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2003 Subaru Forester
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| Versatile and capable |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:01:39 |
| Rating |
 280 ( -40 -14.28% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2003 Subaru Forester
A Capable, Versatile Vehicle
Writer's Notes
2003 Subaru Forester specifications
Base price: approx. prices: $20,000-$23,000
Engine: 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
Drive: Full-time all-wheel drive
Maximum horsepower: 165 @ 5,600 rpm
Maximum torque: 166 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Wheelbase: 99.4 in.
Length: 175.2 in.
Width: 68.1 in.
Height: 62.6 in.
Head/hip/leg room: 39.8/51.6/43.7 in. (front); 39.8/51.6/33.7 in. (rear); headroom in Forester XS Premium Package is 39.0 in. (front)/37.0 in. (rear)
Trunk volume: 32.0 cu. ft.; 63.1 cu. ft. w/rear seats down (29.6 cu. ft. with XS Premium Package)
Curb weight: N/A
Fuel economy: 21/27 mpg city/hwy (manual); 21/26 mpg city/hwy (automatic)
Safety equipment: ABS, height-adjustable front head restraints; 5-mph impact-absorbing bumpers; child seat safety tethers; daytime running lights, dual stage front airbags and front seat head and chest side airbags
Active All-Wheel Drive is a part of all models with the automatic transmission. This system uses a variable transfer clutch that is controlled electronically to deliver power where it is needed under slippage.
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Talladega Super Speedway, Alabama: I approached the five-story-tall embankment with caution and excitement. Easing the Subaru Forester's throttle on to full power, I climbed to the top and was quickly traveling at 100 mph. Level ground was a long way away at a 45-degree angle to my current path of travel, and looking down gave me a feeling of vertigo. However, the feedback that I got from this crossover SUV let me know that I had plenty of grip, and assured me that its speed and precarious perch were nothing to be worried about.
Next, I descended to the tarmac at the base of this famous raceway and navigated through a braking and lane change exercise, where I wound through a cone course set up to simulate emergency stopping and lane-change maneuvers. The tires screeched, as I slammed on the brakes and slid around sharp corners. But, still the Forester maintained good directional stability and I felt little body roll as I drove crisply through the snaking course.
Finally, I entered an area of the track where an obstacle course was set up with cement blocks to drive over (the Forester's 7.5-inches of ground clearance is impressive!) and blocks of wood and rough materials to drive on. It was a fairly comfortable ride and the Forester passed with 5 stars.
Not long ago, the notion of driving an SUV or crossover vehicle on a race track was preposterous. But, today, with so much competition in this segment of the auto market, some manufacturers have taken to the raceway to show their vehicle's sporty performance and handling characteristics in a safe, controlled environment. Such is the case with Subaru, wanting to assure the automotive press that its newest model has improved performance that this Japanese manufacturer hopes will bump it up a class in its segment, and also align it more with other performance models such as the BMW X5 and the still-to-come Porsche Cayenne.
Somewhere in between a wagon and a compact-SUV, the first generation Subaru Forester offered a little something for many buyers, but not quite enough of any one thing to make it an enthusiast's choice. Now going on sale in its second generation version, this capable package of fuel efficiency, cargo room and safety, the refreshened Forester adds "sport" and new features that upgrade its image to a slightly more upscale offering. And, yes, it has better handling.
Introduced in the 1998 model year as "mini-SUV", Forester soon became a household word. Subaru's answer to the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 carved a niche within this Japanese carmaker's stable and achieved respectable sales. More rugged-looking than the Impreza sedan and less wagon-like than the Outback station wagon, the new addition boasted a relatively high ground clearance, respectable stowage space for gear and four-wheel drive adopted from rally car relatives.
The Forester is part of a mixed heritage at Subaru. Although the brand has included the best-selling imported wagon in the US for almost 20 years, it has not been easily categorized. As many buyers choose Subaru for reliability as for performance; the company invests in rally car racing but also sponsors the U.S. Ski Team.
This "best of both worlds" approach means that the Forester is as much a grocery-getter as it is a backcountry runabout for family camping trips. More powerful than any small-sized SUV in its class and backed by a four-wheel drive system that is largely acknowledged as legendary, the vehicle is also great on gas and comfortable enough for highway road trips.
Completely redesigned in 2001, the Forester has undergone a headlamp-to-tailpipe upgrade again for the 2003 model year. An exterior facelift gives the vehicle a more streamlined, less trail-ready look than its predecessors shared. In the front, a large grille and contoured headlights cap a smooth bumper cover with integrated fog lights that have lost their rugged-looking stone protectors from the 2002MY. An aluminum hood improves sightlines for the driver, while reducing weight away from the center of gravity, which helps improve handling.
The rear end, too, is significantly changed, with a unique hexagonal rear gate framed by triangular taillights. The rear gate opening size is increased to aid with stowage of gear, and the gate-closing effort has been reduced by 30 percent. Textured gray body cladding encases the lower third of base 2.5 X versions, while cladding is a contrasting silver metallic color on uplevel 2.5 XS models. Underneath this skin is a stronger, yet lighter, body structure, which helps reduce the weight of this year's model by almost 100 pounds.
One advantage of the Forester is a bevy of available, factory-installed accessories that add to its versatility. A supporter of :Tread Lightly!" and the official vehicle of groups like the American Canoe Association, Gary Fisher Bicycle Components and the Professional Ski Instructors of America, Subaru offers components for carrying bikes, skis, kayaks and canoes on top of standard roof rails. A trailer harness connector also comes standard.
Now going on sale in its second generation version, this capable package of fuel efficiency, cargo room and safety, the refreshened Forester adds "sport" and new features that upgrade its image to a slightly more upscale offering.
This updated crossover vehicle comes with the Subaru All-Wheel Driving System, a combination of horizontally opposed motor, all-wheel drive and suspension components. A 2.5-liter "boxer" engine sits under the hood. Shared with its Outback siblings and the 2002MY Forester, the motor delivers 165 hp at its peak. The horizontally opposed four also creates 166 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Matched to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the boxer motor is complimented by two types of Subaru's rally-derived four-wheel drive systems Continuous and Active All-Wheel Drive. Models with the manual transmission feature Continuous All-Wheel Drive with a viscous coupling center differential. This divides engine power 50/50 between the front and the rear; a balance which shifts when one set of wheels slips in wet or icy conditions. Subaru also has revived its Hill Holder clutch for easier starting on an incline for all manual transmission models. This feature is engaged when applying brake and depressing the clutch on a hill and allows the driver to then release the brake (while keeping the clutch fully depressed) and stay in place, in order to switch to the throttle pedal.
Active All-Wheel Drive is a part of all models with the automatic transmission. This system uses a variable transfer clutch that is controlled electronically to deliver power where it is needed under slippage. This all-wheel system also uses sensors to determine where vehicle weight is transferred, and deliver power to that area - for example, the system delivers more power to the rear wheels under acceleration, as weight shifts to the rear when the driver pushes the throttle.
While offering sophisticated AWD and a bigger four-cylinder than most in the segment, the Forester also offers decent fuel economy; it gets 21 mpg in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, and the automatic tranny's economy is as good in both categories, at 21/26 city/highway.
On the road, this crossover vehicle conjures its passenger car roots thanks to four-wheel independent suspension. All-new struts help reduce NVH feedback, and equal length axle shafts help avoid torque steer (when a vehicle pulls slightly to one side or the other when steering under power). Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) rack-and-pinion steering means increased responsiveness, and a turning circle of 34.8 feet.
Offered in two trim levels - the base X and up-level XS - Subaru's compact utility vehicle remains comfortable and functional. A high seating point and adjustable driver's seat are aimed at improving visibility, while added features such as a remote keyless entry system and standard CD stereo bring more creature comforts. New are a 100-watt weatherband AM/FM/ stereo, a motorcycle-style instrument cluster, a passenger-side stowage compartment, dual visor vanity mirrors with lids, dual sunglasses storage compartments, illuminated window switches on all doors, a rear window deicer and a remote release fuel door. Wiper blades are now larger, as is the swipe area to improve visibility in inclement weather, and the inside rear view mirror is large for improved visibility to the rear. Also of note, the rear wiper now wipes the high-mount stop lamp to keep it clear and more visible in bad weather.
Forester's cargo area is average at 32.0 cubic feet but expands to 63.1 cubic feet, with the rear seat folded down. Tow 12-volt outlets are included both in the front cabin and the stowage area, and tie-down for gear and groceries are standard. Additional stowage areas are provided in the center console. Power windows and locks are standard, as is a full-size spare tire.
The higher-end XS adds features such as a 6-CD changer and leather accents, as well as an Electronic Brake Distribution system. An All-Weather Package and XS Premium package also are available.
Four-channel and four-sensor anti-lock brakes and front-disc brakes (drum brakes in the rear) are one of the Forester's primary safety features, although bumpers have been designed to absorb impact up to 5 mph for reduced damage during parking lot dings. New are active front seat head restraints and assist grips for all seating positions. Three-point safety belts are standard for all five seats (a middle rear seat headrest tucks in for improved driver visibility), and child seat tether anchors also are included. A dual-stage front passenger airbag and front seat head/chest side impact bags now are standard.
Overall a capable, versatile vehicle, the 2003 Forester has been greatly improved and remains a solid player. Neither the sexiest nor the most functional car on the dealer lot, Forester matches Subaru engineering with the best of the economy car, wagon and SUV segments to make a vehicle that has the best of all worlds, but belongs to none. On sale in mid-May, pricing will be similar to its 2002 ($approximately $20,000-$23,000) , but has not been announced.
--Story by Sue Mead |
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