Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, spacious interior, practicality, robust build
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue Sport), Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape
Standard Features:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, boxer engines, high ground clearance, roof rails
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU), turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5-speed), automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch, drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, parking brake)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starting and charging system, lighting, instruments and gauges, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), climate control system, airbags, body control module (BCM)
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, safety restraints, HVAC, body sealing and weatherstripping
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, exhaust system repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic procedures, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer Engine
Engine Codes:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
165-173 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
166-167 lb-ft @ 3700-4400 rpm
Horsepower Turbocharged:
210-230 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm
Torque Turbocharged:
235-247 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (regular unleaded) for naturally aspirated; 91 Octane (premium unleaded) recommended for turbo models
Type Naturally Aspirated:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type All Models:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with electronically controlled AWD)
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Manual Transmission AWD Bias:
50/50 Front/Rear torque split
Automatic Transmission AWD Bias:
Variable torque split with electronic control, typically 60/40 Front/Rear bias
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid if specified by Subaru for specific VINs)
Length:
Approximately 178.0 - 180.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 66.1 - 67.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.0 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 8.1 inches
Curb Weight Est:
3300 - 3600 lbs (depending on trim and drivetrain)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approximately 28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 68.0 cubic feet
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
5-Star (for applicable models)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
5-Star (for applicable models)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Driver:
5-Star (for applicable models)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Passenger:
5-Star (for applicable models)
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Driver:
5-Star (for applicable models)
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Passenger:
5-Star (for applicable models)
IIHS Overall Good:
Good (Top Pick for certain years/configurations)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Standard front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional/Standard front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional/Standard side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; 3-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems with subwoofer available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Available TPMS on some models
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (under severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (under normal driving conditions), consult manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (severe) or 30,000 miles or 24 months (normal)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles. Platinum spark plugs: 60,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or every 60,000 miles (severe) or 100,000 miles (normal)
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or every 60,000 miles (severe) or 100,000 miles (normal)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher (check owner's manual for exact specification and capacity, typically 4.8-5.1 quarts)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru additive package. 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Capacity approx. 7.7 quarts.
Brake Fluid:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru All-Season Synthetic Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF Dexron III
Head Gaskets:
While less common than in earlier generations, Subaru head gasket issues can still occur, especially in the naturally aspirated EJ25. Symptoms include coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, or coolant in oil.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure of the catalytic converter can occur, often due to engine misfires or oil burning.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can wear prematurely, leading to humming or grinding noises, especially at higher speeds.
Ac Compressor:
AC compressor clutch failures can occur, leading to loss of air conditioning.
Cvt Transmission:
Not applicable to this generation; this generation uses traditional automatic or manual transmissions.
Legacy:
Subaru Corporation, Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and boxer engines.
Generation:
Second Generation (SG chassis)
Introduction Year:
2003 (for the SG generation)
Facelift:
2006 (mid-cycle refresh including updated styling, interior enhancements, and powertrain tweaks)
Assembly Location:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan; Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), Lafayette, Indiana, USA
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The Subaru Forester consistently earned good ratings in IIHS crash tests, often receiving 'Top Safety Pick' designations during this generation.
Kbb Best Resale Value:
Subaru vehicles, including the Forester, are often recognized for strong resale value.
Epa Fuel Economy Est:
Naturally Aspirated 2.5L AWD (Automatic): Approx. 20 MPG City / 26 MPG Highway. Manual: Approx. 19 MPG City / 25 MPG Highway. Turbo models may vary.