🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Generation:

Second Generation (SG)

Model Years Covered:

2005-2008

Chassis Codes:

SG5, SG9

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Subaru Forester occupies a niche in the compact SUV/crossover segment, renowned for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, wagon-like driving dynamics, and practicality. It competes with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.

Competitive Analysis:

The 2005-2008 Forester (SG generation) offered a blend of car-like handling with SUV capability, appealing to buyers seeking a more robust all-weather option. Its turbocharged variants (XT models) provided performance differentiation.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine design, Spacious interior, Good visibility, Available turbocharged performance (XT models).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full Service and Repair

Model Variants Covered:

Covers all Subaru Forester trims and engine variants for the 2005-2008 model years, including naturally aspirated (2.5X) and turbocharged (2.5XT) models.

Page Count:

Extensive (Digital format, estimated 2000+ pages)

Manual Type:

Professional Workshop Manual / Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF Compatible)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, Engine performance, Fuel system, Ignition system, Emission control, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (AWD), Brakes (ABS, EBD), Suspension, Steering, Body and interior, HVAC, Electrical systems (including wiring diagrams), SRS (Airbag), Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine management (OBD-II), transmission, ABS, SRS, and HVAC. Includes guidance on reading and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body And Interior:

Includes procedures for interior trim removal, seat adjustment mechanisms, door panel removal, glass and seal replacement, and body panel alignment.

Procedures Included:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, component identification, electrical wiring diagrams with component locations, fuse and relay information, and diagnostic flowcharts.

Technical Depth:

Covers detailed procedures for recalibration of sensors and modules after component replacement, specific diagnostic tests for intermittent faults, and guidelines for component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF, optimized for digital viewing across PC, MAC, Tablets, and Smartphones. Searchable text and high-resolution diagrams.

Searchability:

Fully searchable PDF allows users to quickly find specific information using keywords.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer 4-Cylinder (EJ253)

Horsepower Na:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (approx.)

Turbocharged Engine:

2.5L Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder (EJ255 for XT models)

Horsepower Turbo:

210 hp (Forester 2.5XT) to 230 hp (Forester 2.5XT Limited) @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Turbo:

235 lb-ft (Forester 2.5XT) to 235 lb-ft (Forester 2.5XT Limited) @ 3,600 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Pressure Spec:

Refer to manual for precise fuel pressure specifications (typically around 40-50 psi for MPI systems).

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-plug for later models)

Engine Layout:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Timing Mechanism:

Timing Belt (for EJ253), Timing Chain (for EJ255/EJ257 - though belt is common in this range)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportshift on some models)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on all trims)

AWD System Type:

Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential (Manual Transmission); Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential (Automatic Transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,485 mm (176.6 in)

Width:

1,735 mm (68.3 in)

Height:

1,675 mm (66.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2,630 mm (103.5 in)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Wheelbase Codes:

103.5 inches (2630 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

31.4 cu ft (approx.)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

67.7 cu ft (approx.)

Curb Weight:

1,510–1,620 kg (3,330–3,570 lb) depending on trim and transmission

Towing Capacity:

2,400 lbs (1,090 kg) with proper trailer brakes (check local regulations and manual for specifics)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Wheel Size:

16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on trim

Tire Size Standard:

215/60R16 (e.g., 2.5X)

Tire Size Xt:

215/55R17 (e.g., 2.5XT)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5 Stars (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5 Stars (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

5 Stars (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

5 Stars (2005-2008 models)

IIHS Front Crashworthiness:

Good (2005-2008 models)

IIHS Side Crashworthiness:

Good (2005-2008 models)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS) (standard on some models), Vehicle Stability Control (VDC) (standard on some models)

Passive Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (optional on some models), Pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters, Crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory fitted AM/FM/CD stereo system with available premium audio and subwoofer. Some models offered optional navigation systems.

Driver Assistance:

ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, optional VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and TCS (Traction Control System).

Connectivity Options:

Limited by modern standards. Auxiliary audio input jack (on some models), available Bluetooth hands-free system (dealer-installed accessory or later option).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles (6,000 to 12,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 20,000 miles (24,000 to 32,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Crucial for EJ253 engines to prevent catastrophic failure.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial: 10 years/137,500 miles (220,000 km); Subsequent: Every 5 years/75,000 miles (120,000 km).

Engine Oil Type Na:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or equivalent (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating requirements).

Engine Oil Type Turbo:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or equivalent (higher performance oil recommended for XT models).

Coolant Type:

Subaru Genuine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol-based, P-HOAT)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Genuine ATF-HP (ATF HP) or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Differential Fluid Front:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil

Differential Fluid Rear:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (if equipped with limited-slip differential, specific fluid may be required).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check vehicle placard and manual for confirmation).

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (especially on EJ251/EJ253 engines), premature catalytic converter failure, turbocharger issues on XT models (if poorly maintained), rear main seal leaks, oil consumption, brake wear, potential for wheel bearing failure.

Known Issues Detail:

Oil pump pickup screen clogging (leading to oil starvation), valve cover gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, rear differential pinion seal leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of engineering innovation, particularly with its horizontally opposed Boxer engines and its pioneering adoption of All-Wheel Drive in passenger vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The second-generation Forester (SG), produced from 2002 to 2008 (with a significant facelift in 2005), retained the core Subaru philosophy of AWD and practical utility. It grew slightly larger and more refined than its predecessor, offering improved comfort and safety features. The 2005 refresh brought updated styling, a more powerful engine option for the XT model, and enhanced interior amenities.

Production Locations:

Japan (Gunma Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Consistently ranked well by automotive publications for its safety, AWD capability, and practicality. Often praised for its value proposition in the compact SUV segment.

Ratings:

Edmunds: Recommended compact SUV, praised for AWD and safety. IIHS: Top Safety Pick awards for multiple years within this generation.

Certifications:

Achieved high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, indicating robust crashworthiness and effective safety systems.