Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Active individuals, families, those seeking AWD capability and practicality
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (unique selling proposition)
Ground Clearance:
Higher than many competitors, enhancing off-road and adverse weather capability
Boxer Engine:
Horizontally-opposed Boxer engine for lower center of gravity and improved handling
Practicality:
Spacious interior, versatile cargo area, roof rails
Engine:
EJ251 (2.5L SOHC), EJ253 (2.5L SOHC - later models), EJ205 (2.0L Turbocharged - specific markets/trims)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4EAT), 5-speed manual
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (mechanical and electronic components)
Suspension:
Front struts (MacPherson), Rear struts (Independent multi-link)
Brakes:
Front vented discs, Rear solid discs (ABS system included)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, ECU diagnostics
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control systems
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, seals
Diagnostics:
OBD-II troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation
Engine Repair:
Engine assembly/disassembly, head gasket replacement, timing belt service, piston/ring replacement
Transmission Repair:
Automatic transmission overhaul, manual gearbox service, clutch replacement
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, ABS bleeding procedures
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing electrical faults, component testing with multimeter, wiring harness repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics And Testing:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common issues
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Detail Level:
Detailed torque specifications, clearance measurements, component tolerances
Diagnostic Procedures:
Includes procedures for using Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) diagnostic tool where applicable
Engine Type 1:
2.5L SOHC 16-valve Flat-4 (Boxer)
Engine Code 2:
EJ253 (later models within range)
Engine Type 2:
2.5L SOHC 16-valve Flat-4 (Boxer)
Engine Code 3:
EJ205 (Turbocharged - select trims/markets)
Engine Type 3:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)
Horsepower Ej251:
Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej251:
Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower Ej205 Turbo:
Approx. 210 hp @ 5600 rpm (estimate)
Torque Ej205 Turbo:
Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (estimate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbo)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated diagnostics (OBD-II compliant)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT)
AWD System Auto:
Viscous coupling center differential with electronically controlled clutch pack
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual
AWD System Manual:
Viscous coupling center differential with mechanical front differential
Sportshift:
Available on some 4EAT models (manual shifting capability)
Length Sf:
Approx. 177.4 inches (1999-2002)
Width Sf:
Approx. 69.7 inches (1999-2002)
Height Sf:
Approx. 63.2 inches (1999-2002)
Length Sg:
Approx. 179.5 inches (2003-2004)
Width Sg:
Approx. 70.1 inches (2003-2004)
Height Sg:
Approx. 66.1 inches (2003-2004)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.0 inches (both generations)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 34.7 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 67.7 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (depending on trim and drivetrain)
Towing Capacity:
Typically limited to 1500 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4 stars (driver and passenger - 2000 model year example)
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good (2000 model year example)
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available on some models/trims
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), available side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's seatbelt reminder
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for EJ series engines)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type - platinum/iridium)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Coolant Spec:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life antifreeze/coolant
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Subaru ATF HP or Dexron III/Mercon (verify with manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III ATF
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Head Gaskets:
A known Achilles' heel for EJ series engines, particularly in certain temperature climates. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Leaks:
Can occur from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal over time. Manual provides torque specs for seals.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Tensioner failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual emphasizes timely replacement of belt and tensioner.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail, affecting performance and emissions. Manual offers diagnostic steps.
Automatic Transmission Cooler Lines:
Can corrode and leak, leading to transmission fluid loss and potential damage. Manual illustrates routing and replacement.
Subaru Focus:
Reputation for AWD, boxer engines, and durability
First Generation Sf:
Launched in 1997 (North America in 1998), based on the Impreza platform. Introduced the Forester concept: a car-like SUV with AWD.
Second Generation Sg:
Introduced for the 2003 model year. More modern styling, larger dimensions, improved interior, and revised powertrains. The years 2003-2004 fall into this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Ota, Gunma Prefecture)
Key Market Regions:
North America, Japan, Europe, Australia
Four Wheel Drive System Award:
Subaru's AWD system consistently praised for its effectiveness in adverse conditions.
Safest Car Awards:
Forester often received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its class during these years.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to average reliability ratings in consumer reports during this period, with specific emphasis on head gasket issues.
