2003 Subaru Forester Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 2003 Subaru Forester
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Jul 23, 2025
The 2003 Subaru Forester is a fantastic blend of reliability, capability, usability and even performance. It uses a 2.5 liter boxer 4 cylinder which makes 165hp mated to a 4 speed auto or a 5 speed manual, with a full time AWD system, And two different trims X and XS, X being the base and XS being the more premium. The 2003 Subaru Forester is a very reliable car, it is built to last, the 2.5 liter H4 is a fantastic engine except for its one major problem being head gaskets, (Of course that being true of all the Subaru 2.5 H4s from that era.) But if (when) the head gaskets are in good shape, the 03 Subaru Forester is a truly remarkable feat of reliability and capability. The 03 Forester is truly remarkable in snow and ice, I live in a place with harsh winters and I personally have never gotten truly stuck with this vehicle. But it is not just snow and ice that this car will tackle, it will keep up with a jeep on an "off road" trail or that guy's Honda without a muffler at 3am, you know who I'm talking about. The 03 Subaru Forester is also very practical, with 64 cubic feet of cargo room and plenty of leg room in front and in back and a towing capacity of 2,500lbs It'll get you, your family, your stuff and your boat where you need to go with relative ease. I would consider myself a car enthusiast, you don't know me so you'll just have to take my word for it, but I think that this car is genuinely fun to drive, obviously there are funner cars to drive out there, but for what it is, it handles really well and it's pretty peppy, my Forester has the manual transmission which also adds to the fun factor. All of this to say, obviously a brand new Subaru Forester or Toyota Rav4 or Honda Crv is going to be better, but for $5,000-6,000 I truly don't think there is a more capable, reliable, practical or fun car for the money. But don't take my word for it.Jul 23, 2025
by Chris W
Jan 17, 2015
Like the new-age look without the new car price. Has top of the line features for a much smaller price. Most of these have wind noise on the drivers mirror (whistle) that can be fixed. We like the safety and comfort of Subaru.Jan 17, 2015
by Tony S
Nov 08, 2014
Comfortably tows a trailer.
Comfortable on long trips.
Nothing ever breaks.
Decent gas mileage.
Always starts right up.
Count on replacing the Timing belt and front end gears when specified.
Head gaskets seem to be a problem on a lot of these cars.Nov 08, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jul 23, 2025
The 2003 Subaru Forester is a fantastic blend of reliability, capability, usability and even performance. It uses a 2.5 liter boxer 4 cylinder which makes 165hp mated to a 4 speed auto or a 5 speed manual, with a full time AWD system, And two different trims X and XS, X being the base and XS being the more premium. The 2003 Subaru Forester is a very reliable car, it is built to last, the 2.5 liter H4 is a fantastic engine except for its one major problem being head gaskets, (Of course that being true of all the Subaru 2.5 H4s from that era.) But if (when) the head gaskets are in good shape, the 03 Subaru Forester is a truly remarkable feat of reliability and capability. The 03 Forester is truly remarkable in snow and ice, I live in a place with harsh winters and I personally have never gotten truly stuck with this vehicle. But it is not just snow and ice that this car will tackle, it will keep up with a jeep on an "off road" trail or that guy's Honda without a muffler at 3am, you know who I'm talking about. The 03 Subaru Forester is also very practical, with 64 cubic feet of cargo room and plenty of leg room in front and in back and a towing capacity of 2,500lbs It'll get you, your family, your stuff and your boat where you need to go with relative ease. I would consider myself a car enthusiast, you don't know me so you'll just have to take my word for it, but I think that this car is genuinely fun to drive, obviously there are funner cars to drive out there, but for what it is, it handles really well and it's pretty peppy, my Forester has the manual transmission which also adds to the fun factor. All of this to say, obviously a brand new Subaru Forester or Toyota Rav4 or Honda Crv is going to be better, but for $5,000-6,000 I truly don't think there is a more capable, reliable, practical or fun car for the money. But don't take my word for it.Jul 23, 2025
by Chris W
Jan 17, 2015
Like the new-age look without the new car price. Has top of the line features for a much smaller price. Most of these have wind noise on the drivers mirror (whistle) that can be fixed. We like the safety and comfort of Subaru.Jan 17, 2015
by Tony S
Nov 08, 2014
Comfortably tows a trailer.
Comfortable on long trips.
Nothing ever breaks.
Decent gas mileage.
Always starts right up.
Count on replacing the Timing belt and front end gears when specified.
Head gaskets seem to be a problem on a lot of these cars.Nov 08, 2014
by Rick T
May 22, 2014
runs good, all wheel drive good for snow, roomy interior,alarm, amfm cd, cruise. I use it every day around 80 miles per day. smooth shift and tight steering. all the power features work. it does have roof rack fog lights and rear cargo cover.May 22, 2014
by Donna G
Feb 19, 2011
Everything ! Love yhe perfomance in handling when trying to avoid an accident once. Big money saver because of good gas mileage and no need for any major repairs. Love driving this car short and long distances! Good safe car. This car based SUV is easier to get in and out of than the large SUV's. Check it out !Feb 19, 2011
by Ling Z
Sep 09, 2009
manual car has good acceleration even when the horse power is not too big. gas mileage is great. Big sun roof. Great compact SUV with big cargo room. small torque make easy U turns. maintenance is pretty easy 6 years no major breakdowns.Sep 09, 2009
by Bradford F
Jul 16, 2009
holds lots of stuff. doesn't break down like american
cars. handles decently for a steel box with wheels. way
too slow for my tastes. four wheel drive a must have
for snowy conditions, also makes empty parking lots
in winter much more funJul 16, 2009
by Kieran D
Apr 20, 2009
Reliable as hell, never needs repairs! Always starts, good fuel economy, good off-road with car-like performance on-road. Would suggest this AWD to anyone looking at a little 4X4. It tows a trailer well, goes though snow incredibly well and can be had with a 5 speed manual, which many others can't. With the 2.5L 4 cylinder, has just enough power to whatever you need with great fuel economy. Best of both worlds!Apr 20, 2009
by Michael K
Jan 14, 2009
Performance –
acceleration, Decent
braking, excellent
handling, very good, much improved over previous generation
Build Quality –
Very good, only needed minor repairs, some cheap pieces, some minor squeaks and rattles
Appearance –
Good looking car, don't love the grey bumpers
Cost of Ownership –
25-26mpg, very good mileage from a brick shaped, AWD car.
Fun Factor – is this car fun to drive? Yes, it is very fun to drive, and has a good ride which is a hard combination to get right. It's really fun in the snow with snow tires.Jan 14, 2009
by Tim M
May 20, 2008
I got it to replace a gas guzzling truck. It drives well and handles great. Excellent on gas considering it's AWD. Good looking and comfortable. Pulls a small trailer so well I hardly notice it.May 20, 2008
2003 Subaru Forester Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,370 to $23,620Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
