Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Usp:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Practicality, Affordability
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Standard on all trims
Ground Clearance:
Enhanced for light off-road capability
Engine Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) Engine
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust, Cooling, Fuel System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels and Tires
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC, Interior Trim
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, ECUs, Sensors
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnosis
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Component Repair
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Tolerances, Electrical Specifications
Depth:
Complete Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Advanced Electrical Diagnostics, Body Repair Procedures
Engine Code:
EJ253 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Type:
2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Flat-4 (Boxer)
Displacement:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 80.0 mm
Horsepower Hp:
165 hp @ 5,600 RPM (1999-2002)
Torque Lb Ft:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM (1999-2002)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Drivetrain Configuration:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Hypoid Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)
Length:
4,405 mm (173.4 inches)
Width:
1,735 mm (68.3 inches)
Height:
1,590 mm (62.6 inches)
Wheelbase:
2,510 mm (98.8 inches)
Ground Clearance:
approx. 195 mm (7.7 inches)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
approx. 27.1 cu ft (768 liters)
Curb Weight Est:
1,460 kg - 1,540 kg (3,219 lbs - 3,395 lbs) depending on trim/transmission
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (1999 MY)
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good (1999-2002 MY)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on early models
Traction Control:
Available on some models
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
Seatbelts:
3-Point Height-Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) System
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD Player, optional cassette tape player, available premium sound system
Display:
Analog gauges, climate controls, basic digital odometer
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
All Wheel Drive Control:
Symmetrical AWD is a core technology feature
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically factory equipped; aftermarket solutions available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal conditions) - refer to manual for specific grade.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SJ or higher (check manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Coolant Capacity:
approx. 6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Head Gaskets:
Premature head gasket failure is a known, albeit less common, issue on some EJ series engines, particularly with earlier models. The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Potential for rear main seal leaks over time. Manual covers replacement.
Automatic Transmission Behavior:
Some models may exhibit rough shifting or delayed engagement, often related to fluid contamination or valve body issues. Manual details diagnosis and repair.
Window Regulators:
Window regulator mechanisms can become weak or fail. Manual covers removal and replacement.
Manufacturer Origins:
Japan, established 1917
Brand Specialty:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engines, Rally Sport Heritage
Introduction Year:
1997 (Japan), 1998 (Global Launch)
First Generation Codenaming:
SF Series
Major Redesign Points:
The 1999 model year saw a significant facelift and powertrain update for the Forester, including the introduction of the 2.5L engine across most trims and a revised interior.
Production Location:
Japan
