1998 Subaru Forester Reviews, Pricing & Specs

One of the best cars I ever owned. Has been and will go just about anywhere! Over 250,000 miles with the original engine and running gear. We take this Forester all over forest service roads and I am constantly amazed at where it will go. Interior is a bit busy for this year. Grey cloth with purple, blue, green etc... accents. The cloth does wear very well and is easy to clean. Rear seating is a bit small but the rear seats do recline slightly making it more comfortable on long trips. Both rear seats fold flat making great room for cargo of even car camping for someone under 6' tall. Radiator caps in this vintage are prone to leak after about a year or so. At around $8.00 for a new one, I recommend changing it once a year. The only real maintenance issue is head gasket leaks. Original ones will leak oil around 80-120K. Replacing them runs around $1500 t0 $2000. (this problem exists on the non-turbo Subaru's) Replacing the gasket with the metal one used on the turbo models is a better fix than original gasket. My car has a factory Barometer, Altimeter, Compass and Exterior Temperature cluster built into the top of the dash. Kind of cool when up in the Mt's All and all a fun, reliable safe car. Feb 04, 2015

We bought this having heard that Subaru's would run forever. Well, they might, but it would cost alot to keep them running. We've had quite a few issues with the all-wheel drive system, and it has been very expensive, especially with relation to how much the car cost. The gas mileage is not that great either, we are getting app. 19 MPG on average.Jan 08, 2012

STI impreza engine transplant, built by Possum Bourne motorsport in pukekohe NZ, forged everything, c spec crank,garret A/R .70 twisted turbo (28psi), tuned length stainless extracors, Tail external waste gate, 3inch custom hand made exhuast from turbo, turbo flow muffler,Link G2 computer,Gizmo IBC boost controller,walbro 500hp fuel pump, HKS front mount intercooler, ali race radiator custom fan set up, high temp hose kit, GAB adjustable sport/comp coilover suspension, heavy duty clutch, DCCD cetre diff, sti rear diff, STI carbon fibre strut braces front & rear, under body braces tuned to 221kw @all 4wheels.Jul 27, 2010

I love my Forester. Mine is a "Generation 1" 1998, the first year they came out. I love the cargo room , smooth ride and exceptional handling. I don't know why it's classified as a "Wagon" it's really more of an suv. The interior is a little tacky with purple and blue streaks but still comfortable and set up nicely. Leg room in the front is ad quit and I'm 6ft tall the back seat is a tight fit though. I have the manual which splits the power front to rear 50/50 under normal circumstances and has a viscous slip switch that can very the power split as needed. The "Boxer" engine ( Horizontally opposed) is smooth, quiet and puts out allot of torque. It climbs hills with no problem even though it's a 4 cyl. The handling is suburb, I can't tell the difference between wet and dry pavement, it also corners like it's on rails. I love all the little storage compartments on each door and in the center of the dash. It's fairly good on gas I avg 22mpg combo hwy/ city driving however on my last road trip it got 27 mpg. My only complaint is that the clutch is very fussy and should have been better built. This car is very fun to drive a pure pleasure. The only reason I gave mine a 4 instead of a 5 was that it was mistreated before I got it and took about $3000 to get right, which is VERY A-TYPICAL of Foresters. I have about 146k and still running strong. Jan 04, 2009

First off everybody knows Subaru is world renound for their symetrical AWD system. Although the forester is mechanically identical to other Subaru models it has much more cargo room and ride height. I can go offroading and then drive it like a sports car on road. Always my passengers comment on how safe they feel in my forester. SO to sum it up: Good performance, Great handling, looks good, feels good, decent on gas, and fun to drive!Nov 08, 2008

My car is a pretty sweet manual Subaru Forester. It's holding up wonderful for 160,000 miles. I've only had to replace the starter. Acceleration is pretty poor, but it's still fun. Awesome gas mileage (Summer-26town 32hwy)(worse in winter-18to22). lots of space in the back for hauling whatever after you fold the back seats flat. Overall though, it's really fun to drive, and more fun in off road conditions or snow.Aug 16, 2008