Other web pages, reviews:
1999-2000 Subaru Forester Crash test from the Institue for Highway Safety
Small utility vehicles Crash tests from many SUVs, and the Forester does well!
Review: '98 Forester from Edmunds.
Review: '98 Forester from Women Motorist
Road Test: '99 Forester S, by rideanddrive.com
Road Test: 2000 Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester from Knight-Ridder newspaper
AutoConnect - Forester Review
Recent magazine articles, links, and stuff
Consumer Reports, May 1998. Top small SUV
Car and Driver, May 1998. #1 small SUV
from Car Talk radio: Forester comments
Forester screensaver for downloading

About the Subaru Forester
The basics.. The Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive SUV. Introduced in 1998, it shares wheelbase and dashboard with the Subaru Impreza, with the larger engine, powertrain and heavy duty front brake system of the Legacy Outback.

It has been a very well received vehicle. 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.

Safety and vehicle roll-over concerns

Forester meets federal safety standards for Passenger Vehicles.

• The Forester does not require a "This vehicle will roll over" warning label on the driver's visor and has excellent emergency handling.

• All other brands of 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.

Forester, unlike the competition, meets all passenger vehicle safety requirements.

Maintenance
Oil changes intervals: 3,750 miles with normal driving, 7,500 miles with light driving
Minor service: every 15,000 miles - inspection, tire rotation (best 9-12,000 miles), air and other filter changes as necessary.
30,000 mile service with major fluids and filter change and starting with 2000 Models replace spark plugs
60,000 miles - repeat 30,000 service, on 1998-9 models spark plug replacement
105,000 miles replace timing belt.

Warranties
Bumper-to-bumper: 3 year/36,000 mile
Roadside assistance: 3 year/36,000 mile (2000 models)
Powertrain: 5 year/ 60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5 year/100,000 mile
Wear and adjustment: 12 month/12,000 mile

start 2000 Forester

2000 Forester Standard Equipment and Options. "o" is optional, "s' is standard, "-" is not available on that model Notes: There are very few changes for 2000. The base model has been discontinued leaving 2 models: L and S. New features L model has cruise control, 3 child-seat tethers S has a new limited slip rear differential, 3 child-seat tethers Roadside Towing assistance for breakdown, tire repair, lock-out, out of gas etc included in the 3year/36,000 mile warranty Spark plug replacement at 30,000. Platinum plugs are not used in 2000 models. Engine, colors, cloth remain the same in as 1999   2000  Forester prices: prices include the $495. destination charge Model Manual trans Automatic trans Forester L model $20,590 $21,390 Forster S model $23,090 $23,890
2000 Forester Standard Equipment
Engine - Phase II 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, 16 valve Single Overhead Cam Boxer engine,  Horsepower: 165 hp, 166 foot pounds of torque at 4000 rpm  Fuel system: multi-port sequential fuel injection, distributorless ignition.  Brakes: power assisted  Forester L model -  4 channel ABS. Vented front disc with dual caliper piston and rear drum.  Forester S model - 4 channel ABS. Vented front disc with dual caliper piston and rear disc.  Fuel: regular unleaded, 15.9 gallon tank,  EPA economy:  Manual - 21 city / 28 highway  Automatic -  22 city / 27 highway Automatic.  Dimensions: Minimum Road Clearance: 7.5"  Turning radius: 38.3 feet (circle)  Overall length: 175.2", wheelbase 99.4"  Curb Weight: 3020 - 3120 pounds, depending on model etc  Steering: variable assist rack and pinion  Towing - 2000 pounds.  Safety: all models have new technology driver and passenger air bags, crumple zones front and rear,  side impact door beams, child safety rear door locks, tinted safety glass Ok. So you've decided to get a Forester. Step 2? Contact Joe Spitz  206 769-7821
2000 Forester Feature	Forester L	Forester S
Automatic transmission ($800)	o	o
15" steel wheel / Tires	205 / 70R 15 Raised white letter	-
16" alloy wheel / Tires	-	215 / 60R 16" Raised White Letter
Standard equipment on all 2000 Forester models  All wheel drive Anti lock brakes  Power windows Power door locks Power outside mirrors Air conditioning  Cruise control (new for 2000) Fog lights Cupholders: 2 front, 2 rear Rear wiper-washer Rear defroster Tilt steering column Intermittent front wiper washer  Full Size Spare Tire under cargo floor inside vehicle   AM./ FM / Cassette, 4 speakers, 80 watts Roof rack Height adjustable drivers seat, with lumbar support Interior dome light (delayed off), rear cargo light,  Maps lights with sunglass holder 3 under-carpet rear cargo storage bins 4 cargo tie-down hooks,  12 volt rear cargo area power outlet - plug Tachomter, low fuel light, coolant temp. gauge Automatic off headlights Mud flaps Floor mats Split folding reat seats, with head-rests Tinted glass
S forester adds over L model: 16" alloy wheels (L has 15" steel) Rear disc brakes (L has rear drums) Velour cloth interior (L has a harder finish) Slate lower accent (L is unpainted charcoal finish) Radio antenna inside left rear cargo area glass (L has mast ant on right fron bumper) All Weather Package: larger outside defrosting mirrors, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, limited slip rear differential Limited slip new for 2000. (not available on L)
2000 OPTIONS prices are factory or port installed prices.  Dealer installed prices may be higher due to labor and parts costs.
2000 Forester	L model	S model
Optional "Outdoor Package I",  side-step bars (like running boards), differential skid-plate,  gauge package, Forester Logo, net price after discount $879.	o	o
Optional "Outdoor Package II",  Front brush guard, Gauge package, Forester logo,  net price after discount $669.  This is the gauge with the gauge package.  It's a dash top mounted digital compass, altimeter and barometer. It's pretty cool looking, esp. at night. If you don't get the Gauge, there is a clam-shell storage container in its place.	o	o
Feature group III : Keyless Entry, Woodgrain trim for the transmission lever, rear cargo cover, tail pipe cover. Price $596.	o	o
Feature group IV : Keyless entry with Security and Alarm upgrade, rear cargo cover, tail-pipe cover. Price: $526.00	o	o
Feature group V: Keyless entry, Cargo cover, tailpipe extender. Price: $386	o	o
Feature Group VI: Air Filtration system for passenger compartment, Cargo Net &  Armrest Extension (loses the armrest cupholder- sigh). Price: $211.00	o	o
2000 Forester	L model	S model
Premium Sound Package I. In dash CD player (you still have the standard am/fm/cass), Tweeters (2), Upgraded speakers, subwoofer and amplifier.  Price : $905 (-) $210. discount= $695. net.	o	o
Premium Sound Package II. 6 disk CD changer under front pass. seat (you still have the standard am/fm/cass), Tweeters (2), Upgraded speakers, subwoofer and amplifier. Price : $1,294 (-) $299. discount= $995. net.	o	o
Security Group: The Security group is  Keyless remote entry  $225  with alarm upgrade $350.	o	o
CD player In-dash single $350 - new lower price for 2000. You still have the am/fm/cassette.	o	o
Tweeters $100.	o	o
Center Armrest / console $85.	o	o
Dust deflector - $110.	o	o
Cargo cover - $122.	o	o
Leather seating surface. $1,295 from the factory. Dealers will often be able to install equally nice, if not even nicer, leather for the same or less money. Leather seating surface with matching vinyl, inlcuding door panels.	o	o
Air filtration $85. removes the dust and pollen - which we need this year for sure...(achoo)	o	o

start 2000 colors
 

2000 EXTERIOR COLORS COLORS: COLORS:COLORS:COLORS	L model gray lower accent	S model slate (silver) lower accent
Aspen White,  Gray cloth	a	a
Canyon Red (medium burgundy), Beige cloth	a	a
Black Diamond (metallic with cinammon undertone)  Gray cloth	a	a
Acadia Green (medium green),  Beige cloth	a	a
Silverthorne Metallic Gray cloth	a	a

end 2000 Forester

---

start 1999 Forester

1999 Forester Standard Equipment and Options. "o" is optional, "s' is standard, "-" is not available on that model, "a" is an available color on that model Prices and rebates click here Note: options prices are for factory installation. Dealer installed items may be higher.. New for 1999 Forester: The 1999 Forester remains much the same with some minor improvements, and front end structural strengthening. Note how well it did in the Insurance Institute Crash tests linked above! New  on all models: "Phase II" 2.5 L SOHC engine with increased torque, smoother shifting transmissions, new technology airbags, felt lining in the storage box on the dash-board New on L models: standard with dual power mirrors, new woven seat material, less colorful than the 98 New on S models: All-weather package now standard, including heated seats, defrosting mirrors and new for 1999 windshield wiper de-icer, an in-glass antenna replaces the mast type on right front fender, wide spray wisndshield washers replace the jet spray, left front windshield wiper has a fin to improve cleaning. New colors: Aspen white replaces Glacier white, new color Silverthorne Metallic available on L and S models   1999 Forester prices prices include the $495. destination charge Model Manual trans Automatic trans Forester $19,190 not avail. Forester L model $20,490 $21,290 Forster S model $22,990 $23,790
1999 Standard Equipment and Options	Forester	Forester L model	Forester S model
Engine - new Phase II 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, 16 valve SOHC (single overhead cam) Boxer engine as opposed to Phase I DOHC (double overhead cam) Horsepower: 165 hp, 166 foot pounds of torque at 4000 rpm  Fuel system: multi-port sequential fuel injection, distributorless ignition with 60,000 mile platinum plugs. Brakes: power assisted  Forester: non-ABS.  vented front disc with dual caliper piston, rear drum.  Forester L model -  4 channel ABS. Vented front disc with dual caliper piston and rear drum.  Forester S model - 4 channel ABS. Vented front disc with dual caliper piston and rear disc.  Fuel: regular unleaded, 15.9 gallon tank,  EPA economy:  Manual - 21 city / 27 highway  Automatic -  21 city / 26 highway Automatic.  Dimensions: Minimum Road Clearance: 7.5" Turning radius: 38.3 feet (circle)  Overall length: 175.2", wheelbase 99.4"  Curb Weight: 3020 - 3120 pounds, depending on model etc  Steering: variable assist rack and pinion  Towing - 2000 pounds.  Safety: all models have new technology driver and passenger air bags, crumple zones front and rear,  side impact door beams, child safety rear door locks, tinted safety glass Ok. So you've decided to get a Forester. Step 2? Contact Joe Spitz  206 769-7821
Automatic transmission ($800)	-	o	o
15" wheels / Tires	205 / 70R 15  Raised white letter	205 / 70R 15 Raised white letter	-
16" wheels / Tires	-	-	215 / 60R 16" Raised White Letter
Model reminder 1999 Forester	1999 Forester	L model	S model
All Weather Package, dual mode heated front  seats, defrosting outside mirrors, windshield de-icer, left front wiper fin	-	o	s
Air conditioning with rear seat ducts	s	s	s
Power Dual left & right outside mirrors	not power	s	s
Power Windows	s	s	s
Power Door Locks	-	s	s
Cruise Control, (price as an option - $340.)	-	o	s
rear bumper scuff protector and step pad	o	s	s
Carpeted floor mats	o	s	s
AM./ FM / Cassette, 4 speakers, 80 watts	s	s	s
Standard equipment on all 1999 Forester models Roof rack, for attaching a variety of bike, kayak, ski carriers etc Height adjustable drivers seat, with lumbar support Interior dome light (delayed off), rear cargo light,  2 front maps lights with sunglass holder  cupholders: 2 front, 2 rear 3 under-carpet rear cargo storage bins, 4 cargo tie-down hooks,  12 volt rear cargo area power outlet - plug Full Size Spare Tire (yes, a real tire!) stored inside so it is completely out of the way and still easy to get to. Tachomter, low fuel light, coolant temp. gauge Automatic off headlights Fog Lights Intermittent front wiper washer  Rear wiper-washer with automatic off defroster Tilt steering column Split folding reat seats, with head-rests Tinted glass
1999 SUMMARY OF FEATURES:
L adds over standard Forester ABS brakes - front disc, rear drum  power mirrors, power door locks mud flaps,  floor mats  rear bumper cover  cargo area protective tray coat hook  a selection of exterior colors		S adds over L model 16" alloy wheels  rear disc brakes  all weather package- heated seats, defrosting outside mirrors and windshield wipers  larger sized power mirrors  cruise control  in-glass radio antenna  slate lower accent  chromed front grill  dual visor mirrors  velour seat material  front seatback map pockets
1999 OPTIONS, PACKAGES: prices quoted are factory or port installed prices.  Dealer installed prices may be higher due to labor and parts costs.
model reminder, 1999 Forester model	Forester	L model	S model
Optional "Outdoor Package I",  side-step bars (like running boards), differential skid-plate,  gauge package, Forester Logo,  net price after discount $879.	o	o	o
Optional "Outdoor Package II",  Front brush guard, Gauge package, Forester logo,  net price after discount $669.  This is the gauge with the gauge package.  It's a dash top mounted digital compass, altimeter and barometer. It's pretty cool looking, esp. at night. If you don't get the Gauge, there is a clam-shell storage container in its place.	o	o	o
Feature group I: carpeted floor mats, mud flaps, rear bumper cover, rear cargo tray.	o	na	na
Feature group II: Cargo cover, keyless entry, cruise control, tailpipe extender. Price $726.	-	o	na
Feature group III : Keyless Entry, Woodgrain trim for the transmission lever, rear cargo cover, tail pipe cover. Price $585.	-	o	o
Feature group IV : Keyless entry with Security and Alarm upgrade, rear cargo cover, tail-pipe cover. Price: $511.00	-	o	o
Feature group V: Keyless entry, Cargo cover, tailpipe extender. Price: $386	na	o	o
Feature Group VI: Air Filtration system for passenger compartment, Cargo Net &  Armrest Extension (loses the armrest cupholder- sigh). Price: $215.00	na	o	o
1999 Forester model reminder	base model	L model	S model
Premium Sound Package I. In dash CD player (you still have the standard am/fm/cass), Tweeters (2), Upgraded speakers, subwoofer and amplifier.  Price : $1,025 (-) $230. discount= $795. net.	o	o	o
Premium Sound Package II. 6 disk CD changer under front pass. seat (you still have the standard am/fm/cass), Tweeters (2), Upgraded speakers, subwoofer and amplifier.  Price : $1,294 (-) $299. discount= $995. net.	o	o	o
Security Group: The Security group is Keyless remote entry (price alone - $225) with, or without, alarm - (incl alarm - $350).	-	o	o
In-dash single CD player $420 (you still have the am/fm/cassette)	o	o	o
Center Armrest / console $85.	o	o	o
Dust deflector - $110.	0	0	0
Cargo cover - $122.	0	0	0
Leather seats. $1,295from the factory. Dealers will often be able to install equally nice, if actually not even nicer leather for the same or less money.	-	0	0
Air filtration $85. removes the pollen - which we need this year for sure...(achoo)	-	0	0

 

1999 EXTERIOR COLORS COLORS: COLORS:COLORS:COLORS	1999 Forester	L model	S model
Aspen White  gray lower accent on L, Slate on S.  grey cloth	s  White is the only color available in this model	a	a
Canyon Red COLORS (dark red)  gray lower accent on L, Slate accent on S,  Beige cloth	-	a	a
Black Diamond COLORS (metallic black with a warm undertone)  gray accent on L, Slate accent on S  Gray cloth	-	a	a
Acadia Green COLORS (medium green)  gray accent on L, Slate accent on S  Beige cloth	-	a	a
Silverthorne Metallic (silver)  gray accent on L, slate lower accent on S	-	a	a

end 1999
start 1998 

These pages are by Joe Spitz who is soley responsible for content..

These pages are done to help you determine your interest in Subaru. Always inspect any vehicle to be sure it has the proper equipment.
Thank you.
Joe Spitz

Also, suggestions and comments related to this web page are welcomed.