Extensively revised for 2003, the second-generation Subaru Forester adds sports appeal and improved handling. The new Forester is roomier than before and comes with new features that move its image slightly upscale. Yet it still combines fuel efficiency, cargo room, safety, and the foul-weather advantages of all-wheel drive.
Introduced in the 1998 model year, the Forester mini-SUV soon became a household word. Subaru's answer to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 carved a niche and achieved respectable sales. The Forester looked more rugged than Subaru's Impreza sedan and less like a wagon than the Outback. It also boasted a relatively high ground clearance, respectable stowage space for gear and a four-wheel-drive system adopted from Subaru's world champion rally cars.
The five-passenger Forester is part of a mixed heritage. Although Subaru has sold the best-selling imported wagon in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, the brand has not been easily categorized. Buyers have traditionally gone to Subaru for reliability, but just as many nowadays are more interested in performance. The Forester attempts to combine the best of both worlds. It works well as a grocery getter, and excels as a backcountry runabout for family camping trips. It's more powerful than the small SUVs in its class and is backed by a legendary four-wheel-drive system. It's also great on gas and comfortable enough for cross country road trips.
The 2003 Subaru Forester comes in two versions: the basic 2.5X ($21,070) and the up-level 2.5XS ($22,895). (Suggested retail prices include destination charges.) The two models share basic equipment and drivetrains, but the XS offers additional comfort and safety features.
All Foresters come with Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and upgraded suspension components.
Both the 2.5 X and the 2.5 XS are available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The transmissions operate with two different all-wheel-drive systems: Manual transmissions use what Subaru calls Continuous All-Wheel Drive; automatic transmissions use Active All-Wheel Drive.
New standard features include a 100-watt stereo with CD player, remote keyless entry system, 16-inch sport wheels and variable intermittent windshield wipers. Upgraded standard safety features include a dual-stage deployment front passenger airbag, front-seat head/chest side-impact airbags, active front-seat head restraints, and pretensioners and force limiters on the front seatbelts. Standard on both models is a four-channel, four-sensor antilock brake system (ABS).
2.5 XS adds automatic climate control, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Gray Metallic finish lower body cladding, a six-disc CD changer and tricot sun visors. An optional XS Premium Package includes monotone exterior trim and body cladding, a power moonroof and optional leather upholstery with automatic transmission models. An All-Weather Package is also available.
Subaru Forester has undergone a headlamp-to-tailpipe upgrade for the 2003 model year. It was redesigned two years ago (for 2001) with a more streamlined look than its boxy predecessor.
In front, a large grille and contoured headlights cap a smooth bumper cover with integrated fog lights. A sculpted new aluminum hood improves sightlines for the driver, while reducing weight for improved handling.
The rear is significantly changed, with a unique hexagonal rear gate framed by triangular taillights and blister type rear quarter panels. The rear gate opening size is increased to aid with stowage of gear, and the effort it takes to close the gate has been reduced by 30 percent. Textured gray body cladding encases the lower third of base 2.5X versions. The cladding is a contrasting steel gray metallic on 2.5XS models, which come with larger gray metallic foldable, heated exterior mirrors. Bumpers have been designed to absorb impact up to 5 mph for reduced damage during parking lot dings.
