Body Style:
        
        
            Compact Crossover SUV / Station Wagon
        
     
    
    
        
            Chassis Codes:
        
        
            SF5 (non-turbo), SF9 (turbo)
        
     
    
        
            Vin Code Model Year:
        
        
            R for 1999, 1 for 2000, 2 for 2001, 3 for 2002
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Segment:
        
        
            Compact Crossover SUV
        
     
    
        
            Usp:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most trims, practicality, go-anywhere capability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra.
        
     
    
    
        
            Standard AWD:
        
        
            Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability.
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            Higher than many competitors, allowing for mild off-road use.
        
     
    
        
            Practicality:
        
        
            Spacious interior for its class, versatile cargo area.
        
     
    
        
            Durability:
        
        
            Known for robust engineering and longevity when properly maintained.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Covered Years:
        
        
            1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
        
     
    
        
            Market Territory:
        
        
            Global (primarily North American market focus)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Variants Covered:
        
        
            2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ25, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ25 SOHC & DOHC
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Variants Covered:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT), 5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Pages:
        
        
            Hundreds (Specific count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
        
     
    
        
            Original Source:
        
        
            Official Subaru Factory Documentation
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine Mechanical, Fuel & Emission Control, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Turbocharger System, Exhaust
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Differentials, CV Joints)
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System
        
     
    
        
            Body And Trim:
        
        
            Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspections and Replacements
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Component Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Electrical Circuit Analysis
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque Specifications, Clearances, Electrical Values, Fluid Capacities and Types, Component Dimensions
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics Level:
        
        
            Advanced (includes wiring diagrams, sensor data interpretation, ECU information)
        
     
    
        
            Repair Scope:
        
        
            Full vehicle repair, including component-level diagnostics and replacement.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Likely searchable text within PDF (assuming OCR processing)
        
     
    
    
        
            Quality:
        
        
            High (Directly from factory originals, optimized for digital viewing and printing)
        
     
    
        
            Illustrations:
        
        
            Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographs.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            N/A (Digital PDF format)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Type:
        
        
            N/A (Digital PDF format)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code Naturally Aspirated:
        
        
            EJ251 (SOHC)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Turbocharged:
        
        
            EJ255 (DOHC Turbo - typically found in higher trims or specific markets)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Displacement Liters:
        
        
            2.5 L
        
     
    
    
        
            Cylinder Layout:
        
        
            Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
        
        
            165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Naturally Aspirated:
        
        
            162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Turbocharged:
        
        
            210-227 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx. - varies by specific turbo model)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Turbocharged:
        
        
            240-250 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx. - varies by specific turbo model)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Octane Naturally Aspirated:
        
        
            87 Octane
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Octane Turbocharged:
        
        
            91 Octane
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Oil Capacity Quarts:
        
        
            4.5 (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            5W-30 (API SG or higher)
        
     
    
    
        
            System:
        
        
            Catalytic Converter, EGR, PCV
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
        
     
    
    
        
            AWD System Manual:
        
        
            Viscous Center Coupling (Part-time AWD engagement on some earlier manuals)
        
     
    
        
            AWD System Automatic:
        
        
            Active All-Wheel Drive (Electronically controlled clutch pack, variable torque split)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON.
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:
        
        
            3.7 (approx. for refill)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual First Gear Ratio:
        
        
            3.167:1
        
     
    
        
            Automatic First Gear Ratio:
        
        
            2.785:1
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Wheelbase In:
        
        
            103.0 inches
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance In:
        
        
            7.5 - 8.1 inches (varies by model year/trim)
        
     
    
    
        
            Passenger Volume Cu Ft:
        
        
            95.8 cu ft (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat Cu Ft:
        
        
            35.7 cu ft (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded Cu Ft:
        
        
            67.3 cu ft (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Lbs:
        
        
            3100 - 3400 lbs (varies by trim and drivetrain)
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity Lbs:
        
        
            2000 lbs (when properly equipped with trailer brake controller)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Driver 2001:
        
        
            ★★★★★
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2001:
        
        
            ★★★★★
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Driver 2001:
        
        
            ★★★★☆
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Passenger 2001:
        
        
            ★★★★☆
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Older:
        
        
            Good (for early models, later models improved)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most trims
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available on some models
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Not widely available on these model years
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Dual front airbags standard
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Optional front side-impact airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH system (introduced in later years of this generation)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems available.
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Not typically factory-installed on this generation; aftermarket units were common.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard on most trims
        
     
    
        
            Anti Lock Brakes:
        
        
            ABS standard on many trims, detailed in the manual's brake system section.
        
     
    
    
        
            Aux Input:
        
        
            Not standard; aftermarket adapters were available.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not available from factory; aftermarket solutions required.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval Miles:
        
        
            3,750 to 7,500 miles (depending on driving conditions and oil type used, consult manual for specifics)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
        
        
            With every oil change
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
        
        
            Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Not applicable to these models; utilizes a timing chain.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, 60,000-100,000 miles for manual (consult manual for specific conditions).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Coolant Type:
        
        
            Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Subaru Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gaskets:
        
        
            Common on EJ25 engines, particularly earlier non-turbo SOHC versions (EJ251/EJ253) due to Subaru's original design. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Leaks:
        
        
            Can occur from valve covers, oil pan, and front crankshaft seal. Manual provides procedures for replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Bearings:
        
        
            Can be a wear item, especially with AWD components. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Cv Joints:
        
        
            Susceptible to wear, especially the front left. Manual details inspection and replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Performance:
        
        
            Some early 4EAT transmissions can exhibit rough shifting or solenoid issues. Manual provides diagnostic flowcharts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Subaru Corporation
        
     
    
        
            Key Technologies:
        
        
            Symmetrical AWD, Boxer engines, reputation for durability and utility.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation:
        
        
            SF series (1995-2002, with a significant facelift in 1997 and the covered years 1999-2002 being part of the latter half of this generation).
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation Start:
        
        
            SG series (2003-2008)
        
     
    
        
            Segment Creation:
        
        
            The Subaru Forester is credited with helping to define the compact crossover SUV segment.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Ota City, Gunma, Japan
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Covered:
        
        
            1999-2002
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
        
        
            2000 (for the 2000 model year)
        
     
    
        
            Car And Driver 10Best:
        
        
            Often cited in comparison lists for its AWD capability and practicality, but not a recurring '10Best' winner itself.
        
     
    
        
            Icam SUV Of The Year:
        
        
            1999 (for the 1999 model year)
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Generally rated average to above average for its class during its production run, with noted exceptions like head gasket issues.