Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Key Selling Points:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), high ground clearance, practical cargo space, reliable Boxer engine.
Primary Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra.
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models).
Body Style:
5-door Station Wagon / SUV
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveline, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS), wheels, tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior components, interior trim, climate control (HVAC), lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, body control modules.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-ups, inspections.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit analysis, component testing.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic data, clearances, measurements.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Code And Type:
EJ251 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4/Boxer)
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) or coil packs.
Emission Controls:
California Emissions System (CARB compliant), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) pump.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.6 US quarts (7.2 Liters) with automatic transmission, 7.4 US quarts (7.0 Liters) with manual transmission.
Oil Capacity:
5.1 US quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change.
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or SH)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Electronic Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
AWD Integration:
Integrated with Symmetrical AWD system (viscous coupling center differential for manual, planetary gearset with hydraulic coupling for automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid.
Length:
176.2 inches (4,475 mm)
Width:
67.9 inches (1,725 mm)
Height:
63.0 inches (1,600 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches (2,619 mm)
Ground Clearance:
7.7 inches (195 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,250 lbs (1,406 - 1,474 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 31.0 cubic feet (878 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 68.0 cubic feet (1,925 liters)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4 out of 5 stars (for models equipped with AWD)
Brake System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most trims.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available or standard on this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system may be present on later models or specific trims.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Navigation:
Not available on this model year.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not available on this model year.
HVAC System:
Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim. Includes cabin air filter replacement procedure.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months under severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first. Critically important due to interference engine design.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru genuine power steering fluid or Dexron II compatible fluid.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than on later EJ25 engines, early models can still experience head gasket leaks. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, affecting performance. Manual covers diagnostic procedures.
Oxygen Sensors:
Failure can lead to poor fuel economy and check engine lights. Manual provides testing procedures.
Clutch Wear:
Normal wear item for manual transmissions, manual details clutch inspection and replacement.
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
While not a winner in 1999, the Forester has consistently been recognized for its practicality and AWD capability in various automotive publications over its lifespan.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for this era can be mixed; the manual is crucial for understanding maintenance needs to ensure longevity.
