1998-2002 Subaru Forester: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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1998-2002 Subaru Forester ▼
- Price Range: $1,800 - $6,600
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Pros
- Standard ABS (L, S)
- Ride
- Cargo room
- Maneuverability
- Visibility
Cons
- Engine vibrations
- Rear-seat room
- Acceleration (automatic transmission)
- Instruments/controls
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 52 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1998-2002 Subaru Forester includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2002 Subaru Forester and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2002 Subaru Forester is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 52 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2002 | |||
| Forester | $6,300-7,500 | $5,500-6,600 | $2,800-3,300 |
| 2001 | |||
| Forester | $5,100-6,500 | $4,300-5,500 | $2,000-2,600 |
| 2000 | |||
| Forester | $4,000-5,000 | $3,300-4,100 | $1,300-1,600 |
| 1999 | |||
| Forester | $3,100-4,200 | $2,400-3,300 | $700-1,000 |
| 1998 | |||
| Forester | $2,500-3,400 | $1,800-2,500 | $500-700 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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