Subaru Forester First generation

Also called	Chevrolet Forester (India)
Production	1997–2002
Layout	F4 layout
Engine	2.0 L DOHC H4 (Japan) 2.0 L DOHC H4 turbo (Japan) 250 hp (190 kW) 2.5 L DOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4 (1998) 2.5 L SOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4 (1999-2002)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,525 mm (99.4 in)
Length	1998–2000: 4,450 mm (175.2 in) 2001–2002: 4,460 mm (175.6 in)
Width	1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Curb weight	1,430 kg (3,152.6 lb)

In Japan, the Forester replaced the Subaru Impreza Gravel Express known in the USA as the Subaru Outback Sport. However, the Outback Sport remained in production for the U.S. market. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Due to the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for passenger vehicles, and does not require a risk of rollover warning label on the driver's visor. Size and price-wise, it fits between the shared Impreza platform, and the larger Legacy.

The automatic transmissions used on AWD equipped vehicles will normally send 90% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 10% to the rear wheels, using a computer-controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer clutch. When the transmission detects a speed difference of greater than 20% between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds.

When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicle's weight shifts rearward, reducing front wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50-50 to both front and rear wheels.The manual transmission cars are set up with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varied from there. Essentially, the manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than the automatic cars.

The trim levels were the basic model, followed by the "L" and the fully equipped "S" for the USA versions.

Forester L comes with a high level of standard equipment, including ABS, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, digital temperature gauge, multi-reflector halogen headlights, fog lights, roof rack, rear window defogger, trailer harness connector, reclining front bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support, tilt steering, tinted glass, AM/FM/cassette stereo with its antenna laminated in the left-rear quarter window, 24-hour roadside assistance. Notably new in 2001 are the three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, including force limiters in front and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors for front and rear outboard positions, plus rear seat headrests for all three seating positions.

Forester S adds a viscous limited-slip differential, rear disc brakes, 16 × 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires (the L uses 15 × 6-inch steel wheels), upgraded moquette upholstery, heated front seats with net storage pockets in back, dual vanity mirrors, heated sideview mirrors and keyless entry. New equipment for 2001 includes Titanium pearl paint for the bumpers and cladding; six-disc in-dash CD sound system; leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake handle; variable intermittent wipers with de-icers and driver’s side fin; and the five-spoke alloy wheels. Some models were equipped with the $1000 optional premium package on the Forester S, including monotone paint (Sedona Red Pearl), power moonroof, front side-impact airbags, and gold accent wheels. Other options were the $800 automatic transmission, $39 chrome tailpipe cover and $183 auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, bringing the sticker price to $25,412 including $495 delivery (USA dollars quoted).

Australia

The Forester had four main models available in Australia:

There was a change in body styling for all 2001–2002 models, and the 2001/2002 GT spec also had a change in engine management and power output was increased from 125 kW (168 hp) to 130 kW (174 hp).

• Special Edition- naturally aspirated 2.0 L flat-4, 92 kW (123 hp)
  • Engine Size 1994 cc (2.0)
  • Compression Ratio 9.7:1
  • Dual range gearbox - manual only
  • Acceleration 0–100 km/h 10.7 secs

• GT (1998–2000) - turbocharged 2.0 L flat-4, 125 kW (168 hp)
• GT(2001–2002) - turbocharged 2.0 L flat-4, 130 kW (174 hp)
  • Engine size 1994 cc (2.0)
  • Turbo TF035
  • Compression ratio 8.5:1
  • Acceleration 0–100 km/h 8.4 secs