Subaru Forester I 2.5 (165 Hp) 4WD

Subaru Forester:

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
The Forester was first introduced as the Streega concept at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and became available for sale in Japan in February 1997, reaching the U. S. market later that year for the 1998 model year. As one of the first crossover SUVs, it was reportedly inspired by Volkswagen. Built in the style of a station wagon, the Forester featured a taller stance, higher H-point seating, and a standard all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru marketed it with the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It utilized the Impreza platform but was powered by the larger 2. 5-liter DOHC EJ25D engine from the Subaru Outback, producing 123 kW at 5,600 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Overview:

Subaru Forester (I). It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1380 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.8 s). The top speed reaches 178 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 61% Neutral: 8% Issues: 32%

3.6 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 38 discussions

Read What Owners Say

👍 POSITIVE

96 legacy wagon 5mt... half million miles on the odometer... sorry if I screwed the results..

👍 POSITIVE

I bought 2 early 90’s legacies when I was younger because for whatever reason there were always a ton available under 1500 dollars and I absolutely loved wagons. I only bought the second because the first was stolen. It was really common to find those legacies with well over 200k miles. My first had 460k before getting stolen. I always felt as if the reason they are deemed less reliable is the n

👍 POSITIVE

I think older Subarus last a lifetime. I certainly can’t say that about newer ones…. I’m the type to buy a car, maintain it, and drive it until it simply gives up. I had a 2010 Outback limited 2.5. I loved that car. It was my first Subaru. Took me on countless adventures, I took it places a Subaru Outback probably never should have gone. I asked a lot of that car. And it was the best damn car up

👎 NEGATIVE

If ability to survive abuse and neglect are the marks of reliability, you can’t really beat an older Toyota- if that’s the metric then Subaru absolutely fails, especially with newer cars

👎 NEGATIVE

It's good initial quality for the money. But their 6k oil and lifetime CVT intervals are really there for ~150k miles of expected useful life. Not Toyota level by any stretch.

👍 POSITIVE

To me, all I have to do is look at how many shitty maintained Subarus are and have been on the road for so long. I know what I’m getting, I can fix my own cars. So I’m not worried. For someone who doesn’t do any of their own maintenance and who depends one dealers and just gets in the car and goes… yea they will always be worried about “reliability”.

👍 POSITIVE

Slammed Foresters always make me go, "Damn... But why? But, damn....." I love the way they look, but one of the things I love about my Trek is giving zero fucks about potholes, speed bumps, and rocks in the road.

👍 POSITIVE

These XT's lowered look way better than you'd expect

👎 NEGATIVE

The uncleared snow on the roof is unfortunate.

👍 POSITIVE

Love the look of a slammed Forester, can't imagine ever wanting to own one though.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Adequate and balanced power output (165 hp) for versatile driving.
• Steady and predictable acceleration (0-100 km/h in 10.8 sec).
• All-wheel drive for superior traction in all conditions.
• Ventilated disc brakes for reliable cooling and stopping power.
• Standard trunk space (410 L) suitable for daily needs.

Cons:

• Previous generation model; may lack the latest driver-assist technologies.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:	Subaru
Model:	Forester
Generation:	I
Modification (Engine):	2.5 (165 Hp) 4WD
Start of production:	1997
End of production:	2000
Powertrain Architecture:	Internal Combustion engine
Body type:	SUV, Crossover
Seats:	5
Doors:	5

Engine:
Power:	165 Hp
Engine Model/Code:	DACT EJ25D
Engine aspiration:	Naturally aspirated engine

Performance:
Fuel Type:	Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:	11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:	8.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:	10.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:	10.8 sec
Maximum speed:	178 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:	8.4 kg/Hp, 119.6 Hp/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:	10.3 sec

Space:
Kerb Weight:	1380
Max. weight:	1860
Max load:	480
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:	1530 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:	410 l
Fuel tank capacity:	60 l

Size:
Length:	4450 mm mm
Width:	1735 mm mm
Height:	1590 mm mm
Wheelbase:	2525 mm mm
Front track:	1475 mm
Rear (Back) track:	1450 mm

Powertrain:
Drive wheel	All wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears	5
Transmission type	Manual
Front brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear brakes	Drum
Assisting systems	ABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering type	Steering rack and pinion
Power steering	Hydraulic Steering
Tires size	205/70 R15
Front suspension	Spring Strut
Rear suspension	Double wishbone