Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape
Symmetrical AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, providing enhanced traction and stability
Ground Clearance:
Class-leading ground clearance for its segment, offering improved off-road capability and all-weather confidence
Practicality:
Spacious and versatile interior, practical cargo space, good visibility
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain (AWD system, differentials, drive shafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, parking brake), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, HVAC electrical, audio system, starter & charging system, ignition system, SRS (Airbag) system
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, roof, seals, bumpers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections/replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with explanations and common causes, wiring diagrams for electrical systems
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures, torque specifications, special tool requirements, component removal and installation guides, factory specifications and tolerances
Naturally Aspirated:
2.5L EJ253 Boxer 4-Cylinder
Turbocharged:
2.5L EJ255 Boxer 4-Cylinder (XT models)
Horsepower Na:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Na:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower Turbo:
210 hp @ 5600 rpm (XT models)
Torque Turbo:
235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (XT models)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended for NA, 91+ Octane Recommended for Turbo)
ECU Type:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) with OBD-II diagnostics
Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission
AWD Integration:
Integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Gear Oil API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Genuine ATF HP (High Performance)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Crash Test:
Good (Frontal Offset, Side Impact - with optional side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
E Brake:
Mechanical parking brake
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers, optional premium audio system available on higher trims.
Display:
Basic digital display for clock, temperature, and trip computer. No integrated navigation or large color screens.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS) on most models.
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control) on most models.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary input for audio devices (rare for this era).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Na:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (for EJ253 and EJ255 engines)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter (for EJ253/EJ255)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or SN)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Genuine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Head Gaskets:
While the EJ253 and EJ255 engines are generally robust, early models and some variants can be prone to head gasket failure. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Wheel Bearings:
Can be a wear item, especially with heavy use or off-road driving. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Catalytic Converter:
Can degrade over time, impacting emissions and performance. Manual covers diagnostic procedures.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing durable and reliable vehicles, often incorporating unique engineering like the boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Forester Generation:
The 2005 Forester is part of the second generation (SG) of the Forester, which ran from 2002 to 2008. This generation saw significant styling updates and chassis improvements over the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Ota City, Gunma Prefecture)
Previous Generation Awards:
The Subaru Forester, in its earlier generations, consistently earned accolades for safety and all-wheel-drive capability, setting a benchmark for compact SUVs.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Historically, Subaru models have received good reliability ratings, though specific model years and components (like head gaskets) require attention.
