2003 Subaru Forester Reviews

The many fans of Subaru’s four-wheel drive models were rejoicing with the news of the Forester in 1997.It quickly attracted a legion of followers after its launch, and Subaru was eager to build on that momentum when it released an updated model in 2002.The new MY03 model was an evolution of the previous one rather than a revolution. It followed the same theme, but complaints levelled against the earlier model were addressed.A lack of performance from the 2.0-litre engine was the most common grumble about the older model, and Subaru was quick to promote the change to a 2.5-litre engine in the new car.Another negative sometimes aired was that the Forester felt a little flimsy. It wasn’t, it just felt that way.In response there was a new, stronger body shell that boosted cabin space, and offered better side impact protection.For your X money you got more safety features and more equipment.The growing popularity of the SUV demanded companies like Subaru offer more to satisfy the increasing variety of needs and wants of a new buying clientele switching to the new-age wagons.With that came a new model line-up, starting with the X at the entry-point.For your X money you got more safety features and more equipment.Dual front airbags, anti-lock ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, seat belt pretensioners boosted the Forester’s safety, while standard air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, an adjustable steering wheel, roof racks, and a radio cassette player with four speakers added to its comfort and convenience.For more there was the XS, and for the extra spend you got 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, a six-stacker CD player, fog lights, and automatic self-levelling suspension.But like the steak knife salesman Subaru had even more in the form of the XS Luxury.On top of all that you got with the XS the Luxury sub-tag got you the added safety of side airbags, leather trim, and a power sunroof.The sizzling hot GT was discontinued in MY03; at least the GT badge was dropped.It came back as a MY04 model in 2003, but carrying an XT badge. It still had the performance of a turbo engine, but not the image of the GT.The XT spec mirrored that of the XS.Like the XS there was also a Luxury version of the XT, its spec mirrored the XS Luxury.An update in 2005, dubbed MY06, boosted the engine’s performance, and improved its offroad capability with increased ground clearance.Towards the end of its model life Subaru added a special model, an X with sat nav.But anyone looking to have Bluetooth to connect an iPhone or Android device, a touchscreen, parking sensors, reversing camera, or a park assist system would have been disappointed.The new body promised more elbow and legroom for those in the front and rear seats.It was a rather bland place to find yourself; awash with plastics that felt hard to the touch, but at the same time it was on a par with most other models coming from Japanese carmakers.Trim on the bulk of the models was durable cloth; those tagged with the Luxury badge had leather.It was of a time when buyers were expecting, of all things, more cupholders, and Subaru obliged with seven in the MY06 update, and threw in a small picnic table in the rear for good measure.Lap sash seat belts allow for the fitment of a baby car seat, but there were no ISOFIX mounting points.Like the first Forester the MY03 was powered by a horizontally-opposed, flat-four petrol engine, but unlike the previous model it was a 2.5-litre engine designed to address the complaints about a lack of performance of the earlier 2.0-litre engine.Power and torque were both increased, up to 112kW (150 horsepower) and 223Nm respectively.When required the 2.5-litre models would do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.4 seconds, the turbo models in a blistering 6.4 seconds.Both ran on petrol, the base 2.5-litre engine could use 91-octane regular, but the turbo needed 95-octane premium to run at its best.The transmission options were a five-speed manual gearbox, or a rather dull four-speed automatic transmission.Manual versions had dual-range all-wheel drive; the autos had an on-demand system.When the XT arrived in 2003 it came with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine putting out 155kW/320Nm.The MY06 update saw the performance peaks of both engines increased.The base engine jumped to 121kW/226Nm, while the turbo engine went up to 169kW/320Nm.A shortage of ground clearance meant it was necessary to stay away from the hard going off-road if you didn’t want to be stranded. Keep that in mind and you won’t go far wrong, it’s quite capable.On the blacktop it’s a great performer. Sure-footed with all-wheel drive it’s a good thing to drive.With only a four-speed automatic it lacks the smoothness and driveability that comes from having a fifth ratio.The good news was that ANCAP gave the Forester a full complement of five stars.In base form it came with dual front airbags and seat belt pretensioners, and an array of electronic safety features, like ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution.Further crash protection in the form of side front airbags were added in 2005.The Forester’s reliability is exemplary; owners report few problems even though some have had them for quite a long time.The flat-four ‘boxer’ engine is strong and reliable, but it’s important to check for oil leaks and signs of oil burning. It’s quite common to see a puff of smoke from the tailpipe on start-up in the morning; it’s generally oil that has accumulated in the piston rings while the car has been sitting idle overnight.Like all cars the Forester thrives on regular maintenance and oil changes. Subaru recommended servicing every 12,500km or six months, and it’s important that this routine is maintained.Use the recommended 5W-40 oil and you won't go wrong.The engine employs a cam timing belt and this requires changing every five years or 100,000km. Ignoring it is to risk serious internal damage to the engine.It pre-dated capped price servicing, but service costs aren’t expensive and any mechanic can do it.The warranty when new was for three years/unlimited kilometres.This model Forester was not affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall.Look for evidence of off-road use by checking the underbody for damage, and walk away if you see any. There are lots of other cars on the market that have only been used on sealed roads.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Subaru Forester problems.Kevin Oakes: My X rides smoothly and handles well. It’s economical and the performance is quite good for my needs.Karen Hardy: My 2004 XT never fails to excite me; it goes hard and pushes you back in the seat when accelerating. It’s sturdy, handles well, and it’s been reliable.Terry Harrison: I have an XT Luxury, which has been great for everyday use, but even better when I get away on weekends. It’s fast and so far it has been reliable.Tanya Thomson: Our 2006 XS is the second Forester we’ve had. I love the performance of the 2.5-litre engine, but I’d like more room in the back.Colin Adams: I’ve loved my 2007 XT since I bought it new. The performance is great, the economy reasonable, and the cabin is roomy enough for a couple or small family.Hyundai Santa FeMuch improved, but still great value-for-money, and there is a diesel.Ford TerritoryMuch maligned for its suspension troubles, the early Ford SUV is one to avoid.Toyota RAV4Grown up SUV was larger, roomier, with good performance and road manners.Nice blend of everyday practicality and off-road capability for weekends.

When the Forester was introduced to Australia in 1997 it was closely related to the Subaru Impreza hatch. It also reminded Subaru lovers of the Subaru 4WD station wagons. Over the years the Forester morphed into a medium SUV in styling.However, even as it entered the crossover era the Forester still had useful ground clearance so can tackle tougher than average conditions in the bush and on the beach.Forester's suspension has longer travel than the Impreza, and more rugged specs with semi-off-road tyres. The latter may have been replaced by normal car tyres at some time during the Forester's life, so check for this if you're considering doing some mild to medium off-road driving.Early model Subaru Foresters, have relatively long overhangs front and rear, a legacy of being adapted from a car.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machineGood interior room is a real advantage of the squared-off styling. The front seats have plenty of legroom, width and headroom. The rear seat can take three people without too much of a hassle, though it's better if they are children, rather than adults.Entry and exit to the back seat is easy, partly because of the taller than average styling but chiefly because you don't have to climb up into the seats as you do in an off-road 4WD.There's a good luggage area and practicality is further improved by the Forester having numerous storage areas throughout the vehicle.Handling is reasonable for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a crossover SUV, not a sports machine, so don't hammer it too hard at bends. However, see the notes on the Forester GT (later tagged as the Forester XT).Subaru Forester first reached Australia in August 1997 and was joined by the Forester GT in September 1998. The latter is a fun little hotshot powered by a slightly detuned Subaru WRX engine.Forester GT was renamed Forester XT in the second-generation model in an attempt to fool the insurance companies into thinking it's not a GT. The Forester GT and XT are performance off-roaders, though certainly not to the same extent as the WRX.August 2003 saw the introduction of the second-generation Subaru Forester. It features a bit more style than the original series, particularly around the multi-faceted tail but, yet again, function takes preference over fashion. The latest version arrived here in 2008 and moved further towards an SUV shape in style.Power for the standard Forester models comes from a 2.0-litre flat-four motor. Upmarket variants received a 2.5-litre motor from 2002 and that larger capacity was continued into all Foresters since then, with improvements in consumption and emissions introduced in several stages.The extra capacity of the 2.5 goes into generating more torque rather than going for pure power - very much in the conservative way of thinking that's so appealing to many Australian drivers.Manual gearboxes are mated to a two-speed transfer case, but the automatic versions only have a single-range. Subaru considers the torque multiplication through the converter largely replaces the need for a low ratio on the auto.Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonably priced though we have heard a few complaints about high prices on some less common parts.Insurance premiums are generally moderate for the standard Foresters, but check on prices on the GT and XT, particularly if you're classed as a young or inexperienced driver; insurance costs could break your bank account.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lagA good amateur mechanic should have no trouble doing most jobs. It's always wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before beginning work. Please leave the safety-related items to experts.Older engines often have that typical flat-four 'dak-dak' beat when they get a lot of kilometres on them. If it seems too bad the engine may be approaching overhaul time. Newer ones are more refined, but it's still wise to have them checked out.Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lag.On a turbocharged model, check the clutch isn't slipping - this usually shows up on fast upchanges. Subaru makes the clutch a sacrificial component so that it fails first to protect other transmission parts.Check underneath in case the Forester has been seriously used in off-road conditions. The front and rear bumper corners and their mountings are likely to be the first areas to suffer.Scrutinise the door sills, the protection plates under mechanical components and the lower parts of the underbody for signs of damage.Hot versions of standard Subarus seem to lead a harder life than the their equivalent from other makersLook at the condition of the seats, carpets and boot in case the Forester has been knocked about, particularly in off-road use.Lots of sand in the carpet may mean it's spent time on the beach. If you suspect this, taste for salt in the areas under the car.Look over the complete body for signs of crash repairs. The easiest to spot are generally poorly matching paint colours and slight ripples in the panels.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Forester as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Subaru Forester as a used buy.

The Subaru Forester has always been one of our favourite four-wheel-drives.And a favourite car, too.The boxy baby Suby will never take you to the top of the toughest trail, but it's a top choice for people who need a car but enjoy the fun that comes with a 4WD.The Forester has always had its shortcomings, led by the cramped back seat, but it has the edge – for us – over its rivals, mostly because it's more car-like and comfy than a Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.The Forester also picked up points when it picked up punch as the turbocharged GT, even if it didn't have the all-out go or grip of the WRX cult car. It was too gangly in the suspension and turbo lag also cut its appeal.But Subaru has done a substantial update on the latest Forester, even if it has lost the sexy GT badge and picked up an XT label instead.The newcomer has been given more go, which works well with the bigger and bolder Forester II body, as well as substantial tweaks on everything from headlamps to air-con.It's still a good deal, priced from $39,490 for a five-speed manual gearbox or $41,490 for a four-speed self-shifter. There is also a big list of extra kit – from a rear roof spoiler at $389.68 and fender flares at $363.15 to a Rola bicycle holder at $225.83 and a cargo net at $165.21. A fully-loaded automatic with the Luxury Pack will cost $44,990.To put things into focus, the Forester line-up now starts at $31,490 for the 2.5 litre X model, while a Toyota RAV4 starts from $27,600, a basic X-Trail from Nissan is $31,990, a four-cylinder Hyundai Santa Fe is $29,990 and the cheapest of the Honda CR-Vs is $31,990.The Forester XT makes the pace for the Subaru corner with a new 2.5-litre turbo motor that makes a romping 155kW of power and 320 Nm of torque.That's one-third more power and 50 per cent more torque than the basic four-cylinder engine, and awfully close to the original figures from the early days of the WRX.The driving force in the XT includes a limited-slip rear differential, anti-skid four-wheel disc brakes and self-levelling rear suspension. The safety systems include twin airbags with a two-stage inflator on the passenger's side, active front head restraints and – Subaru's signature item – the "symmetrical all-wheel drive".The equipment list is even more impressive, with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD sound system, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, and even automatic air-con.Our favourite items are the front-seat armrests and the outside temperature gauge.On the roadWe got a surprise when we uncorked the new Forester flagship for the first time.The turbo bites with a kick that reminds us of the slingshot start of the original WRX. It was a whoo-hoo moment.Subaru says the XT will run a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds, and we believe it.It also makes it the most spritely of the compact all-wheel-drives and helps justify a price that's higher than that of many of its rivals.It's easy to jump the $40,000 hurdle for a well-equipped Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute with the lot. But the engine is not the only attraction in the latest Forester.The suspension has also been firmed and flattened to make the XT less like a roly-poly four-wheel-drive truckster and more like a car.You still sit up high in the "command position" but the view doesn't tilt when you tackle a turn.The XT also has a better cornering balance than the earlier car, signalling its limits earlier and without hinting that it would be happier to just shuffle off the road.It now responds with more front-end grip if you lift the accelerator, and – if you want to go a bit wild at a closed course – it will slide from the rear but recover quickly with good grip and surprising traction.But that's at the limit, and few people push the Forester that hard.Even so, it's nice to know it will give you an early and obvious warning if you overcook things, particularly on the sort of slippery gravel and loose dirt roads the Forester is likely to tackle.It still doesn't have the sort of "crawler" low-range gears that would please serious 4WD explorers, but these people should be looking first at the X-Trail, or even a baby Suzuki Jimny, for rock hopping and mountain climbing.The turbo torque in the XT means it will grunt up serious slopes and it has better ground clearance before and the extra grip that comes with the limited-slip diff.The engine also makes the XT a swift overtaker and a confident and easy highway car with almost no sign of the dreaded "turbo lag".It makes boost from little more than 2000 revs and pulls really hard from 3500. And there is always that (whisper it) WRX-style hoot if you push to the redline and hammer through the gears.We also enjoyed the cabin comforts, equipment and headlamps.The latest Forester also has better visibility and more space in the tail, and is quieter than the first model.It's a pity the back seat is still upright and cramped for adults, but Subaru says most Forester buyers are singles or youngish families who can always graduate to an Outback when they need more space.We liked it before, and we like it even more now.

It takes just 6.4 seconds and you are not only doing 100km/h but side by side with the likes of the Mercedes C32 AMG or the Nissan 350Z. And, right on the bumper of V8 counterparts.No, you are not in the Porsche Boxster S but Subaru's new 2.5 XT Forester, the soft-roader with a pile of grunt and style to match.Power flows from the turbocharger with no lag and an extremely responsive right pedal.This is helped by Electronic Throttle Control which does away with the accelerator cable, replacing it with an electronic connection between pedal and throttle for more responsive control.Gear changes are made quick and easy thanks to the sporty-feel five-speed gearbox, with short throw just in case the power is not enough to make you feel like you are in a sports car.The clutch is heavy, as you would expect from a turbo, but this is offset by hillholder, the anti-roll back mechanism that one can only wish will some day be standard on every manual.The all-wheel-drive takes the Forester to the next level in terms of handling and responsiveness on and off the beaten track.The XT is just as comfortable on the road as off.And comfort is a key of the XT package. Whether it be negotiating the ever growing pot holes on the suburban street or rougher terrain the independent suspension evens out the ride.While the XT xould benefit from 17 inch wheels the standard 16inch 215 Yokohama Geolander tyres still allow responsive and accurate handling.Unusual is the positioning of the steering wheel which is tilted backwards more than usual.The seating position is upright and high making it easy to negotiate tight spaces while the wagon is not too long to make parking tedious.The Forester XT sits at the top of the Forester food chain with the 2.5 X, the 2.5 XS and XS luxury priced underneath. The interior has been widened an extra 1.45cm with more room to stretch your legs in the front and rear.The interior has more than enough features including cup holders, overhead consoles, centre console and cargo power outlets but without the clutter.There are plenty of pockets and gadgets and the boot easily handles a full load of shopping or all your gear, that would require some cars to add a trailer.The instrument panel is clear and easy to read limiting concentration loss and averted eyes.The Forester XT is priced between $39,490 (standard manual) and $44,990 (luxury automatic).The 4 cylinder DOHC intercooled turbo with AVCS produces 155kw @ 5600rpm and 320Nm @ 3600rpm which after 14.8 seconds sees you 400m from the cars still lagging behind at the lights.It is a little guzzly on the gas.It is claimed the XT is an economical 11.2km per litre but testing showed a little higher, hovering around 13km per litre. The luxury model found its way into our garage which boasted full leather trim, dual front and side airbags and a sunroof that bathes not only the front occupants but the rear as well.Yet, the standard model is nothing to sneeze at with ABS with Engine Braking System, 6 stack CD, cruise and climate control, power everything, 16 inch alloys, sporty fog lamps and roof rails as standard.The XT might be at the top end of the price bracket but as a whole package is reasonably priced.The luxury pack is especially appealing offering the style, performance and comfort of a fully imported sports car but with a tag that comes in cheaper than most top of the line family sedans.

Like cupholders. To adults, they're useful pieces of hardware. To kids, or at least, my kids, they're works of art.And the Subaru Forester has the best cupholders yet. The one which comes out of the dashboard, my 11-year-old son informs me, "spreads out like a bird's wings". Better still is the double version which springs to life from behind the centre console "like a pair of handcuffs".So my kids think the Forester is just about the best car I've brought home.They're not the only ones.Subaru is selling the Forester in record numbers and, cupholders aside, it's not hard to see why.More than 6500 have been sold this year making it close to a top-seller in the off-road market. The launch of an upgraded and updated model in June has further boosted those figures.The 2002 version gains a bigger, more powerful 2.5 litre version of the Boxer engine, producing 112kw and 223Nm.The Forester has also been refined inside and out -- nothing drastic, mind you.The car's popularity isn't hard to fathom. It's comfortable. It's capable. And it's pleasant to drive. It gives a high level of off-road capability, yet in a package which still drives like a family wagon, is easy to park and won't send you broke every time you fill it up.The Forester is an interesting mix. It's not outstanding in any particular way yet does just about everything well. It's an unobtrusive car, one that tends to sneak up on you. When I first drove it I suspected the performance was a little sluggish -- until I glanced at the speedo and realised how effortlessly the car skips up to, and beyond, the speed limit with a minimum of fuss.The more I drove it, the more I appreciated the flexibility of the engine, coupled in this case to a pleasant-enough five-speed manual gearbox. I suspect it would be even better with the four-speed auto.The understated performance is typical of what you get with the Forester. It seems to do everything just a little bit better then you realise.It's not a huge -- shorter than a full-sized family wagon and not as tall as most 4WDs -- yet it's roomy enough for two adults, three kids and lots of stuff in the cargo area.To compensate for the car's lack of overall size, Subaru has made use of every available space. There's a series of little storage bins beneath the floor of the luggage compartment; a good-sized glove-box with a special spot for the service manuals to maximise the usable space; more storage in the centre console and also in the dash, plus smaller trays and bins in doors and about the cabin. Overhead, there are even two handy flip-down spots for sunglasses.The Forester retains the driveability and road manners of a passenger car, with the added grip of constant 4WD, but still has a dual-range transfer case and enough ground clearance to make it a genuine off-roader.Its chunky, boxy body shape means the Forester is not as sleek as its stablemates, the Outback and Liberty wagon, but Subaru has done enough with the exterior trim to still make it look attractive -- it's a marked improvement on the previous model.There is excellent visibility, particularly when reversing because of a lower-than-usual window panel in the rear cargo door.There's a nice six-stack CD/stereo, although I found the volume control would never allow me to find a happy medium between too loud and too soft. The circular, soft-touch climate controls are stylish and effective.Upholstery is functional. I might even be inclined to tip in the extra $3000 to get the luxury pack with leather seats and other goodies like side airbags and sunroof.Automatic transmission is another $2000 option on the Forester, although the five-speed manual is no hardship, apart from a slightly heavy clutch.SUBARU FORESTER XS* DETAILS: Mid-size five-door 4WD wagon, 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder 112kW engine; fuel consumption 10 l/100km (city cycle).* FEATURES: Dual airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, climate control airconditioning, 6-stack CD, cruise control, power windows, steering and mirrors, 12 volt power sockets.* COST: $34,490 (auto $2000 extra).* RIVALS: Toyota RAV4 Cruiser ($35,440); Nissan X-Trail Ti ($35,990).* FOR: Well-built, capable off-roader well-suited around the city.* AGAINST: Upholstery could be a little more inviting.* SUMMING UP: Not hard to see why the Forester is a favourite for Aussie families.