Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Competitors 2000:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra.
Forester Advantages:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), excellent visibility, robust build quality, practical cargo space.
Covered Variants:
All US-spec Subaru Forester 2000 models (e.g., L, LS, Brighton, S, and optional turbocharged models if applicable to the year).
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (EJ25 SOHC/DOHC), transmission (4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual), differentials, drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear struts/multi-link), steering system, brakes (ABS, hydraulic components), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), ignition system, fuel injection system, lighting, wipers, power accessories, audio system, HVAC controls, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system components, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Repair:
Engine diagnostics and repair, transmission service and overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, using Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) if applicable.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring schematics and component testing procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated Boxer-4 (Flat-4) engine
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Horsepower Range:
165 hp @ 5,700 rpm (SOHC) / 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm (DOHC, Turbocharged variants may differ)
Torque Range:
175 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm (SOHC) / 177 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (DOHC)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Length:
Approx. 175.5 inches (4458 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.6 inches (1615 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.5 inches (190 mm)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 30.9 cu ft (875 liters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 67.5 cu ft (1911 liters)
Curb Weight Range:
3,130 - 3,350 lbs (1420 - 1520 kg) depending on trim and transmission.
Towing Capacity:
1,500 lbs (680 kg) (Check specific market regulations and owner's manual)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star (Driver) / 4-Star (Passenger) - May vary slightly by model year and test specifics.
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Estimated, often specific ratings are not available for older models).
Braking:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Not widely available or standard on all models for this year.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system not standard; typically relies on seatbelt anchoring.
Audio System:
Base models often featured a simple AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette. Higher trims might have premium speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with A/C. Automatic climate control was not common in this generation.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, operated via steering wheel or stalk controls.
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) is a defining technological feature for all Forester models.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory.
Usb Ports:
Not available from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (standard platinum plugs).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API SJ (or later) Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic. Capacity: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. Capacity: 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III / MERCON ATF. Capacity: 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for refill.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil. Capacity: 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters).
Differential Fluid Front:
GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil. Capacity: 0.9 quarts (0.85 liters).
Differential Fluid Rear:
GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil. Capacity: 0.7 quarts (0.65 liters).
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent on naturally aspirated EJ25 engines of this era compared to later turbocharged versions, it's still a potential concern. Look for coolant loss, milky oil, or white smoke from the exhaust.
Radiator Leaks:
Aging plastic end tanks on radiators can develop cracks and leaks.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots can lead to grease loss and premature wear of the CV joints.
Rear Main Seal:
Can develop leaks over time, requiring transmission removal for replacement.
Subaru Focus:
Subaru is known for its horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') engines and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system, emphasizing durability and all-weather capability.
Forester Generation 1:
The 2000 Forester is part of the first generation (SF series, 1997-2002), which established the crossover SUV segment for Subaru, blending car-like handling with SUV utility and AWD.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
