Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, high ground clearance, practical cargo space, excellent visibility, Subaru's boxer engine reputation.
Competitors 2007:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-7, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue.
Body Styles:
5-door Wagon/SUV.
Trim Levels:
Typically includes Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with XT (turbocharged) variants.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECU), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (MT), automatic transmission (AT), all-wheel drive system (Symmetrical AWD), differentials, driveshafts, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body electrical (wiper, washer, power accessories), HVAC electrical, audio system.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, seats, interior trim, airbags, seat belts.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-II).
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
Electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connector locations, PCM/ECM data interpretation.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, voltage measurements.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic diagnostics to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2498cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Engine 1 Aspirated:
Naturally Aspirated
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
173 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE Net)
Engine 1 Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SAE Net)
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Ignition Type:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-plug)
Engine 1 Oil Type And Capacity:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30; 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Engine 1 Cooling System Capacity:
7.2 US quarts (6.8 Liters) - requires Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent.
Engine 1 Timing Drive:
Timing Belt (requires replacement every 105,000 miles or 105 months).
Engine 2 Configuration:
2.5L Turbocharged Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Engine 2 Horsepower:
224 hp @ 5600 rpm (XT trim)
Engine 2 Torque:
226 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (XT trim)
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger
Engine 2 Oil Type And Capacity:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30; 5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Engine 2 Timing Drive:
Timing Belt (requires replacement every 105,000 miles or 105 months).
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (TY75)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models).
Manual AWD Coupling:
Viscous-coupling Limited-Slip Center Differential (VLSD)
Automatic AWD Coupling:
Active Transfer Clutch System (ATCS)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Fluid Type:
API GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (Front and Rear Differentials). Manual Transmission Fluid: Subaru Genuine Gear Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or equivalent.
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (HP Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent. Capacity: 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) for torque converter drain and fill.
Length:
178.7 inches (4539 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.0 inches (2616 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches (206 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3362 lbs (1525 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3404 lbs (1544 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4760 lbs (2160 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 38.7 cu ft (1096 Liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 67.1 cu ft (1899 Liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Score:
Good
Braking System:
Power-assisted front ventilated disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes. Standard ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution).
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) available on some trims.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain side airbags (available on some trims).
Seat Belts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seat belts for all positions, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system with subwoofer. Auxiliary input jack may be present.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most trims.
Bluetooth:
Not standard on this model year.
Usb Port:
Not standard on this model year.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months under severe conditions. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (standard on this generation).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months. Crucial to replace the tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant. Capacity: 7.2 US quarts (6.8 Liters).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Capacity: Varies, typically around 1 US quart for flushing.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III ATF. Capacity: Varies, typically around 1 US quart.
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in earlier generations, some EJ25 engines can still experience head gasket leaks (coolant or oil). This manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Rear Main Seal:
The rear crankshaft seal can develop leaks over time. The manual covers its replacement.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some automatic transmissions may experience harsh shifting or delayed engagement, especially if fluid maintenance is neglected. The manual provides diagnostic steps.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is normal, but specific issues like clutch chatter or difficulty engaging gears will be addressed in troubleshooting sections.
Subaru Heritage:
Founded in 1953 as Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru is known for its pioneering use of the boxer engine and its commitment to All-Wheel Drive technology, particularly in its passenger cars and SUVs.
Forester Generations:
The 2007 Forester is part of the second generation (SF/SG, 1997-2008), specifically the facelifted SG series (2002-2008). This generation saw significant exterior styling updates and mechanical refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Forester was a Motor Trend SUV of the Year contender in its previous generation, establishing a reputation for capability.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
While not always a 'Top Safety Pick' designation every year, the Forester consistently performed well in IIHS crash tests for its class.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model year. Manual will detail specific emission control systems.