Model guide · 1st generation (SF)
1998–2002 Subaru Forester
The first Forester put a tall wagon body, standard all-wheel drive and a 165-hp boxer engine on a car platform. People still buy it as a simple, capable runabout for snow, dirt roads and weekend gear.
7.5 in
Ground clearance
165 hp
Horsepower, 2.5L boxer
2,000 lb
Max towing
64.6 cu ft
Max cargo, rear seat folded
Engines and transmissions
Capability4
All-wheel drive on every Forester
All-wheel drive is standard on every 1998–2002 Forester sold in the US, with either transmission. It helps on snow, rain and gravel, and there is nothing to switch on.
165-hp 2.5-liter boxer engine
Every one uses a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder rated at 165 hp. For 1999, work to make it quieter also raised torque from 162 to 166 lb-ft.
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
This generation came with a 5-speed manual or a conventional 4-speed automatic. There is no CVT in any of these Foresters.
Rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds
Properly equipped, these Foresters are rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds. That covers a small utility trailer or a light camping trailer.
Safety3
Good rating in the IIHS frontal test
The IIHS rated the 1999–2002 Forester Good, its top score, in its moderate overlap frontal crash test.
Anti-lock brakes
ABS helps you keep steering control in a hard stop on slick roads. It was standard on the L and S trims and optional on the 1998 base model.
2001 update: new look, side airbags offered
For 2001 the Forester got a new chrome grille, reshaped headlights, and revised bumpers and taillights. Front side airbags became available on S Premium models.
Space1
64.6 cubic feet with the seat folded
Fold the rear seat and there are 64.6 cubic feet of cargo room. The tall, boxy shape makes it easy to load bikes, a dog crate or a weekend of camping gear.
Good to know1
Timing belt: replace at 105,000 miles
The 2.5-liter engine uses a timing belt, and Subaru's schedule calls for replacing it every 105,000 miles. Ask us what this car's records show.
Specs are the manufacturer's figures for this generation. Equipment varies by trim and year, so ask us about anything that matters to you on a specific car.
