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2003 Subaru Forester Full Review
Date Published: 6/10/08
Also in the 2003 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2003 Subaru Forester Review
Redesigned as an early 2003 entry, Forester gets new styling and more leg room than its 1998-2002 predecessor, but stays within the compact-SUV class. As before, this is basically a tall wagon that shares its powertrain and many underskin components with Subaru's Impreza subcompact cars. Wheelbase is unchanged for '03, while front and rear leg room increase fractionally, and head room decreases slightly. Forester offers a base 2.5X model, uplevel 2.5XS, and due this Summer as an early '04, a turbocharged 2.5 XT. Unchanged for '03 is the X and XS's horizontally opposed 2.5-liter 4-cyl engine. XTs offer a similar engine but with turbocharging for a boost in horsepower from 165 to 210. All come with manual or automatic transmission and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Manual-transmission models resurrect Subaru's Hill Holder feature designed to prevent rolling on inclines with the clutch-pedal depressed. Antilock brakes are again standard, and are joined for '03 by standard head-and-chest-protecting front side airbags. All models use 16-inch wheels. Air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt steering, CD player, and remote keyless entry are also standard. Leather upholstery is available on automatic-transmission XS and XT models fitted with the optional Premium Package.
Competition
Though our Best Buys, 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. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a 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. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a 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. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
News
Forester followed a 2.8-percent sales loss in calendar '01 with a 2-percent decline in '02, though that represented only some 1100 units. Sales may return to the plus column in '03 with the wagon's latest makeover and early introduction of the expected turbo 2.5XT model. As for what's coming next, our crystal ball is cloudy, though we've heard whispers of a major facelift for 2006.
Unrelated to Forester, except maybe in underskin engineering, is a rumored 7-seat Subaru wagon/minivan now in development. Timing is unknown, but this vehicle will reportedly be Subaru's alone. Earlier, Subaru was said to be mulling some sort of new-think crossover for late decade, based on General Motors' much-delayed Lambda platform, but has evidently decided to go its own way. GM has a 20-percent stake in Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries, but there's been no sign of trans-Pacific collaboration so far.
Unrelated to Forester, except maybe in underskin engineering, is a rumored 7-seat Subaru wagon/minivan now in development. Timing is unknown, but this vehicle will reportedly be Subaru's alone. Earlier, Subaru was said to be mulling some sort of new-think crossover for late decade, based on General Motors' much-delayed Lambda platform, but has evidently decided to go its own way. GM has a 20-percent stake in Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries, but there's been no sign of trans-Pacific collaboration so far.
2003 Subaru Forester Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Visibility | Rear-seat room |
| Maneuverability | |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Foresters are slow off the line, but build power adequately thereafter. Expect 0-60-mph time to mirror the 9.3 sec we got in tests of 1998-2002 automatic-transmission Foresters, which were similar in size and weight. Automatics tend to upshift prematurely and hesitate in downshifting.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Foresters are slow off the line, but build power adequately thereafter. Expect 0-60-mph time to mirror the 9.3 sec we got in tests of 1998-2002 automatic-transmission Foresters, which were similar in size and weight. Automatics tend to upshift prematurely and hesitate in downshifting.
Fuel Economy
XS test models with automatic transmission averaged 19.4-23.1 mpg. Expect slightly higher with manual. Overall, Forester gets better fuel economy than more-traditional compact SUVs.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
XS test models with automatic transmission averaged 19.4-23.1 mpg. Expect slightly higher with manual. Overall, Forester gets better fuel economy than more-traditional compact SUVs.
Ride Quality
Clearly the most carlike compact SUV, with the stability and absorbency of a taut-suspension small car. Still, rough roads at highway speed can turn the ride jittery.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Clearly the most carlike compact SUV, with the stability and absorbency of a taut-suspension small car. Still, rough roads at highway speed can turn the ride jittery.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The most-agile compact SUV. Has slightly elevated ground clearance, but low, carlike center of gravity, so body roll in fast turns evident but not excessive. Forester never feels tippy. AWD aids wet and dry grip. Steering feel is light but responsive.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 |
The most-agile compact SUV. Has slightly elevated ground clearance, but low, carlike center of gravity, so body roll in fast turns evident but not excessive. Forester never feels tippy. AWD aids wet and dry grip. Steering feel is light but responsive.
Quietness
Quiet around town, but wind rush and road noise rise markedly with speed, compromising long highway trips. Engine throbs during rapid acceleration, but unobtrusive otherwise.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
Quiet around town, but wind rush and road noise rise markedly with speed, compromising long highway trips. Engine throbs during rapid acceleration, but unobtrusive otherwise.
Controls
Clear, simple dashboard layout, with adequately sized controls. Automatic climate system standard on XS. Interior decor isn't opulent, but materials and workmanship impress at this price level.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Clear, simple dashboard layout, with adequately sized controls. Automatic climate system standard on XS. Interior decor isn't opulent, but materials and workmanship impress at this price level.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample head room for 6-footers. Good seat comfort, though passenger side lacks lumbar adjustment. Relatively tall cabin makes for easy entry/exit. High driving position, large windows, and thin pillars add up to great outward visibility.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Ample head room for 6-footers. Good seat comfort, though passenger side lacks lumbar adjustment. Relatively tall cabin makes for easy entry/exit. High driving position, large windows, and thin pillars add up to great outward visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Seat is chair high and supportive. Rear leg room sufficient with front seats moved less than halfway back; tight otherwise.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Seat is chair high and supportive. Rear leg room sufficient with front seats moved less than halfway back; tight otherwise.
Cargo Room
A useful 32 cu ft of cargo space with the rear seatbacks up and 64 with the split backrest folded--the latter number competitive with many larger SUVs. Large tailgate opening, low liftover ease loading. Plenty of compartments in cabin, but none with substantial capacity.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
A useful 32 cu ft of cargo space with the rear seatbacks up and 64 with the split backrest folded--the latter number competitive with many larger SUVs. Large tailgate opening, low liftover ease loading. Plenty of compartments in cabin, but none with substantial capacity.
Value within Class
If you can live with modest acceleration, limited towing capacity, and constrained rear-seat space, Foresters are rational alternatives to any number of bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. All combine AWD security with plenty of cargo space, a stable ride, and respectable fuel economy in a pleasantly carlike package.
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
If you can live with modest acceleration, limited towing capacity, and constrained rear-seat space, Foresters are rational alternatives to any number of bulkier, less-efficient SUVs. All combine AWD security with plenty of cargo space, a stable ride, and respectable fuel economy in a pleasantly carlike package.
Total Score
| XS, man. | XS, w/Prem. Pkg. leather, auto. | Class Average |
| 55 | 55 | 47.1 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2003 Subaru Forester Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/12/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| X 4-door wagon, manual | $20,845 | $19,044 | $525 |
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| X 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,645 | $19,763 | $525 |
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| XS 4-door wagon, manual | $23,095 | $20,987 | $525 |
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| XS 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,895 | $21,706 | $525 |
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| XS w/Premium Pkg. 4-door wagon, manual | $24,095 | $21,883 | $525 |
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| XS w/Premium Pkg. 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,895 | $22,602 | $525 |
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| XS w/Premium Pkg. leather 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,645 | $23,274 | $525 |
Price note: 2004 XT prices and equipment not available at time of publication. 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
X
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, hill holder clutch (manual), all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, 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, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, overhead console, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-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, 215/60HR16 white-letter tires.
XS adds to X:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, heated front seats, AM/FM/weatherband radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, windshield-wiper deicer.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels.
XS w/Premium Pkg. adds to XS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof.
XS w/Premium Pkg. leather adds to XS w/Premium Pkg.:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Popular Equipment Group 1
|
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XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS W/Premium Pkg. leather
|
$282
|
$181
|
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Cargo tray, splash guards, rear-bumper cover.
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Popular Equipment Group 2
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X, XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS w/Premium Pkg. leather
|
$425
|
$277
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, theft-deterrent system upgrade, tailpipe cover.
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Popular Equipment Group 3
|
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X, XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS w/Premium Pkg. leather
|
$238
|
$156
|
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Interior air filter, armrest extension, cargo net.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Premium Sound Pkg. 1
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X
|
$1,082
|
$756
|
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
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Premium Sound Pkg. 2
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X, XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS w/Premium Pkg. leather
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$562
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$366
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Upgraded sound system.
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In-dash 6-disc CD changer
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X
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$520
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$390
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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X, XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS w/Premium Pkg. leather
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$183
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$119
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Includes compass.
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Rubber floormats
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X, XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS w/Premium Pkg. leather
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$55
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$33
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Rear spoiler
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X, XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS w/Premium Pkg. leather
|
$350
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$228
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Trailer hitch
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X, XS, XS w/Premium Pkg., XS w/Premium Pkg. leather
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$295
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$192
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Alloy wheels
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X
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$649
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$487
|
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2003 Subaru Forester Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Forester 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 62.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3090 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 64.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.7 |
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 | 21/27 |
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 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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 2003 Subaru Forester Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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