Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points:
Standard All-Wheel Drive, practicality, wagon-like versatility
Direct Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system standard on all models
Ground Clearance:
Class-leading ground clearance for off-road capability
Body Style:
Two-box SUV/Wagon combination
Engine:
Yes (including rebuilds, diagnostics, performance tuning)
Transmission:
Yes (Automatic and Manual, including overhaul and diagnostics)
Drivetrain:
Yes (All-Wheel Drive System, differentials, CV joints)
Suspension:
Yes (Front and Rear Suspension components, alignment)
Brakes:
Yes (ABS system, brake pad/rotor replacement, hydraulic system)
Steering:
Yes (Power steering system, steering column)
Electrical System:
Yes (Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, ECU diagnostics)
Body And Interior:
Yes (Panel removal, trim, seats, HVAC system)
Climate Control:
Yes (HVAC system diagnosis and repair)
Safety Systems:
Yes (Airbag system, SRS diagnostics)
Maintenance:
Yes (Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plugs)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues)
Repair:
Yes (Component removal, installation, and overhaul)
Rebuilding:
Yes (Engine and transmission rebuild procedures)
Diagnostics:
Yes (OBD-II codes, sensor testing, electrical diagnostics)
Wiring:
Yes (Detailed electrical diagrams and re-wiring instructions)
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagrams Illustrations:
Detailed step-by-step diagrams and illustrations
Specifications:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical data
Engine Code:
EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (Turbocharged - XT models)
Engine Type:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Na:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Na:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Turbo Xt:
210 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Turbo Xt:
235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (91+ for Turbocharged XT models)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Good (2003-2004 models achieved 4/5 stars in some categories)
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Acceptable to Good (Varies by year and test, generally performed well for its class)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags; available side curtain airbags on some trims
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard CD player with AM/FM radio. Optional premium audio systems available.
Display:
Basic digital clock display, no central infotainment screen on most trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Stability Control:
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) available on select models, particularly those with automatic transmissions.
Aux Input:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions often available.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory for these model years.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Platinium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-2 or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze)
Head Gaskets:
Historically a concern for Subaru Boxer engines, though less prevalent in this generation compared to earlier models. Manual covers diagnosis.
Wheel Bearings:
Can be prone to premature wear, especially with off-road use. Manual provides replacement procedures.
Cv Joints:
Rear CV joints can wear, particularly with lifted vehicles or aggressive driving. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Exhaust Manifold Leaks:
Can occur due to heat cycles and material expansion/contraction. Manual details diagnosis and repair.
Brand Philosophy:
Focus on All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, and practical, durable vehicles
Forester Introduction:
First generation introduced in 1997
Second Gen Launch:
Second generation (SG) launched in 2002 for the 2003 model year
Sg Facelift:
Mid-cycle refresh occurred for the 2006 model year (covered by a separate manual)
Production Location:
Japan (Ota, Gunma Plant)
Model Years Covered:
2003, 2004
