The
Subaru Forester is an all-wheel drive (AWD) crossover
wagonA station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
manufactured since 1997 by
Fuji Heavy Industries, or FHI, is a Japanese transportation conglomerate most known for being the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles. It traces its roots to the Nakajima Aircraft Company, a leading supplier of airplanes to the Japanese government during World War II...
and sold under the
Subaru; is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries .Subaru is internationally known for their use of the boxer engine layout popularized in cars by the Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911, in most of their vehicles above 1500 cc as well as...
brand. Available in Japan from 1997, the Forester shares its
platformAn automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
with the
ImprezaIntroduced in November 1993, the Impreza was offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions and as a four-door sedan/saloon or five-door station wagon/estate. According to a Motor Trend article written March 1992 on page 26, the name of Subaru's new compact was, initially, to be...
.
First generation (SF, 1997–2002)
The Forester was introduced at the
Tokyo Motor ShowThe is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
November 1995 as the Streega concept, and made available for sale February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1998 using the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5 liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Outback, making 165 hp at 5600 rpm and 162 lbft of torque at 4000 rpm. In Japan, the Forester replaced the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express, known in the USA as the
Subaru Outback Sport. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the
Nissan RasheenThe Nissan Rasheen is a small SUV with 4x4 produced from November 1994 to August 2000 by Nissan. A prototype was first shown at the October 1993 Tokyo Auto show. It was offered with three different engines: from the original 1.5 GA15DE, to a larger 1.8 liter SR18DE, and finally a 2.0 SR20DE in the...
in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the
Toyota RAV4The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV from Toyota. It was the first compact crossover SUV, introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and beginning sales in North America in 1996...
, the
Honda CR-VThe Honda CR-V is a compact suv, now called crossover, manufactured since 1995 by Honda. It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda. There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, with Honda sources in different markets...
, the
Mitsubishi RVRThe Mitsubishi RVR is Mitsubishi Motors compact MPV introduced in 1991, with the second generation released in 2002, and a compact crossover which was introduced in 2010....
, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Due to the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for Passenger Vehicles, and does not require a risk of rollover warning label on the driver's visor. Size and price wise it fits between the shared Impreza platform, and the larger Legacy.
As with all Subaru models marketed in the United States and other international markets since the early 1990s, the Forester is equipped with an all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "
SUV tough, Car Easy" to appeal to the SUV-oriented market; and to this end, the Forester from its inception had features associated with SUVs such as a large, space-efficient cargo area, higher
h-pointIn vehicle design and especially automotive design, the H-point is the theoretical, relative location of an occupant's hip, specifically the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of the body, either relative to the floor of the vehicle or relative to the height above pavement level...
seating and more ground clearance while based on unibody rather than
body-on-frameBody-on-frame is an automobile construction method. Mounting a separate body to a rigid frame that supports the drivetrain was the original method of building automobiles, and its use continues to this day. The original frames were made of wood , but steel ladder frames became common in the 1930s...
construction. In some sense, the Forester met the criteria of the term crossover before the term appeared. However, the Forester is still referred to as a
station wagonA station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
.
The automatic transmissions used on AWD equipped vehicles will normally send 90% of the engines torque to the front wheels and 10% to the rear wheels, using a computer controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer
clutchA clutch is a mechanical device which provides for the transmission of power from one component to another...
. When the transmission detects a speed difference of greater than 20% between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds. When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicles weight shifts rearward, reducing front wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50-50 to both front and rear wheels. , and it constantly varying the ratio depending on driving and road conditions. The manual transmission cars are setup with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varied from there. Essentially, the manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than the automatic cars.
The trim levels were the basic model, followed by the "L" and the fully equipped "S" for the USA versions.
Forester L comes with a high level of standard equipment, including ABS, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, digital temp 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, and last but not least, 24-hour roadside assistance. Notably new in 2001 are 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, rear disc brakes, 16 x 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires (the L uses 15 x 6-inch steel wheels), upgraded moquette upholstery, heated front seats with net storage pockets in back, dual vanity mirrors, heated sideview mirrors and keyless entry. New equipment for 2001 includes Titanium pearl paint for the bumpers and cladding; 6-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 $1000 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 rearview mirror with compass, bringing the sticker price to $25,412 including $495 delivery (USA dollars quoted).
Australia
The Forester had four main models available in Australia:
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 kW to 130 kW.
- GX - naturally aspirated 2.0 L flat-4, 92 kW
- Engine Size 1994 cc (2.0)
- Compression Ratio 9.7:1
- Dual range gearbox - manual
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
only
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h 10.7 secs
- Limited - naturally aspirated 2.0 L
flat-4, 92kW
- Engine Size 1994 cc (2.0)
- Compression Ratio 9.7:1
- Dual range gearbox - manual only
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h 10.7 secs
- Special Edition - naturally aspirated 2.0 L flat-4, 92 kW
- Engine Size 1994 cc (2.0)
- Compression Ratio 9.7:1
- Dual range gearbox - manual only
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h 10.7 secs
- GT (1998–2000) - turbocharged 2.0 L flat-4
A flat-4 or horizontally opposed-4 is a flat engine with four cylinders arranged horizontally in two banks of two cylinders on each side of a central crankcase...
, 125 kW
- GT (2001–2002) - turbocharged 2.0 L flat-4, 130 kW
- Engine Size 1994 cc (2.0)
- Turbo TF035
- Compression Ratio 8.5:1
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h 8.4 secs
Second generation (SG, 2003–2008)
A second generation was introduced in 2003, based on the new Impreza platform, featuring several fine-tune improvements over the past model. The 2003 Forester features weight-saving refinements such as an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a
hydro-formedHydroforming is a cost-effective way of shaping malleable metals such as aluminum or brass into lightweight, structurally stiff and strong pieces. One of the largest applications of hydroforming is the automotive industry, which makes use of the complex shapes possible by hydroforming to produce...
front sub-frame. The most noticeable change was the offering of 2.5 L versions (normally aspirated and turbocharged) and in the U.S. the introduction of the turbo charged 2.5L model.
In the U.S., in 2003, a turbocharged Forester, the
XT, was released alongside the naturally aspirated
X and
XS in the United States as a 2004 model. However, the same model had been available since the late 1990s elsewhere in the world. The X and XS models feature a 2.5 L SOHC engine, while the XT model features a 2.5 L turbocharged DOHC engine. Both engines have
timing beltA timing belt, or cam belt , is a part of an internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engine's valves. Some engines, such as the flat-4 Volkswagen air-cooled engine, and the straight-6 Toyota F engine use timing gears...
driven camshafts. The XT model uses the same
Mitsubishiis a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
TD04 turbocharger used in the
Subaru Impreza WRXThe Subaru Impreza WRX is a turbocharged version of the Subaru Impreza, an all-wheel drive, four-door passenger vehicle. It is available as a sedan or wagon....
. The engine in the 2004 to 2005 Forester XT is identical to the American market
Subaru Impreza WRX STiThe Subaru Impreza WRX STI, has the highest trim in the Subaru Impreza compact car line, produced by Japanese automaker Subaru.In the late 1980s, Subaru created the Subaru Tecnica International division to coordinate development for the FIA World Rally Championship and other motorsports activities...
except for using the smaller TD04 turbocharger from the WRX, a smaller
intercoolerAn intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
, different exhaust system, and different engine management programming. Those seeking additional power for their Forester XT can replace the turbocharger and intercooler with used STI components which are readily available. All Forester 2.5 L engines are of the interference engine type.
In 2004, Subaru launched an STI variant of the Forester, the Forester STI for the Japanese Market. It shared the same engine as the 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, but thanks to different tuning generated 320 bhp. 2005 also the introduction of Subaru's AVCS system as standard on all engines used in the Forester.
Safety
MY03-04 Models has a 4-Star
ANCAPThe Australasian New Car Assessment Program is an automobile organisation operated by the governments and motoring organisations of Australia and New Zealand to give consumers coherent results on the protection given by vehicles in front and side impact collisions...
safety rating
MY05 Forester Model had a mid-life update, the update increased its ANCAP safety rating to 5 Stars.
In 2006, the turbocharged engine (powering the Forester XT) was awarded
International Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
. This engine is also used in the Subaru Impreza WRX, as well as the re-badged
Saab 9-2XThe Saab 9-2X is a station wagon automobile that was sold by Saab only in North America as a 2005 and 2006 model year car. It was built in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries’ Gunma Yajima Plant Ōta, Gunma....
.
Maintenance
All of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines have a timing belt made of rubber and cord. This belt must be replaced at 105,000 miles. These engines are interference engines, meaning that if this belt snaps the pistons will hit the valves, resulting in having to rebuild the engine. 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. It makes sense to replace them at this time.
In Australia for the Series II (MY06) cars, the Subaru changed the recommended service interval for the timing belt replacement from the 100,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometres.
The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engines do not have this belt; they have a timing chain. This does not have to be replaced at 105,000 miles. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the first-generation cars had a problem with head gaskets. For 2003 and later, they fixed this issue.
US
The U.S. Market was not offered the car with the 2.0L (aspirated and turbocharged) versions. Only two versions were commercialised:
- 2.5 X - naturally aspirated 2.5 L flat-4
A flat-4 or horizontally opposed-4 is a flat engine with four cylinders arranged horizontally in two banks of two cylinders on each side of a central crankcase...
, 173 hp (129 kW)
- 2.5 XT Limited - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4
A flat-4 or horizontally opposed-4 is a flat engine with four cylinders arranged horizontally in two banks of two cylinders on each side of a central crankcase...
, 224 hp (171 kW)
In 2007, the Forester line was expanded to 5 models:
- 2.5 X
- 2.5 X L.L. Bean edition
- Sports 2.5 X
- 2.5 XT Limited
- Sports 2.5 XT
Australia
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 (226 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 lamps, 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 Suburu 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 lamps, 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
MOMO Srl is a design company headquartered in Milan, Italy that makes accessories and parts for automobiles.- Company history :MOMO was founded by gentleman racer Giampiero Moretti in the 1960s. MOMO are the initials for Moretti-Monza. Monza is a region in the Province of Milan.In 1969 MOMO opened...
steering wheel and 7 Speaker Stereo.
India
The Forester was sold in India as a
ChevroletChevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
alongside other unique Chevrolet models sold there. However since
General MotorsGeneral Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
no longer holds an ownership stake in Subaru's parent company,
Fuji Heavy Industries, or FHI, is a Japanese transportation conglomerate most known for being the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles. It traces its roots to the Nakajima Aircraft Company, a leading supplier of airplanes to the Japanese government during World War II...
, sales in India of the Chevrolet-badged Forester have ended.
Third generation (SH, 2008–present)
The
MYThe model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
2008 Forester was unveiled in Japan on December 25, 2007. The North American version debuted at the 2008
North American International Auto ShowThe North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in Detroit.
The third generation Forester was styled by Subaru Chief Designer Mamoru Ishii. The dimensions derive from engineers using the basic body structure of the Japanese-spec Impreza wagon with the rear
platformAn automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
of the U.S.-spec Impreza sedan. The Forester's wheelbase has increased 3.5 inches (88.9 mm), with overall increases of 3 inches (76.2 mm) in length, 1.8 inches (45.7 mm) in width and 4.3 inches (109.2 mm) in height.
Notably, the third generation Forester forgoes the frameless side windows used on Subarus since the early 1970s. The third generation embraces the car based SUV, and leaves behind the older wagon design; it's larger in nearly every dimension, taller, and features a sloping roof line with more cargo space.
The independent double wishbone rear suspension has been redesigned for better handling and a smoother ride over the previous generation. "Sportshift" has been included with the four-speed computer-controlled
automatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. The in-dash, touch-screen satellite navigation system is
BluetoothBluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
compatible, and has the premium stereo integrated. Subaru also offers the six-speaker premium stereo, with
surround soundSurround sound encompasses a range of techniques such as for enriching the sound reproduction quality of an audio source with audio channels reproduced via additional, discrete speakers. Surround sound is characterized by a listener location or sweet spot where the audio effects work best, and...
enhancement, separate from the navigation system.
The new model adds 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) to the Forester's wheelbase, thereby improving interior space and cargo room (31 cu ft (0.877822257 m³) expandable to 69 cu ft (2 m³)). Ground clearance for the Forester is now 8.9 inches (226.1 mm).
Europe
The Forester is available in Europe with the popular 2.0 liter EJ20 gasoline engine with Active Valve Control System (AVCS) matched to either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox, and the all-new diesel-powered horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, called the Subaru EE and six-speed manual gearbox, which was introduced at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The diesel engine produces a power output of 147
PSHorsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
(145 hp / 108 kW).
In the UK, the gasoline-powered Forester is offered in the popular X and XS models, while trim level for the diesel models are X, XC, and XS NavPlus.
Australia
There are seven specifications with various trim and performance levels:
- 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 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 (226 hp) 320 Nm (236 ft-lbf)
- XT: Premium luxury turbo model - turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4, 169 kW (226 hp) 320 Nm (236 ft-lbf)
Summary of standard trim and equipment over different Australian models.
- Wheels and tyres. The X model comes with 16" Steel wheels. The 2.0 diesel model comes with 16" Alloy wheels. All other models come with 17" alloy wheels.
- Suspension. The X Model comes with double wishbone type, independent suspension on the rear of the car. All other models come with Self-levelling double wishbone type, independent suspension on the rear.
- Miscellaneous. The Premium versions of the 2.0 diesel, XS and XT models come with leather seating and an electric sunroof. These items are not available as options on other models.
- Transmission. The X manual comes with a dual range, 5-speed manual transmission. The X auto comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Both diesel models come with a 6-speed manual transmission only. All other models come with either a single range, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
- Entertainment. The XT Premium comes with a Multi-information in-dash satellite navigation system and single CD/DVD player (7-inch touch screen). The X and 2.0 diesel come with a AM/FM Radio, CD player (MP3 and WMA compatible), 4 speaker stereo (tweeters and subwoofer optional extra). All other models come with a AM/FM Radio, 6-stack in-dash CD player (MP3 and WMA compatible), 6 speaker SRS stereo system with subwoofer. The system from the XT premium is optional on all other models, but costs AUD$4851.50 (fitted).
North America
The Forester trim levels are the 2.5X, the 2.5X Premium, the 2.5X Limited and the 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited both with
turboA turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
. The interior colors are either black or light gray with three upholstery selections, including leather. Nine exterior colors are offered, with four colors offered with a
pearlescentIridescence is generally known as the property of certain surfaces which appear to change color as the angle of view or the angle of illumination changes...
appearance.
Starting July 2008, Subaru no longer offered a special-edition L.L. Bean trim level on the Forester.
The USA 2.5X model has been certified PZEV emissions (Rated 175 hp instead 170 hp), and a badge has been attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom left-hand side of the tailgate. All other USA models have been certified
LEV2A low-emission vehicle is a motor vehicle that emits relatively low levels of motor vehicle emissions. The term may be used in a general sense, but in some countries it is defined in air quality statues....
. The PZEV Forester is available for sale in all fifty states, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards. The engine without the turbo runs on unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane, and the turbo uses premium fuel rated at 91 octane.
Safety equipment includes 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. Problems with the ABS and OEM tires came to light during the 2010/2011 winter driving season in North America. This problem led to drivers overshooting their stopping point when the ABS reduced braking in slippery conditions to a far lower level than would have been possible without the ABS and OEM tires. Typically this problem was fixed by replacing the OEM tires with purpose-built winter tires.
The
manual transmissionA manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
is equipped with
Incline Start AssistHill-Holder is a name for the mechanism invented by Studebaker that holds the brake until the clutch is at the friction point, making it easier to start up hills from a stop in manual transmission automobiles. It was first introduced in 1936 as an option for the Studebaker President...
which, on an incline, holds the brake for a second after releasing it to allow for time to depress the accelerator.
Some of the standard equipment found on the 2.5X include Subaru's
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
, 16 inch
steel wheelsSteel Wheels is the 19th British and 21st American studio album by The Rolling Stones and was released in 1989. Heralded as a major comeback upon its release, the project is notable for the patching up of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards' relationship, a reversion to a more classic style of music and...
, and an auxiliary audio jack for
MP3MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
players. Optional equipment includes 17 inch alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, heated front seats and heated side-view mirrors. The L.L. Bean edition adds 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 comes with the premium stereo standard, as well as 17 inch alloy wheels, and the panoramic moonroof. The 2.5 XT Limited adds leather upholstery with heated front seats, in-dash navigation, a rear spoiler, and automatic climate control. For 2009, XT models come only with a 4-speed Automatic with Sport Shift.
Forester XTI concept
The Forester XTI concept vehicle uses the 2.5 liter intercooled turbo engine from Subaru WRX STI, 6-speed manual transmission, 18 x 8-inch S204 forged alloy wheels with Yokohama Advan Neova 255/40R18 performance tires, adjustable coil-over suspension, Brembo brakes with 4-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 and 300 lbft torque.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 SEMA show.
Mountain Rescue Vehicle
Subaru produced a specialized vehicle for the
National Ski PatrolThe National Ski Patrol is the largest winter rescue organization in the world. It was founded in 1938 by Charles Minot Dole, at the urging of Roger Langley...
based on 2.5XT turbo. It includes diamond plate floor, rear steel walls, a 9,500-pound winch and a roof-mounted toboggan. The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 SEMA show.
2011 Facelift
For 2011, the Subaru Forester gets a new grill, and the XT receives a new exclusive rear spoiler.
The naturally aspirated Foresters adone an all new third generation motor with DOHC 2.5l
FB25 and 2.0l flat four FB20.
Awards
External links