2003 Subaru Forester

Pros: Handling, all-wheel-drive traction, interior style and materials, very fun to drive for an SUV

Cons: Awful tires, probably a bit weak with automatic, exterior styling marginal, not a true SUV

The Bottom Line: Practically packaged, styled very well inside, great handling for this class of vehicle, and affordably priced. The closest I've come to wanting an SUV.

Review: The last few years have witnessed the emergence of a new class of vehicles: the car-based SUV. These are for people who desire the image and interior versatility of an SUV, and perhaps all-weather capability as well, but want ride and handling more like ...

Pros: Sensible size, AWD, fun to drive, safety features!

Cons: You might get a ticket when you blaze by that Navigator!

The Bottom Line: If you're thinking you need a car with a little more room, you owe it to yourself to check this car out!

Review: With so-called "crossover" sport-utility vehicles all the rage, nearly every manufacturer in America is scrambling to churn out its version of the ultimate sedan/sport-ute/station wagon combo. Too bad Subaru already beat them to the punch - five years...

Pros: Roomy Interior, Drives like a Car, Huge Sunroof

Cons: Could use more power

The Bottom Line: Subaru virtually invented the car-based SUV concept, and the '03 Forester is proof they know what they're doing. The new Forester is better looking inside and out.

Review: Subaru used to be a rather funky nameplate that appealed largely to those who live in the snow or “those weird neighbors from Oregon” we’ve all lived next to at one point or another (Saab and Volvo people seem to be cut from the same cloth as Subaru...

Pros: Drives like its on rails, Safety features, the HUGEST MOONROOF I have ever seen!

Cons: No cigarette lighter, electrical power when ignition off, wet arms (read review) crappy radio.

The Bottom Line: Buy this car. You will not be sorry. One of the safest cute-utes out there. 2 words. HUGE MOONROOF.

Review: I Really do love this car. In fact let me start by saying I wasn't sure at first. but after the break in period, and I became more comfortable with the car I couldn't be happier. well I could. I wanted the 04 Turbo, but they weren't going to deal on t ...

Pros: Safety, Price, Amenities, Performance, Practicality

Cons: "wagon-like" shape and rear seats

The Bottom Line: The Subaru is safe, reliable, less expensive, a good performer on light offroad conditions and smooth on pavement. The Forester is practical and the best value for the buck.

Review: There are some things I'd like to briefly mention before I go into depth on my experience with the Subaru Forester.

First, I'd like to pay my respects to the car that I traded in. My old car was a 1988 Mercedes Benz 260E. She was my first...

Pros: Value, engineering, safety, AWD, handling, reputation.

Cons: Nothing of much significance; minor interior features I would make better.

The Bottom Line: If you are considering something in the small SUV class, you should give the 2003 Subaru Forester very serious consideration.

Review: I spent a year looking at various SUV’s. When I found the 2003 Subaru Forester that was it. I bought one a few weeks later. I found most impressive the opinions of Forester owners; all of them seemed to love this car. I looked at some other cars...

Pros: Everything. The handling, the lack of engine noise, the breaking, etc.

Cons: The CD player, wind noise and the service department where I bought my Forester.

The Bottom Line: If you want a nice, safe vehicle that's a joy to drive, buy a Forester.

Review: This is the fourth vehicle I've owned. The last one was a 2000 Ford Focus LX that was constantly getting repaired or getting another recall done to it. I need a reliable car, but then, who doesn't. After my Focus decided it didn't want to let me put my...

Pros: MPG, AWD, ABS, fit and finish, safety.

Cons: Price=A bit expensive. Features=Can't think of any. Very pleased so far.

The Bottom Line: I would definitely recommend buying this car if you need an SUV, good tow vehicle (limit=less than 2000 lbs.) and good mileage.

Review: My Honda Accord (206K miles) is an excellent car and has held up well, but when I got an estimate fo ...

Pros: Quietness/Smoothness, Quality feel controls, Gas mileage, AWD

Cons: Tinted rear glass as an option would be nice.

The Bottom Line: Go and test drive it. You will be surprised.

Review: ** LONG TERM UPDATE - SEE BOTTOM OF REVIEW *** I have a 2003 XS+ 5 speed. It is basically loaded - it just doesn't have the sunroof & leather interior. The car is a rock in both rain & snow (I live in the mountains of northwest NJ). At the pump: ...

Pros: Comfortable, safe, well equipped, decent gas mileage, large sunroof, good handling

Cons: Not many, engine vibrations more than normal

The Bottom Line: Great car for those who want an SUV like vehicle with AWD without the negatives of an SUV. Very comfortable, fun to drive, safe, and practical

Review: After getting rid of my fiancée’s unsafe dull feeling Toyota 2001 Corolla (see my review), my fiancée decided it was time for something safer and better handling. Specifically she wanted an SUV, but didn't want the negatives of an SUV like size, gas ...