3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on trim and transmission
Towing Capacity:
2,400 lbs (1090 kg) with trailer brakes
Wheels Tires
Wheel Size:
16-inch alloy or steel
Tire Size:
215/60R16
Bolt Pattern:
5x100 mm
Center Bore:
56.1 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Good (for both driver and passenger) - 2002 model year tested.
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
Good (for front and rear passengers) - 2002 model year tested.
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (depending on trim)
Electronic Stability Control:
Not available on 2002 models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage airbags. Optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio system.
Navigation:
Rarely available or aftermarket on this model year.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry system.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Usb Port:
Not available from factory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months for severe driving, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months for normal driving (consult manual for details).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months (if equipped).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) using NGK PFR6G-11 (or equivalent iridium spark plugs).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial fill and then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months (Subaru Super Coolant Blue).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years (Crucial maintenance item for EJ engines to prevent catastrophic failure).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact fill).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (SAE)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than on earlier EJ series, external oil leaks from head gaskets can occur. Internal coolant leaks causing overheating are less common on this specific generation but remain a potential concern for the EJ engine family.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Can develop oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission clutches can wear with age and mileage.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks can occur in the exhaust system over time, particularly in areas with heavy road salt use.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings can lead to clunking noises and affect handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Philosophy:
Subaru's long-standing reputation for building reliable, durable vehicles with a focus on all-wheel drive technology and unique engineering (e.g., Boxer engines).
Model Evolution
Generation Introduction:
The second generation Forester (SG) debuted for the 2003 model year, but this manual covers the 2002 model, which is the final year of the first generation (SF) platform, albeit with styling updates that foreshadowed the second generation.
Sf Generation Period:
1997-2002
Sg Generation Period:
2003-2008
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the Forester as a model has appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks list in earlier generations, the 2002 model specifically was recognized for its capability and value.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability by Consumer Reports for this era, with specific model years having varying scores.
Ratings
Safety Awards:
Received good ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its safety performance in crash tests.
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