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2004 Subaru Forester

SUBARU INTRODUCES ALL NEW SECOND-GENERATION FORESTER SUV FOR 2003

-- Redesign Reflects Essence of Subaru withGreater Refinement, Safety and Comfort--

Subaru of America, Inc. today, in a world debut, introduced the fully redesigned 2003 Forester model at the Chicago Auto Show. The boldly styled 2003 Forester builds upon the 'best of both worlds' crossover SUV approach established by the previous model while making significant performance enhancements overall in safety, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics. The 2003 Forester arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring.

Drawing on it's roots of 'Sport Utility Tough, Car Easy', the 2003 Forester reflects the essence of Subaru with a design prioritized for people, an emphasis on responsive driving and a comfortable and functional interior. Like the original Forester, the new-generation model blends positive SUV attributes such as a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

Subaru designed and equipped the 2003 Forester to compete with a wide array of SUVs, and establish a new 'standard' within the compact SUV segment. A stronger yet lighter body structure, new suspension tuning, larger 11.4 inch front brake rotors, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) on 2.5 XS models, and new standard 16-inch wheels across the model line add a new level of driving fun and safety while preserving a smooth and quiet ride and trail-driving ability.

Independent organizations recognized the previous Forester for superior safety performance in its segment, and Subaru designed the new-generation Forester to again excel in this area. New safety technology includes a dual-stage deployment passenger front airbag, standard front seat head / chest side impact airbags (SRS), active front head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

For 2003 model year, Subaru will offer Forester 2.5 X and uplevel 2.5 XS model. In addition, the 2.5 XS is available with a Premium Package that includes a power moonroof and monotone body color. The Premium Package can be ordered with leather-trimmed upholstery (automatic transmission only). All models are powered by a 165-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder 'boxer' engine and equipped with standard full-time All-Wheel Drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed electronic automatic (4-EAT) available as an option. On models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, the Subaru Hill Holder clutch helps make starting off on an incline easier and safer.

Bold New Design

The new-generation Forester makes a bolder design statement than before while retaining its Subaru identity. A larger, more pronounced grill, contoured multi-reflector halogen headlights and a large, contoured bumper cover with integral multi-reflector foglights give the front end a more assertive appearance. The front edges of the aluminum hood have been sculpted to give the driver better sightlines, enhancing maneuverability.

More sharply defined character lines, flared front fenders and 'blister' type rear quarter panels mark the profile of the new-generation Forester. In the rear, the 2003 Forester is newly distinguished by a hexagonal gate framed by large, triangular taillights. A rear gray metallic appearance panel with Subaru and AWD badges provides a strong horizontal element and matches the C-pillar trim, which features an AWD emblem.

The Forester 2.5 X is identified by textured gray lower body cladding and includes standard black foldable exterior mirrors. The exterior of the uplevel Forester 2.5 XS is distinguished by Steel Gray Metallic painted lower body cladding, larger Gray Metallic foldable, heated exterior mirrors and aluminum alloy wheels. The 2003 Forester models benefit from improved aerodynamic performance in the form of a lower coefficient of drag (Cd), now 0.35 compared to 0.389 for the previous base model and 0.405 for the previous uplevel S model. The lower Cd helps reduce wind noise and contributes to the vehicle's excellent fuel efficiency.

Even Better Value for 2003

The previous Forester, with its more 40+ standard features, had been recognized for outstanding value. The new-generation Forester adds a dozen new standard features to provide even greater value than before. Some of the highlights include 16-inch wheels and an 80-Watt AM/FM/weatherband stereo with CD player. In addition, a remote keyless entry system, and variable intermittent windshield wipers are now standard across the model line. The standard air conditioning system on the 2.5 X has been upgraded with a three-dial electronic control panel.

In addition to its distinct exterior trim, the Forester 2.5 XS model adds function and comfort with upgraded upholstery, carpeting and interior trim, plus a black perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle. To the lengthy standard equipment list of the Forester 2.5 X, the 2.5 XS adds Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), automatic climate control, an 80-watt AM/FM/weatherband stereo with logic control cassette and in-dash 6 disc CD changer and aluminum alloy wheels. In addition, a standard All-Weather Package on the 2.5 XS includes a viscous limited-slip rear differential, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

Subaru Core Technology

The 2003 Forester will compete with a wider array of vehicles than before, including both truck- and car-based SUVs. Unlike many of these, the Forester comes standard with full-time All-Wheel Drive, an integral part of Subaru Core Technology that also includes a lightweight horizontally opposed engine, a simple, symmetric drivetrain layout and long-travel four-wheel independent suspension. This combination of elements endows the Forester with ride control and handling response unexpected in an SUV. (See page 6 for more detail on Subaru All-Wheel Drive technology.)

Optimizing the Forester body structure allowed Subaru to add feature content and still reduce overall vehicle weight by about 90 pounds compared to the previous model. Using aluminum for parts located far from the center of gravity — including the hood, bumper beams and roof rails — also contributes to more responsive handling due to a lowering of the yawing moment of inertia.

All Forester models come with standard 16 x 6.5-inch wheels (aluminum alloy on the 2.5 XS model) and 215/60R16 94H Yokohama Geolander G 900 M+S all-season tires. All models include a standard full-size steel spare wheel and tire. Excellent maneuverability — a Subaru hallmark — is ensured by the 34.8-foot turning circle.

The Subaru Forester was among the first SUVs to ride on four-wheel independent suspension, a feature that is becoming more common on large and luxury SUVs. This type of suspension gives the Forester a car-like ride quality, while providing superior handling characteristics. Although the 2003 Forester retains the proven strut-type suspension design for packaging efficiency, the strut units are all new and incorporate internal rebound springs and improved valving to reduce body roll and further refine ride quality.

The new Forester has variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steering, giving it the handling benefit of a quicker steering ratio (16.5-to-1 versus 19-to-1 for the previous model). The robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension and a generous 7.5 inches of ground clearance give the Forester true trail driving capability.

Passenger Car Safety

Like its predecessor, the 2003 Subaru Forester meets all Federal passenger car safety standards, which are more stringent than those for light trucks. In terms of active safety, the Forester — like all Subaru models — delivers excellent road-holding capability due to a low center of gravity afforded by the horizontally opposed engine design.

Although it shares components with the rally-bred Impreza, the Forester uses its own version of the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame structure. This design has been strengthened through the use of a hydroformed front subframe and tailored-blank welded structural elements. The stronger body structure adds to the passive safety quotient and, along with reduced vehicle weight, helps improve handling -- a plus for active safety.

All Forester models gain larger-diameter front brake rotors (11.4-inch), while the 2.5 XS also adds rear discs in place of the drums used on the 2.5 X model. A four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) is standard on all models. New for 2003, an Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system on the 2.5 XS enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Subaru expanded the standard passive safety equipment in the 2003 Forester. The passenger front airbag now uses dual-stage deployment, and the Forester gains standard front seat head / chest side impact airbags (SRS), new upper-trim head impact protection and front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters. New front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash injury.

Other standard safety features include three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions (height-adjustable on the four outboard positions) and headrests for all rear seat positions. The 2003 Forester complies with the Uniform Child Restraint Anchorage System requirements (FMVSS 225/ISO FIX). Like its predecessor, the 2003 Subaru Forester is equipped with 5-mph impact bumpers which exceed the federal 2.5 mph bumper standard applicable to passenger cars. In contrast, the bumpers on some SUVs offer little or no protection in low-speed collisions, potentially contributing to high repair costs.

Packaging Efficiency Improved for Comfort

While retaining its 'right size' dimensions, Subaru engineers optimized passenger room and comfort in the new-generation Forester. The front seats feature more supportive bolstering that provides greater lateral support when cornering. The front seats provide an additional fore/aft adjustment step that adds 13.5 mm to seat travel. The driver's seat height adjustment now uses a single control knob, and its adjustment range has been increased. The range of the standard tilt-adjustable steering column has been increased, as well.

A motorcycle-style instrument gauge panel, shared with the Impreza series, adds a sporty touch while keeping all vital signs easily visible to the driver. The standard digital clock has been relocated to the center dash panel for better visibility. Forester models equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission feature a new gated-style shifter along with a gated-style gear indicator in the gauge panel to help prevent inadvertent selection of the wrong gear, as well as imparting a sporty feel to the driver. Audio systems in both models are set off by a new silver metallic trim bezel.

Improved Storage and Convenience

Subaru engineered more types of storage and convenience into the new-generation Forester. The cargo area trim has been designed to optimize available room. The rear 60/40 seatback can be lowered with one touch to provide a flat cargo floor, and both the cargo floor and rear seatback are fully carpeted. The retractable cargo area cover sits higher than before to accommodate taller packages, such as coolers. A sub-floor storage area can hold the cover when it's not needed.

The standard center console includes a side storage compartment on the passenger side, a 12-volt accessory outlet in the storage box and dual cupholders. The front doors provide new net-type storage pockets, and the 2.5 XS also adds these to the front seatbacks. A front overhead console holds two pairs of sunglasses. Both Forester models have illuminated power window switches on all doors. The 2.5 XS adds Tricot sun visors, an illuminated ignition switch ring and chrome inside door handles. Details such as retractable assist grips for all outboard seat positions, damped cupholders and dual vanity mirrors with lids contribute to the overall high-quality feel of the 2003 Forester.

Two Types of All-Wheel Drive Technology

The 2003 Forester is powered by the same 2.5-liter 'boxer' engine as the Subaru Outback wagon.. The engine produces 165 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The broad torque curve gives the Forester especially good response at low- and mid-range speeds.

The standard Subaru full-time All-Wheel Drive System powers all four wheels all the time, unlike some SUV four-wheel drive systems that only power the front or rear wheels most of the time. When equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the Subaru Forester uses Continuous All-Wheel Drive. A viscous-coupling center differential built into the transmission case divides engine power 50 percent front/50 percent rear. Wheel slippage at the front causes more power to shift to the rear, and slippage at the rear transfers power to the front, ensuring that the wheels with the best traction receive the most power. The five-speed manual transmission features a hydraulic clutch for smooth operation and low maintenance. A flexible flywheel helps ensure smooth shift action.

Forester models equipped with the optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission (4-EAT) use Active All-Wheel Drive, which employs an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch housed in the transaxle tailshaft. Power transfer is governed by slippage in the clutch plates, which use a special friction material that can easily handle the loads generated during power transfer. The electronic transmission control module (TCM) controls the All-Wheel Drive multi-plate clutch.

Active All-Wheel Drive uses several input sensors to determine how weight transfer affects available traction. Under acceleration, the system routes power to the rear wheels to take advantage of weight transfer to the rear. Under deceleration, the system directs power to the front wheels to respond to weight transfer to the front. The Forester 2.5 XS model benefits from the additional traction assistance of a standard rear viscous limited-slip differential, which directs power to the rear wheel with the most traction.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Subaru pioneered the concept of the passenger car/sport-utility vehicle with the introduction of the Subaru Outback, the 'World's First Sport Utility Wagon.'

Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Over the past nine years, the company has achieved year-over-year retail sales increases thanks to its popular line of car-based sport-utility vehicles.

by Subaru Media

by Subaru

Rivaling the Kia Sportage, the Chevrolet Tracker and the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Subara Forester was introduced in 1998 as a ‘hybrid' vehicle that blended the attributes of a passenger vehicle and a sport-utility vehicle. A lightweight, small crossover SUV, or arguably a station wagon, the Forester was based on the Subaru Impreza platform and drivetrain. Subaru took the subcompact Impreza station wagon and raised its roofline which added a few extra inches to both the body length and width to create the Forester. Interior dimensions grew only slightly over the Impreza as a result of the wheelbase being increased fractionally. The Forester is equipped with AWD, All Wheel Drive transmission, as are all Subaru models that are marketed in the US and other international markets since the early ‘90s.

Subaru had envisioned the 5 passenger Forester being a more ‘truck-like' SUV much like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Trying to appeal to the SUV oriented market, Subaru advertising employed the slogan ‘SUV tough, Car Easy'. The Forester features associated with SUVs such as a large, boxy cargo area, and more ground clearance than other Subaru models. The Forester does employ a car-like unibody chassis instead of the body-on-frame construction that is associated with trucks and larger SUVs.

In India the Forester was sold as a Chevrolet along with other Chevrolet models sold there. However, since General Motors no longer holds ownership stake in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, sales in India of the Chevrolet-badged Forester have since ended. The Forester is produced at the Gunma Yajima Factory in Japan.

Going on sale were Base, L, and S models, each using Subaru's horizontally opposed, 165-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that was borrowed from the compact Legacy. Standard was a 5-speed manual transmission and optional was the 4-speed automatic. Power was sent automatically to the wheels with the most traction due to Forester's standard all-wheel-drive system that sensed wheel slip. Driver action was not needed. Compared to the Impreza wagon, ground clearance was elevated though Forester had no provision for low-range gearing, and was unimpressive when attempting serious off-road treks. The Forester featured 2000 pounds towing capacity.

Air conditioning and split folding rear seats were standard on the Forester, while L and S version added antilock braking. The Subaru S edition featured larger wheels and tires, a chrome grille, rear disc brakes, larger power mirrors and an upgraded interior.

For 1999 the Subaru Forester received modifications to quiet the engine, along with adding four pound-feet of torque. In an attempt to provide smoother, quicker shifts, transmission were revised. For this year new interior fabrics and colors were now available. L models received power side mirrors as standard. To improve crashworthiness, Foresters also gained structural modifications. In 1999 base-model Foresters could no longer receive the optional leather upholstery and remote keyless entry system.

For 2000 the Forester lineup was trimmed by Subaru, deleting the base-trimmed model while L and upscale S editions went on sale. The S model added a standard limited-slip differential while the Forester L received standard cruise control.

The following year the Forester received a slight facelift that included the addition of a new chrome grille, revised bumper and taillights and a reshaped bumper.

For 2002 the Subaru Forester received a standard retractable cargo-area cover along with two new option packages. The S Premium model was replaced by the OV Premium Package option. This new package included front side airbags, sunroof, and distinctive alloy wheels to the S. OV equipment plus leather upholstery was added to the new OK Package. For 2000, 2001 and 2002 the Forester was the winner of Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive.

A turbocharged Forester, the XT was introduced in 2003 alongside the naturally-aspirated XS. Similar to the turbo system of the Subaru Impreza WRX, the XT model features a 2.5L turbocharged engine. The engine in the Forester XT is most similar to the engine used in the US market Subaru Impreza WRX STi. This year's model Forester showcased weight-saving refinements that included an aluminum hood, hydro-formated front frame and perforated rails.

For 2004 and 2005 the Forester was Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV. For 2005 Subaru launched an STI variant of the Forester for the Japanese market. Sharing the same engine as the '05 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the Forester STI featured a different tuning that generated 320 bhp. This year also featured the introduction of Subaru's AVCS system as a standard feature on all engines used in the Forester.

The Forester was updated to include a more upscale look for 2006. Only two models were produced for this year and they included the 2.5X which had a naturally-aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 173hp and the 2.5 XT Limited, turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4 250 hp. The turbocharged engine that powered the Forest XT was awarded International Engine of the year in 2006. This engine is also used in the re-badged Saab 9-2X as well as the Subaru Impreza WRX.

In Australia three main models are available and these are the X which is naturally-aspirated with a 2.5 L flat-4 121 kW, the XS also naturally-aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 121 kW, and the XT, turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4 169 kW. The XS and XT came with the option of having a ‘Luxury Pack' fitted, which allowed for leather seats and a sunroof. The XT model featured minor styling differences like the addition of a MOMO steering wheel as a standard feature. The X does not include curtain airbags, while both the XS and XT do.

Redesigned for the 2009 model year, the Subaru Forester was debuted in Japan on Christmas day 2007. The North American version was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

by Jessican Donaldson