2003 Subaru Forester

All 2003 Foresters retain Subaru's 165-horsepower 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, all-wheel-drive and 7.5 inches of ground clearance.


The basics of the long-travel independent suspension remain, though the car has a wider track (by about an inch). Redesigned suspension struts have internal rebound springs to reduce body movement in quick lane-change maneuvers, rear suspension trailing-link angles have been changed and anti-roll bars are larger and have a new, tubular design.

Inside, the instrument panel received a facelift. Longer tracks on the front buckets aid ingress/egress, and the driver's throne now has a height adjustment.

Steering feel is improved through a new variable gear ratio and relocation of the power steering pump. Front brake rotors are more rigid and are 11.4 inches in diameter (compared to 10.7 inches last year). The goal was to provide a firmer feel and quieter, smoother operation. The '03 Forester gets new 16-inch wheels and rides on 215/60-aspect Yokohama Geolander G900 tires.


The Forester's new body has ring-framed reinforcement around the passenger compartment and uses structural technology introduced on the Impreza and Impreza WRX. Front and rear crossmembers, a hydroformed front subframe, tailored blank welding, high-strength steel and mounting points that are as much as four times stronger enhance rigidity and crashworthiness. New standard safety equipment includes front head-and-chest side airbags, whiplash-resistant front headrests and LATCH child safety-seat anchors.


The Forester's body also is more aerodynamic, with a coefficient of drag down to 0.35 (compared to 0.389 and 0.405 for the two versions of the '02 Forester). The new exterior styling features large, multi-reflector headlamps that include parking lights and turn signals, pronounced fender flares with a long crease that runs up the front fenders then back through the door handles to accent the car's strong shoulders.