Positioning:
Compact crossover SUV, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive, practicality, and wagon-like versatility.
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail (for markets it was sold in), Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute.
Defining Traits:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, durable EJ-series boxer engines, spacious interior, good visibility, robust chassis.
Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking a reliable and capable all-weather SUV.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnosis
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch system, drive shafts, differentials
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling, center differential operation
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc), ABS, parking brake
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension (MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear), power steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, trim components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and repair for all covered systems
Rebuild Refurbish Restore:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and component overhauls
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Quality:
PDF (likely scanned, quality may vary but described as 'highly detailed')
Searchable:
Unknown (PDFs can be text-searchable if created from digital source, but scanned PDFs may not be).
Printability:
Assumed printable (standard for PDF manuals)
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)
Engine Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Engine Configuration:
Flat-four (Boxer) SOHC or DOHC
Engine Code Examples:
EJ251, EJ253, EJ25D (Phase I SOHC NA), EJ25 (Phase II SOHC NA)
Horsepower Range:
165-175 hp (NA variants), 210-220 hp (turbocharged variants like GT/XT, though less common in this manual's range)
Torque Range:
162-174 lb-ft (NA variants), 220-240 lb-ft (turbocharged variants)
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, higher octane for turbo models)
Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Capacity:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters) (check manual for exact spec)
Timing Belt Interval:
105,000 miles or 105 months (crucial maintenance item)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with lock-up torque converter)
AWD System:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System (Active on manual, variable on automatic).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP or equivalent (check manual for specific part number/type)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Gear Oil API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific part number/type)
Length:
Approx. 179.5 inches (4560 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.0 inches (2615 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 33.5 cubic feet (0.95 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 67.5 cubic feet (1.91 cubic meters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg), varies by trim and transmission
Towing Capacity:
Typically 2000 lbs (907 kg) when properly equipped (check specific vehicle for accuracy)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (1999-2002 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (1999-2002 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (some years/configurations)
ABS:
Standard or Optional depending on trim level (4-channel ABS)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, optional side airbags on some later models within this range.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear 3-point seat belts, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium sound systems and cassette players on some trims.
Navigation:
Rarely equipped from factory for this era; aftermarket options were common.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, electronically controlled.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models/trims, often linked with ABS and AWD.
Power Windows Locks:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Keyless Entry:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - consult manual for specifics.
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for EJ engines)
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (if equipped), earlier for platinum.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher (check manual for exact specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Head Gaskets:
While more prevalent in earlier EJ engines (pre-2000), some can develop coolant leaks from head gaskets. Phase II engines (later in this range) are generally better.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Tensioner pulley failure can lead to timing belt issues; replacement along with the belt and water pump is highly recommended.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, impacting performance and emissions.
Rear Main Seal:
Can develop oil leaks.
Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation, has a long history of producing durable and reliable vehicles, particularly known for its pioneering use of All-Wheel Drive technology in passenger cars.
Generation I:
First generation Forester (SF chassis) launched in 1995 (Japan) / 1997 (US). Known for its high ground clearance and estate-like appearance.
Generation Ii:
Second generation Forester (SG chassis) launched in late 2002 for the 2003 model year. This manual covers the very early SG chassis models, as well as the entire SF generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Plant).
Production Period:
1998-2002 covering SF chassis (most years) and early SG chassis (late 2002 model year).
