2003-2008 Subaru Forester: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Redesigned as an early 2003 model, Subaru's Forester got new styling and more leg room than its 1998-2002 predecessor, but it stayed within the compact sport-utility vehicle class. As before, the Forester was essentially a tall wagon that shared its powertrain and many underskin components with Subaru's Impreza subcompact cars. Wheelbase was unchanged, while front and rear leg room increased fractionally and head room shrunk slightly. Foresters came in base 2.5 X and uplevel 2.5 XS trim. Unchanged for 2003 was their horizontally-opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Foresters came with either a manual or automatic transmission, plus all-wheel drive that lacked low-range gearing. Manual-shift models resurrected Subaru's Hill Holder feature, designed to prevent rolling backward on inclines with the clutch pedal depressed. Antilock brakes, again standard, were joined for 2003 by standard head-and-chest-protecting front side airbags. Both models rode on 16-inch tires. Air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt steering, a CD player, and remote keyless entry were standard. Leather upholstery was available only on automatic-transmission XS models, fitted with the optional Premium Package--which included a sunroof and substituted monotone lower-body trim for gray cladding. Forester competitors included the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and Honda CR-V.