Positioning:
The 2007 Subaru Forester, as part of the second generation (SG), solidified Subaru's reputation for practical, all-weather capable SUVs with a focus on safety and a unique driving experience.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Mazda CX-7, often appealing to buyers seeking standard AWD and a more car-like ride than some truck-based SUVs.
Standard AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.
Ground Clearance:
Competitive ground clearance for its class, offering some off-road capability and confidence in inclement weather.
Practicality:
Spacious interior for its size, good cargo capacity, and a practical wagon-like body style.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of all engine variants, including diagnostics, overhaul, timing belt replacement, and fuel system repair.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for both automatic (4-speed) and manual (5-speed) transmissions, including clutch, gears, torque converter, and fluid service.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, CV joints, and wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Disc brake systems (front and rear), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic lines, caliper and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion assembly, and alignment.
Electrical System:
Full electrical schematics, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, wipers, power accessories, and diagnosis of electrical faults.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, and blower motor.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, seats, dashboard, trim, and interior components.
Emissions Control:
Emissions systems, including catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR valve, and evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnosis, trouble code interpretation, sensor testing, and module communication troubleshooting.
Installation And Replacement:
Detailed guidance on replacing parts such as engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, brake components, and suspension parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Type:
2.5L Boxer 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Optional Engine:
EJ255 (Turbocharged - XT models)
Turbocharged Horsepower:
224 hp @ 5200 rpm (XT models)
Turbocharged Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (XT models)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Requirement Turbo:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for XT models)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated immobilizer and diagnostics.
Timing:
Belt-driven DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts) with 4 valves per cylinder.
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with electronically controlled AWD)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (with viscous coupling AWD)
AWD System:
Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD in automatic models.
AWD System:
Viscous Center Coupling (VCC) AWD in manual models.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent DEXRON III compatible fluid)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver and Passenger Frontal Crash Test Rating
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star Rear Passenger Side Impact Test Rating, 4-Star Front Passenger Side Impact Test Rating
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (Top Safety Pick for its year)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.
E Brake:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, and available front and rear side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters for all occupants.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with available premium audio system and steering wheel audio controls on higher trims. Aux input may be present.
Display:
Basic dashboard display for climate, audio, and trip information. No central infotainment screen on most trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) available on some models.
Usb Aux:
Auxiliary audio input port common. USB ports were not standard in 2007.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry and remote start on select trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving conditions) – refer to manual for specifics.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP Certified 0W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional engine oil (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Oil Filter Part Number:
Subaru 15208AA021 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 57712, Fram PH8170)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change (EJ253). Check manual for exact capacity.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 7 years (whichever comes first) – critical due to interference engine design.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or Subaru Long Life Coolant (Gold) – check manual. Never mix coolant types.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on plug type (Iridium recommended). Check manual for specific interval and part number.
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will cover diagnosis and replacement procedures.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can be a wear item and may require replacement due to noise or play. The manual details their replacement.
Catalytic Converter:
Can fail over time due to age or contamination, affecting emissions and performance. The manual covers diagnosis.
Clutch Wear:
In manual transmission models, clutch wear is a normal maintenance item. The manual details clutch inspection and replacement.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history in aviation and automotive manufacturing, known for its commitment to all-wheel-drive technology and boxer engines.
Forester Genesis:
The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, designed to offer the practicality of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car.
Second Generation Sg:
The second generation (SG) Forester was produced from 2002 to 2008. The 2007 model year falls within this generation and received a significant facelift for the 2006 model year, giving it a more modern appearance and improved features.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Gunma Plant)