Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

1998-2002 Subaru Forester Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Subaru Forester. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Subaru Forester.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester Review
Subaru launched the Forester for 1998 as a "hybrid" vehicle, blending the attributes of a passenger car and a sport-utility vehicle. To create the Forester, Subaru took the subcompact Impreza station wagon, raised its roofline and added a few extra inches to the body length and width. Because wheelbase was increased only fractionally, interior dimensions grew only slightly over the Impreza. Subaru intended the resulting 5-passenger vehicle to be a "trucky" SUV in the spirit of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Legacy Outback and subcompact Outback Sport, in contrast, were basically just tall-built station wagons. Base, L, and S models went on sale. Each used Subaru's horizontally opposed, 165-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, borrowed from the compact Legacy. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, and 4-speed automatic optional.Forester's standard all-wheel-drive system sensed wheel slip and automatically sent power to the wheels with the most traction. No driver action was needed. Although ground clearance was elevated compared to the Impreza wagon, Forester had no provision for low-range gearing and no talent for serious off-road treks. Towing capacity was 2000 pounds. Standard equipment included air conditioning and split folding rear seats. L and S versions added antilock braking. The S edition also included rear disc brakes, larger wheels and tires, a chrome grille, bigger power mirrors, and an upgraded interior. In addition to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Forester rivals included the Chevrolet Tracker, Kia Sportage, and (in 1999) the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Subaru Forester: Revisions intended to quiet the Forester's engine also added four pound-feet of torque. Transmissions were revised in an attempt to provide smoother, quicker shifts. New interior fabrics and colors were offered. Power side mirrors became standard on L models. Foresters also gained structural modifications intended to improve crashworthiness. Base-model Foresters could no longer get the optional leather upholstery and remote keyless entry system.
2000 Subaru Forester: Subaru trimmed the Forester lineup for 2000, dropping the base-trimmed model. That left L and upscale S editions on sale. The Forester L gained standard cruise control, while the S added a standard limited-slip differential.
2001 Subaru Forester: Forester got a minor facelift including a new chrome grille, reshaped headlights, and revised bumper and taillights for 2001.
2002 Subaru Forester: Forester got a standard retractable cargo-area cover and two new option packages for '02. Replacing last year's S Premium model was the OV Premium Package option. It added front side airbags, sunroof, and unique alloy wheels to the S. The new OK Package included the OV equipment plus leather upholstery.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester Road Test
Pros Cons
Visibility Acceleration (automatic transmission)
Maneuverability Instruments/controls
Cargo room Engine vibrations
Standard ABS (L, S) Rear-seat room
Ride
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With all-wheel drive instead of 4-wheel drive, and built off a car rather than truck platform, Forester is not a true SUV. But any SUV owner who drives one will be immediately impressed by its blend of carlike manners and all-wheel-drive utility. Subaru's flat-4 has good low-rpm power and feels more lively with manual shift, but performs acceptably with the automatic transmission. That transmission shifts smoothly and kicks down promptly, but passing power that feels adequate with just a driver aboard feels subpar with a load of passengers and luggage. A Forester accelerated to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds--almost 2 seconds quicker than Honda's CR-V. Gas mileage is a bonus, compared to truck-type SUVs. We averaged 17 mpg in one automatic-transmission Forester, and 20.9 mpg in a long-term trial. Road and wind noise are constant highway companions, but to a lesser degree than in most other SUVs of any stripe. The engine is gruff when pushed hard, and the idle is lumpy with the air conditioning on. Handling isn't as nimble as a car's, but Forester is less ponderous than truck-based midsize SUVs and far more agile. Body lean is moderate in fast turns, and AWD provides reassuring grip. With a suspension tuned for the street and not the trail, Forester does not pitch or rock on uneven pavement, as do many true SUVs. Braking feels adequate, but pedal action is spongy. You can also expect a fair degree of nosedive in hard stops. Forester looks like a small sport utility, but has the cabin space of a compact wagon. The driving position, while higher than in a traditional sedan, does not impart the "command-of-the-road" feeling of a true SUV. However, tall, thin roof pillars and a low cowl make for outstanding outward visibility to all directions. There's no step-up to speak of, and the doors open wide. So, entry and exit are inviting--though rear openings are quite narrow at the bottom. Head room is generous all around. Front leg room is good, but rear-seaters are squeezed for knee clearance and foot space. Forester's dashboard is well-designed, but some buttons hide behind the steering wheel and the radio controls are too small and low to operate easily while driving.
Value for the Money
Forester is a worthy competitor for the better-publicized CR-V and RAV4. Hybrids are supposed to drive like cars, perform on-road like SUVs, and look like trucks. This one does.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Subaru Forester S Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 7
Total: 52
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine mounts: Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, often making the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (1999-02)
Information stickers/paperwork: Subaru warns that its vehicles should not be emissions tested on some dynamometers because of the potential for serious damage. (1998-2000)
Transmission problems: Flawed parking rod may allow vehicle to roll when placed in the Park. Rod must be replaced. (2001-03)
Windshield: Windshield is easily chipped or scratched. (1998)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $725
Alternator $410
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $850
Brakes $350
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $565
Constant Velocity Joints $730
Exhaust System $260
Radiator $285
Shocks and/or Struts $470
Timing Chain or Belt $180
NHTSA Recall History
1998-99 w/antilock braking: In extremely cold weather, master-cylinder seals could fail; brake pedal might then go to the floor, increasing stopping distance.
2002-03: Defective transmission parking rod assemblies were installed on certain vehicles with automatic transmissions. The vehicle may not remain in "Park." Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1998
Forester $2,900-3,800 $2,200-2,900 $700-900
1999
Forester $3,400-4,500 $2,700-3,600 $900-1,200
2000
Forester $4,700-5,500 $3,900-4,600 $1,800-2,100
2001
Forester $6,200-7,500 $5,400-6,500 $2,700-3,200
2002
Forester $8,300-10,000 $7,500-9,000 $4,300-5,200
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1998-2002 Subaru Forester Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 99.4
Overall Length, in. 175.2
Overall Width, in. 68.3
Overall Height, in. 65.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3100
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 64.6
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.0
Rear Head Room, in. 39.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Subaru's flat (horizontally opposed) overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine made 165 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic might be installed.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc H4 2.5 / 150 165 162-166 5-speed manual: 21/27
4-speed automatic: 21/26
5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: 19.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1999 Forester
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car
    Find a Used Car
Price Range:
to
 Radius:
    Vehicle History Report

FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before you buy.