Comments on: Subaru Forester Gas Mileage

By: MArk

MArk — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:48:19 +0000

I have a 05 Forrester XS with manual tranny –
Yes I love it, too.

But, I don’t like my current milage either. (23.409 average MPG.)

I have seen as high as 31 MPG in the 68K miles I have driven it.

I brought it to the dealer just 3 weeks ago becasue
I couldn’t tolerate it any longer. (I was getting repeated check engine lights since the car was new.)

Finally, when I took it to a different dealer because of a Cat Efficiency problem and the misfire, (P303 and P304)I was told I had a bad coil pack and the dealer replaced the cat (under warranty, yeah) to fix the efficiency code (P0420).
I am happy to say tha my car is now running stronger than I have ever felt but, my mileage has dropped to less than 25 for the first time since I have owned it.

Any clues?

By: jas

jas — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:54:13 +0000

Stacey,
Same with my 03′ forester is doing the same thing I went to get a tune up, Soon the check light will BLINK which is not a great sign… We are getting a tune up first… The computer said the same thing to ours, and also cause the Cadilac converter, which could do all those things…

By: stacey

stacey — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:50:45 +0000

i have a 03 subaru forester. every 4-6 wks or so my check enginge light goes on. i take it in to be serviced (not by a subaru mechanic) and they say that nothing is wrong with my car and that the computer says “cylinder misfire.” the gas mileage is terible, well below average, but if it’s not my o2 sensor then what gives?!?! can someone help me out?

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:56:14 +0000

Part of my message was cut off, I think. My mileage did get worse now that winter is here, but I’m of the opinion that it’s normal for my car. And i still really like driving it. b-man, how would I know if my Forester would benefit from the re-calibration you speak of? My Subaru guy still tells me he can’t re-program or reset anything that would help mileage.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:52:54 +0000

to b-man:
I did buy, but did not install, one of those stupid (or maybe I’m the stupid one) “2-in-1″ chips, mostly out of curiosity just to see what it was. I keep it on my desk to remind me what not to do the next time I see something that sounds too good to be true.

I got terrific mileage last summer, better than the ratings, but now in another winter the mileage around town is back down to

By: Carla

Carla — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:22:18 +0000

I have a 98 Outback Sport, which I’m planning to sell. It got terrific mileage (don’t have exact numbers). I’m considering the Outback wagon, but I’m disturbed by all the emails I’m reading about the poor mileage.
Is there another Subaru model that does do better?
Thanks.

By: b-man

b-man — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:23:05 +0000

I’m a technician at Subaru, DO NOT BUY a ‘2-in-1′ chip. I highly doubt that it will do anything and will cause ecm problems. I know this because I have taken many back out and replaced the ecm. There is a recalibration that needs to be done to some of the Foresters that will improve gas mileage. peace.

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:09:06 +0000

I have a 2002 forester which I am trading in. What is you opinion on purchasing a 2008 used Forester vs a new 2008 Outback. I loved my forester but am wondering the difference with gas mileage between the two. I do like sitting up high in forester ? Buying a car is no easy thing to do.

By: rebecca

rebecca — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:53:47 +0000

I am looking into buying a forester (probably not new) what is your perception on the best years and models for reliablilty and gas mileage?

By: kukla

kukla — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:15:12 +0000

does anyone have directions as to how to remove headliner and panels from 2003 forester so as to service the moonroof. either the window is off track or something is jammed. thanks. kukla.