Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and practicality
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail/Rogue, Mazda CX-5
Unique Selling Points:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine for a low center of gravity, spacious and versatile interior, good visibility
Ideal Buyer:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers seeking reliable and capable AWD transportation
Benefits:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed repair information, aids in diagnosing issues, facilitates proper maintenance, reduces reliance on expensive dealership services
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, and overhaul; drivetrain (FWD, AWD)
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, steering, brakes (ABS, EBD), wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, HVAC controls, power accessories
Body Systems:
Exterior and interior body panels, doors, glass, seats, trim, noise insulation
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections, tune-ups
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), pinpoint tests, circuit diagrams
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, alignment data
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine Code:
EJ253 (non-turbo), EJ255 (turbocharged on XT models)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four (Boxer) / Turbocharged Flat-Four (Boxer)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Na:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Na:
166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Turbo Xt:
224 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque Turbo Xt:
226 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for XT models)
Timing Drive:
Timing Belt
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Transmission Type Na:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Auto:
4-Speed Automatic (with Sportshift on some trims)
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models)
AWD System Type:
Viscous-coupling limited-slip center differential
Gear Ratios Manual:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: ~3.454, 2nd: ~1.769, 3rd: ~1.200, 4th: ~0.945, 5th: ~0.756, Reverse: ~3.30)
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: ~2.807, 2nd: ~1.531, 3rd: ~1.000, 4th: ~0.692, Reverse: ~2.33)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2007 Model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2007 Model)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars (2007 Model)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars (2007 Model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars (2007 Model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (2007 Model)
IIHS Front Crashworthiness:
Good (2007 Model)
IIHS Side Crashworthiness:
Good (2007 Model)
IIHS Rear Crashworthiness:
Good (2007 Model)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (standard on some trims/optional)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Head Unit Features:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional MP3 playback, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional navigation system.
Speaker System:
Typically 4 or 6 speaker system, optional premium audio.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional depending on trim
Auxiliary Input:
Standard on most models for audio input.
Power Outlets:
12V power outlets in cabin and cargo area.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty). Refer to manual for detailed driving condition classifications.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months. This is a critical maintenance item. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months, or as specified by Subaru Super Coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: Every 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher). Check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter for 2.5L engines.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or Subaru Long Life Coolant (Green), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While less prone than earlier generations, monitor for coolant leaks or milky oil, especially on higher mileage vehicles. The EJ253 and EJ255 are known for potential head gasket issues.
Oil Consumption:
Some engines may exhibit increased oil consumption, particularly with age and mileage. Regular checks are advised.
Catalytic Converter:
Can fail over time due to engine issues or age, leading to performance loss and check engine lights.
Oxygen Sensors:
Common wear items that can affect fuel economy and emissions.
Oil Filter Example:
Subaru OEM: 15208AA031 (or equivalent like Wix 57055, Purolator PL14610)
Air Filter Example:
Subaru OEM: 16546AA12A (or equivalent like Fram CA9824)
Subaru Legacy:
Subaru's history is rooted in aviation engineering, influencing their unique boxer engine and AWD systems.
First Generation:
First generation (SF) introduced in 1997, based on the Impreza platform, offering a wagon-like utility with AWD.
Second Generation Sg:
Second generation (SG) launched for the 2003 model year, with the 2007 model representing a mid-cycle refresh (facelift) for the SG generation, including updated styling and features.
Third Generation Sh:
Third generation (SH) arrived for the 2009 model year, marking a more significant redesign with a sleeker profile.
Manufacturing Plant:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Production Years:
SG generation: 2003-2008 (2007 model year falls within this range).
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Subaru Forester models from this era frequently received IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Often rated as average to good for reliability by consumer reporting agencies, with specific model years and engine variants showing variations.
Kelley Blue Book Value:
Known for retaining good resale value due to its AWD capability and Subaru's reputation.