4 generations of the Subaru Forester rated, newest first.
14-18
The FB25 engine finally ended Subaru's head gasket saga, the 4th gen Forester is the first generation you can buy without requiring head gasket documentation as a prerequisite.
09-13
The 3rd gen Forester finally got standard ESC and 5-star NHTSA, still the EJ253 and its head gasket tendencies, but the safety package is now complete.
03-08
The 2nd gen Forester added IIHS Good and a proper interior, same EJ253 head gasket watchout applies, but it's a better car overall than the 1st gen.
98-02
The 1st gen Forester is a cult-classic compact AWD wagon, simple, capable, and brutally honest about what Subaru's flat-4 required in its era: timing belt and head gasket service.