Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking versatile all-weather capability
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape
Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Raised Ground Clearance, Wagon-like practicality
Value Proposition:
Authoritative guide for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1999 Subaru Forester, empowering owners and independent technicians.
Engine:
EJ25 SOHC Naturally Aspirated, EJ25 DOHC Turbocharged (details for specific trims)
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson Struts, Rear: Multi-Link Independent
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Disc (ABS equipped models)
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Body Control Modules (BCM) basics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (A/C) system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, glass, doors, chassis components
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-II compliant)
Repair:
Engine mechanical repairs, transmission service, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, clutch replacement (manual transmission)
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments (if applicable to specific engine variants), parking brake adjustment
Disassembly Assembly:
Component-level disassembly and reassembly for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Coverage for OBD-II scanners and Subaru-specific diagnostic procedures
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, electrical specifications
Engine Code Na:
EJ25D (2.5L SOHC)
Engine Code Turbo:
EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo - Forester S/TB, STI models)
Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-Cylinder
Horsepower Na:
165 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque Na:
175 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Horsepower Turbo:
220 hp - 250 hp (variant dependent)
Torque Turbo:
240 lb-ft - 270 lb-ft (variant dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium for Turbo models recommended/required)
ECU:
Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling System
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic (4EAT)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for Auto, Viscous Coupling Limited Slip Center Diff for Manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III/Mercon compatible (verify with manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear
Automatic Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios per gear
NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact:
4/5 Stars
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, if available)
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions), 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 miles or 15 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
30,000 miles (standard plugs), 60,000 miles (platinum plugs, if equipped)
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 105 months
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (with filter) for EJ25D
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (recommended for most climates)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent silicate-free, long-life antifreeze (50/50 mix)
Head Gaskets:
Premature head gasket failure (particularly on early EJ25 SOHC engines) is a known concern. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Crankshaft Thrust Bearing:
Potential for premature wear, especially in turbocharged models or those driven aggressively. Manual covers engine disassembly for inspection.
Oil Leaks:
Common leak points include valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets.
Automatic Transmission:
Some 4EAT transmissions may experience slipping or shifting issues; manual provides diagnostic steps.
Brand Origin:
Japan (founded 1953)
Brand Specialty:
All-Wheel Drive systems, Boxer engines
Generation:
First Generation (SF chassis)
Introduction Year:
1997 (globally), 1998 (North America)
Facelift:
Minor styling updates occurred during the first generation's lifecycle, with the 1999 model representing a refined iteration.
Production Location:
Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Subaru Forester (first generation) was recognized by Car and Driver magazine as one of its '10Best' lists for utility vehicles in the late 1990s.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable; the 1999 model year generally had average to below-average reliability ratings, particularly concerning head gasket issues. The manual is crucial for addressing these.