The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel drive Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) developed since 1997 by Subaru and it is currently offered as a mini crossover. For the first time, it was introduced in 1998 on the Impreza platform. However, for the current generation, it is designed on the Impreza wagon platform. It was developed with standard all-wheel drive mechanism.
First Generation (SF, 1997–2002)
In 1995, the Subaru Forester was exposed at the Tokyo Motor Show November as the “Sutoriga” concept vehicle and was available for sale in 1997. It was designed with a muscular 2.5 liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine and made
Subaru Forester
• 162 lb-ft (220 N-m) of torque at 4000 rpm and
• 165 hp (123 kW) of power at 5600 rpm.
In Japan, the Forester substituted the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express that was known as the Subaru Outback Sport in USA.
The first generation Subaru Forester came with long list of standard features including (but not limited to):
• Air conditioning,
• Anti-lock braking system,
• Power locks,
• Power windows,
• Multi-reflector halogen headlights,
• Digital temp gauge,
• Cruise control,
• Fog lights,
• Rear window defogger,
• Roof rack,
• Reclining front bucket seats along with flexible lumbar support,
• Trailer harness connector,
• AM/FM/cassette stereo,
• Tinted glass,
• Tilt steering, and
• 24-hour roadside assistance.
Second Generation (SG, 2003–2008)
Subaru Forester : Second Feneration
The second generation Subaru Forester was introduced in 2003 with a naturally aspirated XS and X in the US as a 2004 version. Both the XS and X variants were featured with a 2.5 L SOHC engine, whereas XT trim was designed with 2.5 L turbocharged DOHC engine. Both power plants had timing belt driven camshafts. The XT model used the Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger, which was already used in the Subaru Impreza WRX.
The 2003 Forester was equipped with weight-saving modifications such as
• Perforated rails,
• An aluminum hood, and
• Hydro-formed front sub-frame.
The Subaru Forester was introduced an STI variant in 2005 for the Japanese automobile market. It borrowed the same powertrain of the 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The powertrain had the capacity to deliver a power of 320 bhp (240 kW). In the same year, it was introduced with AVCS system of Subaru that came as traditional offerings on all powetrains deployed on the Forester.
Third generation (SH, 2008–Present)
Subaru Forester : Third Generation
The 3rd generation Forester was designed by Subaru Chief Designer Mamoru Ishii. The body dimensions were very similar to the dimensions of Japanese-spec Impreza wagon with the back platform of the U.S.-spec Impreza sedan. The wheelbase was enhanced to 3.3 inches, with overall
• 4.3 inches (110 mm) height,
• 1.8 inches (46 mm) width, and
• 3.0 inches (76 mm) length.
