Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking all-weather capability.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra.
Differentiating Factors:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Practicality, Good Visibility.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authorized dealer-level repair and maintenance information, enabling cost-effective ownership.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Lubrication, Cooling System, Turbocharger System (if applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (5-speed), Automatic Transmission (4-speed), All-Wheel Drive System (Symmetrical AWD), Drivetrain Components (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis Suspension:
Front Suspension (MacPherson strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist - if equipped)
Electrical Body:
Body Electrical Systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Chassis Electrical, Power Accessories, Body Repair, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit Diagrams, Wiring Schematics, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Replacements
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair/Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement
Diagnostics Adjustment:
Engine Timing Adjustment, Idle Speed Control, Emission Control System Diagnostics and Repair, Wheel Alignment Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Naturally Aspirated:
2.5L EJ253 SOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)
Turbocharged:
2.5L EJ255 DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer - Forester XT)
Performance Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular 87 Octane (for NA models), Premium Unleaded 91 Octane (recommended for XT models)
ECU:
Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for both transmission types.
Sportshift:
Not available on 2003-2004 models.
Gear Oil Spec:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific Subaru fluid)
Atf Spec:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible)
Passenger Volume:
99.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
30.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
64.3 cu ft
Curb Weight Min:
3240 lbs (FWD - rare option), 3370 lbs (AWD Manual)
Curb Weight Max:
3560 lbs (AWD XT Automatic)
Towing Capacity:
2400 lbs (with trailer brake controller, consult owner's manual for specific configurations)
Driver Front Impact:
5 Stars (2003)
Passenger Front Impact:
5 Stars (2003)
Side Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2003)
Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (2003)
Front Crash Test:
Good (2003)
Side Impact Crash Test:
Acceptable (2003 - without optional side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Standard Frontal Airbags, Optional Side-Curtain Airbags (availability varies by trim)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 speakers. Optional premium audio with 6 speakers and subwoofer available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system available on select models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions may exist.
Keyless Entry:
Available on select trim levels.
Oil Change Interval Typical:
Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (refer to manual).
Spark Plug Replacement Naturally Aspirated:
100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium tipped)
Spark Plug Replacement Turbocharged:
30,000 miles (Specialized heat range, consult manual)
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity Na:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity Xt:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can occur. The manual details diagnostic and repair procedures.
Catalytic Converter Premature Failure:
Some models have reported premature catalytic converter failure. The manual covers emissions system diagnostics.
Wheel Bearing Wear:
Front wheel bearings can show premature wear. The manual provides specifications for replacement and related components.
Cv Joint Boots Deterioration:
Rubber CV joint boots can degrade over time. The manual includes replacement procedures.
Founding Principles:
Subaru's heritage is rooted in aviation engineering, emphasizing durability, safety, and all-weather capability through its Boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD.
First Generation:
First generation Forester (SF series) introduced in 1997.
Second Generation Launch:
Second Generation (SG Forester) launched for the 2003 model year, featuring a more refined and modern design.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan.
Sales Trend:
Consistent sales success due to its unique blend of car-like handling and SUV practicality.
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Forester was a finalist for MotorTrend SUV of the Year in 2003.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Forester achieved good ratings in IIHS crash tests, contributing to its safety reputation.
California Pzev:
Certain Forester models met California's Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards, indicating cleaner emissions.