Subaru Forester

There was a change in body styling for all 2001–2002 models, and the 2001/2002 GT spec also had a change in engine management and power output was increased from 125 to 130 kW (174 hp; 177 PS).

The U.S. market was offered the car starting in 1997 with either the 2.5-liter DOHC (MY1998 only), and in 1999+ models changed to a 2.5-liter SOHC naturally aspirated engine (no turbocharged engines). In 2000 Subaru updated the exterior with a modest facelift to the front, rear and sides, and the interior's dashboard MY2001.

The trim levels were the basic model "L" and the fully equipped "S" for the USA versions.

Forester L came with a high level of standard equipment, including ABS, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, digital temperature gauge, multi-reflector halogen headlights, fog lights, roof rack, rear window defogger, trailer harness connector, reclining front bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support, tilt steering, tinted glass, AM/FM/cassette stereo with its antenna laminated in the left-rear quarter window. Notably new in 2001 were the three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, including force limiters in front and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors for front and rear outboard positions, plus rear seat headrests for all three seating positions.

Forester S adds a viscous limited-slip differential for the 2000 Model Year, rear disc brakes, 16 × 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires (the L uses 15 × 6-inch steel wheels), upgraded moquette upholstery, heated front seats with net storage pockets in back, dual vanity mirrors, heated sideview mirrors, heated windshield wipers, and keyless entry. New equipment for 2001 included Titanium pearl paint for the bumpers and cladding; six-disc in-dash CD sound system; leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake handle; variable intermittent wipers with de-icers and driver's side fin; and the five-spoke alloy wheels. Some models were equipped with the $1,000 optional premium package on the Forester S, including monotone paint (Sedona Red Pearl), power moonroof, front side-impact airbags, and gold accent wheels. Other options were the $800 automatic transmission, $39 chrome tailpipe cover and $183 auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, bringing the sticker price to $25,412 including $495 delivery (U.S. dollars quoted).

• 
  Pre-facelift Subaru Forester Limited (1999; Australia9)
• 
  Facelift Forester S Turbo (Europe)
• 
  Rear view of facelift model (S Turbo)
• 
  2002 Subaru Forester (2002; US market)

MY03-04 Models has a 4-Star ANCAP safety rating. MY05 Forester Model had a mid-life update, which increased its ANCAP safety rating to 5 Stars.

In 2006, the turbocharged engine (powering the Forester XT) was awarded International Engine of the Year.[8][9] This engine is also used in the Subaru Impreza WRX, as well as the re-badged Saab 9-2XAero.

All of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines for this generation have a timing belt made of rubber and cord. A belt must be replaced at 105,000 miles (169,000 km). These engines are interference engines, meaning that if the timing belt breaks or stretches, the pistons will hit the valves, requiring an engine teardown, and a likely rebuild. Also, if this belt is replaced around 105,000 miles, it is a good idea to change the water pump, thermostat, belt tensioner and all the idler pulleys for this belt. The water pump and thermostat are behind this belt. In Australia for the Series II (MY06) cars, Subaru changed the recommended service interval for the timing belt replacement from 100,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the first-generation Foresters featured head gaskets which were prone to premature failure. For 2003 and later, this problem was addressed with a revised, higher performing design, but is still a problem.[10]

2006–2008 Subaru Forester XT Sports

The U.S. Market was offered the car with either the 2.5 SOHC naturally aspirated engine, or the 2.5 DOHC turbocharged version added in 2004. In 2005, the L.L. Bean edition is added. In 2006, styling is updated, Active valve lift system is added to non-turbo engines to improve power and efficiency, XS model deleted, and Premium model added. In 2007, a bottle holder was added to front door panels, the 'Sports' trim level was added, which changed some interior and exterior features and added the VDT/VDC transmission to the XT Sports turbo Automatic model: In 2008, TPMS was added, L.L. Bean model deletes rear load-leveling suspension, but gains radio upgrade, the XT Turbo Limited models gets the VDT/VDC Auto transmission as well.

The Forester had three main models available in Australia until July 2005:

• X - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 112 kW (150 hp)
• XS - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 112 kW (150 hp)
• XT - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4, 155 kW (208 hp)

The Forester at the time had three main models available in Australia from August 2005 Series II:

• X - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 121 kW (162 hp)
• XS - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 121 kW (162 hp)
• XT - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4, 169 kW (227 hp)

The Luxury Pack edition was an option on all models - allowing for leather seats and a sunroof. These options were also included with the Columbia edition. The Weekender edition included fog lights, roof racks and alloy wheels. Standard with the Manufacture Year 2006 (MY06) Forester came with larger side mirrors with indicator lights, curtain airbags giving a 5 star safety rating, remodelled centre console and exterior with a new look nose, lights and bumpers and the rear lost the large Subaru badge under the rear window.

• X - Air conditioning, CD player, power windows, ABS and cruise control.
• XS - Auto levelling rear suspension, 16-inch Alloy Wheels, Fog lights, Climate Control and Cd Stacker - 6 Disc in Dash.
• XT - As the XS but with 17-inch Alloy Wheels, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, Momo steering wheel and 7 Speaker Stereo.

The Forester was sold in India as a Chevrolet alongside other unique Chevrolet models sold there. However, since General Motors no longer holds an ownership stake in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, sales in India of the Chevrolet-badged Forester have ended.

A look-alike was produced by Yema and known as the Yema F99 in China. It was a similar design to the pre-facelifted model. Production ran from 2012 to 2014. The engine was a 1.5l 4 cylinder mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The car was not related to the Forester even though they look very similar.

Despite the existence of counterfeiting in China, the second generation of Subaru Forester can still be purchased by Chinese consumers back from 2004 to 2007.

2004 Version sold in China:

• 2.5XT Automatic

2006 Version (Facelift) sold in China:

• 2.0X Manual
• 2.0X Automatic
• 2.5XT Automatic

2007 Version (Facelift) sold in China:

• 2.0X Manual
• 2.0X Automatic
• 2.5XT Automatic

• 
  Pre-facelift Subaru Forester
• 
  Facelift Subaru Forester
• 
  Facelift Subaru Forester

The Forester was available in Europe from 2008 with either the 2.0-liter EJ20 (150 hp; 110 kW) 196 Nm petrol engine with Active Valve Control System (AVCS) matched to either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, or an all-new diesel-powered horizontally opposed Subaru EE boxer engine, and six-speed manual gearbox. The new model was introduced at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October.[12] The diesel engine produces a power output of 147 PS (108 kW; 145 hp) and 350 Nm.

In the UK, the petrol-powered Forester was offered in the popular X and XS models, while trim level for the diesel models were X, XC, and XS NavPlus.

In Russia, Belarus and Ukraine 2.5 and 2.5 Turbo engines were also available.

In Netherlands the Forester is offered with petrol or diesel engines. The petrol engine can also be fitted with an additional liquefied petroleum gas installation (LPG), usually an aftermarket installation provided directly through dealerships. The available equipment levels are Intro (petrol engine only), Comfort, Luxury, Premium and XT(petrol engine turbo). Maximum towing abilities for the petrol or petrol with LPG are 2000 kg (manual) or 1500 kg (auto), while the manual-only diesel can tow 2000 kg.

Interior

There were seven specifications with various trim and performance levels:[13]

• X: Base model - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 126 kW (169 hp) 229 Nm (169 ft-lbf)
• XS: Lower luxury non-turbo model - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 126 kW (169 hp) 229 Nm (169 ft-lbf)
• XS Premium: luxury non-turbo model - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 126 kW (169 hp) 229 Nm (169 ft-lbf)
• 2.0 Diesel: turbo-diesel 2.0 L flat-4, 108 kW (145 hp) 350 Nm (258 ft-lbf)
• 2.0 Premium Diesel: Premium - turbo-diesel 2.0 L flat-4, 108 kW (145 hp) 350 Nm (258 ft-lbf)
• XT: Lower luxury turbo model - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4, 169 kW (227 hp) 320 Nm (236 ft-lbf)
• XT Premium: luxury turbo model - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4, 169 kW (227 hp) 320 Nm (236 ft-lbf)
• S-Edition: - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4 193 kW (259 hp) 347 Nm (256 ft-lbf)

Of note is a serious head gasket issue that remains unresolved by Subaru. Mostly oil and or coolant leaks / cross cylinder failure being the worst.. Can be resolved by aftermarket gaskets, however, this is an expensive engine out job. [14] [15]

Summary of standard trim and equipment over different Australian models.

• Wheels and tyres – The X model came with 16-inch steel wheels, the 2.0 diesel model with 16-inch alloys, all other models came with 17-inch alloy wheels. The S-Edition comes with STI style wheels.
• Suspension – The X model came with double wishbone type, independent rear suspension. All other models came with self-levelling double wishbone type, independent suspension on the rear.
• Miscellaneous – The Premium versions of the 2.0 diesel, XS and XT models came with leather seating and an electric sunroof. These items were not available as options on other models.
• Transmission. The X came with either a dual range, five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Both diesel models come with a six-speed manual transmission only. All other models came with either a single-range, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The S-Edition has a 5 speed Automatic Transmission.
• Entertainment – The XT Premium came with a multi-information in-dash satellite navigation system and single CD/DVD player (7-inch touch screen). The X and 2.0 diesel came with an AM/FM radio, CD player (MP3 and WMA compatible), four-speaker stereo (tweeters and subwoofer optional extra). All other models came with an AM/FM radio, six-stack in-dash CD player (MP3 and WMA compatible), and a six-speaker SRS stereo system with subwoofer. The system from the XT Premium was optional on all other models, but cost A$4851.50 (fitted).[16]

The Forester trim levels were the 2.5X, the 2.5X Premium, the 2.5X Limited and the 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited both with turbo. The interior color was either black or light gray, with three upholstery selections, including leather.[17] Nine exterior colors were offered, with four colors in a pearlescent appearance.

Starting July 2009, Subaru no longer offered a special-edition L.L. Bean trim level on the Forester.[18]

The USA 2.5X model was certified PZEV emissions (Rated 175 hp (130.5 kW) instead 170 hp (126.8 kW)), with a badge attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right-hand side of the tailgate. All other USA models were certified LEV2. The PZEV Forester was available for sale in all fifty states, unlike other manufacturers who only sold PZEV-certified vehicles in states that had adopted California emission standards. The engine without the turbo runs on unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane, and the turbo engine (EJ255) requires premium fuel rated minimum 91 octane.

Safety equipment included front airbags with side curtain airbags and front passenger side airbags (for a total of six airbags) and brake assist that detects panic-braking situations and applies maximum braking force more quickly. The five-speed manual transmission was equipped with Incline Start Assist.

Some of the standard equipment found on the 2.5X included Subaru's VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control), 16 inch steel wheels, and an auxiliary audio jack for MP3 players. Optional equipment included 17 inch alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, heated front seats and heated side-view mirrors. The L.L. Bean edition added automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an upgraded stereo with six speakers and a six disc in-dash CD changer over the four-speaker stereo with single disc CD player, and an in-dash navigation system, as well as L.L. Bean signature floor mats and rear cargo tray.

The 2.5 XT came with the premium stereo standard, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, and the panoramic moonroof. The 2.5 XT Limited added leather upholstery with heated front seats, in-dash navigation, a rear spoiler, and automatic climate control. For 2009, XT models came only with a four-speed automatic with Sport Shift.

The Forester XTI concept vehicle used the 2.5-liter intercooled turbo engine from the Subaru WRX STI, six-speed manual transmission, 18 × 8-inch S204 forged alloy wheels with Yokohama Advan Neova 255/40R18 performance tires, adjustable coil-over suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, Super Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), leather and Alcantara sport seats, a special instrument cluster, front dash and center console and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Engine is rated 315 hp (235 kW) and 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) torque.

The vehicle was unveiled in the 2008 SEMA Show.[19]

Subaru produced a specialized vehicle for the National Ski Patrol based on the 2.5XT turbo.[20] It includes diamond plate floor, rear steel walls, a 9,500-pound winch and a roof-mounted toboggan. The vehicle was unveiled in the 2008 SEMA Show.[21][22]

In 2010, USA model year 2011, the Subaru Forester received a minor facelift featuring a new grille insert and several small changes in various trim levels. A new 2.5X Touring trim level was also introduced above the 2.5X Limited. The 2.5X Touring trim added HID lighting, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, and silver roof rails. 2.5XT models got a slightly larger rear roof spoiler.[23]

Subaru also quietly switched to the all new 2.5L DOHC FB25 third generation boxer engine in naturally aspirated Forester models. The new engine made the same 170 hp (126.8 kW) as the outgoing EJ253, but torque increased by 4 lb⋅ft to 174 lb⋅ft (235.9 N⋅m). Fuel economy improved by 1 mpg EPA city/highway to 21/27. 2.5XT models retained the 2.5L DOHC EJ255 turbo engine.[24]

Pre-facelift styling

• 
  Front (2.0D)
• 
  Rear (XS Premium)

Post-facelift styling

• 
  Front
• 
  Rear (XS)

Interior

According to IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) the 2014 Forester achieved Good crash test ratings in Small Overlap Front, Moderate Overlap Front, Side, Roof Strength, and Head Restraining & Seats categories. The Forester had not been rated Good in the Small Overlap Front test until modifications were made for the 2014 model year. The small overlap test, introduced in 2012 by the IIHS, simulates a frontal collision on 25 percent of the driver's side front corner. Since its adoption, the IIHS has noticed several automakers making non-symmetrical modifications to their vehicles. Another small overlap test was conducted on a number of vehicles, including a 2014 Forester, but was conducted on the passenger side instead. The crash test showed substantially more intrusion into the passenger side than into the driver's side of the Forester, it would have been rated Marginal[35][36]

The 2014 Forester has a new feature called X Mode that allows owners to go through more extreme conditions both on the road and off. The concept is that any driver, regardless of skill level, can drive safely on wet roads or muddy areas. It works by monitoring wheel-slip on all four wheels; should one or more wheels begin to slip, X Mode kicks in and applies the brakes to the affected wheel which results in a transfer of power to the opposite wheel. After it is engaged by a simple push button, X Mode stays engaged up until the vehicle's speed is about 25 mph (40 km/h) then disengages itself.[37]

The 2014 top-of-the-line Touring model Forester offers Subaru's EyeSight[39] driver assist technology that uses stereoscopic CCD cameras mounted on either side of the rearview mirror. Eyesight offers several driver assist technologies/features which include:

• Pre-Collision Braking System
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning

The system can be manually turned on or off. Being an optical, instead of radar, based system, it has limitations in limited visibility situations; driving into the sun, fog, or where the windshield is not cleared (snow, mud, etc.) may cause the system to disengage.

The 2014 and 2015 models had a major revamp of interior comfort. The passenger seat is higher, the sound system has been upgraded, the rear bench seats are higher and the console is re-positioned for the person riding in the center. The manual transmission models were also upgraded to a six-speed transmission instead of the previous generation's five-speed transmission. Engines during these year models did o have an issue, this is related predominantly to USA manufactured vehicles and USA manufactured porous engine blocks, Subaru Australia have had no significant issues with excess oil consumption in Australia with the Japanese manufactured vehicles.(Source Subaru Australia Head Office and extensive research prior to purchase by Australian customer (KRH)) with oil consumption. Nummerous other automotive manufactures at the time have had oil consumption issues. Subaru had its settlement of a lawsuit approved by a US Court in August 2016.[40] The US complainants experienced over 1.5 quarts of oil consumed between change intervals with low-level dash lights coming on. The settlement provided for such complainants to receive an extended eight year warranty on the engine, allowing for an engine rebuild for that excessive oil consumption. Some speculation on this is the use of different style piston rings on the engine style change and synthetic oil.

Pre-facelift styling

• 
  Front (2.5)
• 
  Rear (2.5)

Post-facelift styling (2017–2018)[41]

• 
  Front (2.0i Premium)
• 
  Rear (2.0i-L EyeSight X-BREAK)

All 2019 Subaru Foresters have one of three versions of Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The trim level determines which system is installed. All provide a nominal torque split biased 60 front to 40 rear.

• Base: Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) utilizing electronically controlled clutches to control torque split.
• Premium: enhanced “X-Mode” which is a Single Mode System that optimizes engine output and transmission ratio. It enhances control of the VDC system to further control wheelspin and incorporates Hill Descent Control (HDC).
• Sport, Limited and Touring: further enhanced “Dual Function X-Mode” System that adds specific, user engaged, settings for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.

For the first time, all trim levels of Forester are only available with one engine: Subaru's new FB25 DI. The engine is a non-turbo, direct injection flat (boxer) 4 cylinder producing 182 hp (136 kW) at 5800 rpm and 176 lb⋅ft (239 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm.[44] There is also only a single transmission option: the Lineartronic CVT.[45]

All Foresters come standard with Subaru's Eyesight Driver Assistance Technology.[44]

For the first time Subaru DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System comes standard on the Touring trim, which provides an alert when it detects the driver is distracted or is drowsy. In addition, the DriverFocus system is able to recognize five different drivers and will set seat and mirror positions and climate control settings accordingly.[44]

In 2019, the Start/Stop feature was added to all Forester models. This feature turns off the engine when the brake pedal is pressed. The engine restarts when the brake pedal is released. This feature comes on by default every time the engine is turned on but may be disabled after the engine is on.

Subaru introduced the e-BOXER hybrid powertrain for the European-market Forester and XV at Geneva in March 2019; the e-BOXER integrates an electric motor into the Lineartronic CVT to improve fuel economy and increase power.[46] The e-BOXER powertrain features a modified FB20 rated at 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS) at 5,600–6,000 rpm and 194 N⋅m (143 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Like the first-generation XV Crosstrek Hybrid, the Forester e-BOXER adds a single electric motor rated at 12.3 kW (16.5 hp; 16.7 PS) maximum output.[47] The battery for the traction motor is placed above the rear axle, improving the front/rear weight balance.[48]

A Forester Sport with an all new 1.8 direct injection flat-4 engine was introduced in October 2020 for the Japanese Domestic Market. Codenamed CB18, the turbocharged mill produces 130 kW (174 hp; 177 PS) at 5,200-5,600 rpm and 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) at 1,600-3,600 rpm. This engine is also present in the JDM-only Subaru Levorg. From the outside, the Forester Sport is identified by its black grille as well as grey-painted fog lamps covers, side mirrors and rocker panels. There’s also a set of dark 18-inch wheels, while the rear fascia sees additional trim around the tailgate window. The most obvious giveaway are the dual exhaust outlets, which are part of a redesigned and sportier lower apron.

As of January 2021, there are no reports whether other markets will receive this powertrain.

• 
  Subaru Forester Sport (Japan)
• 
  Subaru Forester Sport AWD (rear)
• 
  Subaru Forester (base, rear)