Subaru Forester III 2.0 TD XS EC-VQ (149 Hp)

Subaru Forester:

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
The Forester was first introduced as the Streega concept at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and became available for sale in Japan in February 1997, reaching the U. S. market later that year for the 1998 model year. As one of the first crossover SUVs, it was reportedly inspired by Volkswagen. Built in the style of a station wagon, the Forester featured a taller stance, higher H-point seating, and a standard all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru marketed it with the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It utilized the Impreza platform but was powered by the larger 2. 5-liter DOHC EJ25D engine from the Subaru Outback, producing 123 kW at 5,600 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

Subaru Forester (III). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1570 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.4 s). The top speed reaches 194 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 31% Neutral: 23% Issues: 46%

2.7 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 13 discussions

Read What Owners Say

👍 POSITIVE

>But I've heard mixed reviews on reliability on subarus, something like "you are only happy with subaru if you buy new and sell early" Never heard of that before, the newest Subaru I've ever owned was seven years old and I never had a problem with it (RIP grannywagon, you were taken too soon). Currently in a 8-year-old XT and it's been nothing but a joy. I can't give any personal experience of

👎 NEGATIVE

Older Subaru's(or the new STI) with the EJ engine family have problems/big ticket maintenance that is very common required on them. They have issues with head gaskets failing, timing belts being a big issue(due to the EJ being an interference engine you MUST replace timing belt on time) and ringlands and a bunch of other fun stuff. A lot of it can be engine-totaling. Newer models(2014 and newer f

👍 POSITIVE

2000 Forester L here with 216k on it. Changed the head gasket and timing belt at 100k and haven’t had any issues with it except CV joint and wheel bearing issues around 150k. Just got done driving it across the country for the second time. Love that car.

😐 NEUTRAL

There are a lot of rumors spread about these cars. For non-turbo models; As long as the car has proof of regular coolant and oil changes, the chance of needing headgasket replacement is minimal. You can easily check before buying to see if it has, or has had, headgasket issues. The timing belt is a given. Needs to be done every 100k miles, the same as any other belted car. Ringland issues are li

😐 NEUTRAL

I’ve had Subaru’s since 1995. Don’t believe myths. All vehicles need maintenance.

👍 POSITIVE

160 km/h on a flooded highway using an almost 20 years old Forester. Living the dream lol. Here in Canada 160 gets you a stunt driving charge and towing of the car…

👎 NEGATIVE

anywhere near 300k km is a LOT on a subaru. They like to shit themelves around 200k km.

👎 NEGATIVE

I wouldn't buy any of those if I'm looking for reliability. They are all old. That RAV4, although the pick of the bunch, won't be reliable anymore. They had transmission issues, both auto and manual and that aged 2az-fe engine could easily suffer head gasket issues. It's not bad, just old I can strongly suggest you look for a 2010/2011 Santa Fe with the D4HB 2.2R engine. Sorry, but it's a diesel.

😐 NEUTRAL

This is a good place to start: [https://redriven.com/cheat-sheets/used-toyota-rav4-3rd-gen-review/](https://redriven.com/cheat-sheets/used-toyota-rav4-3rd-gen-review/) [https://redriven.com/cheat-sheets/used-subaru-forester-2nd-gen-review/](https://redriven.com/cheat-sheets/used-subaru-forester-2nd-gen-review/)

👎 NEGATIVE

Try to look for an old Corolla, there dumb as door nails and just work. Less km is better. 300,000km is end of life for just about everything but a hilux and landcruser. Subarus with CVT transmission are handgrandes,

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Adequate and balanced power output (149 hp) for versatile driving.
• Respectable acceleration of 10.4 sec, suitable for most driving situations.
• Balanced fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100 km for its class.
• All-wheel drive for superior traction in all conditions.
• Ventilated disc brakes for reliable cooling and stopping power.
• Turbocharged engine ensures better torque delivery at low RPMs.

Cons:

• Meets EURO 5 emission standard; check for local urban restriction zones.
• Previous generation model; may lack the latest driver-assist technologies.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 2005 - 2008).

General:
Brand:	Subaru
Model:	Forester
Generation:	III
Modification (Engine):	2.0 TD XS EC-VQ (149 Hp)
Start of production:	2007
End of production:	2010
Powertrain Architecture:	Internal Combustion engine
Body type:	SUV, Crossover
Seats:	5
Doors:	5

Engine:
Engine systems:	Particulate filter
Power:	149 Hp Same horsepower
Power per litre:	74.7 Hp/l [110mm more]
Torque:	350 Nm
Engine Model/Code:	EE20Z More details about the engine EE20Z
Engine displacement:	1994
Number of cylinders:	4
Engine configuration:	Boxer
Number of valves per cylinder:	4
Fuel injection system:	Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration:	Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:	DOHC
Engine oil capacity:	5.9 l
Coolant:	8.6 l

Performance:
Fuel Type:	Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:	7.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:	5.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:	6.3 l/100 km
Emission standard:	EURO 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:	10.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:	10.4 sec
Maximum speed:	194 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:	10.5 kg/Hp, 94.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:	4.5 kg/Nm, 222.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:	9.9 sec

Space:
Kerb Weight:	1570
Fuel tank capacity:	64 l

Size:
Length:	4560 mm mm [110mm more]
Width:	1780 mm mm [45mm more]
Height:	1700 mm mm [115mm more]
Wheelbase:	2616 mm mm [91mm more]

Powertrain:
Drive wheel	All wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears	6
Transmission type	Manual
Front brakes	Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakes	Disc
Assisting systems	ABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steering	Electric Steering
Tires size	225/55 R17
Wheel rims size	7J x 17