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2002 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

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4.5
(341 reviews)
2002 Subaru Forester
5
64%
4
24%
3
6%
2
4%
1
2%
88%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
4.5
Performance
4.5
Quality
4.5
Comfort
4.5
Reliability
4.6
Styling
4.3
2002 Forester Overview
Among the 341 owners who provided feedback on the 2002 Subaru Forester for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 88% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and comfort to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest. 219 out of 341 of owners (64% of them) rank the 2002 Forester five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2002 Subaru Forester. Is it the right vehicle for for you? Check out Kelley Blue Book's consumer reviews and see for yourself.
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Most Helpful Reviews

Positive Review

"A super-great car. Both mechanics agree"

I allternate between 2 mechanics for maintainable. Both believe I will be able to get at least another 100,000 miles on the car, which has 180000 miles already. It has never let me down, and is so safe even in snow. I' m buying a new sabaru and giving this one to my son. I believe it's worth more than $4,000 in value. It truly is the best car ever!


VS

Critical Review

"Great until 100K"

I bought my Forester used in 2005, it had 59,000 miles. I loved it! Great in the snow! Minor problems but overall very reliable. That is until the car hit 100K. Then it basically fell apart. The exhaust system had to be replaced, battery cables, spark plug cables, fuel injector and finally the clutch went and I am forced to sell it. Six months ago I would have recommended this car to anyone but now I would have to advise to stay away from anything close to 100K.

2002 Forester Reviews

In our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive assessment of the vehicle possible, KBB.com widens the scope of our reviews to include all pertinent model years.
ex. Dependable

Showing 8 of 341 reviews.


Virginia
4/9/2023
Fabulous car!!! I’m still driving it and love it
Pros

Always runs!!!

Cons

There are none!

The 1998 Subaru Forester all wheel drive has the best engine that Subaru ever made! It always runs and is always reliable! Love this car!!!

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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1
1

Alberta
2/26/2023
Subaru WRX

Cracked windshield few tints needs a sum want paint job needed struts needs changed passenger side needs a couple tired

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0
5

Dave
11/18/2022
L

Love this car. If I had any complaints is that cars aren't still built like this one today. For the minimal effort I've put in this girl is still pulling at 250,000 miles. Given to me by a person who thought they bought a dud of a car and decided to fork out a $20,000 loan for a new caf, I think this was the best score I've ever made.

Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
4.0
Recommends this vehicle
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1
0

Nature_nut
6/14/2022
Rich friend LOVES driving my car better than his!
Pros

a blast to drive, seat height is perfect!

Cons

nope! It'sperfect.

I love my subaru forester! It drives like a go cart! It takes on anything and comes out smiling! i hate new cars and intend on driving "Homer" until i can't drive anymore. Only a near exact 2002 Forester look in an electric version could get me to ease into something new. Still I would NEVER sell my 2002 black Forester Premium S that my students picked out for me to buy 20 years ago!

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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2
0

Brewmoe
5/9/2022
This may be my last car
Pros

Good power and MPG. Tows small trailer well

Cons

Wind noise

Bought new in 1999. Changed oil every 5K. Air filter every 15K. It goes to a mechanic every 30K for full inspection and necessary parts/fluid replacements. Around 80K it needed a new head gasket along with some exhaust components. Also, at some point, I had to have the CV joints serviced. At 200K it still ran well but was using a lot of oil. About 1 quart every 200-300 miles. Took a chance on an engine swap done by an experienced mechanic. Currently has 215K miles. Engine swap was $3200 and included a new clutch and timing belt. All in all, I feel that I have gotten more than my money's worth out of this car and I love driving it.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
4.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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2
0

Mimi
2/27/2022
Just keeps going
Pros

Peppy, reliable, fun to drive

Cons

Suffers from a bit of wind noise

Great little car for everything. It goes in the mountain trails, through snow, heavy rains and anywhere I’ve taken it without issue. It’s peppy, reliable and feel safe driving it. Of course maintenance has always been done on time and the little quirks have been promptly taken care of. Maintenance is key! I hope to get another 100K out of it.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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1
0

DEE
1/23/2022
DEPENDABLE VEHICLE

RUNS GREAT...CURRENT REGISTRATION....SAFETY....RECENT NEW RADIATOR....LIKE NEW TIRES....NEEDS NEWBATTERY....CLEAN INTERIOR....ALL ESSENTIALS WORKING....COULD USE PAINT JOB because of oxidation....very dependable car....no dents or accident history....

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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1
0

Robert
12/22/2021
Ok
Pros

Fun.Ac and speakers work.Power windows.Heated seat

Cons

Breaks down a lot. Oil leaks. Dents.

Car was good overall. Had a lot of problems at first easy to fix. Ac worked and speakers. Pretty good gift.

Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Reliability
3.0
Styling
3.0
Recommends this vehicle
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0
0

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