Based on the Subaru Impreza, the versatile SUV Subaru Forester combines the best features of a passenger car and an SUV. The car was developed according to the concept of Best of Both.
Subaru Forester SG5 / SG9 is a second-generation car model. It has a charged version - Forester STI, demonstrated in 2005.
Serial production of the 2nd generation Subaru Forester was conducted from 2002 to 2007, eventually giving way to the third generation SH.
Exterior
Subaru Forester - a five-seater five-door station wagon with good off-road performance, good maneuverability and dynamics, which provides excellent handling on the track with a hard road surface.
The aggressive appearance of the “Subaru-Forester” of the 2nd generation is somewhat smoothed out by smooth body lines in comparison with its predecessor. The changes affected the head optics, which made the front of the body more expressive and bright.
Low power rear optics, too large lumpy bumper and triangular lights were replaced with new ones. The area of the rear window has been significantly increased. After restyling, the 2nd generation of the Subaru-Forester has changed significantly externally and got a more solid structure, so the car can withstand significant mechanical stress without damage and deformation.
The main elements of the body - the roof, hood and bumper - are made of aluminum alloy, which allowed to reduce the weight of the model compared to the previous generation by 30 kilograms.
Dimensions "Subaru-Forester" 2nd generation:
- The length of the body is 4485 mm.
- Width - 2735 mm.
- Height - 1590 millimeters.
- Wheelbase - 2525 mm.
The level of review of the 2nd generation Subaru Forester is excellent due to the large glazing area and the modified body shape.
The changes also affected the inscriptions on the back door: the first generation had the Forester inscription, the second - Subaru.
Interior
The 2nd generation Subaru Forester has an ergonomic but somewhat cramped interior. The luggage compartment is slightly less than that of cars of this class - 390 liters, but it can be increased to 1590 liters by folding the rear row seats, which is much more than that of competitors.
Tall people will be uncomfortable in the rear seats in some car modifications. Subaru Forester has excellent soundproofing of the cabin and adjustable steering wheel height.
Car doors without window frames, which makes the car more attractive. Most trim levels are equipped with a sunroof, which increases the level of interior lighting.
The front seats are equipped with excellent lateral support and a wide range of settings, three-point seat belts and hard head restraints.
The dashboard of the 2nd generation "Subaru-Forester" is quite informative and, unlike the models of the first generation, is larger. A futuristic touch in the trim adds a silver color to the center panel. Three dashboard windows are integrated into the dashboard - a tachometer, a speedometer and fuel level sensors and engine oil temperature. The first generation cars were equipped with four windows: the temperature sensor and the fuel level sensor were located separately from each other.
Specifications
"Subaru Forester" 2 generations - a car with all-wheel drive and independent front and rear suspension. The classic McPherson is installed on the front, and the double-lever design on the back. The strengths of the suspension are the lack of tight locking and low travel.
The front brakes of the car are ventilated disc, the rear - disc. The basic equipment of the Subaru Forester includes anti-lock braking system ABS.
The range of power units of the SUV is rich, because of which its dynamic characteristics, maximum speed and average fuel consumption vary depending on the selected configuration. The fuel tank volume is standard for all versions - 60 liters.
"Subaru-Forester 2" was equipped with gasoline engines of 2 and 2.5 liters:
- EJ20 power from 122 to 158 horsepower, twitching frequent upgrades;
- Ej25 with capacity from 156 to 265 liters. Installed on cars for the Asian, European and North American markets.
Paired with power units were a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Some second-generation Subaru-Forester configurations were equipped with a low-speed gearbox.
The steering design is classic, made by the type of gear-rack and equipped with a hydraulic booster.
The equipped weight of the SUV, depending on the selected configuration, can vary from 1360 to 1455 kilograms.
The SUV is equipped with 15 and 16-inch wheels.
A wide selection of trim levels and option packages allows the motorist to choose a modification to suit his needs and tastes. Thanks to this, the second-generation Subaru Forester gained immense popularity.
Test drive "Subaru-Forester" 2 generations
The Forester SUV has a unique all-wheel drive system, which provides it with increased cross-country ability and copes with off-road excellently. In standard operating modes, the car is notable for good controllability, however, in the sports mode, the steering wheel's information content is lost, the effectiveness of the brake system decreases, which, however, is quite normal for an SUV. For lovers of dynamic driving, it is best to choose a charged version of the Subaru Forester STI, equipped with an effective braking system, a powerful engine and created specifically for driving at high speeds.
STI Version
In 2005, Japanese engineers released a charged modification of the Subaru-Forester specifically for the domestic market. The tuning was done by Subaru's subsidiary Technica International. The SUV version was equipped with a 265 horsepower EJ25 turbocharged engine and a 2.5-liter displacement. A unique feature of the car is the variable valve timing system I-Active valves.
In tandem with the engine, a six-speed manual transmission with ventilated disc brakes and a self-locking differential was installed on the SUV. The interior design Subaru Forester engaged studio Recaro.
Crossover restyling
The second generation Forester underwent a point restyling, affecting the exterior, interior and electronics of the car. As a result of the changes, it was possible to significantly improve the car and introduce new elements, which improved the performance of the SUV.
The changes affected the vehicle equipment: the range of engines was replenished with a modern power unit of greater power, especially in comparison with the previous version. The length of the crossover has increased.
New details and accents were made to the exterior of the Subaru: the crossover received an updated head optics that retained its previous shape. Two air intakes are integrated into the bumper. The fog lights were shifted to the sides. The rear of the body, as opposed to the front, has not changed much, replenished only with marker lights.
Owner reviews
With all the advantages of the 2nd generation Subaru Forester, the owners have their own complaints about the car. Quite often, motorists note a poor soundproofing of the cabin and the unusual noise of a running engine. At speeds above 80 km / h, noise appears due to the glass of the doors, since the car does not have window frames. You can increase the sound insulation level by carrying out special work on the installation of soundproofing material.
Owners of Forester note tight control and lack of information on the steering wheel. The rear row of seats is designed for three people, but in practice only two people can comfortably accommodate.
Many motorists consider the lack of a diesel power unit in the engine lineup a significant drawback.
Mention forum users and harsh management. Although there are fans of the "informative" steering rack.
The rear row of seats for three passengers turns out to be cramped.
A significant drawback of the series motorists consider ... lack of equipment with a diesel engine.
SUV Benefits
- Excellent handling.
- Good cross.
- Reliability.
- A comfortable lounge.
- Affordable cost of service.
- Volume luggage compartment.
- Good suspension.
- High level of review.
Crossover Disadvantages
- The need for careful engine care.
- Unattractive interior.
- Weak soundproofing of the cabin.
- Knock and vibration from the side of the fifth door.
- The electrics of the car are poorly protected from moisture.
- Too stiff suspension.
- Turbine overheating.
- Low radiator throughput.
Summary
The second generation of the Subaru Forester crossover, despite some shortcomings and controversial characteristics, turned out to be very successful and collected a lot of enthusiastic reviews from motorists who noted reliability among the car's strengths, long service life with appropriate care, and excellent cross-country ability. Forester combined the features of a car and an SUV, which is very unusual for this class of cars, and good cross-country ability and off-road qualities can pleasantly surprise the owner who decided to buy a model. An undoubted plus is the cost of both the crossover itself and its maintenance: in the secondary market of Russia, the minimum price of the model is 300 thousand rubles, in Japanese markets with subsequent distillation - 800 thousand rubles.