🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Forester Year: 2000 Codes Chassis Code: SF Series 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover SUV Competitive Analysis Competitors 2000: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra. Key Features Forester Advantages: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), excellent visibility, robust build quality, practical cargo space. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Variants: All US-spec Subaru Forester 2000 models (e.g., L, LS, Brighton, S, and optional turbocharged models if applicable to the year). Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (EJ25 SOHC/DOHC), transmission (4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual), differentials, drivetrain components. Chassis: Suspension (front struts, rear struts/multi-link), steering system, brakes (ABS, hydraulic components), wheel alignment. Electrical: Engine control module (ECM), ignition system, fuel injection system, lighting, wipers, power accessories, audio system, HVAC controls, wiring diagrams. Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system components, body sealing. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement. Repair: Engine diagnostics and repair, transmission service and overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, using Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) if applicable. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring schematics and component testing procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Quality: High-resolution scans, searchable text for key terms, bookmarks for easy navigation. Print Quality Print Recommendation: Designed for digital viewing, but can be printed chapter by chapter for workshop use. Print quality of original document is assumed to be factory standard. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ25 Engine Type: Naturally aspirated Boxer-4 (Flat-4) engine Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2457 cc) Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves Performance Horsepower Range: 165 hp @ 5,700 rpm (SOHC) / 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm (DOHC, Turbocharged variants may differ) Torque Range: 175 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm (SOHC) / 177 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (DOHC) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-up Torque Converter Features Drivetrain: Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with viscous coupling center differential. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 175.5 inches (4458 mm) Width: Approx. 67.1 inches (1704 mm) Height: Approx. 63.6 inches (1615 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm) Ground Clearance: Approx. 7.5 inches (190 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up: Approx. 30.9 cu ft (875 liters) Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down: Approx. 67.5 cu ft (1911 liters) Weights Curb Weight Range: 3,130 - 3,350 lbs (1420 - 1520 kg) depending on trim and transmission. Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs (680 kg) (Check specific market regulations and owner's manual) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4-Star (Driver) / 4-Star (Passenger) - May vary slightly by model year and test specifics. IIHS Side Impact: Good (Estimated, often specific ratings are not available for older models). Active Features Braking: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Not widely available or standard on all models for this year. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners. Child Seat Anchors: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system not standard; typically relies on seatbelt anchoring. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Base models often featured a simple AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette. Higher trims might have premium speaker systems. Climate Control: Manual HVAC system with A/C. Automatic climate control was not common in this generation. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims, operated via steering wheel or stalk controls. All Wheel Drive: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) is a defining technological feature for all Forester models. Connectivity Bluetooth: Not available from the factory. Usb Ports: Not available from the factory. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Engine Air Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months. Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles (standard platinum plugs). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-30 API SJ (or later) Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic. Capacity: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter. Coolant: Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. Capacity: 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters). Transmission Fluid Auto: Dexron III / MERCON ATF. Capacity: 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for refill. Transmission Fluid Manual: GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil. Capacity: 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters). Differential Fluid Front: GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil. Capacity: 0.9...
Engine control module (ECM), ignition system, fuel injection system, lighting, wipers, power accessories, audio system, HVAC controls, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system components, body sealing.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Repair:
Engine diagnostics and repair, transmission service and overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, using Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) if applicable.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring schematics and component testing procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans, searchable text for key terms, bookmarks for easy navigation.
Print Quality
Print Recommendation:
Designed for digital viewing, but can be printed chapter by chapter for workshop use. Print quality of original document is assumed to be factory standard.
While less prevalent on naturally aspirated EJ25 engines of this era compared to later turbocharged versions, it's still a potential concern. Look for coolant loss, milky oil, or white smoke from the exhaust.
Radiator Leaks:
Aging plastic end tanks on radiators can develop cracks and leaks.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots can lead to grease loss and premature wear of the CV joints.
Rear Main Seal:
Can develop leaks over time, requiring transmission removal for replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Focus:
Subaru is known for its horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') engines and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system, emphasizing durability and all-weather capability.
Model Evolution
Forester Generation 1:
The 2000 Forester is part of the first generation (SF series, 1997-2002), which established the crossover SUV segment for Subaru, blending car-like handling with SUV utility and AWD.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Category:
Car and Driver often lauded the Forester for its utility and AWD capability in its compact SUV comparisons during this era.
Motor Trend Recognition:
While not a 'Truck of the Year' winner, the Forester was recognized for its practical design and all-weather performance.