Body Style:
Compact Crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Chassis Codes:
SF5 (non-turbo), SF9 (turbo)
Vin Code Model Year:
R for 1999, 1 for 2000, 2 for 2001, 3 for 2002
Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Usp:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most trims, practicality, go-anywhere capability.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra.
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability.
Ground Clearance:
Higher than many competitors, allowing for mild off-road use.
Practicality:
Spacious interior for its class, versatile cargo area.
Durability:
Known for robust engineering and longevity when properly maintained.
Covered Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Market Territory:
Global (primarily North American market focus)
Engine Variants Covered:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ25, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ25 SOHC & DOHC
Transmission Variants Covered:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT), 5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Original Source:
Official Subaru Factory Documentation
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel & Emission Control, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Turbocharger System, Exhaust
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Differentials, CV Joints)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS)
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspections and Replacements
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Component Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Electrical Circuit Analysis
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Electrical Values, Fluid Capacities and Types, Component Dimensions
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced (includes wiring diagrams, sensor data interpretation, ECU information)
Repair Scope:
Full vehicle repair, including component-level diagnostics and replacement.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within PDF (assuming OCR processing)
Quality:
High (Directly from factory originals, optimized for digital viewing and printing)
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographs.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Engine Code Naturally Aspirated:
EJ251 (SOHC)
Engine Code Turbocharged:
EJ255 (DOHC Turbo - typically found in higher trims or specific markets)
Displacement Liters:
2.5 L
Cylinder Layout:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Turbocharged:
210-227 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx. - varies by specific turbo model)
Torque Turbocharged:
240-250 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx. - varies by specific turbo model)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane Naturally Aspirated:
87 Octane
Recommended Octane Turbocharged:
91 Octane
Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.5 (approx.)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (API SG or higher)
System:
Catalytic Converter, EGR, PCV
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
AWD System Manual:
Viscous Center Coupling (Part-time AWD engagement on some earlier manuals)
AWD System Automatic:
Active All-Wheel Drive (Electronically controlled clutch pack, variable torque split)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:
3.7 (approx. for refill)
Manual First Gear Ratio:
3.167:1
Automatic First Gear Ratio:
2.785:1
Wheelbase In:
103.0 inches
Ground Clearance In:
7.5 - 8.1 inches (varies by model year/trim)
Passenger Volume Cu Ft:
95.8 cu ft (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat Cu Ft:
35.7 cu ft (approx.)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded Cu Ft:
67.3 cu ft (approx.)
Curb Weight Lbs:
3100 - 3400 lbs (varies by trim and drivetrain)
Towing Capacity Lbs:
2000 lbs (when properly equipped with trailer brake controller)
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2001:
★★★★★
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2001:
★★★★★
NHTSA Side Driver 2001:
★★★★☆
NHTSA Side Passenger 2001:
★★★★☆
IIHS Frontal Offset Older:
Good (for early models, later models improved)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Available on some models
Electronic Stability Control:
Not widely available on these model years
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags standard
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (introduced in later years of this generation)
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems available.
Navigation:
Not typically factory-installed on this generation; aftermarket units were common.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Anti Lock Brakes:
ABS standard on many trims, detailed in the manual's brake system section.
Aux Input:
Not standard; aftermarket adapters were available.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory; aftermarket solutions required.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,750 to 7,500 miles (depending on driving conditions and oil type used, consult manual for specifics)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (if equipped)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable to these models; utilizes a timing chain.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, 60,000-100,000 miles for manual (consult manual for specific conditions).
Engine Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III
Head Gaskets:
Common on EJ25 engines, particularly earlier non-turbo SOHC versions (EJ251/EJ253) due to Subaru's original design. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Leaks:
Can occur from valve covers, oil pan, and front crankshaft seal. Manual provides procedures for replacement.
Wheel Bearings:
Can be a wear item, especially with AWD components. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Cv Joints:
Susceptible to wear, especially the front left. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Automatic Transmission Performance:
Some early 4EAT transmissions can exhibit rough shifting or solenoid issues. Manual provides diagnostic flowcharts.
Manufacturer:
Subaru Corporation
Key Technologies:
Symmetrical AWD, Boxer engines, reputation for durability and utility.
First Generation:
SF series (1995-2002, with a significant facelift in 1997 and the covered years 1999-2002 being part of the latter half of this generation).
Second Generation Start:
SG series (2003-2008)
Segment Creation:
The Subaru Forester is credited with helping to define the compact crossover SUV segment.
Assembly Locations:
Ota City, Gunma, Japan
Production Years Covered:
1999-2002
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
2000 (for the 2000 model year)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Often cited in comparison lists for its AWD capability and practicality, but not a recurring '10Best' winner itself.
Icam SUV Of The Year:
1999 (for the 1999 model year)
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated average to above average for its class during its production run, with noted exceptions like head gasket issues.