Market Position:
Compact SUV/Crossover, known for its AWD system, practicality, and wagon-like versatility. Positioned as a capable and reliable vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail/Rogue, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape during its production era. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a key differentiator.
Key Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine for a lower center of gravity, spacious interior for its class, good visibility, available turbocharged 'XT' models.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical System, Bodywork, Interior Components, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emissions Control
Page Count:
Variable (specific page count not provided, typical for parts catalogs)
Manual Type:
Parts Catalog / Parts List
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical (short block, cylinder head, valve train, timing belt/chain), Engine Lubrication & Cooling, Fuel & Emission Systems, Ignition System, Electrical System (ECU, sensors, wiring diagrams, lighting, starting & charging), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain (front & rear differentials, drive shafts, AWD components), Suspension (front & rear struts/shocks, control arms, bushings), Steering System, Brake System (discs, calipers, lines, ABS), HVAC System (compressor, evaporator, heater core, controls), Body Exterior (panels, bumpers, glass, trim), Body Interior (seats, trim panels, dashboard), Wheels and Tires
Procedures Included:
Part identification and verification, illustration of component assemblies, part number cross-referencing, pricing information for parts, labor time estimation for common repairs (indicative of service manual data linkage)
Technical Depth:
Detailed component illustrations and exploded views, precise part numbering for accurate ordering, component relationships within assemblies, pricing and labor guides for service budgeting. While not a repair manual detailing step-by-step procedures, it provides the foundation for understanding component relationships and replacement needs.
Engine 2.5L Na:
EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine 2.5L Turbo:
EJ255 / EJ257 (Turbocharged - XT models)
Horsepower:
Approx. 165-175 hp (depending on year/variant)
Torque:
Approx. 166-177 lb-ft (depending on year/variant)
Horsepower Xt:
Approx. 210-230 hp (depending on year/variant)
Torque Xt:
Approx. 235-250 lb-ft (depending on year/variant)
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Layout:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)
Exterior Length:
Approx. 177.0 - 180.0 inches (model year dependent)
Exterior Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches
Exterior Height:
Approx. 65.5 - 66.0 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.0 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.1 inches (model year dependent)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 30-32 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 65-68 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (depending on trim and drivetrain)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
5-Star (for applicable years)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
5-Star (for applicable years)
NHTSA Side Driver Front:
5-Star (for applicable years)
NHTSA Side Passenger Front:
5-Star (for applicable years)
NHTSA Side Driver Rear:
5-Star (for applicable years)
NHTSA Side Passenger Rear:
5-Star (for applicable years)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-Star (for applicable years)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) - standard on most models.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (available on higher trims/later years), height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment Features:
Base models typically featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims offered optional premium audio systems, and later models introduced auxiliary input jacks and satellite radio capability. Touchscreen navigation systems became available on some top-tier trims in later years of this generation.
Driver Assistance Features:
Primarily focused on core vehicle dynamics like VSC and TCS. Features like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were not common or available during this period.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary input jack for audio devices (introduced in later years), Bluetooth for hands-free calling (available on select trims and later model years).
Service Intervals Oil Change
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles with severe use or 7,500 miles with normal use (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (inspect more frequently).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (inspect more frequently).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for interference engines - EJ25).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API service category, e.g., API SN)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (with filter change, engine dependent)
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 quarts (engine dependent)
Fluid Specifications Transmission Auto
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid, verify with manual)
Fluid Specifications Transmission Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Gear Oil (GL-5 75W-90) or equivalent
Fluid Specifications Differential
Front Differential Fluid Type:
Subaru Gear Oil (GL-5 75W-90) or equivalent
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
Subaru Gear Oil (GL-5 75W-90) or equivalent (check if limited slip requires specific additive)
Fluid Specifications Power Steering
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON-III type ATF
Known Issues Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in earlier Subaru models, head gasket leaks can still occur, especially on higher mileage naturally aspirated EJ25 engines. The turbocharged EJ255/EJ257 are more robust but can suffer from turbocharger issues.
Known Issues Wheel Bearings:
Front and rear wheel bearings can be a wear item, particularly on vehicles driven in harsh climates or subjected to off-road use.
Known Issues Cv Axles:
Front CV joint boots are prone to tearing, leading to premature wear of the joints.
Known Issues Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail, especially on older vehicles due to age or engine issues.
Known Issues Sway Bar Links Bushings:
Front and rear sway bar links and bushings are common wear items that can cause clunking noises.
Brand Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, particularly known for its pioneering use of all-wheel drive in passenger cars and its unique Boxer engine configuration.
Model Evolution Sg Generation
Model Evolution Sg Generation:
This generation (2003-2008) represents the second generation of the Subaru Forester. It featured a more rounded and SUV-like exterior design compared to the first generation, while retaining the core Forester identity of AWD capability and practicality. A significant facelift occurred for the 2006 model year.
Production Locations:
Japan (Gunma Prefecture)
Recognitions Ii Hs:
The Subaru Forester consistently received good safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), often earning 'Good' or 'Acceptable' ratings in various crash tests for its generation.
Recognitions Kbb:
KBB.com often recognized the Forester for its value, reliability, and off-road capability for a crossover in its class.
Certifications Emissions:
Meets relevant EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model years.
