2003 Subaru Forester - Cars Worth Noting - Brief Article

Automotive Industries,  May, 2002  by Andrea Wielgat

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Subaru wanted to take the new Forester to the next level while keeping its core technologies in place.

The Japanese automaker did a good job.

Subaru's new Forester, which goes on sale this month, has several venerable Subaru goodies including full-time all-wheel-drive.

"It's really not a feature it's a philosophy," says Fred D. Adcock, executive vice president, Subaru of America (See interview with Subaru's Adcock, page 8)

It also comes equipped with the company's 2.5L single overhead cam 4-cyl. boxer engine. The engine produces 165 hp at 5,600 rpm and 166 lbs.-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Subaru says it stuck with the 4-cyl. because the engine has excellent power to weight ratio.

Also carried over is Forester's four-wheel independent suspension. The system helps keep all four wheels on the road at all times and gives the SUV a more car-like feel

But the vehicle also has several new or updated features for '03.

Making its reintroduction is Subaru's Hill Holder technology. This handy addition was first introduced on Subaru vehicles in 1980 to prevent roll back when the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Last appearing on the Legacy in MY'98 due to increasing costs and performance issues, Hill Holder has been perfected and is now standard on the five-speed manual transmission '03 Forester.

Also new is the Forester's rugged exterior design. Subaru's designers gave the vehicle a larger grill and contoured multi-reflector headlights. It has sharper lines and flared front fenders.

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