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2008 Subaru Forester Quality Review

August 19, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

space is ample in the front and adequate in back...knee space is less bountiful
Cars.com

legroom is a Forester negative
ConsumerGuide

well-appointed interior
Edmunds

so much road noise, my 4-year-old complains that the car is too loud
Mother Proof

The 2008 Subaru Forester interior values space and efficiency over luxury.

Cars.com reports that the Forester Subaru 2008 features "sport bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding rear seat [that] can accommodate up to five occupants," adding that "space is ample in the front and adequate in back, with abundant headroom and toe room, though knee space is less bountiful." ConsumerGuide points out that the Subaru 2008 "steering wheel tilts but is not telescopic, leaving tall drivers with a long reach to the steering wheel," adding that rear "legroom is a Forester negative, as it's tight even with the front seat set well forward." Edmunds notes this as well: "the rear seat, in contrast, has tight legroom for taller adults...and a somewhat unsupportive bottom cushion."

The 2008 Subaru Forester does better when it comes to cargo space; according to ConsumerGuide, the 2008 Subaru cargo area is "usefully spacious with the rear seatbacks up, expansive with backrest folded," adding that a "large tailgate opening and low liftover allow[s] for easy loading/unloading," while the cabin "has plenty of storage spaces but none are very large." Reports Edmunds, "cargo space...is competitive with 31 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat upright, 69 when folded."

The base 2008 Subaru Forester model is impressive, according to Edmunds, reporting a "well-appointed interior with tight build quality and simple controls." Higher-level trims offer more amenities; "leather and soft-touch plastics dress up the cabin of the L.L. Bean and XT Limited," notes ConsumerGuide, adding that decor on the other Subaru 2008 models "is unremarkable, though appropriate for the price."

Most sources agree, however, that noise levels on this 2008 Subaru model can be excessive; while Cars.com reports that "some driveline noise occurs during acceleration," ConsumerGuide attests that "Foresters are quiet around town, but wind and road noise rise markedly with speed to become tiresome on long highway trips." However, Mother Proof contends that "there is so much road noise, my 4-year-old complains that the car is too loud...I keep trying to roll the windows up because it sounds as though they're all cracked about a centimeter, but they're already rolled up...I can't stop the noise."

Conclusion

The 2008 Subaru Forester has ample people and cargo room, but makes little effort to look ritzy or keep a lid on its wind and engine noise.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:space is ample in the front and adequate in back...knee space is less bountifulCars.comlegroom is a Forester negativeConsumerGuidewell-appointed interiorEdmundsso much road noise, my 4-year-old complains that the car is too loudMother Proof The 2008 Subaru Forester interior values space and efficiency over luxury. Cars.com reports that the Forester Subaru 2008 features "sport bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding rear seat [that] can accommodate up to five occupants," adding that "space is ample in the front and adequate in back, with abundant headroom and toe room, though knee space is less bountiful." ConsumerGuide points out that the Subaru 2008 "steering wheel tilts but is not telescopic, leaving tall drivers with a long reach to the steering wheel," adding that rear "legroom is a Forester negative, as it's tight even with the front seat set well forward." Edmunds notes this as well: "the rear seat, in contrast, has tight legroom for taller adults...and a somewhat unsupportive bottom cushion." The 2008 Subaru Forester does better when it comes to cargo space; according to ConsumerGuide, the 2008 Subaru cargo area is "usefully spacious with the rear seatbacks up, expansive with backrest folded," adding that a "large tailgate opening and low liftover allow[s] for easy loading/unloading," while the cabin "has plenty of storage spaces but none are very large." Reports Edmunds, "cargo space...is competitive with 31 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat upright, 69 when folded." The base 2008 Subaru Forester model is impressive, according to Edmunds, reporting a "well-appointed interior with tight build quality and simple controls." Higher-level trims offer more amenities; "leather and soft-touch plastics dress up the cabin of the L.L. Bean and XT Limited," notes ConsumerGuide, adding that decor on the other Subaru 2008 models "is unremarkable, though appropriate for the price." Most sources agree, however, that noise levels on this 2008 Subaru model can be excessive; while Cars.com reports that "some driveline noise occurs during acceleration," ConsumerGuide attests that "Foresters are quiet around town, but wind and road noise rise markedly with speed to become tiresome on long highway trips." However, Mother Proof contends that "there is so much road noise, my 4-year-old complains that the car is too loud...I keep trying to roll the windows up because it sounds as though they're all cracked about a centimeter, but they're already rolled up...I can't stop the noise." ConclusionThe 2008 Subaru Forester has ample people and cargo room, but makes little effort to look ritzy or keep a lid on its wind and engine noise.  2008 SUBARU FORESTER STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "it looks more like a tall wagon than a traditional SUV" Kelley Blue Book: "more unified, sophisticated, and more modern form" Mother Proof: "reminds me of our old Turbo Hoover vac" Auto experts at TheCarConnection.com note some ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Honda CR-V has been completely redesigned for 2008, and it has a very spacious interior, with comfortable seating and a smooth ride. The CR-V is also more fuel-efficient, but it just isn't much fun to drive and it's not as rugged when taking on the rutted trail to a campsite. The Outlander is a different type of crossover; it also caters more to on-road performance, but it has a decidedly sporty character, with a firm ride and very crisp handling. On paper, it competes closely with the 2008 Subaru Forester, but in reality, it's quite a bit heavier and just doesn't feel as nimble. However, both of these models have the Forester beat for refinement. Another choice, for those who appreciate the Forester's boxiness and city-friendliness, is the Scion xB. The Scion has a lower price than the Forester, with a similar nimble feel on the road, and it's more fuel-efficient. However, it doesn't have the rugged ability or the all-wheel drive of the Subaru.

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See the Subaru Forester in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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