Subaru Forester 1997–2001 car dimensions: 4450 mm long, 1735 mm wide and 1595 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,380 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
Dual front airbags and side airbags are standard, as is ABS and power windows front and rear. Power steering and height-adjustable driver's seat come as standard. Climate control and cruise control appear on higher grades or as options. The cabin offers solid passenger space with multiple storage spots and a practical layout for daily use. No advanced electronic driver aids beyond basic safety items are listed.
Boot space measures 409 litres with seats up and expands to 1528 litres seats down. The asymmetric split-fold rear bench adds flexibility for mixed loads.
Braked towing capacity is 1500 kg and unbraked 500 kg. Payload sits at 480 kg. Mechanical rear level control is available on some grades. The permanent AWD and 190 mm ground clearance suit light off-road or work duties without extra heavy-duty packs noted.
The cabin has a practical high seating position with good outward view. Velour upholstery is fitted on the GL. The driver's seat is height- and tilt-adjustable. Front seats include integrated armrests. Electric windows are fitted front and rear. There are cupholders in the dashboard, door pockets, a glasses compartment in the roof console, illuminated glovebox, and delayed interior lighting. Air conditioning is available. Heated front seats are not on the GL.
Runs on Super petrol. combined consumption 9.0–9.2 l/100 km.
60-litre fuel tank.
ABS is standard.
Driver and passenger airbags are standard.
Front side airbags are standard.
Permanent all-wheel drive is standard.
The 2.0 boxer engine runs on Super petrol with a combined consumption figure of around 9–10 litres per 100 km depending on the exact version and gearbox. The tank holds 60 litres.
The non-turbo 2.0 is noted as particularly reliable and long-lived with few major issues. A major service is reported around 360 euros. Rear wheel bearings and the exhaust system (which can rust after four to five years) are known wear points. Brakes can vary widely in lifespan.
Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, front seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable belts, and headrests for all seats. The permanent all-wheel drive aids stability. No specific crash-test star rating is stated for this generation.
The car is regarded as a durable long-term vehicle with high owner loyalty. Dealer networks support parts and servicing. Mechanical level control on the rear axle is present on some examples and can weaken over time.
Length 4450 mm, Width 1735 mm, Height 1595 mm, Wheelbase 2525 mm (Forester 1997–2001)
Sources: manufacturer data, German-market manufacturer data, Fuji Heavy Industries Forester specification SA08758 supplies the chassis: MacPherson strut front, dual-link strut rear, coil springs, That later sheet’s.