Subaru Forester first generation
The Subaru Forester first generation (1998–2002): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 13 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: SF
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,460 mm RDW | – | 4,450–4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm RDW | – | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,580–1,600 mm RDW | – | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,530 mm RDW | – | 2,525 mm |
| Front track | 1,475–1,495 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,450–1,485 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,280–1,405 kg RDW | – | 1,430–1,485 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,380–1,505 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,860–1,955 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,500–1,800 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 500–750 kg ASTRA | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Boot space | – | – | 387 L |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 906–934 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,662–2,690 L EPA | – |
| Fuel tank | – | – | 60 L |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 167–189 km/h RDW | – | 166–202 km/h |
| Torque | 184–245 Nm ASTRA | – | 176–245 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/70R15
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 66.4% (64.6–68.2) | 69.2% | 2,643 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 51.3% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 36.5% | 36.4% |
| Lights and electrics | 32.7% | 28.8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 30.8% | 18.6% |
| Tyres | 23.8% | 31.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 20.2% | 17.1% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
534 complaints for model years 1998–2002. 71 crashes · 7 fires · 45 injuries · 4 deaths
- Transmission and drivetrain 75
- Speed control 60
- Suspension 56
- Engine 50
- Brakes 32
- Tyres 23
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 13 versions of the Subaru Forester first generation
Show all 13 versions
United Kingdom 8 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–20032.0 AWD 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.7 L/100 km NEDC | 229 g/km |
| 2001–20032.0 AWD 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.8 L/100 km NEDC | 232 g/km |
| 2001–20032.0 AWD S Turbo 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.6 L/100 km NEDC | 251 g/km |
| 2001–20032.0 AWD S Turbo 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.7 L/100 km NEDC | 253–254 g/km |
| 2000–20012.0 AWD 5-door · 2.0 AWD 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.0 L/100 km NEDC | 214 g/km |
| 2000–20012.0 AWD 5-door · 2.0 AWD 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.2 L/100 km NEDC | 218 g/km |
| 2000–20012.0 AWD S-Turbo 5-door · 2.0 AWD S Turbo 5-door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.9 L/100 km NEDC | 235 g/km |
| 2000–20012.0 AWD S-Turbo 5-door · 2.0 AWD S Turbo 5-door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.5 L/100 km NEDC | 249 g/km |
United States 3 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2004SOHC | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2000–2002CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1998–1999SOHC, CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
Canada 2 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2002Sport utility vehicle | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.8–11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 248–258 g/km |
| 1998–2002Sport utility vehicle | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.7–11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 246–267 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.