2006 Forester X, front corner view, steel gray metallic

2006 X Premium rear view, garnet red pearl

Evergreen Metallic 2006 X LL Bean

BASICS...
The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive car-based SUV introduced in 1998. Made by Fuji Heavy Industries in Ota, Japan.
Shares wheelbase with the Subaru Impreza
Size and price wise it fits between the smaller Impreza and the larger Legacy and is popular with commuter, campers and small families. People appreciate the practicality, looks, strong motor, smooth ride and excellent handling.
The Forester has done very well in Insurance Institute crash tests and various consumer magazine ratings, usually earning top spots and recommended ratings.

2006 Summary see photograph page for images of many of these new features
Models: X, X Premium, X LL Bean, XT Limited.
Discontinued models: The XS and XS with Moonroof models have both been combined and replaced by the new X Premium model.
The cloth XT turbo is discontinued, and the XT Premium is renamed the XT Limited.

new Ground clearance increased X, Premium, LL Bean:  8.1"; XT Limited  7.9"
new More horsepower! X now has 173hp from 165hp. XT turbo 230hp, from 210, due to higher compression and redesigned intake manifold. The turbo meets Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) regulation, goes 0-60 mph in under six seconds.
new strengthened rear crossmember
new retuned suspension enhance ride smoothness and handling response in all Forester models;
new improved braking feel on all models;
new redesigned front passenger airbag now with On-Off indicator light by clock
new standard redesigned center console with armrest and cupholders
new standard rear seat fold-down armrest
new standard security system standard on all models, there is an optional impact or shock sensor upgrade
new front grille
new headlights with 4 bulbs (see photo page)
new new clear taillights (see photo page)
new map pocket on back of the front passenger seat
new bright trim strip on middle of rear gate
new painted bumpers and side moldings now on all models - replaces the unpainted grey on the X model.
new Integrated turn signals on new larger outside mirrors (all except X)
new LL Bean has new Desert Beige leather color and Alcantara side and bottom seat bolsters
new LL Bean has leather and wood steering wheel and wood shift knob
new XT Limited has sport design gauges with luminescent needles.

2005: Available starting in May 2004. October: new options now available: Short shifter on XT models, Auto dimming mirror/compass with optional Homelink on all models. September Price increase on all cars delivered to dealers starting 9/04. All 05 models get air filtration, the driver's airbags is now dual stage deploying as the passenger airbag has been, there a new remote keyless entry, new black sidewall tires. New model: XS LL Bean replaces the XS Premium with Leather model, which was included in early printed brochures. The LL Bean has new load leveling rear suspension, hard finish cargo floor, comes standard with auto dimming mirror/copmpass & etc. Power driver's seat is finally on the Forester, it is on all XS and XT models. Turbo XT gets new immobilizer (chipped) key, and the XT Premium with leather/sunroof is now available with a manual transmission. There are a few new colors and etc....
2004: Turbo XT model introduced.
2003: Major remodel: 2nd generation Forester available mid-May 2002. 1st major re-design since introduced in 1998. L and S models renamed X, XS.
Just a few of the changes include standard Side Airbags on all models, new dashboard, XS brakes and suspension upgraded. New grill, tailgate, hood, seats ..
2002 model has a few minor upgrades, including factory leather (S Premium only), daytime running lights etc
2001 Minor re-design, available early, in February 2000. New: front, rear lights, dashboard, rear seats, S Premium model added
1999 model body was stiffened and strengthened and did very well in crash tests.
1998 1st year

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-SAFETY- information always subject to change, correction 5 Star front, side crash results, US govt, www.nhtsa.com. Front, side crash tests, Insurance Inst. for Hgy Safety 2006 Safety and vehicle roll-over questions: the Forester meets federal safety standards for Passenger Vehicles and  does not require a 'roll over' warning label. Most other small sport utilities are required to have a safety warning that they don't handle like a normal car and extra care must be taken to prevent roll over and injury All Forester models have Front Driver Airbag: Dual stage driver airbag deploys according to the driver’s distance to the steering wheel, measured by a sensor on the seat track. Front Passenger Airbag: Dual stage passenger airbag deploys according to occupant etc. A light by the upper cosole indicates on or off (see photo). A sensor device detects and measures weight, position on the seat, position of the seat to determine if it’s occupied and if so by a child or adult to control air bag deployment. see photo page Side Airbags: front head/chest side-impact air bags for  driver and passenger All Forester models have: Collapsable foot pedals to help minimize injury Crumple zones front and rear Side impact door beams Child safety rear door locks Child seat anchors (latch system) Child seat tethers (latch system) Tinted safety glass. Daytime running lights Anti-lock brakes 6/27/2006  Subaru Forester has ranked highest in independent Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) announced in Australia. The 2006 UCSR studied more than 1.7 million crashes of 305 different vehicle models over a 17-year period.  For the first time in the study’s history, a ‘standout’ car was identified, with Subaru’s Forester (1997-2002) rating as top performer. The UCSR is the world’s largest study of vehicle crashes and is conducted by the Monash University Accident Research Centre and supported by the RACV, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), and VicRoads, as well as other state and federal road authorities and motoring clubs from Australia and New Zealand. from car.co.nz

-WARRANTIES- Bumper-to-bumper: 3 year/36,000 miles Roadside assistance 3yr/36000 miles by the Cross Country Motor Club at 800 261-2155, break-down, lock-out, flat repair etc 3year/36,000 mile Wear warranty covers defective brakes, clutch disc lining, etc Powertrain: 5 year/ 60,000 miles Corrosion: 5 year/100,000 miles Does not cover wear or damage due to competitive driving

-MAINTENANCE- click here for the full maintenance page 1st oil change at 3 months or 3000 miles whichever comes first. Oil changes intervals: 3,750 miles with normal driving, 7,500 miles with light driving Tire rotations: every 6-10,00 miles. Equal tread required. Tires, wheels FAQ 15,000 mile inspection, tire rotation (best 6-10,000 miles), air and other filter changes as needed based on conditions, driving 30,000 mile service with complete fluid, filter, spark plug change, except XT turbo plugs are at 60,000 miles 60,000 mile - repeat 30,000 service, replace plugs on XT turbo 90,000 mile service with complete fluid, filter, spark plug change, except XT turbo plugs are at 120,000 miles 105,000 mile replace timing belt.

topstart prices

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2006 X standard features all information subject to change and correction

ALL 2006 Xs HAVE see photograph page for images new 173horsepower up from 165 new i-AVLS active valve lift system new Rear seat center armrest new Center console with storage, 12v power outlet, armrest, and 2 cupholders new Ground clearance raised to 8.07" (was 7.4") new alarm system now standard new Body colored bumpers and body-side cladding new Body colored C-pillar new Cargo area utility bars new Passenger side-front seatback net pocket new Desert Beige or Graphite Gray cloth interior colors new underfloor cargo cover storage (because of temp duty tire) new temporary spare tire replaces full size All Wheel Drive Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) optional 4spd auto transmission with ETC (see above) Illuminated door lock switches Dual stage deploying smart front airbags Front head and chest side airbags Air filtration system, replace paper filter when dirty Brakes: Anti-Lock brakes, 4 wheel, 4 channel Brakes: heavy-duty vented front disc, rear drum 5 shoulder seatbelts, 2 front and 3 rear 3 rear headrests Hill holder clutch (manual transmission only)  Power windows with illuminated switch Power door locks keyless remote entry and alarm Power outside mirrors, fold-in Cruise control

Air conditioning  Tinted glass Stereo: 100 watt am/fm/weatherband with single disc CD Stereo: 4 speakers Fog lights Height adjustable drivers seat Lumbar support, driver's seat Variable speed intermittent front wipers 2 speed rear wiper, fixed intermittent, blade blade de-icer Outside Temperature Gauge 12 volt Front power outlet for cell phones, laptops etc 12 volt Rear power outlet for coolers, pumps etc Cigarette lighter plug, ashtray (lighter not included) Cupholders: 2 front, 2 rear Rear defroster with wiper blade de-icer See-through front head rests 16" steel wheels, MS tires Leather shift boot (manual only) Roof rack with Cross Bars, 150# capacity Interior dome light (delayed off) Rear cargo light,  2 overhead Map lights 3 under-carpet rear cargo storage bins 4 cargo tie-down hooks  Tilt steering column Tachometer, low fuel light, coolant temp. gauge Automatic off headlights Floor mats, carpeted Split folding rear seats Raised back-up lights (reverse lights) Plastic headlight lens, chip resistant lexan 2 over-head storage compartments for sunglasses etc 2 Trip odometers

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2006 X Premium, LL Bean standard features information always subject to change, correction
X Premium adds over X model: everything the X has, plus.... this X Premium model replaces both the XS and XS with Moonroof models Note: there were some 2006 X Premiums made, model code 6FD, without the sunroof. These were available to rental fleets only, mostly in Hawaii, and weren't offered for sale.   new Outside mirrors with integrated turn signals new Body colored exterior door handles Power driver's seat 16" 8-spoke alloy wheels (X has steel wheels) Mono-tone paint, 1 color Upgraded cloth, velour Rear disc brakes (X has rear drums) EBD Electronic Brake Distribution varies braking front/rear depending on cargo All Weather Package: large outside defrosting mirrors, heated front seats, front windshield wiper de-icer Limited slip rear differential Stereo: 120w CD in-dash changer, AM/FM/Weatherband, antenna in left rear glass Stereo: 4 Upgraded Speakers Automatic climate control with Daybright feature Power moonroof with auto open-close, cloth sunshade  Chromed interior door handles Illuminated ignition ring Gray Metallic painted outside mirrors Leather wrapped steering wheel,  Leather parking brake handle Leather shift knob Leather manual transmission shift boot Front seat back pockets	X LLBean adds over X Premium everything the X Premium has plus.... new Wood and leather Momo steering wheel (see photos) new wood shift knob (see photos) new Desert Beige leather (see photos) new perforated Alcantara side and bottom seat bolsters (see photos) new shock sensor alarm upgrade Automatic transmission w/ Electronic Direct Control Rear self-leveling suspension  This is a mechanical self leveling system (not power) on the LL Bean only.  Increased cargo weight puts pressure on special  oil filled suspension components to raise vehicle height as the vehicle is driven. It can take app 1-2 miles of driving to level. When the weight has been removed it can take to app 1/2 mile to resume normal height. Auto-dimming rear view mirror/compass Hard-surface cargo floor and rear seatback (not carpeted) Platinum or Steel gray accent or bumpers LL Bean logo on front seats (it's small) LL Bean floor mats 10-spoke 16" alloy wheels
XT Limited standard features  all information subject to change and correction
2006 XT Limited adds over X Premium this XT Limited replaces both 2005 XT and XT Premium models new Sport-design guages with luminescent needles, metallic center cap new Desert Beige or Anthracite Black Leather interior colors- no cloth model available. new ground clearance 7.87" (was 7.7") new Engine cover Engine immobilizer key available 5spd manual transmission Glass Sunroof with auto open-close Turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with intercooler etc. (see engine specs above.) Hood scoop for the intercooler Aluminum finish roof rails Black perforated leather shifter and parking brake handle Silver front door sill plates with 'Forester' badging Stereo: 120w CD 6 disc in-dash changer, AM/FM/Weatherband,  Stereo: 7 speakers, 4 upgraded main speakers plus 2 tweeters plus rear cargo area subwoofer speaker 6 spoke 16" alloy wheels

 
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2006 FORESTER CARGO MEASUREMENTS hand measured by me A: 36" width at bottom of gate opening B: 53.5" width at floor C: 41.5" width at wheel well, see D D: 37.5 width at cargo hooks in wheel well E: 46.5" width at middle of gate opening F: 53.25 maximum width at side rails at cargo cover (not shown) G: 13" floor to top of wheel well or bottom of cargo cover (not shown) H: 31.5" floor length to back of seat I: 62" floor length to top of rear seat when folded down flat (max depends on front seat position) J: 32.25" height gate opening bottom to top K: 34" height floor to ceiling center of floor, see L L: 31" height floor to ceiling's low area where the rear shoulder harness retracts

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2006 Forester Specifications, Weights etc information always subject to change, correction
FEATURE	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited
Engine	X, X Premium LL Bean: 2.5L 4 cylinder Boxer engine,  SOHC 16 valve, Active Valve Control System AVCS Fuel system: multi-port sequential fuel injection, distributorless ignition XT Limited: 2.5L 4 cylinder Boxer engine,  DOHC,  Turbocharged and Intercooled 16 valve, Active Valve Control System AVCS Fuel system: multi-port sequential fuel injection, distributorless ignition
Horsepower Torque	173hp@6000 rpm 166 ft lbs torque at 4400 rpm			230hp @5,600rpm torque 235lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm
Transmission	S: manual with hill holder always let off clutch completely to release hill holder! 0: automatic		S: automatic	S: manual with hill holder 0: automatic
Gear ratios*	X, X Premium, LLBean Manual: 1st:3.454, 2- 2.062, 3- 1.448, 4- 1.088, 5- .780, rev 3.333. final 4.111 Automatic: 1st 2.785, 2nd 1.545, 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.694 reverse 2.272; final 4.444 XT Limited turbo Manual:1st 3.454, 2nd 1.947, 3rd 1.366. 4th 0.972, 5th 0.738, rev 3.333. Final 4.444 Automatic: 1st 2.785, 2nd 1.545. 3rd 1.0, 4th 0.694, reverse 2.272.  Final 4.111
Tune-up information* check with your mechanic and parts supplier for confirmation or changes.  Not responsible for errors etc	X, X Premium,  LL Bean: plugs: NGK FR5AP-11, firing order 1-3-2-4 ignition timing/idle (btdc): manual 10* +/- 8* 650 rpm, auto 15*+/- 8* 700rpm Idle speed/rpm: Manual: 650 +/- 100, Automatic 700 +/-100  Generator/Battery 12V-90A, manual 48AH, Automatic 52AH XT Limited turbo: plugs: iridium NGK: ILFR6B firing order 1-3-2-4  ignition timing/idle btdc 17*+/-10*, 700rpm, Idle speed/rpm 700 +/-100  Generator/Battery 12V-90A, manual 48AH, auto 52AH
Fuel economy all models: 15.9 US gallon tank	Regular Unleaded EPA economy rating: Manual trans - 22 city / 29 highway Automatic trans -  23 city / 28 highway Automatic.			Premium Unleaded recommended EPA economy rating Manual trans: 19/25 Automatic trans: 21/26
Brakes,  anti-lock, 4 channel	Front: 11.4" vented disc, dual caliper piston,  Rear: 9" drum.	Front: 11.4" vented front disc, dual caliper piston, Rear: 10.3" disc. With EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution which distributes braking power front-to-rear depending on weight load.
2006 model	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited turbo
Steering:	Variable ratio, Engine-speed sensing, Power assisted Rack and Pinion
Wheels, tires	16x6.5" steel wheel, 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) M&S 215/60R16 94H raised black letter	16x6.5" 8 spoke alloy wheel, 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) silver finish 215/60R16 94H raised black letter	16x6.5 10 spoke alloy, 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) M&S 215/60R16 94 H raised black letter	16x6.5" cross sport 6spoke alloy, 6.5jj, offset 48 (1.89) M&S 215/60 R16 93H raised black letter
Hill-Holder Clutch (manual trans only)	S	S	--	S
Curb Weight (pounds): manual trans	3,165	3,175	--	3,310
Curb Weight (pounds): automatic trans	3,205	3,215	3,230	3,350
Towing -  automatic: 2000 lbs manual: 2400 lbs	S	S	S	S
model	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited turbo

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2006 Forester Option Packages, see individual options below List price (invoice) S = standard, A = available option, -- not available Notes prices are factory installed. Dealer installed prices may be higher due to labor and part costs (contact your dealer) information always subject to change, correction
model	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited turbo
Popular Equipment Grp 1: rear bumper cover, cargo tray, splash guards $289 ($186)	A	A	A	A
Popular Equipment Grp 2: cargo bin, rubber floor mats $170 ($105)	A	A	A	A
Popular Equipment Grp 3: Cargo nets: rear verticle, sides (2), Rear seatback; Cargo area spotlight $212 ($135)	A	A	A	A
Popular Equipment Grp 4: auto dimming mirror/compass, Shock sensor alarm upgrade  $298 ($194)	A	A	S	A
Popular Equipment Grp 5: auto dimming mirror/compass with Homelink, Shock sensor alarm upgrade $385 ($250)	A	A	--	A
Premium Sound Pkg 1: 6 disc CD changer, tweeters, upgraded speakers, subwoofer/amp $1049 ($735)	A	--	--	--
Premium Sound Pkg 2: tweeters, subwoofer/amp $377 ($246)	A	A	A	--
Protection Grp: Front bumper underguard, rear differential protector, hood deflector, rear windows dust deflector $698 ($430)	A	A	A	--
Performance Grp: Short throw shifter, turbo boost gauge $656 ($428), manual only	--	--	--	A- manual only
model	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited turbo

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2006 Forester options and standard features List price (invoice) S = standard, A = available option, -- not available Notes prices are factory installed. Dealer installed prices may be higher due to labor and part costs - contact your local dealer. information always subject to change, correction
2006 Forester Individual Options	X model	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited
Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/ compass  $183  ($119)	A	A	S	A
Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/ compass and Homelink $270 ($175)	A	A	--	A
Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/ compass and Homelink upgrade for LL Bean only, $87 ($56)	--	--	A	--
Security System Shock Sensor upgrade $115 ($75)	A	A	S	A
Immobilizer chipped key	--	--	--	S
Rear bumper cover (code P3G) $59 ($39)	A	A	A	A
Front bumper underguard (P6H) $357 ($232)	A	A	A	A
Rubber floor mats (code B3A) $55 ($33)	A	A	A	A
Cargo tray (code M3D) $75 ($46)	A	A	A	A
Cargo bin (code M2E) $115 ($72)	A	A	A	A
Custom tailpipe tip, bright metal (code LWB) $42 ($28)	A	A	A	S
Cargo net rear (code M3A) $46. ($30)	A	A	A	A
Cargo net- Sides rear both  (code M3B) $75 ($49)	A	A	A	A
Cargo net- back of rear seats (code M3C) $46 ($30)	A	A	A	A
model reminder	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited
Leather ShiftKnob; Manual $61 ($40); Automatic $121 ($79)	A	S	A	S
Hood deflector/bug guard  $100 ($45) not installed	A	A	A	--
Rear window dust deflector (Q3B) $126 ($82)	A	A	A	A
Rear differential protector (code: P3A) $107 ($71)	A	A	A	A
Splash Guards body colored $155 ($101)	A	A	A	A
Alloy Wheels, 16" (H3A) $659  ($495)	A	S	S	S
Wheel Locks (code MSV) $42 ($28)	A	A	A	A
Rear Spoiler (code depends on color) $353 ($230)	A	A	A	A
Cargo area spotlight (code M3E) $45 ($26)	A	A	A	A
Trailer hitch includes wiring harness, receiver  $299 ($195)	A	A	A	A
Stereo options	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Limited
CD Changer, 6 disc in dash $527 ($395)	A	S	S	S
Upgraded speakers 4, $145 ($94)	A	S	S	S
Tweeters (2) $102 ($67)	A	A	A	S
Subwoofer/amplifier $275 ($179)	A	A	A	S
INSTALLED PERFORMANCE OPTIONS
Short throw shift, manual trans only, $345 ($225)	A	A	--	A
Turbo Boost Gauge $311 ($203) on steering column	--	--	--	A
Titanium Shift Knob $159 ($104), automatic transmission only	A	A	A	A
2006 Forester options Notes prices are factory installed. Dealer installed prices may be higher- contact your dealer. information always subject to change, correction	X	X Premium	X LL Bean	XT Premium

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2006 Forester Colors information always subject to change, correction these are for illustration only crystal gray, it's slightly lighter than platinum silver garnet red garnet red with steel gray accent on LL Bean platinum silver, it's slightly darker than crystal gray regal blue aspen white evergreen pearl with steel gray metallic trim on X LL Bean obsidian black New on X, X Premium: Graphite Gray or Desert Beige cloth New on LL Bean: new Desert Beige leather comes with new perforated Alcantara side bolsters New on XT Limited: Anthracite Black Leather or new Desert Beige Leather
model/color	X Graphite Gray cloth or Desert Beige cloth	X Premium Graphite Gray cloth  or Desert Beige cloth	X LL Bean Desert Beige leather with  perforated Alcantara side bolsters	XT Limited Desert Beige or Anthracite Black Leather
Regal Blue Pearl	gray	gray	Desert Beige leather 2 tone paint with steel gray metallic accent	black leather
Obsidian Black pearl	beige	beige	Desert Beige leather 2 tone paint with steel gray metallic accent	beige leather
Crystal Gray Metallic	gray	gray	Desert Beige leather, 2 tone paint with steel gray metallic accent	black leather
Champaign Gold Opal	beige	beige	--	beige leather
Garnet Red Pearl	beige	beige	Desert Beige leather 2 tone paint with steel gray metallic accent	beige leather
Steel Gray Metallic	gray	gray	--	black leather
Aspen White	gray	gray	Desert Beige leather, 2 tone paint with silver metallic accents	black leather
Evergreen Metallic	--	--	Desert Beige leather 2 tone paint with steel gray metallic accent	--

Speed tests.
CarandDriver, September 2005.
2006 XT Ltd, 5spd manual
0-60 5.9sec
0-100 15.8sec
1/4 mile14.3 sec @ 96mph
Braking 70-0 182ft

10/2005 Forester XT A little mule with an attitude. Although it's chunky profile may seem a little unwieldy at first glance....
10/2005 Sure, the 2006 Forester has been revised, but how about we go straight to the good stuff, such as
 

* fine print: these webpages are 100% unofficial and by Joe Spitz who is solely responsible for content.

These pages might contain errors so check with your dealer, parts supplier, mechanic, spouse, kids, current or ex in-laws, insurance agent, and family pet before making any decisions.
Always inspect and test drive any car before buying.

Not responsible for errors or typos, or any problems or decisions that might arise from any use of this page.
These pages are done to help you determine your interest in Subaru.

Suggestions, tips and comments related to this web page are welcome.

Thank you.
Joe Spitz
206 769-7821
Seattle, Wa
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