). Should we call this new base Premium without the All Weather Package a 'Premium Lite'

New- 2.5X Premium gets a 10way power seat with power lumbar
New- Navigation now includes Bluetooth (Navigation is Option Package #10, available on Limiteds only)
New- Paprika Red Pearl (was on 08/09 Imprezas is you want to see it)
New- Camillia Red now with Platinum interior (not off black anymore)
Gone- Topaz Gold Metallic

2009 model updates
12/6/08 New accessories Interior illumination footwell lighting (a soft red or blue light) and Reverse Assist Sensor (back-up beeper) available for the 2009 Forester. These are worth considering and can be dealer installed. The 2008/09 Impreza STI has standard footwell lighting and the Tribeca has optional reverse assist sensors if you want to see them.
10/15/08 Forester is MotorTrend's 2009 SUV of the year.
5/1/08: All Weather Package Forester Premiums arriving early May. They were supposed to be in June but are early.
4/7/08: End of L.L.Beans. Subaru and LL Bean ends their partnership June 30, 08. 2009 Forester LLBean production ends the first week of April, vehicles produced after that will be the 2.5X Limited with new model codes. The same car with a new name.
March 10, 08 the first of the all new redesigned 09s start arriving
2009 Summary. The completely remodeled, all new 2009 Subaru Forester arrives March 2008. It's a slightly larger car than previous models, with a 103" wheelbase (3.6" longer than previous years).
Price drop! List price on a new 08 X with manual transmission is $21,840, an 09 is $20,660. That's $1,180 less for the 09. Other models have smaller price drops.
The light beige interior is finally gone! New double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and the same time providing crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The car is expected to start arriving in late March-early April with customer sold pre-orders arriving first of course. Pre-orders are accepted starting in early February.
PZEV (partial zero emission vehicles) are now for sale in CA, CT, MA, ME, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA.
Standard features now include 6 airbags (dual front, dual front side, and front and rear side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor), VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) electronic stability control and TCS traction control system, Immobilizer key, power windows/locks/mirrors, ac, CD player, 4 disc anti lock brakes with Brake Assist, and much more.
Models are similar to the previous years but some feqatures have been added and dropped. The models are the 2.5 X, X Premium, X LL Bean, and the turbo XT and XT Limited. Engines are the same, Xs have the 170hp 2.5L 4 cylinder, the turbo XTs get the 224hp 2.5L 4 cylinder turbo version. There are new colors. Interior choices are light Platinum or Off Black cloth or leather depending on model. Again, no more beige!
12/6/08 New accessories Interior illumination footwell lighting (a soft red or blue light) and Reverse Assist Sensor (back-up beeper) available for the 2009 Forester. These are worth considering and can be dealer installed. The 2008/09 Impreza STI has standard footwell lighting and the Tribeca has optional reverse assist sensors if you want to see them.
 

10/31/08 Two 2009 Forester XT turbo concepts cars at the 2008 auto parts show in Las Vegas. The Forester Mountain Rescue Concept has more than 14" of ground clearance with an Air Lift custom adjustable ride height air suspension system and huge Yokohama Geolandar 30 x 9.5-in. tires on special 15" wheels. Other upgrades include custom front and rear DeeZee skid plates, Bushwacker Trail Armor fender flares, door cladding, rear gate guard and tail light guards, Subaru Baja sport activity lights (remember those?), 7 roof mounted LED spotlights, a 9,500lb winch, remote rear door openers, extra wide round crossbars and a rescue toboggan!  But mostly it has 14" of ground clearance! The Forester XTI is a high performance concept car with an estimated 0-60 time under 5 seconds, an STI engine and drivetrain, making 315hp (the STI is normally 305), STI DCCD differential, adjustable coil over suspension, short throw 6spd transmission, Brembo brakes, stainless steel cat-back exhaust, 18x8 forged alloys, and an aero package with front mesh grill, rear spoiler.

10/15/08 Forester is MotorTrend's 2009 SUV of the year.

4/7/08: End of L.L.Beans. Subaru and LL Bean ends their partnership June 30, 2008. 2009 Forester LLBean production ends the first week of April, vehicles produced after that will be renamed the 2.5X Limited with new model codes.
5/1/08: All Weather Package 2009 Forester Premiums with the All Weather Package arriving early May 2008. They were supposed to be in June but are early.

2008 model available starting late May 2007. Prices much the same, price drops on X Premium. X Sports now with new 10th Anniversary package including 16" 6 spoke alloy wheels, also CD changer, Climate Control, aux stereo input, leather steering wheel and shift knob. X Sports and XT Sports now with black painted headlight surround, C pillar, silver painted roof rails. XT Sports gets STI-type front lip under spoiler, Japanese STI 17" 12 spoke alloys, rear spoiler with brake light. XT and XT Sports automatics with VDC. LL Bean now with 7 upgraded speakers, standard Homelink, LL Bean logo floor mats and rear cargo tray. Delete shock senor, load leveling rear suspsension, hard cargo floor (now carpeted). New colors. Last year for current style, the 09 will be all new.
May 22, 07 the first 08s are arriving
May 2007 What can you do to a Forester XT? 'There are a number of cars that we drive, get out of, and think: “This would be really great, if only we could give it more power, or tweak the suspension, or… So now we’ve put our money where our collective mouth is—the goal was to keep each modification under $1000..'  the whole story
*Forester STi article from Car&Driver.com. There is no word on it coming to the US
3/05/07 Leading car testing magazine: Subaru is a top manufacturer with fewer repairs per new car; Forester a favored pick in the Small SUV category and is a suggested buy.

2007 Minor changes, new colors for 07. Available early July 2006. Prices actually DROP, yes drop, except on XT probably due to the new wheels. All except X model get upgraded stereo with MP3 CD changer, Sirius Satellite radio and an aux (iPod) plug. The aux plug replaces the ashtray but an optional ashtray fits in the cupholder. All models get bottle holders in the front door panels which is nice. The X model gets EBD electronic brake force distribution,  XT turbo gets 17" alloys which will help performance. Horsepower changes are due to a new ratings system not change to power.
2 new models announced 11/1/06, late November availability, X Sport and XT Sport with new front bumper, black mesh grill, black fabric, and deletes roof rack cross bars. X adds CC changer with auxilliary plug, XT Sport adds the VDC all wheel drive with traction control system.

2006 Major re-design for 2006, available mid June 2005.
Model line-up simplified.
Available models: X, X Premium with Moonroof, X LLBean, XT Limited.
Models dropped: base XS and XT.  The only model without a sunroof is the X and there is no cloth XT model.
All models get more power, the X now has 173hp (from 165) and the XT 230hp (from 210), a new front and rear end, new head and tail lights, new center armrest, the XT turbo gets more power, X gets standard alarm upgrade, center armrest, temporary spare with storage bin replaces full size spare, cargo area gets new side rails (see 2006 photo page)

2005 all models get standard air filtration, dual stage driver airbag. XS Premium renamed XS with moonroof, and XS Premium with leather renamed LL Bean. The new LL Bean model has beige leather, exclusive hard cover rear cargo floor and load leveling rear suspension, and standard alarm and auto dimming mirror etc. There are a few new colors, new alloy wheels, black sidewall tires, new easier to read Climate Control knobs on XSs

2004 new model: XT and XT Premium turbo models introduced. Few other changes
2003 model has been extensively upgraded. new models are the X and XSm replacing the L, Ls. All new interior, dasboard, center and overhead consoles, front grill and lights, rear gate and lights, upgraded brakes etc etc
2002 model S Premium is available March 01,  with factory leather only +$700! All models get daytime running lights, dual mode rear wiper, the rear cargo cover is standard now, and S model lower accent is now Graystone Metallic. Destination charge and base price increased $30, but again, the rear cargo cover (was $122) is now standard so they actually went down in price a bit
2001 model was introduced early, in February 2000. The front end, rear end, dashboard, lower body cladding was all mildly redesigned, with new colors, cloth, and the introduction of a new top of the line S Premium model including side air-bags and a factory sunroof
2000 no major changes
1999 model body was stiffened and strengthened and did very well in crash tests.
1998 1st year

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Joe Spitz who is responsilble for all content. Comments welcomed.
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