🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Generation:

Second Generation (SG)

Chassis Codes:

SG5, SG9

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard), practicality, safety, good visibility, durable powertrain.

Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue), Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape.

Platform:

Subaru SG platform.

Drivetrain:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on all models.

Engine Availability:

Naturally aspirated and turbocharged boxer engines.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Body Styles Covered:

All styles

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (printable)

Type:

Complete Official Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Online (printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (mechanical components), emission control systems (mechanical).

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), starter motor, alternator, engine control unit (ECU), sensors (MAP, MAF, O2, crank, cam, knock), wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, transfer case), automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, transmission control module (TCM)), differential, driveshafts, CV joints, AWD system.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake booster, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components and hydraulics, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (multi-link, shocks, springs), power steering system (pump, rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Body:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, HVAC system (blower motor, compressor, evaporator, condenser), body control module (BCM), multiplex communication systems, fuse boxes, relays, wiring harnesses, body exterior and interior trim removal/installation.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, tire rotation, belt inspection and replacement, fluid level checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for various symptoms, symptom-to-cause charts, use of diagnostic tools and scan data, interpretation of DTCs, electrical circuit diagnosis.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine internal component replacement (e.g., head gaskets, pistons), transmission disassembly and assembly, clutch replacement, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering component replacement, exhaust system repair, body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic trees for drivability, electrical issues, starting problems, and HVAC malfunctions. ECU diagnostic functions.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, detailed component diagnostics, repair procedures, and full system overhauls. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Digital (Online Access, Printable PDF)

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Online, printable sections)

Paper:

N/A (Digital, user prints on preferred paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253

Engine Description Na:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated SOHC or DOHC Boxer-4

Displacement Na:

2457 cc

Horsepower Na:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm (SOHC), 173 hp @ 6000 rpm (DOHC)

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SOHC), 166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (DOHC)

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255

Engine Description Turbo:

2.5L Turbocharged DOHC Boxer-4 (Forester XT)

Horsepower Turbo:

210 hp - 230 hp @ 5600 rpm (depending on sub-model/year)

Torque Turbo:

235 lb-ft - 235 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (depending on sub-model/year)

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 AKI (NA), 91 AKI (XT models)

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive

AWD System:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active AWD for automatics, Viscous center differential for manuals).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent DEXRON-III compatible)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.0 - 179.5 inches (4495 - 4560 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

63.0 - 63.8 inches (1600 - 1620 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (205 mm)

Curb Weight:

3175 - 3530 lbs (1440 - 1601 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4500 - 4600 lbs (2041 - 2087 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 38.7 cu ft (1096 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 67.7 cu ft (1917 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5-Star (for select model years/configurations)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5-Star (for select model years/configurations)

NHTSA Side Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Rollover:

4-Star

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for applicable model years/configurations)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base models typically feature a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. Higher trims offer 6-speaker systems, and optional premium audio with subwoofer.

Display:

Center console display for climate control, clock, and audio information. Higher trims may have a small color display for trip computer and settings.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

All Wheel Drive:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a core technology for stability and traction.

Auxiliary Input:

Available auxiliary audio input jack on select models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months with synthetic oil if approved by Subaru.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

105,000 miles (168,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months (critical maintenance item).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial change at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months thereafter.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact recommendation based on climate) API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant synthetic oil recommended.

Coolant Spec:

Subaru Genuine Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru's specific additive package (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gasket Leaks:

Common on EJ25 engines, particularly earlier models. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement procedures.

Oil Consumption:

Some models can exhibit increased oil consumption; manual details checks and potential causes.

Catalytic Converter Issues:

Can fail prematurely, especially if engine misfires occur; manual covers diagnostic procedures.

Clutch Wear:

Manual transmissions can experience clutch wear; manual details inspection and replacement.

Turbocharger Issues:

On XT models, potential for turbocharger wear or failure if not properly maintained (e.g., oil changes); manual provides diagnostic steps.

📚 Vehicle History

Founder:

Miyoshi Jidoka

Origin:

Japan (founded 1917 as Fuji Heavy Industries)

Core Philosophy:

Horizontally opposed ('boxer') engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, safety, durability, practicality.

First Generation:

SF (1997-2002)

Second Generation:

SG (2003-2008) - This generation.

Third Generation:

SH (2009-2013)

Manufacturing Plant:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan

Production Period Sg:

2003 - 2008 (model years 2003-2007 are part of this lifecycle)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Awarded 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for multiple years within this generation.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consistently received good ratings for reliability and safety from Consumer Reports.

Emissions Certification:

Meets relevant EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model years.