🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2007

Chassis Code:

SG5/SG9

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Usp:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent visibility, practical cargo space, robust build quality.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape.

Platform:

Second generation (SG) platform.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine, contributing to a lower center of gravity.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options:

2.5L H4 SOHC NA (EJ253), 2.5L H4 DOHC Turbocharged (EJ255)

Transmission Options:

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Approximate Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharger system (if applicable)

Drivetrain:

Clutch system, transmission (manual/automatic), drivetrain components, differentials, axles, driveshafts

Chassis:

Suspension (front/rear), steering, braking system, wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and controls, infotainment, body electrical, CAN communication, diagnostics

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)

Maintenance:

Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Repair:

Engine component removal/installation, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension bushing replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, flowcharts

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Diagram Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations

Text Readability:

Easy-to-read text with professional formatting

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253

Engine Type Na:

2.5L SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) Naturally Aspirated H4 (Horizontally-Opposed 4-Cylinder)

Bore Stroke Na:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio Na:

9.7:1

Horsepower Na:

173 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255

Engine Type Turbo:

2.5L DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) Turbocharged H4

Horsepower Turbo:

224 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Turbo:

226 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded (91 Octane recommended for Turbo models)

ECU Type:

Denso Engine Control Unit (ECU)

Emission Controls:

California Emission Standards (PZEV options available), OBD-II compliant

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Synchro-mesh)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with AI-Electronic Control

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled clutch (automatic).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90) or equivalent.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon compatible).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,485 mm (176.6 in)

Width:

1,780 mm (70.1 in)

Height:

1,670 mm (65.7 in) (without roof rails)

Wheelbase:

2,620 mm (103.2 in)

Ground Clearance:

200 mm (7.9 in)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

35.7 cu ft

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

71.0 cu ft

Curb Weight Manual:

1,535 kg (3,384 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

1,570 kg (3,461 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

★★★★★ (5-star driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

★★★★★ (5-star driver and rear passenger)

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS)

Electronic Stability:

Standard (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (optional/standard by trim).

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point pretensioner and load-limiter, rear 3-point belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems with subwoofer and auxiliary input.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Rearview Camera:

Not standard; may have been an aftermarket addition or available on very late models/specific trims.

Bluetooth:

Not typically integrated from the factory on this model year; aftermarket solutions are common.

HVAC System:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level. Features include A/C, heater, and cabin air filter.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for specific conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

105,000 miles (Iridium spark plugs).

Timing Belt Replacement:

NOT APPLICABLE (Subaru EJ engines use a timing *chain*).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (with filter) for 2.5L NA, 4.8 US quarts (with filter) for 2.5L Turbo.

Engine Oil Type:

API SN or higher, SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30. Consult manual for specific climate/usage.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gasket Failures:

While less common than on earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur, especially on higher-mileage turbocharged models. Symptoms include coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, or coolant in oil.

Catalytic Converter Issues:

Premature failure can occur due to various reasons, leading to loss of power and check engine lights.

Oil Consumption:

Some EJ25 engines, particularly the turbocharged variants, may exhibit higher-than-average oil consumption. Regular monitoring is advised.

Suspension Wear:

Ball joints and bushings in the suspension can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding Principles:

Subaru, the automotive division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing rugged, reliable vehicles with a focus on All-Wheel Drive technology and horizontally-opposed boxer engines.

Forester Introduction:

The Subaru Forester debuted in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, blending the utility of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car.

Second Generation Launch:

The second generation (SG) was introduced for the 2003 model year and continued through 2008. The 2007 model represents a mid-cycle refresh with updated styling and features.

Trim Levels 2007:

Commonly includes Base, Premium, XT (turbocharged) trims, with variations like the 'X' and 'LL Bean' editions in previous years potentially carrying over aspects.

Manufacturing Plant:

Mainly produced at Subaru's Gunma Plant in Japan. Some models were also assembled in Thailand and Malaysia.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Resale Value:

Subaru vehicles, including the Forester, often receive 'Best Resale Value' awards from Kelley Blue Book due to their durability and AWD capability.

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

While specific awards vary by year, the Forester consistently performed well in IIHS safety tests for its generation, often achieving 'Top Safety Pick' status.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated above average by Consumer Reports for reliability, though specific engine variants and years may have noted issues (e.g., head gaskets).