🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

1994-2004

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV / Station Wagon

Brand Perception:

Known for Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, and reliability. The Forester carved a niche as a more car-like alternative to traditional SUVs.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape (later years).

AWD Standard:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive was standard on most trims, a significant selling point.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engine layout, contributing to a lower center of gravity.

Body Style:

Unique wagon-like styling with increased ground clearance, blending car and SUV characteristics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Vehicle Generations Covered:

First Generation (SF Series: 1997-2002), Second Generation (SG Series: 2003-2008 - early models)

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific model year and engine; typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive coverage.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, troubleshooting for EJ25, EJ22, and turbo variants (EJ205 for WRX variants potentially included in later years).

Transmission:

Manual (5-speed) and Automatic transmissions: overhaul, repair, diagnostics, clutch service, AWD system specifics.

Drivetrain:

Front and Rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, AWD system operation and maintenance.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear struts, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications, handling characteristics.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum combinations), ABS troubleshooting, hydraulic system, rotor and pad replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, troubleshooting.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system, lighting, body electronics, sensors, ECUs.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant handling.

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, door mechanisms, chassis data.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement, brake fluid change, differential fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation.

Diagnostics:

Use of diagnostic tools, sensor testing, circuit testing, engine management system diagnostics.

Installation:

Installation procedures for aftermarket parts (where applicable), accessory installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic scheduled maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick navigation to specific topics.

Printability:

Designed for printing specific pages or the entire manual, offering flexibility for workshop use.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ25D (2.5L SOHC)

Engine Code 2:

EJ251 (2.5L SOHC - post-2000 facelift)

Engine Code 3:

EJ22 (2.2L SOHC - earlier models)

Engine Code 4:

EJ205 (2.0L DOHC Turbo - for XT/GT/WRX variants, check specific model) - common in export markets, less so in early US Foresters.

Horsepower Ej25D:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque Ej25D:

Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Horsepower Ej251:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque Ej251:

Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Horsepower Ej22:

Approx. 135 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque Ej22:

Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type Sf:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type Sf:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

AWD Operation:

Active All-Wheel Drive system (manual transmission) or viscous coupling center differential (automatic transmission).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.0 inches (2615 mm)

Length:

Approx. 178.0 inches (4520 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.7 inches (195 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1400-1550 kg), depending on trim and transmission.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star rating in frontal impact tests from NHTSA (for models tested).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most trims, standard on higher trims and later models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Rollover Protection:

Body structure designed for rollover protection, common Subaru emphasis.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available on higher trims or as an accessory upgrade.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Bluetooth:

Not available on these model years.

Aux Input:

Not available on these model years, requires aftermarket modification.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe service) or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal service).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first. Crucial for EJ engines.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SH, or SJ certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or a compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru's additive package. Do not mix coolant types.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or Dexron III compatible fluid. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts for change.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Subaru Gear Oil (GL-5) 75W-90. Capacity approx. 2.1 quarts.

Differential Fluid Front:

Subaru Gear Oil (GL-5) 75W-90. Capacity approx. 1.2 quarts.

Differential Fluid Rear:

Subaru Gear Oil (GL-5) 75W-90. Capacity approx. 1.0 quarts.

Head Gaskets:

Early EJ25 SOHC engines (EJ25D) are known for potential head gasket failures due to design flaws. This manual will detail replacement procedures.

Crankshaft Thrust Bearing:

Some EJ engines can suffer from crankshaft thrust bearing failure, often exacerbated by improper clutch installation or heavy acceleration.

Oil Consumption:

Some EJ engines, particularly those with higher mileage, may exhibit increased oil consumption.

Impreza Wrx Turbo Issues:

While not a WRX, if the manual covers any turbo variants, turbocharger issues like oil leaks or bearing failure are potential concerns.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy Platform:

The Forester shared its platform and many components with the Subaru Legacy.

First Generation Sf:

Launched in 1997 (in Japan, 1998 in North America). Marketed as a 'new generation sport utility wagon'.

Facelift Sf:

Received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, with updated styling, interior, and revised engines.

Second Generation Sg:

The 2003 model year introduced the second generation (SG series), with a completely redesigned body and improved features. This manual covers the early models of this generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Gunma Prefecture)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

Subaru Forester was named Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year for 2009 (for the previous generation, but indicative of the model's reception). The earlier generations were well-regarded for their capability and value.

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

While not consistently a 'Top Safety Pick' in the modern sense, Subaru vehicles of this era generally performed well for their class.