2005 Subaru Forester Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,020 to $27,545

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(22 reviews)

The popular compact SUV that handles like a car, or roomy wagon with the height and AWD capability of an SUV, the 2005 Subaru Forester gets a brand new model this year. Along with the base 2.5X, XS, and turbo XT comes a 2.5XS L.L. Bean Edition. Like the others, it features all-wheel drive, ABS, dual front side airbags, and power features. But it adds on Bean-embossed leather seats, a huge sunroof, water-resistant cargo area, and auto-dimming lights. It also is the only Forester with a self-leveling rear suspension. All of the 2005 Forester lineup feature the 2.5-liter, 165-hp flat-4 engine, except the XT, which adds turbo power to increase engine output to 210-hp. A 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic are the transmissions, but the L.L. Bean comes with automatic only. Other new additions for 2005 include a new wheel design and a 3-spoke steering wheel. A power driver's seat is standard on all but the base 2.5X. The turbo XT has a Premium Package which adds the sunroof and leather seats found in the L.L. Bean.
The 2005 Forester is versatile in terms of cargo, with a cargo hold that expands to 64 cubic feet when the 60/40 split-fold rear seats are down. Owners like this SUV for its safety record, high ride height, and car-like handling around turns and in the city. The turbo engine is powerful and fast, and AWD is great in snow, sand, and rough weather. There is good visibility overall and lots of storage options. Disappointments include limited rear legroom, rattling noises, the sluggish non-turbo engine, especially when the SUV is full, and the need for more supportive seats.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2005 Subaru Forester

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User rating:
by Charles R
Feb 03, 2022
Age of Vehicle translates to Availability of parts I had a similar vehicle-a 2004 Forester ! A fantastic 5 on the floor w/straight pipe WRX Problem getting parts for Head Gasket ! If your a mechanic -No problem ! Otherwise Tap Next ! Feb 03, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 22, 2013
I really enjoy everything about this little car. It is very fun to drive even just to work and around town and up here in the Rockies it has enough space in the back for anything I would want to bring with me for a little adventure like my ski's or bike ect. I would advise this to anyone who wants a small SUV. It is also very reliable as are all Subi's I have had or that family has had and it has great performance in this turbocharged model.Apr 22, 2013
by Michael E
Mar 26, 2010
the handling is great and the all wheel bracking is excelent it's a good all alarond car good gas milage. storage is good love that the back seats fold down if you have somethings that might need a little more roomMar 26, 2010

2005 Subaru Forester Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,020 to $27,545
Price range
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Subaru Forester price trends

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

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

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

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

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

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

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)

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