Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2002 Subaru Forester Full Review
Date Published: 6/10/08
Also in the 2002 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2002 Subaru Forester Review
Subaru's compact SUV gets a standard retractable cargo-area cover and two new option packages for '02. Forester basically puts a tall wagon body on the platform used by the 1993-2001-generation Subaru Impreza subcompact car. Base L and uplevel S models are offered. Both have a horizontally opposed 4-cyl engine, manual or automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Standard are ABS, air conditioning, and power windows/locks/mirrors. The S model adds 4-wheel disc brakes, heated seats, heated mirrors, and intermittent wipers with deicers. Leather upholstery is optional on both models. Replacing last year's S Premium model is the OV Premium Package option. It adds front side airbags, sunroof, and unique alloy wheels to the S. The new OK Package includes the OV equipment plus leather upholstery.
Competition
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
News
Forester's year-to-year U.S. sales rose 12.8 percent in calendar 2000, then slipped 4.8 percent off that pace in the first nine months of 2001. But that's still not a bad showing given Subaru's relatively small dealer network and an increasingly difficult market.
With parent Impreza just redesigned, Forester adopts the same new platform as part of its own stem-to-stern makeover for 2003. Specifics aren't available yet, but we'd expect slightly larger dimensions and modernized SUV-flavored styling. A turbocharged model, long available in Japan and Europe, will finally come to the U.S. for 2004, perhaps with a retuned version of the hot Impreza WRX powerplant.
With parent Impreza just redesigned, Forester adopts the same new platform as part of its own stem-to-stern makeover for 2003. Specifics aren't available yet, but we'd expect slightly larger dimensions and modernized SUV-flavored styling. A turbocharged model, long available in Japan and Europe, will finally come to the U.S. for 2004, perhaps with a retuned version of the hot Impreza WRX powerplant.
2002 Subaru Forester Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Visibility | Rear-seat room |
| Maneuverability | |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test model with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 9.3 sec--better than average for a compact SUV with automatic. However, automatic transmission upshifts prematurely and hesitates in downshifting.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.5 |
Test model with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 9.3 sec--better than average for a compact SUV with automatic. However, automatic transmission upshifts prematurely and hesitates in downshifting.
Fuel Economy
One automatic-equipped test Forester averaged 20.8 mpg, another 18.6 with more city driving--slightly better than rival compact SUVs, and much better than any truck-based sport-utility wagon.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.8 |
One automatic-equipped test Forester averaged 20.8 mpg, another 18.6 with more city driving--slightly better than rival compact SUVs, and much better than any truck-based sport-utility wagon.
Ride Quality
Stiff, but not uncomfortable; more absorbent, stable than truck-based SUVs.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 3.7 |
Stiff, but not uncomfortable; more absorbent, stable than truck-based SUVs.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering has light effort but good road feel. Lots of body lean in fast turns, but not tippy-feeling. Better overall than rival SUVs.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.7 |
Steering has light effort but good road feel. Lots of body lean in fast turns, but not tippy-feeling. Better overall than rival SUVs.
Quietness
Moderate road and wind noise; noisier than a car, but quieter than truck-based SUVs. Engine throbs under acceleration.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.3 |
Moderate road and wind noise; noisier than a car, but quieter than truck-based SUVs. Engine throbs under acceleration.
Controls
Audio and climate controls are not as large and handy as they could be, but dashboard layout is otherwise orderly and convenient. Higher driving position than most cars, large windows, and thin pillars add up to great visibility.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
Audio and climate controls are not as large and handy as they could be, but dashboard layout is otherwise orderly and convenient. Higher driving position than most cars, large windows, and thin pillars add up to great visibility.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample head room for 6-footers; leg room is a little tight for taller passengers. Easy step-in.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 |
Ample head room for 6-footers; leg room is a little tight for taller passengers. Easy step-in.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Generous head room, but leg room is tight if front seats are pushed back even near halfway. Narrow door bottoms hinder entry/exit a bit.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.7 |
Generous head room, but leg room is tight if front seats are pushed back even near halfway. Narrow door bottoms hinder entry/exit a bit.
Cargo Room
Split rear seatbacks fold fore and aft for reclined seating position or flat cargo floor. Large tailgate opening and fine load volume.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Split rear seatbacks fold fore and aft for reclined seating position or flat cargo floor. Large tailgate opening and fine load volume.
Value within Class
Forester is the most carlike of car-based quasi-SUVs, with a blend of performance, comfort, utility, and value that merits our Recommended tag. Competition is stiff, though, so check out our "Also Consider" picks.
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 5.4 |
Forester is the most carlike of car-based quasi-SUVs, with a blend of performance, comfort, utility, and value that merits our Recommended tag. Competition is stiff, though, so check out our "Also Consider" picks.
Total Score
| S w/OK Prem. Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
| 54 | 44.6 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2002 Subaru Forester Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/28/2001
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| L 4-door wagon | $20,295 | $18,506 | $525 |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door wagon | $22,895 | $20,778 | $525 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
L
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock , tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, overhead storage console, map lights, intermittent wipers, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 205/70R15 white-letter tires.
S adds to L:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, 6-disc CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer, visor mirrors.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/60R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
OV Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
S
|
$1,000
|
$896
|
|
Front side airbags, power sunroof, monotone paint, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
OK Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
S
|
$1,700
|
$1,523
|
|
OV Premium Pkg. plus leather upholstery. Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
|
||
|
Feature Group 3
|
||
|
S
|
$414
|
$270
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, cargo cover, theft-deterrent system, tail pipe cover.
|
||
|
Feature Group 4
|
||
|
L, S
|
$195
|
$128
|
|
Interior air filter, cargo net, armrest extension.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Group 1
|
||
|
L
|
$927
|
$640
|
|
CD player, upgraded sound system.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Pkg. 2
|
||
|
L
|
$1,086
|
$759
|
|
In-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Pkg. 3
|
||
|
S
|
$566
|
$369
|
|
Upgraded sound system.
|
||
|
Interior Upgrade Group
|
||
|
L, S
|
$540
|
$353
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, woodgrain interior trim, armrest extension, cargo net.
|
||
|
Security Group
|
||
|
L
|
$367
|
$239
|
|
Remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system.
|
||
|
Protection Group
|
||
|
L, S
|
$665
|
$362
|
|
Brush guard, hood deflector, differential protector, rear dust deflector.
|
||
|
Appearance Group
|
||
|
L, S
|
$493
|
$321
|
|
Fender flares, rear spoiler.
|
||
|
Feature Group 7
|
||
|
L, S
|
$195
|
$128
|
|
Rubber floormats and cargo mat.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
4-speed automatic transmission
|
||
|
L, S
|
$800
|
$719
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
L, S
|
$1,295
|
$975
|
|
Remote keyless entry
|
||
|
L
|
$178
|
$116
|
|
CD player
|
||
|
L
|
$361
|
$271
|
|
Interior air filter
|
||
|
L, S
|
$55
|
$36
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
L
|
$595
|
$447
|
|
|
||
2002 Subaru Forester Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3140 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 63.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| 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.
Engines
| sohc H4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 165 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 166 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 21/27 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear 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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
