Is 2007 a good year for a Subaru Forester?
Yes — a 2007 Subaru Forester can be a solid used-option for those who want all-wheel drive, practicality, and hedge against harsh weather. However, as an aging model, it benefits from careful shopping and a clean maintenance history. The naturally aspirated 2.5L engine offers reasonable fuel economy, while the turbocharged 2.5XT delivers more power at the expense of higher maintenance costs and fuel use.
What to know about the 2007 Forester
The 2007 Forester sits in the mid-era lineup of Subaru's compact SUV, known for its standard all-wheel drive and tall, airy cabin. Buyers could choose between two primary engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.5-liter in the XT trim. Both engines are paired with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive layout, which remains a core selling point for traction in rain, snow, and rough roads. Inside, the Forester emphasizes practicality and visibility, with generous cargo space and a straightforward layout, though materials and finish quality show the car’s age in higher-mileage examples. Transmission availability varied by trim and market, with automatic boxes common on most non-turbo models and a manual transmission offered on certain XT configurations in some regions and years.
Reliability and maintenance considerations
As a 2007 model, the Forester benefits from years of road experience but also carries the burdens of aging components. Buyers should plan for maintenance typical of higher-mileage Subarus, including careful checks of the drivetrain, cooling system, and suspension hardware. The most common reliability concerns for older EJ-series engines (which powers the Forester’s 2.5L lineup) center on head gasket integrity, oil consumption, and periodic timing-belt service. While the 2007 era saw improvements over earlier EJ25 revisions, a well-documented service history—especially timing belt replacement and cooling-system upkeep—remains essential. Transmission wear can also surface on higher-mileage autos, particularly in models with heavy towing or aggressive driving. Overall reliability is solid for its class when the vehicle has been maintained, but neglect can translate into notable repair costs down the line.
Pros and cons of owning a 2007 Forester
Here are the core advantages and drawbacks to weigh when considering a 2007 Forester as a used purchase.
- Excellent all-wheel-drive capability and stability in adverse weather
- Spacious, versatile interior with strong cargo capacity
- Strong visibility and upright seating for comfort and safety
- Generally reliable for its age when properly maintained
- However, aging chassis and interior materials show their age on higher-mileage examples
- Possible head gasket risk on older EJ-series engines, though improved by 2007; check maintenance history
- Maintenance and repairs can be pricier on the turbocharged XT model
- Fuel economy is moderate, especially in the turbo variant and with older transmissions
In short, the Forester’s strengths lie in all-weather practicality and cargo versatility, while its weaknesses center on aging components and potentially higher maintenance costs as mileage climbs.
Common issues to check during a used-car inspection
To separate a well-kept example from a typical high-mileage offender, buyers should focus on specific problem areas and perform a thorough inspection or bring a trusted mechanic along.
- Head gasket condition and signs of coolant/oil leaks or milky oil on the dipstick—all EJ25 engines have a history of gasket problems, so inspect carefully.
- Oil consumption and smoke: track oil usage and look for blue smoke from the exhaust, which can indicate aging seals or engine wear.
- Timing belt status and service history: ensure the timing belt (and tensioners) has been replaced per Subaru’s interval, typically around 100,000 miles; neglect can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
- Cooling system integrity: check hoses, radiator, water pump, and thermostat for leaks or sluggish cooling; overheating can hasten head-gasket issues.
- Transmission health: test shifts (especially in automatics) and look for slipping, rough engagement, or unusual noises; manual transmissions should have a healthy clutch with smooth engagement.
- Suspension and steering: inspect struts, bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings for wear or clunking noises; AWD-era Subarus can exhibit front-end wear with mileage.
- Rust and undercarriage condition: check for rust, particularly on the frame rails and body panels in regions with road salt use.
- Electrical systems and recalls: verify that all electronics function (AC, power windows, lights) and check that any open recalls have been addressed.
Keep in mind that a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Subaru technician is highly advisable for any 2007 Forester, and always request a complete service history and a clean vehicle history report to avoid hidden issues.
Ownership costs and current market context
Because the 2007 Forester is now a well-aged used vehicle, prices and ownership costs vary widely based on mileage, maintenance history, and regional market conditions. Clean, well-documented examples with mid-range mileage typically command modest prices relative to newer crossovers, but expected repair and DIY maintenance costs can accumulate as components age. Expect to budget for routine maintenance (timing belt services, cooling-system work, and suspension wear) and be prepared for occasional major repairs if a car has not been properly serviced. Fuel economy is generally reasonable for a compact SUV, with the naturally aspirated 2.5L models delivering better efficiency than the turbocharged 2.5XT versions.
Summary
For buyers who prize all-wheel drive, practicality, and dependable daily performance, a well-chosen 2007 Subaru Forester can still be a good value. The key is careful shopping: prioritize a documented maintenance history, verify the timing-belt service is up to date, and have a trusted technician inspect for head-gasket signs, cooling-system wear, and transmission health. If you prefer extra power and can budget for higher ownership costs, the 2.5XT turbo offers stronger performance, but with greater maintenance demands. Overall, a 2007 Forester can deliver years of reliable service when bought wisely and cared for with regular maintenance.
Bottom line: yes, it can be a good year to buy, provided you approach the purchase with diligence and a clear understanding of the vehicle’s age and maintenance needs. A well-maintained 2007 Forester that has undergone timely service can still serve effectively as a rugged, all-weather daily driver.
What year is the most reliable Subaru Forester?
The most reliable Subaru Forester years are 2016-2018 and 2020-2024, with the last year of each generation (2018 and 2024) often being the most reliable. Other solid choices include 2012-2013 (with the caveat that recalls should be checked) and 2003-2005.
Most reliable years by generation
- Fifth Generation (2019-2024): Generally excellent, with 2020 and newer models showing significantly improved reliability over the 2019 model year.
- Fourth Generation (2014-2018): 2018 is considered the best year within this generation due to a high number of addressed issues. The 2016 and 2017 models are also highly-rated.
- Third Generation (2009-2013): 2012 and 2013 are considered reliable, but it's crucial to check if any recall-related fixes have been completed.
- Second Generation (2003-2008): 2004, 2005, and 2007 are considered solid, dependable years.
What to look for when buying
- Maintenance records: Proper maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability.
- Recalls: For any model year, especially the 2012-2013, check the VIN for any outstanding recalls and ensure they have been fixed.
- EyeSight technology: The 2014 model year introduced Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance technology, and subsequent years have it, which is a plus for safety.
Is the 2007 Forester reliable?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest. 262 out of 403 of owners (65% of them) rank the 2007 Forester five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2007 Subaru Forester.
What are common problems in a 2007 Forester?
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
What years did the Subaru Forester have a bad transmission?
Yes, the Transmissions of Foresters from 2014 - 2018 are known to have problems. Subaru extended the warranty on CVT transmissions to 10 years or 100000 miles.
