The 2013 Subaru Forester is durable and cheap to operate. It's safe to drive in snowy and icy weather, and it has enough room (with the rear seats down) to carry gear. The cross-bars on top provide more storage options for recreation equipment. The gas mileage is better than predicted, particularly on the highway. The acceleration is not great but I expected that. The car is a stable easy and cheap to operate vehicle for the person who sometimes needs extra space and who sometimes needs all-wheel drive in bad weather. The interior is comfortable, though its looks are similar to earlier models. Older models had weather stations on the radio; this unfortunately does not. Basic do-it-yourself maintenance is easy. It's a reliable cheap car for people who need that and don't care about much else.

After nearly 6 years, I am still enjoying my 2013 Subaru Forester. It has one of the most comfortable driver’s seats I’ve ever sat in. Unlike many other vehicles, the headrest does not push my head forward to an uncomfortable position. And for some reason I just can’t put my finger on, it’s just plain feels good to drive. Maybe it’s the road feel or the response, but I noticed it when shopping similar models by other makes. It has a sport mode which gives it extra perk. I don’t use this very often because it does reduce the gas mileage, but it is very useful for some added “oomph” merging on a busy highway or making a left turn with limited space. It doesn’t have the most cargo space among cars in its class, but it’s enough for the usual schlepping of groceries, sports equipment and home improvement supplies. On vacation it can be a little tight, but as a family of 3, we manage. Overall, it’s a pretty well-put-together car, and there haven’t been any major issues.