Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine configuration, practical and versatile interior, good visibility, reputation for safety and durability.
Competitive Analysis
Direct Competitors 2007:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Rogue.
Key Features
Vehicle Focus:
Balancing passenger car comfort with light off-road capability and all-weather traction.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs, saving time and money, and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, transmission control module (TCM), fluid types and capacities, troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, propeller shaft, wheel bearings, AWD system operation and diagnosis.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, ABS system operation, brake fluid types and bleeding procedures, brake pad and rotor replacement, parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and functions, lighting system, power windows, central locking, wipers, horn, battery and charging system, instrument cluster, ECU pinouts.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis lubrication points, rust prevention.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant types, blower motor, heater core, climate control system diagnostics.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and replacement procedures, seat belt mechanisms.
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, lubrication services.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for both transmission types.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
179.9 inches (4570 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
66.1 inches (1680 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
38.7 cu ft (1096 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
67.7 cu ft (1917 L)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
3300-3600 lbs (1497-1633 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2400 lbs (1089 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5-star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5-star
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength Rating:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (standard on most trims).
Seat Belts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio with subwoofer. Limited connectivity by modern standards (auxiliary input might be present on some models).
Not typically factory-equipped for audio streaming or hands-free calling in 2007 models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe service), 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service) - consult manual for exact details based on driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace annually or as needed.
Spark Plugs:
Platinum/Iridium plugs: 60,000 miles (check manual for exact type and interval).
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Check condition regularly, change every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Change every 30,000-60,000 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 30,000 miles or 2 years, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 Synthetic (or 10W-30 if temperatures are consistently above 80°F).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF HP (or Dexron III equivalent).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5).
Differential Fluid Type:
75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron III.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in earlier EJ engines, some EJ253 engines can still experience head gasket leaks. The manual provides procedures for diagnosis and replacement.
Turbocharger Issues Xt:
Turbocharger wear or failure in XT models, often due to oil starvation or heat. Proper maintenance and warm-up/cool-down procedures are critical.
Rear Differential Whine:
Occasional reports of rear differential noise, often related to fluid level or wear. Manual covers inspection and service.
Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Some 4EAT transmissions may exhibit harsh shifting, potentially related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation. Manual details diagnostic steps.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Origins:
Subaru is a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), known for its pioneering use of the boxer engine and its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, originating in Japan.
Model Evolution
Forester Introduction:
The Subaru Forester debuted in 1997, blending wagon-like driving dynamics with the higher ground clearance and AWD capability of an SUV.
Second Generation:
The 2007 model year falls within the second generation (SF/SG chassis, 1998-2008), with the SG chassis receiving a significant facelift in 2003, which this manual covers.
Production
Production Plants:
Primary production for North American market was in Ota, Gunma, Japan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The 2007 Forester consistently received 'Good' ratings from the IIHS and high marks from NHTSA, often being recognized for its safety performance.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
While reliability varied by specific model year and component, Subaru generally maintained a good reputation, with detailed diagnostic and repair information being crucial for maintaining it.