Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking a versatile AWD vehicle with a reputation for durability.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue), Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape.
Symmetrical AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, providing superior traction and stability in various conditions.
Horizontally Opposed Engine:
Boxer (horizontally opposed) engine design for a lower center of gravity, improving handling and stability.
Practicality:
Spacious interior, good cargo capacity, excellent visibility, and a reputation for practicality and utility.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (EJ253, EJ255, EJ257, EJ205), engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators), fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed) diagnosis and repair, driveline, transfer case, differentials
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms), steering system (rack and pinion), power steering
Electrical:
Complete electrical diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, body electricals, HVAC controls, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis components, frame structure, doors, windows, sunroof
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, piston and ring replacement, valve adjustment, timing belt/chain service
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, transmission overhaul (manual and automatic), seal replacement, fluid service
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, ABS component testing and replacement
Suspension Steering Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, component testing, wiring harness repair, battery and alternator testing
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, door and window regulator repair, bumper repair, interior trim removal and installation
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Description Base:
2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four (Boxer) engine
Displacement Base:
2457 cc (149.9 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke Base:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio Base:
9.7:1
Horsepower Base:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Base:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Turbo:
EJ255 / EJ257
Engine Description Turbo:
2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four (Boxer) engine (XT models)
Horsepower Turbo:
210-230 hp (XT models, depending on trim/year)
Torque Turbo:
235-250 lb-ft (XT models, depending on trim/year)
Engine Code 2.0L Turbo:
EJ205 (some markets, e.g., Australia/Japan)
Engine Description 2.0L Turbo:
2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four (Boxer) engine
Horsepower 2.0L Turbo:
217 hp @ 5,600 rpm (typical for Forester STi variant)
Torque 2.0L Turbo:
240 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (typical for Forester STi variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating: 87 minimum for NA, 91 recommended for Turbocharged models)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportshift on some models)
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios provided in the manual for all gears and final drive.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (High Performance)
Length:
173.8 inches (4415 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.0 inches (2615 mm)
Ground Clearance:
7.7 inches (195 mm)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,400 lbs (1450 - 1540 kg)
Curb Weight Turbo:
Approx. 3,400 - 3,600 lbs (1540 - 1630 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
30.0 cubic feet (850 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
63.0 cubic feet (1785 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger, 2005-2008 models)
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good (for models tested)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC/VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags (depending on trim and year)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System Options:
Factory fitted CD player with AM/FM radio, optional premium audio systems with subwoofer. Aux input availability varies by trim.
Navigation System:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, available HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights on higher trims. Manual covers aiming and bulb replacement.
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack on select models.
Power Outlets:
12V power outlets for accessory charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (severe use) / 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal use) - consult manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Type Base:
Synthetic 5W-30 (API SG or higher rated)
Engine Oil Type Turbo:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG or higher rated, check manual for specific turbo recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity Base:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Subaru OEM: 15208AA100 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months - CRITICAL for EJ series engines. Manual will detail procedure and inspection intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Check fluid condition regularly, change as per manual schedule (typically around 30,000-60,000 miles or as needed based on usage).
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Check fluid condition regularly, change as per manual schedule (typically around 30,000-60,000 miles or as needed based on usage).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent long-life coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Head Gasket Leaks:
While less prevalent than earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still occur, particularly on naturally aspirated EJ25 engines. The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines, especially those with higher mileage, may exhibit increased oil consumption. Proper monitoring and use of recommended oil viscosity are important. Manual details piston ring inspection.
Turbocharger Issues:
For XT models, turbocharger reliability is generally good, but maintenance (oil changes) is critical. Manual covers turbo inspection and replacement.
Cv Joint Wear:
Front CV joints can wear over time, especially under demanding use. Manual provides replacement procedures.
Brake Wear:
Brake pad and rotor wear is typical for any vehicle; manual details wear limits and replacement.
Company Origins:
Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) has a long history in aerospace and automotive manufacturing, known for its boxer engines and AWD technology.
Forester Introduction:
The Subaru Forester was first introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, blending the utility of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a car.
Second Generation Launch:
The second generation (SG) was launched for the 2003 model year and received a facelift for 2006, including revised styling and powertrain updates for certain markets.
Key Updates Sg Generation:
Increased wheelbase, revised suspension, introduction of turbocharged XT models with higher performance, improved safety features, and updated interior/exterior styling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly produced in Gunma, Japan. Some assembly may have occurred in other Subaru global facilities.