Subaru Forester 2002–2005 car dimensions: 4460 mm long, 1735 mm wide and 1651 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,424 kg. Braked towing is 1,400 kg.
Air conditioning is standard with manual controls on base grades. Higher grades get automatic climate control. Cruise control is standard. The cabin has a simple layout with AM/FM/CD audio, power windows, locks and mirrors, plus 60/40 split rear seats. No advanced driver aids appear in the equipment lists.
Cargo volume is 406 litres with rear seats up. Folding the 60/40 split seats flat expands it to 1525 litres. The load floor is flat with a low liftover height and includes tie-down hooks plus a retractable cover on many grades.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1400 kg on many variants, with unbraked at 500 kg. US market figures list up to 2400 lb braked depending on transmission. Payload sits near 545 kg.
Higher grades such as LL Bean and some XS/XT models add self-leveling rear suspension to maintain ride height under load. Roof rails are standard for extra carrying options.
The cabin offers supportive front bucket seats with height and lumbar adjustment on the driver side. Higher grades add dual-mode heated front seats and an 8-way power driver’s seat. A large power sliding glass moonroof is available on premium packages for open-air feel. Controls sit within easy reach, with automatic climate control and rear seat ducts on upper models. Storage includes overhead bins, cupholders and a flat-folding 60/40 rear bench for cargo. Materials feel solid and practical for daily use and light adventure.
Petrol engines. NA models around 10.4 city/7.3-7.6 hwy L/100 km, turbo higher. 60 L tank.
Oil and filter change every 7.5 months or 12,000 km. timing belt inspect/replace at intervals.
IIHS Good in frontal offset and side impact. NHTSA 5-star front and side. ANCAP 4-5 stars.
Standard dual front airbags, side airbags (most years), ABS, pretensioners, LATCH anchors, AWD.
Fuel use sits in the mid-range for its class with the boxer engines. Non-turbo versions return the listed city and highway figures on regular unleaded. turbo models need premium and use more. Tank capacity supports decent range for mixed driving.
Servicing follows a schedule of oil changes at short intervals under normal conditions, with more frequent checks for dusty or severe use. Timing belt, fluids, filters and brakes get attention at set mileages. Any shop can handle routine work.
Safety kit includes full-time AWD for traction, 4-channel ABS with EBD on higher models, dual-stage front airbags and seat-mounted side airbags protecting head and chest. Active head restraints, pretensioners, load limiters, crumple zones and side beams contribute to strong crash scores across IIHS, NHTSA and ANCAP tests.
Keep the car with regular oil changes and belt service to avoid common issues. The galvanized body resists rust well if washed. Parts remain available and the design is simple to maintain for long ownership.
Length 4460 mm, Width 1735 mm, Height 1651 mm, Wheelbase 2525 mm (Forester 2002–2005)
Sources: manufacturer data, 2002 Subaru Forester US catalogue.