1998-2002 Subaru Forester: Overview

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.