Positioning:
Compact Crossover SUV known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and practical design.
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (Montero Sport).
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Durability:
Subaru's reputation for reliability and durability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Utility:
Practical interior space and cargo capacity for its class.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive System), Manual & Automatic Transmissions
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Modules (BCM)
Body:
Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P-Codes & B-Codes, Sensor Testing
Technical Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Wiring Diagrams, Component Locations
Depth:
Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to major component overhauls and detailed diagnostics.
Engine Type:
2.5L Boxer (Horizontally-Opposed) 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug
Length:
4,405 mm (173.4 inches)
Width:
1,765 mm (69.5 inches)
Height:
1,615 mm (63.6 inches)
Wheelbase:
2,500 mm (98.4 inches)
Ground Clearance:
195 mm (7.7 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,410 - 1,480 kg (3,108 - 3,263 lbs)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 88.0 cu ft (with rear seats folded)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 38.0 cu ft (behind rear seats)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4-Star
IIHS Crash Test Rating:
Good (for its time, depending on specific tests)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first, severe duty) or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty).
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with every oil change.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replacement recommended every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Not standard on all 1999 models. If equipped, inspect annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum or Iridium recommended).
Timing Belt:
Critical Component: Replace every 105,000 miles or 7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional API SJ/SL rated.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Transfer Case Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent on the EJ251 compared to later EJ25 engines, head gasket leaks are a potential concern. Look for coolant loss or white smoke.
Radiator Leaks:
Aging radiators can develop leaks, especially around the plastic end tanks.
Cv Joints:
Front CV joint boots can tear, leading to lubrication loss and eventual joint failure. Regular inspection is advised.
Ac System:
Leaks in the AC system, particularly at the compressor or condenser, can occur due to age.
Rear Main Seal:
Leaking rear main crankshaft seal is a known issue that requires transmission removal to repair.
Subaru Focus:
Subaru has a long history of producing reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicles, often with a focus on practicality and capability.
First Generation:
The Subaru Forester debuted in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, blending the attributes of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car.
1999 Model Year:
The 1999 model represents the first generation (SF chassis) of the Forester and received minor updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
