Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, practicality, safety, boxer engine
Direct Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue), Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape
Subaru Philosophy:
Emphasis on safety, all-weather capability, and driver engagement
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), turbocharger system (if applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (MT), automatic transmission (AT), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, axles
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering system, wheels, tires
Brakes:
Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Electrical Electronics:
12V battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, warning lights, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, climate control system, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams
Body Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seating systems, airbags, seatbelts
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system bleeding and repair, electrical component diagnostics and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault code interpretation, step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II diagnostics, scan tool usage, circuit testing, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Configuration 1:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated SOHC EJ-Series Boxer-4
Horsepower 1:
173 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 1:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Configuration 2:
2.5L Turbocharged DOHC EJ-Series Boxer-4 (GT models)
Horsepower 2:
224 hp @ 5,200 rpm (GT models)
Torque 2:
250 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (GT models)
Bore X Stroke Ej253:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio Ej253:
9.7:1
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 octane recommended for GT models)
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed (Boxer)
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with electronic control)
AWD System Type:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (different configurations for MT and AT)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift control, possible Sportshift (manual mode) on some trims
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Super“MTF-I” (or equivalent API GL-5 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
5-star (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side curtain airbags, front side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers, optional premium audio system, optional MP3/WMA playback
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning standard, optional automatic climate control on higher trims
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Visibility Features:
Projector-beam headlights, optional fog lights, rear windshield wiper/washer
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) with synthetic oil
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
105,000 miles (long-life iridium type)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (preferred) or 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gasket Failure:
While less prevalent than in some earlier Subaru generations, head gasket leaks can still occur, particularly on higher-mileage naturally aspirated EJ25 engines. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Catalytic Converter Issues:
Can become clogged or fail over time, affecting engine performance. The manual covers diagnostics and replacement.
ABS Sensor Failures:
Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system can fail, triggering ABS warning lights. The manual provides diagnostic steps.
Subaru History Highlights:
Founded in 1953, known for pioneering front-wheel drive and later for its distinctive boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Forester Introduction:
First generation introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV based on the Impreza platform.
Second Generation Sg Era:
The 2007 model belongs to the second generation (2002-2008), characterized by a more SUV-like styling compared to the first generation.
Facelift 2007:
The 2007 model year received a mid-cycle refresh, with updated exterior styling (grille, headlights, bumpers) and interior enhancements.
Assembly Locations:
Japan (Gunma Prefecture), later also Taiwan, Russia, and Ecuador for specific markets.